ACE Leadership

ACE Leadership is a six-month leadership development program that helps emerging and mid-level leaders define their leadership style, develop their leadership skills, and connect with Minnesota’s most experienced tech executives. Participants come away equipped to drive results within their own companies as well as contribute meaningfully to Minnesota’s tech ecosystem.

Program Fit

ACE is designed for technology managers and senior managers who are ready to lead at the next level.

You’re strong technically. Now you need the leadership toolkit — strategic thinking, communication, team dynamics, and executive presence — that positions you for director-level roles and beyond.

This program is a fit if you:

• Manage people or projects in a technology organization
• Want structured development outside your company’s internal programs
• Value learning alongside peers from other organizations facing similar challenges
• Are eager to invest in your own growth

Program Highlights

• Six day-long seminars that blend expert instruction with peer discussion and real-world application.
  
• Core leadership competencies including communication, inclusive leadership, strategic thinking, and more.
  
• Executive coaching from a CIO or senior technology leader at a Minnesota company. Your coach has faced the challenges you’re navigating and offers perspective you won’t find inside your own organization.
  
• A peer cohort of 25 technology leaders from companies across the Twin Cities. The relationships built during the program often become long-term professional networks.
  
• A capstone presentation to MnTech board members and ACE alumni. You’ll develop and deliver a leadership project, building presentation skills while showcasing what you’ve learned.
  
• Lifetime access to the ACE alumni network, a community of senior technology leaders, many of whom completed the program years ago and now hold executive roles.
  

Program Structure

• Duration: Six months
• Sessions: One full day per month, typically the second Thursday (see program flyer for dates)
• Location: Downtown Minneapolis (in-person)
• Cohort Size: 25 participants
• Cohorts: Two per year, Spring (April–October) and Fall (September–February)

Program Tuition

The program is $4,000 for MnTech members*.

ACE Leadership Program tuition reflects a comprehensive, six-month leadership development experience that includes six immersive, day-long sessions, executive mentorship, expert facilitation, and a capstone presentation. Tuition also includes invitations to MnTech signature events, providing ACE Leaders with expanded access to Minnesota’s technology community and additional opportunities for learning, visibility, and connection.

*We accept professionals from non-member companies on a case-by-case basis. Not sure if your company is a member of MnTech? Search our current members list

If you have any question about the program, please contact us.

Program Impact

ACE Leadership has become the leadership development program that top companies in Minnesota — from Target and 3M, to CHS and the University of Minnesota — continue to send employees through year after year. With over hundreds of graduates and a robust ACE Leadership Alumni network, you’ll continue to expand your impact long after your cohort ends.