Career Mastery™
Leadership Accelerator 2026
Step into your next level with confidence
You’ve just taken on bigger responsibilities – or you’re about to. You want to deliver results, inspire confidence, and exceed expectations. All eyes are on you to excel in your new role, and you want to succeed without burning out.
But the transition is tough.
Research shows 35-50% of leaders struggle when promoted into bigger roles.
The stakes are higher, the politics more nuanced, and the way you’re judged less clear. You’re expected to operate at a higher level, but the rules aren’t written down. There’s no playbook to follow to overcome the challenges you’ll face.
If you want to succeed in your new role, then you need every advantage you can get.
Career Mastery Leadership Accelerator (CMLA) equips you with the strategies, tools, support, and game plan to succeed at the next level from day one.
Led by May Busch – former COO of Morgan Stanley Europe, executive coach, and advisor – CMLA is a six-month leadership development program for ambitious professionals ready to thrive in larger roles.
“No one succeeds alone, especially as you rise. CMLA is the trusted space I wish I’d had during my own transitions.”
Who this program is for
CMLA is for high-achieving professionals who:
- Have recently been promoted or are on the cusp of promotion
- Manage managers and lead a business area, function, or major initiative
- Want to be recognized as confident, strategic leaders ready for what’s next
If you’re ready to step up with clarity, gravitas, and impact, this program is for you.
Your New Leadership Skills
These are the essential leadership skills you’ll develop over the course of the program.
Achieving Success at the Next Level
Define what success looks like and create your Leadership Game Plan
Communicating With Gravitas and Impact
Harness the 4 elements of high-impact communication
Establishing Yourself as a Higher-Level Leader
Manage perceptions and close the gap between brand and reputation
Driving Results at the Next Level
Use neuroscience to drive change and deliver what matters most
Negotiating For What You Need
Create value propositions and negotiate effectively
Managing Your Time and Energy
Say “no” without losing relationships and create habits that support you
Prioritizing and Deciding Where to Focus
Identify what really matters and act decisively
Developing Your Senior Network
Build trusted relationships and navigate politics without being “political”
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
Build confidence and manage your inner game
Setting Vision and Strategy
Establish and communicate a clear, inspiring direction
Leading and Managing Your Team
Step into your role, hold people accountable, and bring out their best
Reflection and Future Focus
Celebrate progress and set your next growth horizon
Outcomes You Can Expect
By the end of the Career Mastery Leadership Accelerator, you won’t just know what to do, you’ll already be leading differently. Alumni and their managers consistently describe a visible shift in confidence, performance, and impact.
Here’s what you can expect:
Lead with greater confidence
Step fully into your new role and establish yourself as the leader others look to for direction.
- Communicate with gravitas and influence outcomes.
- Be recognized as a higher-level leader by peers, stakeholders, and senior executives.
“I now have the confidence to step fully into my role and own that space.”
Cary, Director
Education | USA
Deliver next-level results
Go beyond managing tasks to driving the outcomes that matter most for your business area.
- Prioritize effectively so your time and energy go where they have the biggest impact.
- Drive change and get people on board.
- Set and communicate a clear vision for your area.
One participant used May’s strategy model to launch a new AI initiative – and their leadership praised the clarity and impact.
Expand your influence
Move from being effective in your own area to becoming a trusted voice across the organization.
- Build the relationships and networks that accelerate success.
- Navigate politics without being “political”.
“May and the CMLA group gave me the guidance to gain trust from my new CEO and strengthen stakeholder relationships as I navigated the transition to a new product area.”
Cathy, Director
Banking | China
Strengthen your inner game
Build the resilience and mindset needed to sustain success at higher levels of leadership.
- Overcome imposter syndrome and lead with confidence.
- Manage your energy and habits to perform under pressure.
Leaders call this one of the most transformative aspects of CMLA.
“The strategies May shared are progressive, relevant, and directly applicable.”
Jenn, Vice President
SaaS | USA
Gain a trusted peer group
Join a handpicked circle of senior leaders who continue to support and challenge you long after the program ends.
- Learn from diverse perspectives and share your toughest challenges in a safe, confidential space.
- Leave with a powerful network that lasts well beyond the program.
“The community was my favorite aspect… and I keep coming back to it.”
Allison, Senior Director
EdTech | USA
What Participants Say
“Before CMLA, I lacked confidence and clarity stepping into my first executive position. The program gave me concrete tools I use every day to navigate uncertainty and to own my role.
Now, I am recognized as a confident leader who understands how to put the right pieces in place and how to allow others to shine.
Excellence attracts excellence, and in this program you’ll be surrounded by truly excellent leaders you can learn from.”
Erin, Chief Data Officer
EdTech | USA
“I joined CMLA as a newly promoted executive facing greater business challenges. The program’s just-in-time learning and practical resources helped me to establish and nurture new stakeholder relationships.
Now I am trusted within my organization as someone who can solve challenging problems.
Having access to such a diverse cohort of brilliant leaders was invaluable and will continue to help me throughout my career.”
Danielle, Senior Director
SaaS | USA
“I signed up for CMLA to learn the steps to promotion, but I ended up leaving the program with a greater awareness of my purpose and how I can make the greatest impact.
Now I'm increasingly being recognised as a future leader and as someone who connects the dots across the firm.
If you join this program, you will learn and grow so much through conversations with a community of peers under the skillful guidance of May.”
