Leadership Step-up in Advancement (LSA) is targeted at advancement professionals who are new or emerging managers in the field of advancement. Realising the importance of grooming the next generation of leaders in advancement, this programme aims to raise this generation of leaders with skills and expertise to lead their teams and advancement functions well. The programme will delve into technical and 

Session objectives: Managerial skills that are important for emerging managers and leaders, as well as emotional and soft skills that can help them while managing teams and stakeholders.

• Gain an appreciation of the difference between a leader and a manager and understand how their roles fit for the purpose in their organisation.
• Apply skills and tips to manage teams and areas of specialisation in advancement.
• Reflect and adapt strategies that can aid in managing teams, stakeholders, and advancement processes in their organisations.

Target audience:

Level 3 – Practising / Maturing Mid-Career

Level 4 – Senior / Experienced Mid-Career

Chair

Wednesday, 6 May 2026

Room: Lockyer, L5

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM UTC+10

Registrations

CASE Registration Desk, L5 Foyer

9:00 AM - 9:15 AM UTC+10

Welcome and Introduction

• Introduction to the Faculty
• Opening questions: Who is my leadership role model and why? What is my leadership style like?
• Reflection: What do I hope to gain from this session?
• Chatham House rules

Lockyer, L5

9:15 AM – 10:30 AM UTC+10

Manager versus Leader: Where do I Situate Myself in?

This session provides an introductory overview of leadership—what it is and what it looks like in practice. As new managers and leaders, there is often a lack of clarity about the expectations of the role. Is there a difference between being a manager and a leader and how should one truly “lead”?

This session will explore the key distinctions between management and leadership, moving beyond the transactional aspects of overseeing projects and people to the transformational potential leaders have to inspire and empower their teams.

• Analysing the difference between a manager and a leader
• Identifying the essential qualities of a leader – linking this section to the CASE Competencies Model

Lockyer, L5

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM UTC+10

Refreshment Break

Foyer, L5

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM UTC+10

Stakeholder Management / Relationship Building

As a new manager or leader stepping into this role, you will need to work with a variety of people—from managing donors and partners to collaborating with senior management and leading your team members. This session will introduce strategies to help you identify key stakeholders, understand their needs, and apply practical techniques to manage these relationships effectively, fostering stronger connections.

• Identifying stakeholders
• Stewarding relationships and developing tips and skills to manage relationships effectively
• Managing teams and intra-team dynamics (within the team)

Lockyer, L5

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM UTC+10

Networking Lunch

Foyer, L5

1:30 PM – 3:00 PM UTC+10

Strategic Thinking and Planning

Stepping into leadership often suggests that leaders/managers have to think “critically.” But what does this really entail? This session aims to shed light on the notion of Strategic Thinking – what it is and what does it entail. It will provide participants with tools to learn how to analyse and assess situations, adapt to complexity, and create effective implementation plans.

• Defining strategic thinking and what is required for a new manager / leader.
• Aligning strategy with action / critical thinking
• Developing creative and innovative approaches to problem solving
• Adapting to complexity and challenges

Lockyer, L5

3:00 PM – 3:30 PM UTC+10

Refreshment Break

Foyer, L5

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM UTC+10

10 Things I Wished I Knew as a New Manager

This concluding session of the pre-conference offers participants a unique opportunity to learn from the faculty as they reflect on their leadership journeys in advancement. Through candid conversations, they will share the highs and lows of leadership, key lessons learned, and practical advice to help new managers navigate their roles with confidence. Gain valuable insights and perspectives to make the most of this new chapter in your career.

Lockyer, L5

4:30 PM – 4:50 PM UTC+10

Closing and Wrap Up

• Key highlights and takeaways from today’s session
• Commitment time:
  • One thing that you will commit to in your journey as an emerging leader.
  • One thing you wish you can get help in the next 6 months.
  • One person you will want to commit to in your leadership journey.

Lockyer, L5

4:50 PM UTC+10

Programme Conclude

6:00 PM UTC+10

Welcome Reception 

Ballroom Foyer, L5