March 15, 2018
Mission
Influence is designed to help CEOs and C-suite executives step outside their day-to-day responsibilities and engage with the people, industries, and institutions driving San Diego’s future. Over three immersive days, participants gain insights that extend beyond their own sector, creating a broader perspective on the opportunities and challenges affecting the region and, ultimately, their organizations.
Why Influence?
Through candid conversations with influential regional leaders, behind-the-scenes access to key industries and institutions, and meaningful dialogue with a cohort of executive peers, participants gain a broader understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing our community. The program is intentionally designed to move beyond individual organizations, equipping leaders with the regional perspective, strategic relationships, and civic awareness needed to make informed decisions and create lasting impact.
Participants will:
- Build meaningful relationships with C-suite executives and senior leaders from diverse industries and sectors.
- Gain a deeper understanding of the regional issues, trends, and decisions that influence San Diego’s economy and quality of life.
- Learn directly from influential business, government, military, nonprofit, and civic leaders.
- Expand their perspective by engaging with leaders whose experiences and viewpoints differ from their own.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration, partnerships, and community engagement.
Influence is designed for C-suite executives who are:
- New to the San Diego region and looking to quickly understand the people, industries, and issues that shape our community.
- New to an executive or C-suite role and seeking a broader regional perspective to complement their organizational leadership responsibilities.
- Established executives who are committed to lifelong learning and want to deepen their civic engagement, expand their cross-sector relationships, and increase their impact beyond their organization.
The curriculum examines the sectors that have the greatest influence on San Diego’s long-term success, including regional governance, economic development, workforce and higher education, housing and homelessness, military and defense, maritime industries, cross-border collaboration, energy, healthcare innovation, and the nonprofit sector. Participants hear directly from CEOs, elected officials, military leaders, public administrators, and community executives who provide diverse perspectives on the opportunities and challenges facing our region.
Join the Next Influence Cohort
Join an exclusive cohort of San Diego’s top executives and business leaders for three immersive days exploring the issues, industries, and opportunities shaping our region’s future.
March 4–6, 2027 | Three full-day sessions (approximately 8 hours each), with networking socials following Days 1 and 3.
Participation is limited to 25 executives, and applications are reviewed and accepted on a rolling basis. We encourage you to apply early to secure your opportunity to participate.
Apply Now!
If you have any questions, email LEAD@SDChamber.org.
2027 Program Cost
Chamber Member – $3,500
Non-Member – $4,375
Testimonials
Jean Loo-Russo (17)
Chief Philanthropy Officer
The Elizabeth Hospice
“LEAD San Diego’s Influence has been instrumental in our ability to work collaboratively with other organizations for the benefit of the community. This is a great opportunity to make connections.”
Carisa Wisniewski (11)
Past Chair, LEAD San Diego
Regional Managing Principal – Southern California, Baker Tilly
“We’re fortunate in San Diego County to have created an environment of collaboration, of partnerships, and intelligent and constructive discourse.”
James Mackay (17)
Co-Founder, President & Chief Executive Officer
Crystalys Therapeutics
“Influence San Diego was a truly awesome experience. I have never learned so much and been so interested on a three-day course. It was so good that I send all the members of my leadership team.”
