The Leadership Challenge
Are leaders born or made? While research suggests that innate ability can be helpful, the most effective leaders are forged through the fires of experience.
The Leadership Challenge is a one of a kind, fast-paced, multi-round simulation where teams face off in an immersive leadership development experience. Student participants have the unique opportunity to place themselves in the shoes of a C-level executive and solve complex real-world business problems to test their leadership in front of experienced leaders who act as a board of directors.
Key Dates
Spring 2027 Applications
Opens:
Closes:
Event Date & Time
TBD
Format
- Teams are comprised of 4 individuals
- The competition has two rounds
- Every team competes in the first round, and the top four teams move-on to the second/final round
- The final round will take place immediately after the first round
- Finalist teams will receive a twist in the case and have 55 minutes to prepare a new presentation for the final round
- Teams receive the case one week before competition day
- Teams prepare a 10 minute oral presentation (no slides or handouts) based on given questions
- Presentations are delivered to their company's board of directors (executive judge panel)
- Following their presentations, teams will receive developmental feedback and questions
- A scoring rubric will be sent to teams along with the case one week before the event
- Prize money is awarded to the top three finishers:
- 1st place team - $4,000
- 2nd place team - $1,700
- 3rd place team - $400
- 4th place team - $100
The Leadership Challenge
The Stephen R. Covey Leadership Center’s annual Leadership Challenge provides students with hands-on experience
solving complex organizational and leadership issues through real-world case studies.
Students collaborate to analyze business challenges, identify root causes, and develop strategic recommendations while considering factors such as leadership, culture, systems, incentives, and organizational structure.
Teams present their findings to a panel of executives, community leaders, and professionals representing a wide range of industries, creating valuable opportunities for applied learning, professional development, and networking.
