Intentional Leader Accelerator
Helping Companies Build Their Leadership Pipeline From Within
What is the Intentional Leader Accelerator
There were over 65 businesses, and 175 leaders represented at the 2025 Intentional Leader Summit.
It was the perfect opportunity to network, learn, and grow. But is one day enough? After the Summit, many leaders asked the same question… Now what?
Here’s our response!
The Intentional Leader Accelerator is a 6 month, high-impact leadership development experience that helps professionals accelerate their self-awareness, communication, confidence and leadership style.
Each 4-hour session blends practical tools with real-world discussion, so participants walk away knowing exactly how to apply what they’ve learned, and companies see immediate improvements in collaboration, accountability, and engagement.
Participants will walk away with:
- Greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence
- Stronger communication and conflict-resolution skills
- The confidence to lead through any challenge
- Lifelong friends from several communities who will support you through your leadership journey
Spring 2026 Program at a Glance
- Eight in-person sessions held every third week at rotating locations
- Three 1:1 coaching sessions to be used anytime during the program
- Interactive workshops, assessments, and leadership conversations
- Small cohort of 8-10 leaders from different industries
- DISC and Working Genius assessments included
- Guest Speakers and Facilitators to create a well-rounded experience
- Capstone reflection presentation at final session
- Ongoing alumni network with monthly development opportunities
- Free ticket to the 2026 Intentional Leader Summit
Intentional Action Testimonials
Working with Desiree Petrich has been such a gift for our team. From the very first session, it was clear that Desiree brings not only deep expertise in team dynamics, communication, and trust-building, but also genuine care and empathy for the people she works with.
She has an incredible ability to read a room, ask the right questions, and help people open up in ways that lead to real understanding and growth. Our conversations with her were honest, insightful, and often inspiring. She created a space where everyone felt safe to share, reflect, and connect—something that completely changed how we work together.Because of Desiree’s guidance, we’ve built stronger trust, communicate more clearly, and approach challenges with a shared sense of purpose and respect. The impact has been lasting, and it’s amazing to see how much our team has grown both professionally and personally.If you’re looking for someone who can truly bring out the best in your team, I can’t recommend Desiree enough. She’s not just a consultant—she’s a partner in growth and a catalyst for real, positive change.
Linda Minar,
Owner of Minar Accounting and Tax
The combination of coaching and staff development was helpful in ways I could not have anticipated. The assessments not only helped us understand ourselves and our own strengths but also more importantly they helped us better understand our team dynamic, and strengths.
The better understanding we developed helps us better assign tasks and volunteer for tasks in the workplace. The six months we worked together went by surprisingly fast and the dynamic in the office significantly changed for the better. Thank you for your radical candor and investment in our team.
Andy Engan
Principal at Engan Associates Architects
I’ve had the opportunity to work with Desiree in an almost 9 month group coaching. It has been amazing in developing me as a leader. Desiree does a great job engaging the group in the conversation and working on our leadership development. She’s very straightforward and isn’t going to sugar coat anything!
Agency Manager, AVERA Home Hospice
“Desiree brought energy, clarity, and insight while making the experience fun, approachable, and meaningful. I walked away energized, better connected, and amazed at how practical and applicable the tools were. Highly recommend Intentional Action ”
Nick Schwarz,
Owner at AP Design and send it
“Her Guidance Significantly Boosted productivity, morale, and unity, leaving a lasting impact”
Joe Theesfeld,
President of Performance Foodservice
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the deadline to apply?
- The Accelerator is an ongoing program that will have many cohorts throughout the years. You can apply at any time to get on the waitlist for the next cohort.
- The next cohort begins on February 18th, and the deadline to apply is January 30th 2026
Who should apply?
- The Accelerator is designed for professionals who lead people, projects, or influence outcomes.
- New and emerging leaders who want to build confidence and communication skills
- Experienced managers who want to re-energize their leadership and strengthen team culture
- High-potential employees being developed for future leadership roles
- If you want to create a more connected, accountable, and engaged team, this is for you.
How is this different from other leadership programs?
- The Intentional Leader Accelerator combines self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and executive presence with frameworks you’ll apply immediately in your day-to-day work.
- You’ll walk away from every session with practical tools , not theory, and learn alongside leaders from different industries who are tackling the same real-world challenges you are.
- The addition of 1:1 coaching makes the experience highly personalized to the individual
How much time should I expect to commit?
Each in-person session is approximately 4 hours and may include some travel to the rotating locations. Between sessions, you’ll have light reflection or application activities designed to help you integrate what you’ve learned into your daily work.
What’s the cost to participate?
Tuition includes all sessions, materials, assessments, and meals during the program. The cost per participant is $2,500. Many employers cover or reimburse the cost as part of their professional development initiatives.
How do I apply?
- Applications open January 2026 at IntentionalLeaderAccelerator.com
- Space is limited to maintain a high-impact, discussion-based environment. Early application is encouraged to ensure your spot.
What if I can’t make every session?
We strongly encourage full participation for the best experience, but we understand life happens. If you must miss a session, you’ll receive materials and resources to help you stay on track.
Will I receive any certification or recognition?
Yes! Graduates will be recognized at a closing celebration and receive a certificate of completion.
Didn’t get your question answered?
Become an Accelerator Partner
Support the future of leadership across our region.
Our Program Partners make the Intentional Leader Accelerator possible. Their investment not only supports meaningful leadership development in our local workforce, it also connects their brand with positive impact and visibility among regional professionals and companies.
Partnership Benefits
- When you invest in your leaders, you:
- Improve communication, trust, and alignment within teams
- Build a culture of confidence, connection, and ownership
- Strengthen accountability and collaboration
- Empower leaders to solve problems independently
- Build a culture of confidence, connection, and ownership
What it includes
- Two participant seats ($5,000 value)
- Logo recognition on all program materials (print + digital)
- Verbal recognition at every session
- Recognition in the Intentional Leader Summit booklet as an Accelerator Partner
- Inclusion in press releases, radio ads and marketing materials
- Lifetime recognition on the Intentional Leader Academy Alumni webpage
2026 Accelerator Partner Investment: $7,000
Take the Next Step in YourLeadership Development
Apply to join the upcoming Intentional Leader Accelerator cohort.