Barbara, Executive Director
Investment Banking | UK
“When I first got into CMLA, I had been in my role for quite a long time. So hearing other leaders’ perspectives on the challenges I was facing was really helpful.
Now I’m able to express myself more boldly and the people around me can clearly understand my plan and strategy going forward.
This program is so worth it because you get so much more out of it than just the time spent.”
Jessica, Head of Group
Banking | Sweden
“As a new Executive Director, CMLA helped me overcome imposter syndrome and become more strategic.
The most meaningful part of the program was the group conversations guided by May. I received honest feedback that challenged me to self-reflect and better align my impact with my intent.
I highly recommend this eye-opening program to anyone who wants to learn more about themselves and fully step into their leadership capabilities.”
Ron, Executive Director
EdTech | USA
“CMLA gave me the structure, insight, and practical strategies to show up with greater gravitas as a leader.
I would recommend the program to anyone who wants honest and rounded feedback from an independent group of peers facing similar challenges.
There are tons of leadership programs, but few that offer access to such a small, personalized group.”
Nitin, Associate VP
EdTech | USA
“Before CMLA, I was struggling to demonstrate my value.
The program enhanced my problem-solving and relationship skills, and the shift has been noticed by leadership, peers, and my team.
The sense of community was my favorite aspect.”
Allison, Senior Director
EdTech | USA
“As an HR leader, I’ve experienced many leadership programs. CMLA is unique.
The strategies May shares are progressive, relevant, and directly applicable. I keep coming back to them.”
Jenn, Vice President
SaaS | USA
“The quality of the group was amazing. May created a safe space to discuss anything.
As a result, I put myself out there more and stepped up faster.”
Mariana, Technology Lead
Consulting | Brazil
“I’ve gained clarity on how to drive results and influence my team.
Learning how to communicate with leadership has been hugely valuable and instrumental in my success.”
Clare, Director
Digital Marketing | Canada
“This program leveled up my leadership.
I now have the confidence to step fully into my role and own that space.”
Cary, Director
Education | USA
“I entered CMLA during a regime change.
It gave me the tools and confidence to gain trust from my new CEO, strengthen stakeholder relationships, and raise my strategic thinking.”
Cathy, Director
Banking | China
Your Leadership Coach
May Busch was promoted 10 times in her 24-year career to COO of Morgan Stanley Europe.
Today, she’s an executive coach, keynote speaker, and author of Accelerate: 9 Capabilities to Achieve Success at Any Career Stage and VISIBLE: How to Advance Your Career Without Playing Politics, Selling Your Soul, or Working Yourself Into the Ground (publishing October 16, 2025).
A graduate of Harvard Business School and Professor of Practice at W. P. Carey School of Business, May brings decades of corporate and coaching experience to help leaders like you succeed.
How CMLA Works
The program runs from June to November 2026 and combines skill development, group coaching, practical tools, and real-time support.
- Actionable Strategies
Tools, videos, and worksheets before each session so you can apply insights immediately. - Brain Trust Sessions
Live on Zoom, every other week (90 minutes) for six months. Confidential group coaching where you bring real challenges and get practical solutions. - Personalized Leadership Game Plan
Your one-page game plan reviewed by May to keep you focused and accountable. - Real-Time Support
Ongoing access to May and peers in a private forum, plus accountability partners to keep you moving.
Dates
June – November 2026
Format
Two live virtual sessions every other week for six months
Cohort Size
10 participants
Investment
USD $12,000
(+VAT where applicable)
Selection
Application & interview
Application Timeline
CMLA is limited to 10 participants to deliver the highest value. Admission is based on application and interview. Apply early to maximize your chance of being selected.
Applications close
April 1, 2026
Interviews conducted
Rolling basis until April 22, 2026
Acceptance notifications
May 6, 2026
Kickoff call
June, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How much time does it take?
The program is designed for busy leaders to provide the biggest impact for the least amount of time invested. Beyond two 90-minute calls each month, you’ll get videos you can watch at your own pace – valuable but never overwhelming – and tools you can use right away. No heavy homework. Just strategies that save time, reduce uncertainty, and help you avoid costly mistakes.
Who else will be in the group?
Each cohort is carefully curated to ensure diversity of industries, functions, and geographies – without internal competition. You’ll join nine other ambitious leaders, all recently promoted or on the cusp of promotion. Everyone is committed to contributing and supporting each other’s success.
What if I miss a session?
All sessions are recorded, but we ask you to commit to at least 9 of 12 live sessions to ensure the best program experience and results.
Will my personal challenges be addressed?
Yes. You'll have targeted support when you need it. You'll have coaching from May and input from your peers in the bi-weekly group coaching calls. Between sessions, you'll receive feedback through our private forum.
Is it confidential?
Absolutely. What’s shared in the group stays in the group.
How to get funded
Many participants secure company sponsorship. To make it easy, we provide:
- Sample sponsor letter you can adapt
- Program overview you can share with your manager or HR
What happens after the program?
Many alumni stay connected as an ongoing network of trusted peers. And your Leadership Game Plan is designed to guide you well beyond the program.
I have a question. How can I get help?
Please email us if you have other questions about the Career Mastery Leadership Accelerator program. We’re happy to help.
Ready to excel at the next level?
Transitioning to a bigger role doesn’t have to feel lonely or uncertain.
Join CMLA 2026 to build the skills and get the support you need to exceed expectations and set yourself up for success at the next level… and beyond.
Be the first to know when applications for the 2026 cohort open:
Questions? Email cmla@careermastery.com