Nurture Curiosity. Grow as a Leader. Shape the Future of Carmel.
Leadership Carmel is a premier leadership development experience for emerging and established leaders who want to make a meaningful impact—in their organizations, in their community, and in their own lives.
Presented by the Carmel Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Leadership Carmel brings together a diverse cohort of professionals, business owners, nonprofit leaders, public servants, and community advocates for a 10-month journey of growth, discovery, and connection.
At the heart of the program is a simple belief:
Great leaders stay curious.
Curiosity expands perspective. It challenges assumptions. It deepens relationships. It unlocks better questions, better decisions, and better outcomes.
Through immersive experiences, community exploration, leadership development, and a collaborative legacy project, participants develop the mindset, skills, and relationships needed to lead with greater confidence, purpose, and impact.
Applications for the 2026–2027 Class Are Now Open
Space is limited.
If you're ready to invest in your growth and help shape the future of Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula, we invite you to apply.
Click HERE to Apply Now for the 2026-2027 Leadership Carmel Class
Why Leadership Carmel?
Leadership Carmel is more than a leadership program.
It is an opportunity to:
- Expand how you think
- Strengthen how you lead
- Deepen your connection to the community
- Build lifelong relationships
- Create a lasting legacy
Through our Nurture Curiosity approach, participants learn to move beyond assumptions, embrace diverse perspectives, and navigate complexity with confidence.
Because leadership isn't about a title.
It's about the choices we make, the questions we ask, and the impact we create.
What You'll Gain
Personal and Professional Growth
Develop the skills and mindset needed to thrive in today's rapidly changing world.
Participants will:
- Increase self-awareness and emotional intelligence
- Strengthen communication and influence skills
- Lead more effectively through uncertainty and change
- Learn how curiosity drives innovation and problem-solving
- Build confidence in difficult conversations
- Expand critical thinking and decision-making capabilities
- Understand personal thinking and leadership preferences
- Develop practical tools that can be immediately applied at work and in life
A Powerful Network
Leadership is not a solo endeavor.
You'll build authentic relationships with:
- Fellow cohort members
- Leadership Carmel alumni
- Community leaders and decision-makers
- Business, nonprofit, and civic partners throughout the region
Many participants describe the network they build through Leadership Carmel as one of the most valuable outcomes of the program.
Community Insight and Impact
Gain a behind-the-scenes understanding of the opportunities and challenges shaping our region.
You'll engage directly with local leaders, innovators, and changemakers while exploring topics that influence the future of Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula.
The experience culminates in a collaborative class legacy project designed to create meaningful and lasting community impact.
What Employers Gain
When organizations invest in Leadership Carmel, they invest in the future effectiveness of their people.
Employers benefit from team members who:
- Demonstrate stronger leadership capabilities
- Think more strategically and creatively
- Communicate more effectively
- Build trust and influence across teams
- Navigate complexity with greater confidence
- Bring expanded community connections and perspectives back to the organization
- Create greater impact without increasing headcount
Leadership Carmel develops leaders who return to their organizations more engaged, more capable, and better equipped to lead.
What Our Community Gains
Every Leadership Carmel class contributes to the future of our region.
The program strengthens Carmel by:
- Developing informed and engaged community leaders
- Creating lasting class legacy projects
- Encouraging civic involvement and volunteerism
- Building stronger connections across sectors
- Inspiring innovative solutions to community challenges
Leadership Carmel graduates continue to serve, lead, and contribute long after the program concludes.
Who Should Apply?
Leadership Carmel is designed for individuals who:
- Want to grow as leaders
- Are curious about how our community works
- Care deeply about the future of Carmel and the Monterey Peninsula
- Seek meaningful personal and professional growth
- Value collaboration, service, and lifelong learning
- Want to expand their network and community involvement
Applicants come from diverse industries, backgrounds, and career stages.
What they share is a commitment to growth, curiosity, and making a difference.
Ready to Join the 2026–2027 Class?
Applications are now being accepted.
Space is limited, and we encourage interested applicants to apply early.
Take the next step in your leadership journey.
Contact:
Jason Press
Director, Leadership Carmel
Carmel Chamber of Commerce
Questions about sponsorship opportunities, or alumni engagement?
Contact:
Kati Enea
President & CEO, Carmel Chamber of Commerce
Program Mission
The mission of Leadership Carmel is to develop leaders who are curious, engaged, and committed to strengthening our community.
Through leadership development, community immersion, meaningful relationships, and collaborative action, Leadership Carmel empowers individuals to think differently, lead effectively, and create lasting impact.
