2027 Jacob Leadership Institute
Build the Leader You Want to Be.
Six months of interactive leadership development designed to
strengthen how you communicate, make decisions, motivate others
and influence the people around you.
2027 Applications Are Closed
The application period for the 2027 Jacob Leadership Institute
has ended. Applications are no longer being accepted.
Notification of acceptance:
December 1, 2026
Leadership That Goes Beyond a Title
The Jacob Leadership Institute develops a strong pipeline of leaders
who can expand the architecture profession's influence in firms,
communities and the public setting. The program is designed for
professionals at every career stage who want to better understand
themselves, strengthen their relationships and lead with greater
confidence and purpose.
The 2027 Program at a Glance
A small, highly interactive class creates space for discussion,
reflection and practical leadership development.
Program Length
Six Months
Class Size
Maximum 16
Training Format
4 In Person + 2 Virtual
Session Time
12–4 p.m. Eastern
Tuition
$900
Graduation
2027 AIA Florida Convention
What You'll Develop
JLI is not about memorizing leadership theories. Participants
examine how they actually lead and practice skills they can use
immediately in their firms, organizations and communities.
Understand Yourself
Assess your leadership style, identify blind spots and
develop greater self-awareness.
Communicate Better
Understand how perspective, bias and emotional intelligence
affect communication and decision-making.
Motivate People
Explore practical approaches for strengthening engagement
and helping people perform at their best.
Influence Effectively
Develop skills for building trust and influencing clients,
colleagues, teams and other stakeholders.
Strengthen Culture
Learn how leadership behavior shapes accountability,
collaboration and organizational culture.
Lead With Purpose
Build a personal leadership approach that reflects your
strengths, responsibilities and goals.
Tentative 2027 Schedule
Training sessions are scheduled from 12–4 p.m. Eastern. In-person
locations will be selected with participant travel in mind.
January 22
Session 1
In Person
February 19
Session 2
In Person
March 19
Session 3
Virtual
April 16
Session 4
In Person
June 25
Session 6
In Person
July TBD
Graduation at the AIA Florida Convention in Boca Raton
Graduation
Your Instructor
Michael "Bret" Hood
Leadership Through Science, Psychology and Ethics
Bret Hood spent 25 years as an FBI Special Agent and now works with
organizations and leaders around the world. His highly interactive
training explores leadership, ethics, organizational culture,
decision-making and implicit bias.
JLI participants don't simply listen to lectures. They discuss,
question, practice and apply leadership concepts throughout the
six-month experience.
Read Bret's Bio
Program Resources
Explore the program overview, curriculum, instructor information
and participation policies.
Why JLI?
Hear from architects and emerging professionals who have
participated in the Jacob Leadership Institute.
2027 Applications Are Closed
Thank you for your interest in the Jacob Leadership Institute.
Explore the program resources above or contact AIA Florida
with questions.
Contact AIA Florida
