About The Academy

The origin of the PDI Leaders Academy dates back to 2010, when People Dimensions International developed its first programme with ACE at UCC, the Level 8 Higher Diploma in Leadership and soon after we designed in collaboration with ACE the Level 7 Certificate in Management in Team Supervision.

Both programmes were initially designed and developed for a specific client needing to build a leadership pipeline during a period of growth and transformational change. However, by word of mouth we started to deliver both programmes for additional clients across several sectors from 2012.What started out as two programmes developed for one client evolved into best-in-class leadership programmes integrating academic rigour and delivered by industry practitioners.

The programmes have been delivered cross sector in Insurance, Banking, Technology, Pharma, FMCG, Consultancy and Software, across all functions in client companies and cross culturally in Ireland, UK, across Europe, in addition to delivering for a client company in UAE and Lebanon.

The PDI Leaders Academy has evolved over the past 14 years around four pillars:

FIRST

At the core and our first pillar has always been to enhance the development of our client companies as a learning organisation committed to a culture of lifelong learning.

SECOND

Second, we provide structured learning opportunities using a balanced development approach for our participants to develop their professional knowledge and skills to better equip them for their current or future roles.

THIRD

Third, by developing bespoke Leadership Development we contribute to our clients talent management practices through programmes that meets the precise needs of our clients as it strives to attract, engage and retain its talent.

FOURTH

Finally, and our fourth pillar provides a baseline qualification for our participants to develop a common vocabulary and skill set facilitating development, progression and in many cases promotion.

During Covid 19, we realised there was a need for a new approach to leadership development aligned to university certification and we had the opportunity to recalibrate and with ACE at UCC and the Department of Applied Physchology and developed three new programmes:

Not only did we design three new university certified programmes in collaboration with ACE at UCC, but we also developed the PDI Leaders Academy and build a team of industry professionals across Emotional Intelligence, Leadership Design, Development and Delivery, Coaching and Project Management ready to take leadership development to new level.

Purpose statement

PDI Leaders Academy’s purpose and reason for existence is to ‘Transform Organisations by Unlocking the Power and Potential of Leadership powered by our 3E Framework.

Educational

- Accredited Leadership in partnership with ACE at UCC
- Level 7 & Level 8 Leadership Development
- Micro credential Modules
- Content customised to specific needs and culture of client companies

Experiential

Individual and organizational designed assessments
Self-directed learning
PDP Integration
Action Learning Sets
On-job learning activities
Leadership in Practice Projects
Reflective Logs
Personal Branding

Exposure

- Mentoring
- Feedback & Coaching
- Leadership Labs
- Peer Learning Initiatives
- Masterclasses

The unique course framework is the first advantage with multiple options in terms of delivery format which includes a blend of classroom and online to suit the needs of busy organisations. The modules are flexible enough to be delivered on a part-time basis over 9 months to 18 months. Organisations can even select a single module as a micro-credential and space the accreditation over 2 years.

In relation to how a student will learn, it is very simple; we believe in the 3E model of learning – Experience, Education and Exposure. Starting with Experience, a unique feature of our courses is Recognition of Prior Learning. We recognise that leaders come to our courses with a vast wealth of experience gained on the frontlines of leadership. Learning from the experience of others who have walked the walk greatly enhances the learning journey.

With regard to Education, participants will be assessed continuously through written essays, discussion boards, personal reflection, group projects and presentations. Uniquely, the assessment is tailored to each organisation, focusing on work-based issues that allow participants to explore the theories and concepts and apply them to everyday work scenarios.

Finally, Exposure to the very best lecturing faculty who are all industry professionals with real-world experience. Also, through our masterclasses, 1 to 1 coaching and leadership in practice projects students are exposed to new ways of operating as a leader. They get to see a different perspective and see beyond the horizon in terms of where their career can go.

We believe the approach we take is inclusive and accessible to all leaders from all backgrounds. We have had participants with PhD’s, master’s degrees and some who are experiencing third level education for the first time. If you want an accredited leadership programme that has lasting impact, reach out to us and start the conversation.