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          Doing Business with Mass General Brigham

          Join us for our installment of the Pacesetters Doing Business series featuring Mass General Brigham on August 7, 2025.

          08/07/2025

          1:00pm - 2:00pm

          Virtual

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          BIMA
          2025 BIMA Summer Sizzler

          The BIMA Summer Sizzler is a chance to network with your digital media industry peers from the agency, publisher, and adtech community!

          08/14/2025

          6:00pm - 9:00pm

          Fenway Park

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          Talent
          Skills for the Future: How to Upskill Early Talent for Success

          Join Boston’s leading educators and industry experts to explore career-aligned high school programs, in-demand workplace skills, and innovative school partnerships driving student success

          07/17/2025

          9:00am - 11:00am

          Omni Boston Hotel Seaport

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        • Transformational DEI Certificate

          This program is in redevelopment. Click this page for DEI resources.

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          Women’s Leadership Program

          Our Women’s Leadership Program enables you to take your leadership to the next level by arming you with the most in-demand leadership toolkit.

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          Boston’s Future Leaders

          Our Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program provides emerging leaders with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit, as well as the opportunity to apply their knowledge through experiential assignments.

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          Authentic Professionalism for Early Career Professionals

          In this highly interactive workshop with Strategic Career & Leadership Coach Carole-Ann Penney, you’ll define your professional identity and develop strategies to confidently navigate workplace dynamics.

          Read More
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          Economic Inclusion
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

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          Economic Inclusion
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

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          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

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          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

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          BIMA

          BIMA (the Boston Interactive Media Association) serves a vibrant community of like-minded professionals from agencies, brands, publishers, and ad-tech companies with business interests in the New England market.

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          Women’s Network

          For over 30 years, the Chamber’s Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all background and career levels. Today, our Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women each year.

          Read More
          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

          The Massachusetts Apprentice Network convenes employers, training providers, and talent sources interested in developing and implementing apprenticeship programs in occupations across industries and statewide in fields such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more.

          Read More
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

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Bostonchamber
Boston Chamber
  • Events
        • Events

          • Overview
          • Events Calendar
          • Chamber Awards
          • New Chamber Event Series
        • ...
          Pacesetters
          Doing Business with Mass General Brigham

          Join us for our installment of the Pacesetters Doing Business series featuring Mass General Brigham on August 7, 2025.

          08/07/2025

          1:00pm - 2:00pm

          Virtual

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          BIMA
          2025 BIMA Summer Sizzler

          The BIMA Summer Sizzler is a chance to network with your digital media industry peers from the agency, publisher, and adtech community!

          08/14/2025

          6:00pm - 9:00pm

          Fenway Park

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Talent
          Skills for the Future: How to Upskill Early Talent for Success

          Join Boston’s leading educators and industry experts to explore career-aligned high school programs, in-demand workplace skills, and innovative school partnerships driving student success

          07/17/2025

          9:00am - 11:00am

          Omni Boston Hotel Seaport

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Learning & Development
        • Learning & Development

          • Overview
          • Call for Nominations
          • Insights
        • Transformational DEI Certificate

          This program is in redevelopment. Click this page for DEI resources.

          Read More
          Women’s Leadership Program

          Our Women’s Leadership Program enables you to take your leadership to the next level by arming you with the most in-demand leadership toolkit.

          Read More
          Boston’s Future Leaders

          Our Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program provides emerging leaders with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit, as well as the opportunity to apply their knowledge through experiential assignments.

          Read More
          Authentic Professionalism for Early Career Professionals

          In this highly interactive workshop with Strategic Career & Leadership Coach Carole-Ann Penney, you’ll define your professional identity and develop strategies to confidently navigate workplace dynamics.

          Read More
  • Economic Inclusion
        • Economic Inclusion

          • Overview
          • Pacesetters
          • Resources
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Economic Inclusion
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          arrow-go
          Read More
        • ...
          Small Business
          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          arrow-go
          Read More
  • Policy & Impact
        • Policy & Impact

          • Overview
          • Leadership Councils
          • Amicus Advisory Board
        • GET INVOLVED IN OUR POLICY FOCUS AREAS

          Business Climate
          Read More
          Climate & Energy
          Read More
          Health Care
          Read More
          Housing & Development
          Read More
          Talent
          Read More
          Transportation
          Read More
  • Our Networks
        • GBCC’s Networks

          • Overview
        • OUR NETWORKS

          Small Business

          Small businesses are the backbone of the Boston economy. Learn more about the resources available through the Chamber.

