12 weekly, self-guided lessons
Gain momentum with 12 weekly, self-guided lessons designed for intentional, culture-first leadership.
Downloadable tools & templates
Apply your learning with ready-to-use downloadable tools and templates.
Leadership Development Toolkit
Equip yourself with a powerful set of resources to support your leadership journey.
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4 Strategic Check-ins
Stay on track with 4 strategic check-ins designed to reinforce progress and provide personalized support.
Leadership Community
Connect with peers and expand your impact inside a supportive leadership community.
1:1 Coaching (Add-on)
Deepen your growth with personalized 1:1 coaching tailored to your leadership goals.
Discover the Ascend Self-Paced Experience
The first 90 days in a new leadership role don’t just set the tone—they shape the culture. Whether you’re stepping into your first leadership position or transitioning into a new unit or institution, ASCENT SELF-PACED provides the structure, resources, and support to help you understand the culture you’ve inherited, lead with clarity, and build trust from day one. This 12-week experience is designed to guide you through real-time leadership challenges, with a culture-first focus on navigating people, politics, and power—so you can move forward with purpose, not just react to what’s around you.
Unlock Savings: Enroll Before August 1 🎁
Act fast to claim $250 in savings by enrolling before August 1 - don't miss out! Use Coupon Code: XXXX
Curriculum
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1
Phase 1: Ground & Align (Weeks 1–3)
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(Included in full purchase)
Your First 90 Days: Why Culture Comes First
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(Included in full purchase)
Introduction to the 4 P’s for Culture & Change™
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(Included in full purchase)
Introduction to the 4 P’s for Culture & Change™
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(Included in full purchase)
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2
Phase 2: Design & Position (Weeks 4–6)
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(Included in full purchase)
Phase 4: Reflect & Advance (Weeks 10–12)
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(Included in full purchase)
Process: Systems Aren’t Neutral
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(Included in full purchase)
Power: Real Influence Isn’t Always Visible
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(Included in full purchase)
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3
Phase 3: Lead & Influence (Weeks 7–9)
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(Included in full purchase)
Reading for Alignment: Where the 4 P’s Intersect
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(Included in full purchase)
Clarifying Your Leadership Priorities
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(Included in full purchase)
Framing Your Leadership Vision
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(Included in full purchase)
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4
Phase 4: Reflect & Advance (Weeks 10–12)
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(Included in full purchase)
Building Trust & Credibility in New Environments
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(Included in full purchase)
From Listening to Leading: Turning Insight Into Action
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(Included in full purchase)
Lead with Clarity, Purpose, and Alignment
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(Included in full purchase)
What do our past participants have to say?
Get inspired by the success stories of our participants!
The content was incredibly insightful and the group assignments were exceptionally enlightening, greatly enhancing my knowledge of group dynamics and conflict resolution.
Retired Dean of Kinesiology and Sports Studies Bucks County Community College
Seeing Dr. Robinson's work guide higher education institutions and other organizations toward sustainable change underscores the importance of investing in leaders who are not only prepared to navigate the complexities organizational change, but are also passionate about building cultures of belonging.
Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Operations and Administration American Council on Education
The program encouraged participants to deeply reflect on themselves, explore their place within the broader context of intersectionality, and uncover systemic disenfranchisement at every level. We identified barriers affecting individuals and groups within our professional spheres, then practiced ways to address them. The added social component was crucial in bringing all the concepts to life and helping participants integrate the material. This experience has profoundly impacted my personal, professional, and intellectual growth in ways I never anticipated.
KIPP Academy Philadelphia
At the end of the program, I felt more confident in communicating my vision and goals, and better able to implement strategies to effect positive transformation. I would highly recommend this program!
College of Nursing & Health Sciences Drexel University
The content was incredibly insightful and the group assignments were exceptionally enlightening, greatly enhancing my knowledge of group dynamics and conflict resolution.
Retired Dean of Kinesiology and Sports Studies Bucks County Community College
The program encouraged participants to deeply reflect on themselves, explore their place within the broader context of intersectionality, and uncover systemic disenfranchisement at every level. We identified barriers affecting individuals and groups within our professional spheres, then practiced ways to address them. The added social component was crucial in bringing all the concepts to life and helping participants integrate the material. This experience has profoundly impacted my personal, professional, and intellectual growth in ways I never anticipated.
KIPP Academy Philadelphia
Seeing Dr. Robinson's work guide higher education institutions and other organizations toward sustainable change underscores the importance of investing in leaders who are not only prepared to navigate the complexities organizational change, but are also passionate about building cultures of belonging.
Senior Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer, Operations and Administration American Council on Education
At the end of the program, I felt more confident in communicating my vision and goals, and better able to implement strategies to effect positive transformation. I would highly recommend this program!
College of Nursing & Health Sciences Drexel University
Enroll Early for Exclusive Course Benefits! 🎁
Discover exclusive leadership insights and elevate your career! Enroll by August 1, 2025, to enjoy a special $250 discount on our premium course. Learn from industry experts and unlock the secrets to successful leadership. USE COUPON CODE: XXXXX
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Dr. Nicole R. Robinson
Founder of Cultural Connections by Design | Higher Ed Consultant | Culture Strategist Dr. Nicole R. Robinson is a nationally recognized academic consultant and former university associate vice president with over 25 years of experience in higher education. As the founder of Cultural Connections by Design, she empowers academic leaders to build inclusive, people-centered, and purpose-driven organizations. Her proven 4P’s Framework—People, Place, Process, and Power—has helped over 150 institutions navigate culture challenges, streamline decision-making, and lead with impact. Whether you're a department chair, dean, or provost, Dr. Robinson offers practical insights rooted in real-world leadership and grounded in equity. Because real culture change starts with purposeful leadership—and that starts with YOU.
Start Your Ascent Today!
Choose the level of support that fits your leadership journey—start where you are, grow as you go.