Cultivating People-Focused Leaders, All Year Long
A year-long virtual leadership academy for emerging, evolving, and executive leaders who want to grow with intention.
Do you feel like your leadership is stuck? That training events leave you inspired but the change never sticks?
Midwest Leadership Academy isn’t a one-time event. It’s the leadership habit-building system you need to build real, lasting impact.
After working with thousands of leaders across industries, one truth has become clear: leadership growth stalls when development stops. Most programs end after a day or a few sessions, leaving leaders inspired… but without ongoing support. The Midwest Leadership Academy was created to change that. MLA is a people-focused community that helps leaders build habits, confidence, and clarity over time - not overnight.
Designed for Every Stage of Leadership
Because leadership isn’t a title - it’s a journey. And no matter where you are on that journey, the Midwest Leadership Academy meets you there… and elevates you to the next level.
Emerging Leaders
For new supervisors and first-time leaders ready to rise.
You’re stepping into leadership - now step into confidence. This track is built for leaders who want to:
- Build real clarity in their role
- Communicate with confidence
- Learn the fundamentals that great leaders never skip
- Transition from “doing the work” to leading the work
This isn’t just training.
This is the foundation that sets up your entire leadership career.
Evolving Leaders
For those who’ve been leading for a few years and are ready for their next level.
You’re leading people… and you’re feeling the weight of it. This track gives you the tools to:
- Navigate real-world challenges
- Communicate with precision and influence
- Develop and grow your team
- Strengthen collaboration, culture, and accountability
This is where leaders stop surviving - and start elevating.
Executive Leaders
For seasoned leaders who shape culture, strategy, and organizational success.
This track is built for leaders ready to expand their impact, sharpen their executive presence, and lead with intention. You’ll learn to:
- Think strategically and long-term
- Build sustainable leadership habits
- Influence at a higher level
- Create culture that people run TOWARD, not away from
You’ve led long enough.
Now it’s time to lead differently
Your Year of Growth Includes:
Leadership Starts with People
People-focused leadership is the heartbeat of Midwest Leadership Academy. We don’t just teach strategy - we teach understanding. Leaders learn to communicate more effectively, build trust, solve real problems, and transform how they think about themselves and their teams.
Meet Your Leadership Guides
John & Kathie Rotz will guide you through your leadership journey. They will facilitate thought-provoking conversations during the Midwest Leadership Academy. We created MLA from our own journey of leading, focusing first on people.Â
At MLA, we’ll walk alongside you as you cultivate your people-focused leadership habits. Oskee and Simba may have cameo appearances throughout our journey together!
Read My Full BioFrequently Asked Questions
I'm sure you will have many more questions than what is listed below. Please schedule your Discovery Call to learn more! 866-72-THINK
MLA is different because it’s not a one-time event — it’s a year-long leadership habit-building system.
Most programs offer inspiration for a moment. MLA creates transformation through consistency.
Here’s what sets us apart:
• People-Focused Approach
We prioritize the skills leaders use every day - communication, trust-building, influence, Emotional Intelligence, and behavioral intelligence.
• Habit-Based, Not Event-Based
Monthly training + coaching + community discussions = real growth through repetition.
• Tiered Learning for Every Level
Emerging, Evolving, and Executive leaders each receive targeted development that meets them where they are.
• Community of Leaders, Not a Classroom
Participants learn alongside peers in different industries who challenge, support, and grow together.
• Practical, Actionable Application
Everything we teach can be implemented immediately — in real conversations, real decisions, and real challenges.
MLA isn’t just about learning leadership.
It’s about living it, consistently, with support.
No problem! We’ll help you choose. During enrollment, you’ll answer a few simple questions about your role, experience, and goals. Based on that, we’ll recommend the best track. You can also change tracks later if needed.
The core commitment is:
-
One Monthly Leadership Training (60–75 minutes)
-
One Group Coaching session (60–75 minutes)
-
Coaching sessions depending on your track
- Additional videos, optional (15+ minutes each
Most leaders spend 2–3 hours per month inside MLA, with additional optional exercises and resources available.
Every training session is recorded and uploaded to a private website. Group session will not be recorded.
You’ll have access to the recordings, tools, and resources so you can catch up anytime. Many leaders choose a “learning hour” each month to stay consistent.
Yes. MLA serves leaders in banking, real estate, accounting, manufacturing, healthcare, education, nonprofits, and more.
The content is industry-neutral but role-specific — meaning the skills directly apply to any team, any organization, any leader.
Most companies do. Leadership development improves retention, engagement, and performance.
If you need to request employer reimbursement, we can provide:
-
A justification letter
-
A program overview
-
Pricing breakdown
-
A suggested email template for your manager
(just ask!)
Pricing is based on the track (Emerging, Evolving, Executive).
You can choose monthly or annual payment options.
Membership Levels
|
 Level |
 Details |
 Monthly |
 Annual |
|
Level 1 |
Full MLA Core Membership Benefits |
$199 |
$2,189 |
|
Level 2 |
Full MLA Core Membership Benefits + 1 private coaching session quarterly |
$399 |
$4,389 |
|
Level 3 |
Full MLA Core Membership Benefits |
$799 |
$8,789 |
Â
** All memberships are a one-year commitment.
Yes. Organizations enrolling 10Â or more leaders receive a group rate.
We also offer affiliate partnerships for colleges and organizations that refer participants.
Leaders report:
-
Greater confidence
-
Better communication
-
Stronger team relationships
-
More effective decision-making
-
Improved emotional intelligence
-
More consistent leadership habits
-
Reduced stress and clearer thinking thanks to weekly wellness sessions
And — most importantly — longer-lasting leadership impact.
Yes. If MLA isn’t aligning with your needs, you may cancel within the first 30 days of the program.
The 2026 Midwest Leadership Academy launches in January 2026.
Enrollment is open now and space is limited to keep sessions interactive.
Click the Join the Academy button or book a 15-minute info call.
We’ll walk through the track options, answer your questions, and help you prepare for the January launch.
