Ivey Conservation Leadership Program

The Ivey Conservation Leadership Program is more than just a learning experience; it’s a transformative journey. Developed by Ivey Business School in partnership with the Centre for Land Conservation (CLC), the program blends Ivey’s expertise in leadership, strategic thinking, and sustainability with CLC's deep sector insights.

With guest speakers from the conservation sector and subject matter experts, the program equips you with the skills and mindset to encourage and navigate the growth of your organization and to tackle complex environmental problems — and challenges you to see yourself in a new light. Built on the belief that entrepreneurial thinking drives meaningful impact; the experience pushes you to rethink your approach to leadership. You’ll develop the confidence to overcome obstacles, think more strategically, negotiate effectively, and lead your teams with purpose.

The Ivey Conservation Leadership Program was developed in partnership with the Centre for Land Conservation , with the support of generous donors.

If you are an individual or organization interested in supporting the Conservation Leadership Program, please contact [email protected].

Entrepreneurial Thinking: Embrace risk, think big, and pursue ambitious goals despite uncertainty. Learn to identify opportunities where others see obstacles, leverage limited resources creatively, and adopt a growth-oriented approach that’s essential for scaling conservation efforts.

Strategic Thinking and Decision-Making: Anticipate challenges, identify emerging trends, and cut through complexity. Develop the skills to make future-focused decisions, prioritize what matters, and allocate resources effectively.

Collaborative Negotiations: Build strong partnerships, secure critical funding, and advocate for your conservation priorities. Gain confidence in navigating diverse stakeholder conversations with clarity and purpose.

People Leadership: Lead with vision and character. Build trust, communicate with impact, and motivate diverse teams to navigate complexity and deliver on your mission.

The Ivey Conservation Leadership Program is designed for mid-to-senior-level leaders from across the conservation sector, particularly from local or regional land trusts and community-based organizations. The experience reflects the wide range of roles and organizations shaping Canada’s conservation landscape. Ideal participants:

Each cohort is thoughtfully selected to ensure a balanced mix of perspectives, roles, and voices from across the sector. Cohort 1 will prioritize applications from Executive Directors in the sector.