Leadership is typically viewed as a set of core competencies: the ability to set and execute strategic direction, talent acquisition and management, budgeting, operations, effective communication and project development. But true leadership, particularly purpose-driven leadership, goes beyond a role or plan and extends into active self-awareness, embodiment and alignment toward a greater good.

In 2020 the world closed. Schools, offices, entire industries ended the day early with the assumption that life would resume in two days, or weeks. But what happened became a post script for all strategic operations previously subscribed to. Suddenly art teachers were part-time tech operators navigating Zoom calls. Executives had to adapt to virtual board meetings with energetic, bored children in the background. Globally, politically, medically, and organizationally, people looked to leaders. The perception of a leader is someone who knows what to do in any situation that may arise. But, as we will discuss in this course, perception is subjective and more often than not, true leadership is about aligning with purpose when you don’t know what to do. We will take a look at examples, explore real-life solutions and examine the internal and external elements within the 4P Framework for strategic leadership, as developed by Harvard’s Kennedy School educator, Robert Wilkinson.