Overview
The Leadership Essentials certificate is designed to develop well-rounded, emotionally intelligent leaders equipped to communicate effectively, lead authentically, and navigate workplace challenges with confidence. You’ll begin by understanding your own leadership style by clarifying your core values and developing your personal leadership vision. From there, you'll explore the concept of Emotional Intelligence, where you will learn how your emotions and the emotions of others impact your ability to make decisions, build relationships, and effectively lead your team. The program then builds your communication skills to foster clarity, trust, and alignment within your team. Finally, you'll gain practical strategies for addressing conflict, understanding its root causes, and resolving issues before they impact culture or performance. This certificate is ideal for current and emerging leaders committed to meaningful growth.
Purchase courses individually to fit your schedule and training needs or you can save training funds by purchasing the full certificate at a reduced price.
Certificate Requirements
The Leadership Essentials Certificate courses include:
Unlock your leadership potential by building authentic self-awareness. Using personalized assessments, you'll clarify your core values, develop your personal leadership vision, and harness authenticity to inspire others. Gain practical tools to foster a growth mindset and continuously enhance your leadership impact.
Enhance your leadership impact by mastering emotional intelligence (EI). Grounded in the Bar-On Stein 2.0 model, this course explores essential EI competencies like empathy, emotional self-awareness, decision-making, and stress management. Through self-assessments and practical scenario-based exercises, you'll learn to recognize how emotions - both your own and others' - affect your effectiveness, enabling you to lead with greater insight, empathy, and clarity.
Master the art of clear and impactful communication. This course teaches you to adapt your communication style, deliver constructive feedback confidently, and employ coaching techniques to drive accountability and collaboration. Strengthen relationships by communicating with clarity, kindness, and purpose.
Navigate challenging conversations confidently. Develop critical skills in conflict management, understand diverse perspectives, and leverage practical techniques for effective conflict resolution. Transform conflict into opportunities to build stronger, more resilient professional relationships.
How It Works
Certificate Access
180 days
Effort
15-20 hours of study per course
Delivery
Online
Instruction
Self-paced
Cost
$2,000
- Enhance emotional intelligence to lead with greater self-awareness, empathy, and resilience.
- Clarify your leadership style and values to lead with authenticity, intention, and integrity.
- Communicate more effectively to build trust, ensure alignment, and inspire your team.
- Navigate conflict confidently by understanding its causes and applying proactive resolution strategies.
The Leadership Essentials certificate is ideal for professionals at all levels who are looking to grow their leadership capabilities. Whether you're an individual contributor seeking to increase your influence, a new manager navigating the transition to leadership, or an early-career professional building a strong foundation, this program provides the skills and insights needed to lead with confidence. Participants will benefit from practical tools and reflective exercises designed to enhance emotional intelligence, communication, and decision-making—key competencies for success in any role or industry.
Ilana Zinyk
Ilana Zinyk is a leadership development consultant based in Edmonton.
Connection and authenticity are at the forefront of Ilana’s work. She draws knowledge from a decade of formal leadership experience, her Master of Arts Degree (2013) in Leadership, and her ongoing role as a coach, mentor, and facilitator for leaders in both the private and public sectors. Ilana works with multiple post-secondary institutions in Alberta as a contracted subject matter expert on leadership, has spoken in front of international audiences, and finds fulfillment in sharing her expertise and passion with others. Ilana’s relational style and easy-going approach set her apart as a consultant who consistently puts people first.
Certificate FAQs
Is this an instructor-led certificate?
The courses within this certificate are designed to be self-paced with all materials you need for successful completion contained within the learning platform. The certificate has been designed by subject matter experts and each course includes interviews with leading experts, aligned to the course outcomes. The certificate is an immersive experience that includes a mix of content including video introductions and video content, impactful readings, learning checks, and interactive elements – all which can be completed at your own pace.
How much time will I need to spend?
A Each course will require 15-20 hours to complete. You will have 180 days access from the time of registration to complete all four courses in the certificate.
Do I have to be online at a certain time of day?
No, you do not have to be online at a specific time. You complete the coursework at the times and places that fits your schedule. Each course is designed for working professionals who are balancing their work, family and community commitments.
When do I start?
You can start your first course as soon as you register for the certificate! You will automatically be directed to the interactive learning environment.
How long will I have access to my courses?
A You will have 180 days to complete all four courses in the certificate.
What will I receive after I complete all of my courses?
You will receive a digital certificate of completion that is downloadable and printable. Digital badges are also awarded for specific achievements throughout the certificate.
What is the refund policy?
No refunds will be issued for the certificate. Refunds may be considered under exceptional circumstances on a case-by-case basis. Please contact powered@athabascau.ca for more information.
Are there tests or quizzes involved?
There will be activities, assignments, and short quizzes within each course to ensure you understand the content. All quizzes are designed to be accessible and easy to complete by engaging in the content. Within each module, you will have the answers to each evaluation.
What are the computer requirements for this certificate?
You should have access to a Mac, PC, or tablet with an Internet connection, with Safari, Chrome, Microsoft Edge or Firefox as a browser. Here is a link that outlines browser support:
https://documentation.brightspace.com/EN/brightspace/requirements/all/browser_support.htm
For virtual sessions:
- Speakers/headphones
- Web camera and microphone
Learners that want to use their smart phone to access the courses can also download the D2L Pulse App for free to access the course available on Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.d2l.brightspace.student.android&hl=en_CA
Or the Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/ca/app/brightspace-pulse/id1001688546
Does this certificate have prerequisites?
This certificate does not have a required prerequisite.
Who do I contact if I need help?
You can contact powered@athabascau.ca for assistance with any questions you may have. We are here to help!