Where Vision Becomes Direction

Overview

The VHS Compass Leadership Academy is a cohort-based leadership development experience designed to prepare faculty to lead effectively within the complex environment of academic medicine. Grounded in evidence-based leadership practices and tailored to the realities of clinical, research, and educational roles, the Academy equips participants with the mindset, skillset, and network required to lead across disciplines and drive institutional impact.

This program brings together faculty in a highly interactive format that blends case-based learning, applied leadership practice, executive coaching, and engagement with nationally recognized thought leaders.

Purpose

The purpose of the Compass Leadership Academy is to build a sustainable leadership pipeline across Virginia Health Sciences by developing faculty who can:

  • Lead themselves and others with clarity, accountability, and purpose
  • Navigate complexity across clinical, academic, and organizational systems
  • Influence without authority and communicate effectively across disciplines
  • Drive strategic initiatives aligned with institutional priorities
  • Foster high-performing, collaborative, and inclusive teams
Contact
Professional Development Home
Norfolk, VA 23529

Program Goals

Participants in the Academy will:

  • Strengthen core leadership competencies across personal, relational, and organizational domains
  • Apply leadership frameworks to real-world challenges in academic medicine
  • Expand their capacity to lead through change, ambiguity, and competing priorities
  • Build meaningful cross-disciplinary relationships and networks
  • Translate leadership learning into measurable impact within their departments and programs

Advisory Panel

The Compass Leadership Academy is guided by a cross-disciplinary Advisory Panel composed of senior faculty, academic leaders, and subject matter experts from across Virginia Health Sciences and beyond. This group plays a critical role in ensuring the program remains aligned with institutional priorities, the evolving demands of academic medicine, and the real-world challenges faculty face. The panel provides strategic direction on curriculum design, participant selection, and program evaluation, while also serving as thought partners in shaping learning experiences that are practical, relevant, and impactful. Their ongoing engagement ensures the Academy is not just a leadership program, but a strategic investment in building the future leadership capacity of the institution.

Cohort Make Up

Cohort #1, The mid-career cohort was made up of individuals who:

  • Currently serving in formal or informal leadership roles
  • Preparing for expanded leadership responsibilities
  • Interested in advancing their impact within academic medicine
  • Committed to personal and professional growth

Cohort #2 will serve emerging leaders, who do not yet have a formal leadership role. The criteria for emerging leaders is being developed.

Program Structure

  • Cohort-based model (approximately 20 participants)
  • Five in-person sessions held throughout the year
  • Pre-work and reflection activities delivered through Canvas
  • Case-based discussions using real-world leadership scenarios
  • Access to curated learning resources, including Harvard Business Publishing and LinkedIn Learning
  • Opportunities for applied leadership practice and peer learning


Cohort #1 Mid-Career Leadership Learning Topics

The Academy curriculum is organized around five critical leadership domains:

Communication and Influence
Develop the ability to communicate with clarity and purpose, navigate difficult conversations, and influence stakeholders across roles and disciplines.

Time and Priority Management
Learn to manage competing demands across clinical, teaching, research, and service responsibilities while maintaining strategic focus.

Leading Across Disciplines
Build trust and credibility across silos, align diverse stakeholders, and lead effectively without formal authority.

Building High-Performing Teams
Create psychologically safe, accountable, and high-functioning teams that deliver results and sustain performance over time.

Strategic Thinking and Change Leadership
Develop the ability to think systemically, anticipate challenges, and lead initiatives that align with organizational goals and drive meaningful change.


Distinguished Speaker Series

A cornerstone of the Academy is engagement with external thought leaders who bring real-world perspective and expertise. Participants will have direct access to nationally recognized speakers. The 2026 Speaker Series includes:

  • David Bray – Leading in an era of AI and emerging technologies
  • Claude Silver – Building emotionally intelligent and high-performing cultures
  • Vanessa Druskat – Developing emotionally intelligent teams
  • Po Chou – Financial leadership and decision-making in complex organizations
  • Steven Goudy – Driving innovation and growth in academic medical centers

Each speaker session includes a large-group presentation open to all VHS faculty, followed by a smaller, cohort-only discussion to deepen learning and application.


Who Should Apply

The Academy is designed to meet faculty where they are in their career. Recommendation for placement into the academy are made by department chairs during July-August. 


Expected Outcomes

By the end of the program, participants will leave with:

  • A clear and actionable leadership philosophy
  • Enhanced ability to lead across complex systems
  • Practical tools to improve team and organizational performance
  • A strong network of peers and institutional leaders
  • A roadmap for continued leadership growth

For more information about the VHS Compass Leadership Academy, or to answer any questions please contact: 

Steve Sheetz, at ssheetz@odu.edu or 757.446.8475 (O) 703.919.2032 (C)