          Read More
          City Awake

          City Awake empowers young professionals in a variety of ways that encourages these rising leaders to stay invested in the region’s future success.

          Read More
          BIMA

          BIMA (the Boston Interactive Media Association) serves a vibrant community of like-minded professionals from agencies, brands, publishers, and ad-tech companies with business interests in the New England market.

          Read More
          Women’s Network

          For over 30 years, the Chamber’s Women’s Network has connected female professionals of all background and career levels. Today, our Women’s Network is the largest in New England, strengthening the professional networks of women each year.

          Read More
          Massachusetts Apprentice Network

          The Massachusetts Apprentice Network convenes employers, training providers, and talent sources interested in developing and implementing apprenticeship programs in occupations across industries and statewide in fields such as tech, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and more.

          Read More
          Pacesetters

          We are developing an ecosystem of corporations and partners with the influence and buying power to transform economic inclusion for minority business enterprises (MBEs).

          Read More
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          • Membership Benefits
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Learning & Development

Boston’s Future Leaders Program

Recruitment is now open for the Class of 2025!

Goals

  • Learn from world-renowned faculty at Harvard Business School through the case method.
  • Collaborate with other emerging leaders across industries through the Leadership Challenge and develop your social capital.
  • Participate in workshops focused on management, inclusive leadership, and effective communications.
  • Design an Individual Action Project for your own workplace.

Details

  • March 13, 2025 - December 9, 2025
  • In-Person
  • Member & Government: $6,000/person
  • Non-member: $8,000/person
Nominate Now

Jump to page section

  • Overview
  • Outcomes
  • Schedule
  • Testimonials
BFL

Program Overview:

Our Boston’s Future Leaders (BFL) program provides emerging and promising leaders with a socially conscious and civically engaged leadership toolkit blending academic content, practical application, and networking. Participants graduate with the skills, experiences, and connections needed to lead Boston and the region into an equitable, innovative future.

To learn more about the program in depth, please view our info session webinar.

Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce -- City Awake
Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce -- City Awake

Characteristics of Successful Candidates:

  • Identified as an emerging leader in your company
  • Employed at said company for a minimum of a year
  • Aged between 25-50
  • Committed to the long-term success of the region
  • Dedicated to FULL participation for 10 months
  • Demonstrates diverse background, perspective, or demographic
  • Brings a unique perspective to the cohort

    Strong applicants exhibit demonstrable skills in collaboration and management, submit thoughtful and succinct application responses, receive a well-written recommendation, and show clear manager and company buy-in to the program.

    Small to mid-size companies and nonprofits especially encouraged!

    Check Our Member Directory
  • 2025 Program Schedule

    March – Session 1:

    Orientation+ Harvard Business School, Module 1

    In the orientation, Chamber learning & development staff welcome the incoming class, facilitate introductions among the group, and outline program content and expectations for the year. Immediately afterwards, participants begin their leadership journey at Harvard Business School in the first module focused on leadership authenticity and identity.

    April – Session 2:

    Leadership Challenge Kick-Off + Networking

    The Leadership Challenge is a capstone experience of BFL, and this session introduces this year’s partnering organization and challenge topic. Participants go “behind-the-scenes” of one of Boston’s most interesting and influential places of business, and hear directly from prominent leaders on a hot topic directly affecting not only the business but the Greater Boston region.

    May – Session 3:

    DEI in Today’s Workplace

    Diversity @ Workplace, the Chamber’s delivery partner, focuses this session on the critical skills and awareness needed to manage a diverse workforce and to build inclusive environments for equitable workplace experiences. Moving beyond basic training, participants gain a greater understanding of key DEI concepts and learn to navigate the current state of DEI in the workplace.

    June – Session 4:

    Effective Supervision

    TSNE Missionworks, the Chamber’s delivery partner, assists participants in finding their preferred supervisory styles that also consider their individual team members’ needs. Participants practice adapting their supervisory approach and communication style in several hands-on activities, then engage in a reflection discussion on how to hold successful one-on-one meetings.

