The Excelsior Initiative is a project of the Leadership Committee from the New York Council of Deliberation.

The Excelsior Initiative’s XLCR32 Podcast has launched! 

Every month, they will be bringing news, leadership sessions & education to the Scottish Rite Brethren in New York State and beyond.

It’s first Episode has just dropped. Check it out at XLCR32.

Excelsior Programs

Previously Recorded Leadership Sessions

October 16, 2021
Click HERE for Video.
The Ambassador Program
Ill. Robert Siebold, 33°

February 12, 2022
Click HERE for Video
Virtual and Hybrid Meetings and Presentations – Best Practices
D.B. Myron Deputat, 32° MSA

June 16, 2022
Click HERE for Video.
Journey On with Pathfinder
Ill. J.B. McNaughton, 33°

October 19, 2022
Click HERE for Video.
“Everyone Communicates, Few Connect” Part 1
Ill. Robert Siebold, 33°

February 23, 2023
Click HERE for Video.​
“Everyone Communicates, Few Connect” Part 2
Ill. Robert Siebold, 33°

December 14, 2023
Click HERE for Video.​
Living Our Scottish Rite Values by Applying the Maxwell Leadership Method
Ill. William Edwards, 33°

June 4, 2024 
Click HERE for Video
Exploring Leadership Development
Ill. Richard J Powell, 33°, Ill. Robert G. Siebold, 33° & Ill. William Edwards, 33°

September 26, 2024 
Click HERE for Video
Hauts Grades Academy (HGA): Dare to Know
Brothers Praveen K. Anumolu, 32° HGA and Andrew O. Roberts, 32° HGA

Previously Recorded Lecture Series

December 28, 2021
Click HERE for Video.
The Civility Mosaic
Brother Russ Charvonia, Past Grand Master of California
 
April 29, 2022
Click HERE for Video.
Introduction to Contemplative Masonry
Brother C.R. “Chuck” Dunning, Jr.
 
August 9, 2022
Click HERE for Video
Scottish Rite Masonic Museum & Library
Jeff Croteau, Director of Library & Archives

December 22, 2022
Click HERE for Video
A History of the Scottish Rite in New York
Ill. W. Bruce Renner, 33°

April 11, 2023 
Click HERE for Video
The Play’s the Thing
Ill. James Gregg, 33°

October 18, 2023 
Click HERE for Video
Osage Indian Murders, the Founding of the FBI and the Masons Involved
Ill. Mark A. Wright, 33°

February 22, 2024 
Click HERE for Video
Fraternal Failures: What Modern Masons Can Learn from Failed Fraternal Orders
Bro. Seth C Anthony, 32° HGA

November 12, 2024 
Click HERE for Video
Message In A Bottle: The Storied Travels Of Two Important Pieces Of Parchment
Ill. Oscar Alleyne, 33° 

March 5, 2025 
Click HERE for Video
50th Anniversary of the Scottish Rite Masonic Museum and Library
SRMML Director & Staff

June 12, 2025 
Click HERE for Video
Brothers of the Rite
Ill. Jacob E. Hayrynen, 33°, Active Member of Supreme Council

The Masonic Leadership Initiative (MLI) is a leadership development program for all New York State Masons eager to unlock their potential and master the art of leadership both inside and outside the Lodge. The Initiative is based upon the teachings of Dr. John C. Maxwell and is taught by Maxwell Leadership Certified Team Members who are licensed to provide facilitation, speaking, coaching, and training using the comprehensive Maxwell curriculum. 

2026 MLI Zoom Learn and Lead Sessions

Exploring Leadership Gold:
Leadership Gold is a comprehensive guide that distills Maxwell’s extensive experience and insights into practical lessons for leaders. Each Learn and Lead zoom will provide advice and actionable insights that can help leaders at all levels improve their effectiveness and make a positive impact on their teams and organizations. By focusing on key aspects. Each Zoom will explore different aspects of leadership such as self-awareness, relationship- building, resilience, and continuous learning leaders can navigate the complexities of leadership and achieve lasting success.

Session 9- May 20th, 2026: Relationships and Retention

Chapter 16: People Quit People, Not Companies
• The relationship between leaders and their team members is critical. Poor leadership can drive talented individuals away, regardless of the organization’s strengths.
Chapter 23: Those Who Start the Journey with You Seldom Finish with You
• Leadership is a journey, and not everyone who starts with you will stay with you until the end. People change, grow, and sometimes move on. Leaders must be prepared to adapt to these changes and continue to lead effectively despite turnover.

Session 10 – June 22nd, 2026: Decision Making and Influence
Chapter 20: The Choices You Make, Make You
• Leadership is shaped by the decisions leaders make. Thoughtful and principled decision-making defines a leader’s character and legacy.
Chapter 21: Influence Should Be Loaned but Never Given
• Leaders should empower others by lending their influence, but they must also ensure that it is used responsibly and ethically.

