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Kalissa Hendrickson, PhD
Leadership | Education | Growth
Professional Background
Kalissa Hendrickson, PhD, is an accomplished leader in the field of executive education, currently serving as the Managing Director of Executive Leadership Seminars at the renowned Aspen Institute. The Aspen Institute is a respected nonpartisan organization dedicated to driving meaningful change through dialogue, leadership, and proactive action. In her role, Kalissa specializes in enhancing the self-awareness and leadership capabilities of various stakeholders, including CEOs, senior teams, executive boards, government officials, military personnel, and educators. She is instrumental in helping these individuals identify and amplify their core values, fostering a more authentic and effective leadership approach.
Kalissa's career at the Aspen Institute is characterized by her innovative approach to leadership development and her commitment to providing high-quality executive education. By integrating Socratic dialogue and humanities-based inquiry into leadership seminars, she ensures that participants engage in profound, reflective learning experiences. Each year, Kalissa and her dedicated team conduct a diverse array of leadership seminars, ranging from virtual to in-person formats, and they extend their critical learning opportunities both domestically and internationally. These seminars have garnered partnerships with prestigious organizations such as Microsoft, Meta, and the Centers for Disease Control, showcasing Kalissa's commitment to expanding the scope and impact of leadership education.
In addition to her management responsibilities, Kalissa serves as a moderator for various Aspen Leadership Seminars, including the flagship Aspen Executive Seminar. Here, she engages participants in deep discussions about leadership, values, and the qualities that contribute to a good society, solidifying her reputation as a thought leader in the field.
Education and Achievements
Kalissa's academic journey is impressive, beginning with her undergraduate education at Northwestern University, where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in Music Performance. Her passion for the arts and humanities later led her to pursue a Ph.D. in English Literature at Arizona State University, where she cultivated her understanding of narrative, storytelling, and critical thinking—skills that would become invaluable in her leadership development work.
Her educational foundation equips Kalissa with a unique perspective on leadership and communication. This blend of music and literature allows her to appreciate the nuances of human experience, which she effectively channels into her work, helping leaders to narrate their values and visions compellingly.
Notable Achievements
Throughout her career, Kalissa has made significant contributions to the field of executive education. Her entrepreneurial approach has enabled her to develop and implement a wide array of executive seminars that are tailored to the dynamic needs of modern organizations. As a strategic thinker and visionary leader, she has fostered partnerships that enhance the educational offerings of the Aspen Institute, thus positively impacting countless individuals and organizations.
Kalissa has also held various positions at Arizona State University, where she started as an instructor in the College of Letters and Sciences. She progressed to becoming a Research Advancement Administrator at the Institute for Humanities Research, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to fostering academic excellence.
Her previous role as an Advertising Account Executive at Phoenix New Times showcases her diverse skill set and ability to connect with various audiences, a critical attribute in her current position where communication and relationship-building are paramount.
Kalissa's current focus on leadership development places her at the forefront of contemporary discussions about values-based leadership, a subject that is increasingly pertinent in today's ever-changing world. Her ability to guide leaders in aligning their actions with their core beliefs positions her as an influential figure in reshaping how leadership is viewed and practiced in various sectors.
Kalissa Hendrickson resides in Washington D.C. with her husband and beloved dog, reflecting a well-rounded personal life that complements her professional endeavors. With her strong background in both the humanities and organizational leadership, Kalissa Hendrickson continues to be a beacon of insight and inspiration in the executive education landscape.