CEO Masterclass 2026/27 Participant Expressions of Interest NOW OPEN

In 2025, The Leadership Academy piloted a new programme, the ‘CEO Masterclass Series’. The series was designed to upskill CEOs in response to current identified challenges specific to CEOs in the nonprofit sector. We did this by providing a bespoke and targeted programme focused on impactful learning outcomes for both new and experienced CEOs.

The pilot Masterclass Series has been a resounding success, and we are delighted to confirm we will be running the programme again for 2026/27.

If you would like to be the first to learn when applications open, you can do so by popping your details into this form.

Alternatively read on for more details!

How Does It Work?

The Leadership Academy identified leading trainers and experts with specific nonprofit expertise and curated a suite of dedicated masterclasses. These were delivered monthly to a group of senior leaders from across our sector. As well as dedicated workshops, we provided wrap-around services including an online hub for participants to review material and connect, an accountability buddy “matchmaking” service, and we will be hosting an in-person event for participants during the summer.

What Were the Topics?

We are currently curating this year’s list, but as an example, last year’s workshops were arranged around four leadership stages:

Topics ranged from Culture to AI and from Data to Ethics. The full list of workshops will be confirmed before applications open.

Who Attends the Series?

This programme is unique in that we only accept the most senior leaders of organisations. This is for two reasons. Firstly, the material is designed to be relevant and engaging, making it relevant only to most senior leaders. Secondly, it also means the group can relate to one another in a very specific way where they recognise the challenges faced by their peers.

A small number of places are available to people who are within the senior management team as part of organisational succession planning. However, approval will be sought from the CEO of the relevant organisation before a place is offered.

The same group of participants attends for the full series, meaning there is time and space to get to know other senior leaders in the sector, and indeed much feedback has related to this space to connect and network properly with relevant leaders.

The participants ranged from brand new CEO’s, to ‘well-seasoned’ (their words not mine!), and all levels reported benefitting from the series.

Why Should I Attend?

Obviously, we are going to say good things about our programme! But you don’t have to hear it from us, here is what some of this year’s participants have to say about the programme:

The content of the CEO Masterclass was excellent, but what truly elevated the experience was the depth of discussion and learning that emerged through the cohort itself. Being in conversation with other CEOs, seasoned and newly appointed, created space for honest reflection, practical problem-solving, and meaningful peer support.

The Wheel’s CEO Masterclass hasn’t just strengthened my leadership skills; it grounded my experience in the Irish context and connected me with an exceptional community of CEOs whose insights and support have been invaluable.

MaryClare Clarke, CEO, West Cork Beacon

The CEO Masterclass Series is an adult education approach to learning. Each masterclass utilised a mix of theory, practice and discussion-based interaction, to scaffold learning and deepen knowledge-sharing across the programme participants. The series also covered the full picture of what the job demands, something I could not find elsewhere when I had looked previously.

Kerry Cuskelly, CEO, Exchange House Ireland National Travellers Service

This programme reminded me that leadership is something we continue to learn and grow into throughout our careers. Taking time to reflect, challenge yourself, and learn alongside others was incredibly valuable.

What stood out most for me was the openness and honesty within the group. The programme created a really supportive space where people could speak candidly about the realities of leadership, the opportunities, the pressures, and the responsibility that comes with leading organisations and teams. I found the mix of practical learning, reflection, and peer discussion extremely beneficial. I came away with fresh perspectives, renewed confidence, and a network of people I know I will stay connected with long after the programme ends.

Elaine Teague, CEO, Disability Federation of Ireland

Early access will be made available to the people who have completed the expression of interest form. Click here to access.

We will be circulating more details when we have the finalised timetable for the coming year but if you have any specific questions, please email Sharon@wheel.ie and we’ll come back to you, or you can book some time here: Book time with Sharon Hughes: CEO Masterclass Connect.

Sharon