Insight Leadership Group is now accepting applications for the 2026 Insight Executive Leadership Academy, a four-session program that equips senior leaders to lead with clarity, empathy and impact. Cohorts will be offered in both Little Rock and northwest Arkansas, giving leaders across the state access to high-impact training and coaching.
The academy has graduated 169 leaders from organizations across Arkansas. This year’s cohort graduates included executives and senior leaders from Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Delta Dental of Arkansas, Lexicon Inc., Goodwill Industries of Arkansas, Sage Partners and Zweig Group.
“The Insight Executive Leadership Academy is built for leaders who want to stay healthy and effective over the long haul,” said Michael Brown, founder of Insight Leadership Group and lead facilitator. “We combine practical tools, executive-level coaching and honest conversation so participants can lead with purpose at work and at home.”
Each cohort participates in four half-day group sessions, two virtual roundtable sessions, plus four one-on-one executive coaching sessions. Sessions focus on helping leaders root themselves in a clear sense of purpose, align vision and priorities, lead change with resilience and cultivate relationship intelligence that leaves a lasting legacy. Participants complete a science-based SDI 2.0 strengths profile and other assessments, then apply those insights through a personalized leadership development plan.
Leaders across Arkansas point to the academy’s mix of structure and support as a catalyst for long-term growth. Many participants highlight the chance to step away from daily demands, compare notes with peers and return to their teams with renewed clarity about what matters most.
“This program was really impactful for me,” said Will Swearingen, vice president at Zweig Group and member of the class of 2025. “After a very difficult and exhausting 24-month stretch, in my work and personal life, this program gave me so much to look forward to. Working through a process to develop a rooted Purpose, from which all interactions are filtered, was strangely impactful. Leadership requires steadiness and focus on the non-negotiables in life. This is a different kind of training and coaching. It’s one I would encourage anyone who is looking to grow both personally and professionally to invest in.”
During the academy, participants interact with executive speakers, build relationships with high-level peers and practice tools they can immediately put to work with their teams. The program is designed for current and emerging senior leaders who want to grow their impact while staying grounded in the values that matter most.
Past speakers have included John Furner, recently promoted to Walmart CEO; J.B. Hunt CEO Shelley Simpson; Centennial Bank chairman and co-founder Johnny Allison; Arkansas Children’s CEO Marcy Doderer; and Cushman & Wakefield Sage Partners President Marshall Saviers, among others.
The 2026 Insight Executive Leadership Academy cohorts in Little Rock and northwest Arkansas will begin in early 2026. Space is limited and admission is by application or nomination.
Ted Clouser, president of PC Assistance Inc. and a graduate of the 2018 Executive Leadership Academy, said the experience exceeded expectations.
“The content, presenters, networking, self-assessment and overall quality of the Executive Leadership Academy was incredible,” Clouser said. “Arkansas is better off because of this academy.”
Leaders interested in learning more or submitting an application can visit insightlg.com and search for the Insight Executive Leadership Academy.
The Little Rock cohort dates are: Feb. 20, April 10, Aug. 7 and Nov. 13, 2026.
Northwest Arkansas cohort dates are: March 6, May 1, Aug. 28 and Oct. 16, 2026.
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