Frequently Asked Questions

Experience Overview and Structure

What’s the difference between the in-person and virtual cohorts?

  • Both formats deliver the same transformative AWL experience with six interactive sessions, monthly certified coaching, and impactful connection opportunities.

    • In-Person (Indianapolis, IN): Features immersive, full-day in-person sessions and opportunities to connect face-to-face with peers and speakers.

    • Virtual: Provides immersive experience online with the ability to participate from anywhere, maintaining dynamic engagement with expert facilitators, peers, and leadership tools—all in a powerful online format.

Why is the experience spaced out over several months?

  • Leadership transformation takes time. Monthly sessions allow you to reflect, practice, and integrate key learnings into your leadership journey while maintaining a manageable schedule alongside your career and your whole big life.

How is the sports-focused AWL experience unique, and how will it benefit women in sports?

  • The core AWL experience remains consistent, offering transformative leadership development, but the sports-focused cohort is specifically tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of women in sports leadership. With industry-specific speakers, targeted content, and a network of peers in the sports world, you'll gain insights, strategies, and skills to lead with confidence and make a lasting impact in your organization.

Logistics and Commitment

What is the time commitment beyond the scheduled sessions?

  • The monthly sessions are just the beginning. To fully embrace the AWL experience, participants are expected to invest time in inner sessio time that includes journaling, reflecting, creating actionable plans, and seeking feedback from their cohort, team, and even family. In addition to the monthly sessions, participants are required to engage in dyad coaching with a certified executive coach between each of the monthly sessions. Finally, participants will also engage with a ‘learning partner’ time between each of the monthly sessions to connect, learn and support each others growth throughout the experience. Trying out new approaches in your leadership or professional journey is a powerful way to grow and the only way to sustain behavior change. Prioritizing this work not only enhances your development but also reinforces your commitment to your own well-being and leadership growth. The more you invest, the more you maximize your ROI.

What happens if I need to miss a session?

  • Attendance is essential to fully benefit from the AWL in Sports experience, with Sessions 1 and 6 being required to participate. These sessions set the foundation for your journey, and ensure momentum forward at the culmination. We understand life happens, so if unavoidable, you can miss up to one session. Our facilitators and your coach will provide resources and guidance to help you stay aligned with the cohort’s progress. However, the true impact of the program comes from your engagement—prioritizing this experience is a powerful step toward your growth and well-being as a leader.

Long Zoom sessions can feel exhausting—how do you handle that?

  • We understand that long virtual sessions can be draining, which is why our sessions are designed to keep you engaged and energized. About 95% of your success in the virtual cohort depends on your ability to show up and actively participate. To keep you focused and inspired, we build in breaks and vary the activities. Facilitators also use interactive tools that create a dynamic and collaborative learning experience, helping you stay connected with peers and coaches, while ensuring you can stay engaged throughout the session.

  • The structure of each virtual day is designed to maintain your energy levels, with plenty of time for breaks and engagement:

    • 3 hour morning session with several brain breaks

    • 1 hour lunch break

    • 3 hour afternoon session with several brain breaks

    This structured approach helps maintain your energy and keeps you engaged, ensuring you can fully benefit from the experience.

Will I receive any materials or tools to support my development?

  • Yes! Participants will have access to curated leadership tools, resources, and exercises to support their growth throughout the experience and beyond.

Coaching and Support

What is dyad coaching, and how does it work?

  • Dyad coaching pairs you with another participant and a Certified Executive Coach, creating a supportive space for deeper learning, mutual accountability, and personal growth. These sessions occur between the monthly sessions, allowing you to reflect, apply new insights, and make an impact in spaces that are most important to your leadership journey.

Can my employer sponsor or cover the cost of this program?

  • Absolutely! Many organizations recognize the value of leadership development and are committed to investing in experiences like AWL through their professional development budgets. To explore how your employer can sponsor your participation, we invite you to set up a Fit Call with one of our team members for more information and guidance on building the business case to your organization.

  • Schedule a Fit Call

Networking and Community

What kind of leaders participate in AWL in Sports?

  • AWL in Sports attracts a diverse group of women leaders from collegiate and professional sports, the entertainment industry, and event management sectors. Participants often represent roles in sports organizations, entertainment companies, and conferences such as the NCAA, Horizon League, Indiana Fever, WISE (Women in Sports and Events), etc.

  • These women bring a variety of experiences, from managing teams and operations to creating memorable event experiences, driving strategic marketing initiatives, or leading media and content creation efforts. AWL also welcomes leaders from adjacent industries, adding fresh perspectives that enrich cohort discussions and foster innovative thinking.

  • This blend of expertise and backgrounds creates a vibrant, collaborative space where participants can grow as influential, dynamic, and purpose-driven leaders in their respective fields.

How will networking opportunities be structured?

  • Networking is a key part of the AWL in Sports experience. Opportunities include:

    • Cohort-Based Connections: Engage deeply with peers during interactive sessions, group discussions, and dyad coaching.

    • Special Events: Participate in kickoff and graduation happy hours, whether in-person or virtual.

    • Alumni Engagement: Stay connected through Virtual Exhales by Cohort, Coast-to-Coast Connections with alumni worldwide, and exclusive events like the upcoming Indy Ignite Volleyball Night Out.

    • Private LinkedIn Group: Access our private AWL Alumni LinkedIn group to share updates, seek advice, and maintain connections.

    • Ongoing Networking: Alumni often organize meetups at conferences, plan regional gatherings, or connect during travel for continued support and collaboration.

  • Whether in-person or virtual, these networking moments foster meaningful and lasting professional relationships.

If you still have questions or would like to discuss whether this is the right fit, contact us here.