---
title: Benefits of the CEPA Leadership Cohort
description: The Exit Planning Institute is proud to continue our partnership with InitiativeOne and now offers our CEPAs the CEPA Leadership Cohort.
image: https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/hubfs/03-22-CEPA-Benefits-Instagram-2.jpg
---

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# Benefits of the CEPA Leadership Cohort

 by [**Colleen Kowalski**](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/author/colleen-kowalski) on March 31, 2022

![](https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/hubfs/03-22-CEPA-Benefits-Instagram-2.jpg)

InitiativeOne helps leaders break the grip of reactionary decision-making and shift toward decisions based on principles and high trust collaboration. These are the qualities that enable Certified Exit Planning Advisors (CEPA) to maximize value in their practice. The Exit Planning Institute (EPI) is proud to continue our partnership with [InitiativeOne](https://www.initiativeone.com/) and now offers our CEPAs the opportunity to join the [CEPA Leadership Cohort](https://www.initiativeone.com/store/services/cepa-leadership-summer-cohort/).

EPI President, Scott Snider, shares, “CEPAs can utilize InitiativeOne and their CEPA Leadership Cohort for themselves and their teams, as keynote speakers for their high-end events, and should be recommending this transformation leadership training program to their business owners as it drives growth in Human and Social Capital.” 

## What is Transformational Leadership? 

Leadership Transformation is an intense, long-term, team-based process grounded in research that helps executive leaders achieve sustainable strategic results. InitiativeOne shares, “We don’t just train leaders — we partner with you and your team, bringing a proven, research-based process that helps leaders find a deeper understanding of themselves and each other.”  

[Dr. Fred Johnson](https://www.initiativeone.com/our-team/), CEO and Founder of InitiativeOne, says transformational leadership is, “deeply needed. When you learn how to eliminate drama and replace it with focus, when so much of your bandwidth is no longer taken up with resolving conflicts, and when you learn to rise above the noise and make purpose lead decisions it transforms your business in tangible ways.” 

## Why Invest in Leadership Training?

Some people view leadership as a “soft skill” that does not require training or an investment of time and energy to improve. However, Dr. Fred Johnson says that referring to leadership as a “soft skill” is a misnomer. He goes on to say, “The ‘soft skills’ are often the hardest skills to attain. Computers don’t talk back or scream at you. There is no such thing as an effective leader who hasn’t mastered the art of influencing. If you see it as a soft skill, you are probably the leader who is most in trouble and needs this investment.” 

By investing in leadership training and advancing your relationship with employees, coworkers, and prospects, your business value improves as well. In other leadership cohorts managed by InitiativeOne, Fred has seen a “deep reduction in attrition which can lead to attracting and retaining greater talent, higher profitability, improvement in morale, and the development of an ownership mentality amongst employees.”

## What Will CEPAs Gain from the CEPA Leadership Cohort?

This process isn’t merely about skills or techniques; instead, it’s about a wholehearted transformation of beliefs and behaviors to make decisions and solve problems more effectively. Grow your competitive advantage and take the next step in maximizing your leadership. Scott Snider, shares, “If you could adopt those principles as a CEPA you could have better conversations with business owners and lead the team more effectively.” 

EPI recently went through Transformational Leadership training with Dr. Fred Johnson. This course allowed our team to communicate better together, engage in a more collaborative environment, and make quick, informed, and empowered decisions. As a result of this program and the professional development it offered employees at every level of the company, EPI saw [growth in our Human Capital](https://share.hsforms.com/1CVMyeLZaRjiyjF1_uA2zBw43422). The level of innovation and creativity grew as well due to the increased level of trust in our team members. 

Fred states, “Now if you could develop a team that is characterized by the ability to accelerate increased trust, master effective conflict resolution, create a very focused and targeted business, and find personal balance at the same time, isn’t that something you would want?” 

The CEPA Leadership Cohort provides CEPAs with the chance to connect with advisors who think differently and have completely different experiences. They can be honest without the fear of repercussion in the safe space created by InitiativeOne. 

### Key Takeaways From the CEPA Leadership Cohort:

- Learn how to build a high trust environment
- Take control of your decision-making by leaning on your purpose and values
- Eliminate drama to improve communication
- Make decisions and solve problems more effectively and efficiently
- Improve time management to lead with impact and not feel like you’re constantly putting out fires

The CEPA Leadership Cohort is a nine-week transformational experience with four follow-up sessions. Participants are eligible for 16.8 Continuing Education Units through the University of Wisconsin Green Bay.

## Learn More from Dr. Fred Johnson

Dr. Fred Johnson is the results-driven Chief Executive Officer and Founder of InitiativeOne. He has developed and implemented proprietary processes that create cultural change within corporate and organizational environments by focusing on improving the behaviors of key leaders. Implementation of these processes results in a verifiable improvement in morale, productivity, profitability, and efficiency. In a world of fast-paced change, leaders need to internalize principles that enable nimble adaptation and effective response to multiple scenarios. 

Additionally, Dr. Fred Johnson is a catalyst for deep transformation that encompasses the whole person. What emerges is a heightened sense of identity coming from who you are rather than what you do. Clients consistently note the impact that Dr. Johnson has made on their personal and corporate leadership journeys. He is passionate about guiding change in the lives of those who play integral roles in the workplace.

Hear Dr. Fred speak on our Main Stage during the 2022 Exit Planning Summit this May in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Exit Planning Summit is the coming together of the CEPA Community. The best CEPAs from around the world collaborate with their supporting partners and colleagues that are all helping business owners to create more significant companies. CEPAs will develop new or further current relationships, learn best practices, and advance themselves as advisors. Advisors will leave the Exit Planning Summit not only galvanized to accelerate their practice but with the tools and connections to do so.  

Learn more about the Exit Planning Summit and register to reserve your spot today!

[www.exitplanningsummit.com](https://www.exitplanningsummit.com) 

Learn more about the CEPA Leadership Cohort and register to begin your transformational leadership experience.

[CEPA Leadership Cohort - Summer](https://www.initiativeone.com/store/services/cepa-leadership-summer-cohort/) [CEPA Leadership Cohort - Fall](https://www.initiativeone.com/store/services/cepa-leadership-fall-cohort/)

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