Leadership Cruise: Chart the Course Before You Set Sail

Step aboard the Leadership Cruise for a one-of-a-kind professional development experience that blends inspiration, strategy, and celebration—all against the breathtaking backdrop of Chicago’s skyline. Hosted by Nonprofit Utopia, this immersive leadership event brings John Maxwell’s Law of Navigation to life, helping nonprofit and business leaders alike learn how to chart their course with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

During this dynamic, three-hour cruise, participants will explore how great leaders don’t just steer the ship—they plan the journey, anticipate challenges, and rally their teams toward shared success. The featured workshop, The Law of Navigation, uses John Maxwell's proprietary NAVIGATE™ Route Map, a practical one-page framework designed to help you move from vision to victory. You’ll leave with a 90-day roadmap for your next major goal, strategies for anticipating obstacles, and the confidence to communicate your vision with focus and conviction.

In addition to the leadership workshop, the cruise will include a special Juneteenth acknowledgement, honoring the resilience, freedom, and faith that continue to guide our communities forward. Guests will enjoy time on the observation deck, networking with mission-driven peers while soaking in the views, and a lunch buffet featuring delicious cuisine. Afterward, unwind and celebrate your accomplishments with a DJ, dancing, games, and a cash bar, keeping the atmosphere lively and joyful as you build new relationships and reflect on lessons learned.

The Leadership Cruise is more than a workshop—it’s an experience that captures the essence of leadership itself. As John Maxwell reminds us, “Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course.” This event will help you step into that role, providing the tools and insight you need to navigate uncertainty, strengthen your leadership presence, and inspire others to follow your vision. Whether you’re launching a new initiative, rebuilding after a setback, or positioning your organization for growth, you’ll return to shore with renewed energy, clarity, and purpose.

Join Nonprofit Utopia on June 19, 2026, for a day of learning, laughter, and leadership on the water. Come ready to connect, reflect, and chart a bold new course toward your next horizon.