Leadership in Society at the University of Chicago: Inside the LSI Program Experience

Step inside the University of Chicago’s Leadership in Society Initiative (LSI) and explore how rigorous inquiry, interdisciplinary thinking, and real-world application come together to shape the next generation of leaders. In this information session, faculty and program leaders from the University of Chicago Graham School introduce the vision, structure, and intellectual foundations of LSI. The session then moves into a detailed walkthrough of the LSI learning journey, including curriculum design, cohort experience, and the broader timeline and admissions process. Throughout, speakers draw on their professional and institutional experience, from public-private partnerships to higher education leadership, to articulate how LSI prepares participants to navigate complexity and lead thoughtfully in society. The video concludes with key logistical details and a live Q&A addressing prospective student questions. Chapters 0:00 Welcome & Meet the Hosts 5:05 Why LSI Exists: Longer Lives, Complex Challenges 9:03 Fellows Share Their Next Chapter Visions 15:01 What LSI Fellows Have in Common 20:24 The Three-Pillar Learning Journey 28:04 Program Strengths: Balance, Rigor & Joy 33:20 Inside the Classroom: A Fellow's Experience 40:43 Two Pathways: Design vs. Imagine 47:46 Application Process, Cost & Timeline 50:07 Q&A: Your Questions Answered About the Speakers: Seth Green is the Dean of the University of Chicago Graham School. He is a leader in social innovation and higher education. Diana Petty is the Executive Director of the Leadership & Society Initiative. She leads leadership programming for senior executives. With a background in public-sector consulting and cross-sector partnerships, she focuses on helping leaders drive meaningful social impact. About the Leadership & Society Initiative (LSI) The Leadership & Society Initiative at the University of Chicago brings together accomplished leaders to engage in rigorous inquiry, interdisciplinary learning, and meaningful dialogue about leadership, service, and societal impact. Grounded in the University’s intellectual tradition, LSI connects theory with practice, equipping participants to navigate complexity and lead with clarity across sectors. Learn more about LSI and explore upcoming opportunities: https://leadforsociety.uchicago.edu/about-lsi/