Path of Leadership Applications FY26-27
Applications are now open for Tier 1 Chair-Elects. Please apply here. The deadline to apply is 1 May 2026.
We invite you to explore and discover the array of leadership opportunities available to you. Use the tabs above to learn about PoL roles, access resources, or apply to PoL for the upcoming fiscal year.
EO does not rely on an external board or a permanent leadership class to decide its direction. Instead, members like you step forward for defined periods of service, helping guide the organization while staying grounded in the realities of building and leading businesses.
The Path of Leadership is the structure that makes this possible. It is how EO members move from participating in EO to actively shaping it!
EO Path of Leadership - You get more than you give!
Rom LaPointe, EO Detroit
Getting involved in EO leadership can completely transform your experience in EO in general. I found that being in leadership helped me deal with diverse types of personalities. I had to inspire others instead of telling them what to do.
Ann Dolin, US East Bridge
I've gained so much knowledge, friendships, and I also feel that I'm giving back to a community that has given me so much.
Valentina Humar, EO Bogota
Being president was by far the best experience that I had in EO. Even though I was president during COVID, I was able to really use my specific talents of kind of taking something and turning it 180 degrees and maybe giving it a different lens.
Martin Reed, EO Nashville
Ever since I joined the path of leadership, it’s been the most amazing experience for growth in my personal life and in my business life. By attending learning events, you get knowledge of how to be a good leader. You learn how to communicate with your peers. You learn how to communicate with your staff members. You learn how to herd cats. You learn how to manage people who are on the same level as you. And it gives you a grounding.
Wesley Naidoo, EO Durban
Members begin by serving in leadership roles within their local chapter. From there, many choose to take on broader responsibilities that support multiple chapters, regions, or the organization as a whole. Over time, leadership expands from local contribution to regional and global impact.
The Path of Leadership supports this progression through:
The Path of Leadership exists for members who want to deepen their involvement and help shape EO beyond their chapter. Not every member chooses this path, but those that do continually express how serving in a Path of Leadership role is a life changing experience and one of the best EO benefits.
The Path of Leadership exists for members who want to deepen their involvement and help shape EO beyond their chapter. Not every member chooses this path, but those that do continually express how serving in a Path of Leadership role is a life changing experience and one of the best EO benefits.
Leadership roles across EO are organized two ways: tier and contribution.
Members step into roles based on how they want to contribute, the problems they want to help solve, and the experience they bring, allowing growth through different tiered leadership opportunities.
Leadership roles are grouped into three tiers, plus the Global Board. These tiers exist to reflect differences in scope, responsibility, and readiness.
Broadly, leadership roles fall into EO Global Board, Tier 1, Tier 2 or Tier 3:
Tier 1: Organizational Leadership
Carry the broadest responsibility for EO’s direction and governance of all of the Tiers. At a minimum, these roles require prior Tier 2 regional or global leadership experience and involve shaping EO at the highest level. Roles at this level include Regional Chairs, Portfolio Chairs and Committee Chairs.
Tier 2: Functional and Regional Leadership
Serve on Portfolios, Regional Councils, and functional areas that support EO across the organization. At a minimum, these roles require that applicants have previously served in a Tier 3 role.
Tier 3: Expertise and Execution Leadership
Experience roles centered on hands-on contribution, subject-matter expertise, and execution. They often serve as a bridge between chapter leadership and the Regional Councils, Portfolios and Committees. Nearly all members first enter the Path of Leadership through Tier 3 after having served on their local chapter boards.
Most members do not move through the three tiers in a straight line. The Path of Leadership is designed to be flexible, allowing members to contribute where their experience and interests align.
Leadership roles beyond the chapter level are open to EO members who:
Many members take time to understand EO before deciding whether broader leadership is the right next step.
While leadership roles vary, most share a common structure that helps members plan realistically:
Most members do not map out their Path of Leadership when they first join EO. They begin by engaging locally, learning how the organization works, and noticing where their interests and energy naturally pull them.
When you are ready, the Path of Leadership offers clear ways to step forward, learn, and lead alongside peers across EO.
These roles focus on expanding EO's reach and long-term sustainability by supporting:
These roles shape how members experience EO day to day, including:
Leadership does not sustain itself. These roles focus on preparing others to step forward by supporting:
EO depends on strong governance and financial stewardship to operate with integrity and consistency at scale. These roles support:
Some leadership roles are centered on connection and belonging. These members help EO feel smaller, more relevant, and more human at scale by fostering:
These roles work across multiple areas of the organization, helping ensure alignment, coordination, and follow-through.
Applications are now open for Tier 1 Chair-Elects. Please apply here. The deadline to apply is 1 May 2026.
All Path of Leadership applicants must sign and submit the following documents as part of the application process:
Please review these documents and have a signed copy ready to attach as part of the application process.
For questions or assistance, please contact pol@eonetwork.org.
