The Chartwell Leadership Program

Developed following the successful screening of the documentary Kokoda With Heart, the leadership program is designed to take the elements of leadership out of the corporate corridors and immerse the participants in the reality of crossing the Kokoda Track in PNG.

The moving memorial at Isurava on the track contains the 4 words – COURAGE SACRIFICE MATESHIP ENDURANCE – clearly defining the values upon which the success of the young Australian Diggers fought, and won, so bravely in 1942. These values translate directly to leadership in business and in general life and become very evident to those on the program.

The program consists of development of personal goals covering work life balance and the implementation of a physical training regime to prepare all participants for the eventual trek by those successful in making the final cut. It involves a community charity commitment for each participant, an interactive website that enables workmates and friends to vote for their favourite contestant and donate to their approved community charity and a detailed study of the Kokoda Campaign to ensure a better understanding of the importance of the campaign to Australia.

The successful participants undertake a 10 day track crossing and 2 day visit to the beaches to fully understand the complete campaign. The crossing is undertaken with one of the original and most highly-regarded track tour groups, Kokoda Treks and Tours. The complete program is filmed to provide a lasting in house documentary of the event for future training and leadership courses.

Much is said about how you become a good leader. It is stated that the 3 E’s of good leadership are Education, Example and Experience and that these should be in the order of 10% learning by Education, 20% learning by Example and observing other leaders and 70% learning from Experience. The Chartwell Kokoda Leadership Program delivers on that promise.