The Ross Leaders Academy (RLA) is the Sanger Leadership Center’s most immersive leadership development experience, bringing together students from across the University of Michigan for a year-long journey focused on self-awareness, coaching, reflection, and experiential learning. Grounded in the Michigan Model of Leadership, the program helps students strengthen the interpersonal and leadership skills needed to navigate complexity, collaborate effectively, and lead with intention.
In a new feature from Michigan Ross, four members of the 2025–2026 RLA cohort reflect on the personal growth and leadership insights they gained through the experience. From identity mapping and purpose exploration to coaching and peer reflection, students share how RLA helped them better understand themselves as leaders and connect leadership development to their future careers.
Danielle Ewang
BBA ’26
“It was not about fitting into a specific model of leadership, but about understanding who you are and using that as the foundation for how you lead.”
Shubham Mishra
MSCM ’26
“Leadership is much more about creating the conditions for other people to succeed.”
Max Griffith
MBA ’27
“Leadership is not just about guiding others; it starts with understanding yourself.”
Henry Smith
MBA ’27
“Leadership isn’t any one skill; it’s a set of connected ideas and principles grounded in purpose and values.”