    July – Session 5:

    Leadership Challenge Charrette

    In the morning segment, participants finalize and practice their Leadership Challenge pitches/presentations in their assigned groups. After lunch, project teams present to a judging panel comprised of leadership from the partnering organization and other civic leaders. This session provides an important opportunity for participants to apply what they’ve learned in the program.

    August – Session 6:

    Individual Action Project Kick-Off

    Chamber learning & development staff introduce the parameters for the Individual Action Project, an opportunity for participants to apply what they learn in the program to a specific problem or issue in their own companies or communities. Then BFL alumni share their experiences with the IAP, followed by Q&A to help participants understand the assignment and feel prepared.

    September – Session 7 (Optional):

    Government Affairs Forum

    Participants attend one of the Chamber’s Government Affairs Forums, a series investigating the political and business landscapes in Boston and the state of Massachusetts. Speakers vary, but typically the September forum features the current city of Boston mayor. This session is optional but highly encouraged.

    October – Session 8:

    Harvard Business School, Module 2

    Participants return to Harvard Business School for a follow-up session to module 1 in the spring. Expanding to encompass leadership’s impact on companies and society at large, participants continue to dissect, analyze, and discuss case studies as a cohort and in small groups while engaging with returning and new Harvard faculty.

    November – Session 9:

    Innovative Communication & Visual Art + Networking

    This session introduces an innovative way to change how participants communicate within their own workplaces, run meetings, and establish equitable learning opportunities for their teams. The Chamber’s director of learning & development, an advanced Visual Thinking Strategies facilitator, demonstrates how to elevate your company’s social-emotional intelligence.

    December – Session 10:

    Corporate Economic Inclusion

    This brand-new session includes a deep dive into understanding the Chamber’s Pacesetters program, examining the importance of procurement and spending with minority business enterprises. The Chamber’s economic inclusion staff engage with participants, take questions, then lead a discussion connecting civic engagement to corporate responsibility.

    December – Session 11:

    Project Presentations + Graduation Ceremony

    In the final session, participants present their Individual Action Projects, debrief the IAP experience, then celebrate each other and the cohort’s success in a small graduation ceremony. Immediately following, participants mingle with Chamber staff, board members, and select special guests in the closing networking reception.

    Program Outcomes

    • 88% enhanced their preparedness for the next phase of leadership
    • 17% earned a promotion during their time in the program
    • 75% increased their knowledge of and involvement in the Greater Boston region
    • 66% made a positive impact within their organization through the program
    • 82% developed an impact vision for their organization, sector, or community
    • 14% expanded their job responsibilities after the program
    • Participants bring organizational, strategic, and team management skills back to your organization through premier professional development.
    • Participants’ Individual Action Projects directly impact your organization by providing solutions to a particular problem or issue using what they learned from the program.
    • Participants represent your business amongst a cohort of the city’s next generation of trusted leaders.
    • Participants collaborate across industries in a Leadership Challenge that deepens their connections to and across the city, strengthening their commitment to the future of the region.

    WHAT PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING

    “The BFL cohort was curated to represent a comprehensive cross-section of Boston's future leaders. The participants selected by the Chamber resulted in one of the most diverse rooms I have ever seen in Greater Boston with an array of identities, perspectives and industries represented.”

    Michael Pizziferri
    Senior Office, Consulate General of Canada in Boston (Class of 2024)

    WHAT PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING

    “The BFL program was delivered at a good pace with relevant course content. It provided participants the opportunity for self-reflection on management styles and professional development. It strengthened my leadership skills, and I gained knowledge on how to effectively respond to business crises. I continue to utilize my learning from the program.”

    Evonne Idumwonyi
    Program Manager, Heading Home Inc. (Class of 2024)

    WHAT PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING

    “The classroom sessions and interactive exercises were instrumental in reshaping my leadership approach and enhancing my skills. I wholeheartedly recommend this program to anyone seeking growth and transformation. You will emerge as a better leader, motivated to bring about positive change in the Greater Boston region.”

    Adriana Moschella
    Senior Vice President, Business Banking Team Lead, Eastern Bank (Class of 2024)

    WHAT PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING

    “BFL provides a unique way to connect with fellow emerging leaders across various industries, which is a perspective I'd never have been able to have without participating. The program content and level of delivery is unparalleled. The lessons learned and connections made are career changing. ”

    Brian Spangler
    Technical Director, Senior Associate, Perkins & Will Architects (Class of 2024)

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