Leading for change and maximum VMG. Designed for executives who want to become more effective in cultivating and leading a high-VMG organization through a powerful combination of assessment, feedback, coaching, peer interaction and application. The program addresses both the personal and organizational aspects of driving change. VMG Leadership will launch in beta mode in October 2009. A 4-day program scheduled over a 5-week period, VMG Leadership includes assessments of personality, leadership and organizational culture, discussion of critical leadership challenges and opportunities and business simulations centered on creating, implementing and leading strategic change.

An exercise in fluid thinking. Conducted on a cruising yacht under sail, this one-day program is designed for creative, concept/product development and research teams seeking insight, inspiration and a broader associative and creative thinking range through immersion in a hands-on, brain-on sensory experience. Innovation Immersion will launch in beta mode in conjunction with OC Innovation month in October 2009.

Turning emerging leaders into effective leaders. The critical challenge facing many organizations is how to engage, motivate and develop the next generations of leaders. Gen X at the Helm is designed to accelerate the development of high-potential leaders, with content and a format that addresses the unique attitudes, behaviors and learning preferences of the X and Y (Millenial) generations.  Scheduled over the course of 5 weeks, this fast-paced four-day course is assessment, feedback and simulation/application-intensive. Gen X at the Helm picks up where formal education leaves off; participants will gain an awareness of their behaviors, personality and leadership style and the implications and effectiveness of various behaviors and leadership styles. Give the extended format, participants will have an opportunity to both learn and to refine effective individual, team and leadership behaviors. Gen X at the Helm will launch in beta mode in September 2009.

Corporate Challenge Series: Maximum intensity in a plug-and-play format. Ideal for organizations with an immediate need for a 5- to 15-week development or recognition program. Corporate Challenge Series programs are integrated into existing weekday evening yacht club race schedules to deliver a compelling race experience without the private-event overhead. Given the abbreviated timeframe, the tendency is to select a coach to win or coach for fun emphasis. If a more defined agenda and outcomes are desired, the Challenge Series racing program can be combined with facilitated programs, including change and performance management tools. Similarly, we can incorporate ancillary competition or recognition elements or create an immersive brand experience through participant clothing and sailing gear, signage, etcetera. Regardless of the options, the experience is pure exhileration.

Beer Can “Races” aren’t races as much as social sails. These events are a fit for organizations seeking a camaraderie-building, networking or more moderate intensity engagement or reward option. The emphasis in Beer Can racing is decidedly on “play”; aggression, including protesting an alleged foul, is frowned upon. Of course, rules apply, and the first of ten “Beer Can Commandments” says it all: “Thou shalt not take anything other than safety too seriously.” But don’t be deceived in thinking there isn’t a perspective upside. Consider this excerpt from Commandment #1: “No instructions? Improvise.” There’s something refreshing and powerful about a relaxed, can-do attitude. We can create a Beer Can Race as a private event or integrate an organizational contingent of one or more boats into an existing weekday evening yacht club series.