Aspen is a place for leaders to lift their sights above the possessions which possess them. To confront their own nature as human beings, to regain control over their own humanity by becoming more self-aware, more self-correcting, and hence more self-fulfilling.

Walter P. Paepcke, Aspen Institute Co-Founder
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— Programs for Individuals

The Aspen Executive Seminar

The Aspen Institute’s flagship seminar on Leadership, Values, and the Good Society since 1950.

Dialogue, Not Dogma.

Challenging experienced leaders from every sector to achieve meaningful leadership growth through a critical examination of their core values.

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The Aspen Executive Seminar on Leadership, Values, and the Good Society is an invitation for every leader to answer the question:

“How do I lead well and live justly in a good society?”

We cannot lead others through today’s complex business landscape of until we fully understand our values and how they inform the actions we take as a leaders, impacting our teams, organizations, and communities.

The Aspen Executive Seminar on Leadership, Values, and the Good Society uses a combination of close reading; deep reflection; and thoughtful, guided dialogue with a small cohort of senior leaders to critically examine the world we live in.

Seminar Impact

The Aspen Executive Seminar equips leaders with the tools to listen more attentively, think more critically, and navigate the tensions amongst competing values both in current roles and across careers.

Impact includes a:

  • Greater understanding of personal leadership values and how they manifest in action
  • Greater self-awareness and capacity for self-correction
  • Increased sense of purpose and mission
  • Enhanced understanding of what motivates people
  • Improved capacity to listen, communicate, and lead
  • Heightened ability to inspire others and drive change
  • Connection to a wide network of peers from diverse sectors and life experiences

2025 Seminar Dates

7-day residential seminar hosted at the Aspen Meadows Resort in Aspen, CO.

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Each seminar cohort is made up of 15-20 experienced leaders from a variety of industries, sectors, and experiences. 2025 seminar dates are:

  • April 5-11, 2025 in Aspen, CO
  • June 7-13, 2025 in Aspen, CO
  • September 13-19, 2025 in Aspen, CO
  • October 4-10, 2025 in Aspen, CO

Over the week-long seminar, participants spend their time in a series of moderated, text-based dialogues focusing on the ideas and ideals that have shaped our world as prompted by readings and are interspersed with excursions, casual down time for connection, and shared meals.

Seminar Fee: $14,450*

*Inclusive of seminar materials, activities, meals and lodging at the Aspen Meadows Resort. Cancellation/transfer fees apply

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Alumni Community

Join a vast network of seminar alumni that includes leaders across sectors and around the world. As a member of this community, you have access to a wealth of resources, including opportunities for continued leadership development with the Aspen Institute for you, your network, and your team or organization.

4k+Organizations

The moral challenges of leadership run across all industries, sectors, disciplines, and specialties. From corporate boardrooms to non-profit field workers

85+Countries

Leaders attend from all over the world to explore the ideas and ideals that have created the world we all share and the future we are building together.

Hear From Past Participants

“I was really pushed and challenged that week and still reflect often about how I was able and at times not able to be vulnerable in that room with a group of people who I’d met days earlier. It’s absolutely something that I’ve home with me and informs how I can lead with authenticity and the values that the seminar helped me sharpen.”

– Laura Herman
Vice President, Partnerships, Cedar

“I was extremely impressed by the cohort and appreciative of the great moderators. They truly set the tone for an extraordinary experience and provided a safe space to ensure all participants and could be their authentic selves.”

– Nora Vargasu
VP, Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest

“Thanks to the Aspen Executive Seminar… I have created an environment where people feel safer to be critical in their thinking and to use critical thought as a way to innovate and problem-solve”

– Sunil Deshumkhu
Managing Director, Wilson Cables Private LTD

“The tactical leadership programs are a dime a dozen. You can find them on any street corner, but if you want a program that will help you see through a different lens and feel the guidance of timeless literature and timeless thinking, the insights are profound.”

–Elise Mitchellu
Founder of Mitchell ; Former CEO of Dentsu Aegis Relations Network

“Reason is important. Aptitude is critical. However, if we forget our humanity… I think that we run the risk of going astray. I think the seminar does a really great job emphasizing all three dimensions as we tackle some of the bigger questions of the ‘great conversation”

– Chris Hope
Executive Director, The Loop Lab

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About the Aspen Executive Seminar

The Aspen Executive Seminar gives leaders what they need most – time and space to broaden perspectives, reassess priorities, and evaluate how to best align their leadership to their core values.

Explore additional information on this leadership experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about the Aspen Executive Seminar? We’ve gathered key details about what to expect and how to prepare.

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Information for Employers

Resources for the professional development funding or managerial approval process within your organization.

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Our Method & Impact

Explore the seminar room—where meaningful texts, diverse perspectives, and focused conversation change how leaders see and show up.

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Our Moderators

Meet the skilled moderators who guide Aspen seminars with curiosity, humility, and a gift for drawing insight from every voice.

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Scholarships

Learn how our scholarship programs help ensure that diverse, dynamic leaders from all sectors and backgrounds can take part.

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