Forging new trajectories for later career and beyond 

What follows after attaining professional success?

For numerous accomplished individuals, that inquiry looms prominently after years of accomplishments. The USC Distinguished Leaders Program offers a solution, enabling those aged 50 and above to create significant new chapters in their personal and professional journeys.

This innovative six-month initiative utilizes USC’s extensive resources, assembling esteemed faculty to mentor participants as they investigate new pathways for influence. Through in-person and online sessions, leaders refine their objectives, cultivate new abilities, and connect with a prestigious network of experts and colleagues while creating personal projects that address urgent societal challenges.

A program founded on experience and exploration

Initiated in September 2024, the USC Distinguished Leaders Program unites alumni, faculty, and top professionals from various fields. Participants partake in immersive on-campus experiences and adaptable online education, acquiring insights from USC’s leading figures in business, technology, policy, health, and the arts.

“The individuals we attract are distinguished leaders, as are the faculty members assisting them,” emphasizes Tara Hein-Phillips, USC’s executive director of Continuing Education, Online and Global Programs.

Felicia Schwartz, a technology executive based in New York and parent of a USC Marshall School of Business graduate, mentions that she faced a critical moment when pondering her future endeavors. The USC program, she reflects, “was remarkable because it emphasizes leveraging your life to benefit the world.”

Access to world-class educators and research institutions

A key advantage of the Distinguished Leaders Program is its access to USC’s esteemed faculty and research institutions. Specialists from various fields guide participants through decision-making, longevity, narrative, and technological advancements.

Program advisor Caroline Cicero is one such faculty member. An instructional associate

As a faculty member at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and the head of the USC Age-Friendly University Initiative, she assists individuals in reimagining the concept of retirement as not merely a conclusion, but as a springboard for fresh pursuits.

“At the Leonard Davis School, we examine development — both physical and social — across the lifespan,” explains Cicero. “I have a keen interest in how individuals in their later years can evaluate their next moves.”

This type of insight from Cicero and other faculty members at USC equips the Distinguished Leaders participants with a clear and practical strategy for their forthcoming chapters.

A spotlight on storytelling

The program’s framework combines thorough academic engagement with practical application in real-world scenarios. Over a six-month period, Distinguished Leaders visit four USC campuses and research facilities. They collaborate with faculty and fellow participants to outline their aspirations and deliberate on topics such as technology, healthcare, sustainability, and policy. Additionally, they engage in tailored coaching and participate in intimate group discussions. In between these live sessions, Distinguished Leaders consistently connect with one another and expert advisors through virtual meetings.

The program prioritizes storytelling, sustainability, innovation, and social responsibility as its foundational elements — all domains where USC is recognized for its proficiency. Storytelling — one of its most profound components — is a vital skill for both introspection and leadership, states Gabe Sachs, a writer-producer (Freaks & Geeks, Diary of a Wimpy Kid) and a graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, who acts as an expert advisor in the storytelling phase of the program.

“Personal narrative involves deeply exploring your life experiences,” says Sachs. Participants take part in guided autobiography tasks and even delve into visual storytelling, aiding them in expressing their journeys and future goals. They also reinforce their leadership foundations by documenting their personal narratives.

This narrative-building is fundamentally about authenticity and revealing aspects of oneself that may have previously gone unshared, notes Sachs. That level of transparency, he adds, “initiates a dialogue as individuals react and engage.”

Engaging experiences across USC campuses

The Distinguished Leaders Program merges intensive on-campus experiences with the adaptability of online education. Participants also venture to Catalina Island, home to the USC Wrigley Institute for Environment and Sustainability’s Marine Science Center.

“When people hear ‘Catalina,’ they often envision glamour and relaxation,” shares Jud DeLoss, a lawyer and the CEO of the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health, who is also part of the inaugural cohort. “However, we were situated where research is conducted at truly impressive facilities.”

Wrigley Institute’s Director Joe Árvai guided the leaders through understanding the psychology behind decision-making and problem-solving, discussing what that might signify for their futures. Schwartz notes that the program is aiding her in sharpening her entrepreneurial abilities to create technology aimed at alleviating anxiety and depression in children.

Participants also gather in person at the USC Institute for Creative Technologies in Playa Vista — popularly known as Silicon Beach — where they interact with experts in AI and technology, including Leslie Ann Saxon, the executive director of the USC Center for Body Computing, discussing the most effective ways to leverage AI and other progressive technologies to fulfill their objectives.

In addition to engaging with esteemed faculty in Southern California, Distinguished Leaders also hold their second in-person gathering at USC’s new Capital Campus in Washington, D.C. “[Participants] get the chance to meet with global thought leaders on a national platform,” states Kamy Akhavan, executive director of the USC Dornsife Center for the Political Future, who serves as a guide in the program’s policy and impact segments.

“I am particularly eager for our time in D.C., as we’ll be able to connect with several policymakers,” conveys cohort member Brian Sullivan, a media leader with 35 years of experience at companies like FOX Networks Group and Sky UK. Sullivan is utilizing the program to develop creative funding approaches aimed at enhancing access to K-12 education.

A tailored approach for lifelong influence

While the program offers a structured educational experience, it also presents guidance via weekly individualized coaching sessions, ensuring participants stay engaged and inspired. “Regardless of whether it’s in person or online, the program maintains a deeply personal connection,” notes Saxon. Participants collaborate in regular breakout groups, providing insights and support regarding each other’s areas of impact.

This adaptability has proven essential for RoJean DeChantal, a former HR executive who has become an advocate for retirement.

“After retiring, I accepted three additional roles,” shares DeChantal. Through the program, she is crafting tools designed to assist individuals in planning their social lives and career shifts — all while nurturing their passions — for the subsequent phase of their lives.

A legacy of leadership

The extensive resources available at USC distinguish the Distinguished Leaders Program.

“USC’s professional schools represent a vital resource,” notes Cicero. “Our USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, the oldest of its kind in the nation, offers unparalleled insight into aging. Furthermore, our USC School of Cinematic Arts is unrivaled across the country. The combination of these and other leading programs grants participants unique instruments to pursue new ventures.”

The first cohort comprises executives, educators, nonprofit leaders, legal professionals, and technological pioneers, all forming significant connections throughout the program as mentors and collaborators. Undoubtedly, these networks will extend well beyond the six-month coursework, fostering enduring friendships and professional partnerships.

Expert advisor Sachs indicates that the learning experience is mutually beneficial for all participants involved: “[The Distinguished Leaders] demonstrated to me that there are no limits to what one can learn and aim for,” he states.

“Throughout my career, I primarily informed others about my work,” Sullivan reflects. “Then I transitioned to explaining what I had previously done.” As his journey with Distinguished Leaders progresses, he adds, “I am excited to share what my future endeavors will be.”

To discover more about the USC Distinguished Leaders Program or to submit an application, visit distinguishedleaders.usc.edu or reach out via email at [email protected].