What's Holding Leaders Back Today?
Even the most capable leaders are facing unprecedented challenges and are left without the support they need. These challenges present themselves in a variety of ways:
Externally
Juggling high-stakes decisions, limited resources, and siloed systems
Internally
Feeling isolated, unsure how to grow in purpose without burning out
Philosophically
Leadership shouldn’t be about surviving alone—it should be about thriving together
The NLAC Membership
As a program of the Institute for Performance Excellence at the Baldrige Foundation, NLAC is America’s only national leadership development network aligned to the Baldrige Framework for Performance Excellence and connected to the Institute for Performance Excellence.
You don’t just get tools—you gain a trusted community of high-level leaders, monthly expert-led sessions, and access to an ecosystem designed for long-term impact.
The Plan - How it Works
The National Leadership & Advisory Councils (NLAC) unite high-performing executives and emerging leaders in a dynamic peer network committed to advancing organizational excellence. As the nation’s premier professional development and advisory network, NLAC serves Chief Executive Officers, C-Suite Executives, Vice Presidents, Directors, Managers, and emerging leaders across diverse industries and sectors. As the sole leadership development program of the Institute for Performance Excellence, NLAC provides exclusive access to high-quality leadership education, industry benchmarking, and a robust network of accomplished professionals. Grounded in the nation’s foremost quality framework, NLAC equips leaders to address real-world challenges, shape strategic outcomes, and elevate performance across organizations, industries, and communities.
You’ll leave each month with fresh perspective, renewed purpose, and measurable progress.
Apply
Join a peer council based on your role, sector, or region. Groups are remote to maximize flexibility.
Engage Monthly
Attend a 4-hour virtual session with masterclass content, action planning, and peer insight.
Grow as a Leader
Access an exclusive online portal, strategy tools, and national-level leadership resources.
Success - The Vision for the NLAC Leader
Leading with Confidence
When you join NLAC, you’ll:
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Lead boldly, backed by a national peer group and world-class tools
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Make better decisions, faster, using frameworks grounded in results
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Grow your organization while preserving your values
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Be part of a leadership legacy that shapes the future of America’s organizations and communities
Designed for High-Performing Leaders & Decision Makers
Become an Member of an NLAC Group
Step into a leadership network that challenges convention and inspires bold thinking. The National Leadership and Advisory Councils are designed for leaders who are ready to question assumptions, act decisively, and influence what comes next. Engage with peers from across sectors to sharpen your decision-making, accelerate impact, and lead with purpose. This is where performance-driven leadership takes shape.
Become an Executive Chair of an NLAC Group
Shape the future of leadership by becoming an Executive Chair of the National Leadership and Advisory Councils. This role is for visionary leaders who are ready to guide high-level peer groups, drive meaningful dialogue, and help others grow while expanding their own influence. As an Executive Chair, you’ll lead monthly sessions, foster bold thinking, and help organizations nationwide apply proven strategies rooted in the Baldrige Framework. This is more than facilitation—it’s legacy-building leadership.