Session 11 – July 13th, 2026: Effective Meetings and Connection

Chapter 18: The Secret to a Good Meeting Is the Meeting Before the Meeting
• Preparation is key to productive meetings. Leaders should plan and set clear objectives to ensure meetings are effective and efficient.
Chapter 19: Be a Connector, Not Just a Climber
• Building and nurturing relationships is more important than personal advancement. Leaders should focus on connecting with others and fostering collaboration.

Session 12 – August 3rd, 2026: Legacy and Life Summary  

Chapter 24: Few Leaders Are Successful Unless a Lot of People Want Them to Be
• Leadership success is often the result of collective effort. Leaders must build strong relationships, earn trust, and gain the support of their team members. Mutual respect and collaboration are essential for achieving common goals.
Chapter 25: You Only Get Answers to the Questions You Ask
• Asking the right questions is a critical skill for leaders. Thoughtful questions can lead to valuable insights, foster innovation, and drive improvement. Leaders should cultivate a habit of inquiry and curiosity.
Chapter 26: People Will Summarize Your Life in One Sentence – Pick It Now
• Legacy is an important aspect of leadership. Leaders should be intentional about the impact they want to have and the legacy they want to leave behind. Reflecting on how they want to be remembered can guide their actions and decisions.

Exploring the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership

Step into a transformative leadership journey inspired by the 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership by John C. Maxwell. A powerful exploration of the principles that shape effective leaders at every level. This experience guides participants through the essential laws of influence, growth, trust, connection, and legacy, revealing how leadership is not a position, but a daily practice of intentional action and personal development. Through this journey, you will discover how to expand your leadership capacity, empower others, and create lasting impact thus turning timeless principles into practical tools for real-world success.

1. The Law of the Lid – September 2026
Leadership ability determines a person’s level of effectiveness.
Your leadership capacity sets the ceiling on your success—raise your leadership, and you raise your impact.
2. The Law of Influence – October 2026
The true measure of leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less. Leadership is not about position or title; it is about how you affect others.
3. The Law of Process – November 2026
Leadership develops daily, not in a day. Growth is intentional and cumulative—consistent effort over time builds leadership capacity.
4. The Law of Navigation – December 2026
Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course. Leaders see the destination, plan ahead, and guide others through uncertainty.
5. The Law of Addition – January 2027
Leaders add value by serving others. True leadership is rooted in lifting others up, not elevating oneself.
6. The Law of Solid Ground – February 2027
Trust is the foundation of leadership. Without trust, influence collapses—character and consistency are essential.
7. The Law of Respect – March 2027
People naturally follow leaders stronger than themselves. Leadership attracts based on perceived strength, competence, and character.
8. The Law of Intuition – April 2027
Leaders evaluate everything with a leadership bias. Experience and awareness allow leaders to “read” situations beyond surface facts.
9. The Law of Magnetism – May 2027
Who you are is who you attract. Your character, values, and mindset shape the people who come into your circle.
10. The Law of Connection – June 2027
Leaders touch a heart before they ask for a hand. Emotional connection precedes action—people follow leaders they feel understood by.
11. The Law of the Inner Circle – July 2027
A leader’s potential is determined by those closest to them. Your immediate team amplifies—or limits—your effectiveness.
12. The Law of Empowerment – August 2027
Only secure leaders give power to others. Empowering others multiplies impact and develops future leaders.
13. The Law of the Picture – September 2027
People do what people see. Leadership is modeled—your actions teach louder than your words.
14. The Law of Buy-In – October 2027
People buy into the leader, then the vision. Trust in the leader must precede commitment to the mission.
15. The Law of Victory – November 2027
Leaders find a way for the team to win. Leadership carries responsibility for results—adaptability and determination are key.
16. The Law of the Big Mo (Momentum) – December 2027
Momentum is a leader’s best friend. Success builds upon itself—leaders initiate and sustain forward movement.
17. The Law of Priorities – January 2028
Leaders understand that activity is not necessarily accomplishment. Focus on what truly matters—effectiveness over busyness.
18. The Law of Sacrifice – Feb 2028
A leader must give up to go up. Leadership requires trade-offs—time, comfort, and personal gain are often exchanged for greater purpose.
19. The Law of Timing – March 2028
When to lead is as important as what to do and where to go. Right action at the wrong time leads to failure—timing is critical.
20. The Law of Explosive Growth – April 2028
To add growth, lead followers; to multiply, lead leaders. Developing leaders creates exponential impact.
21. The Law of Legacy – May 2028
A leader’s lasting value is measured by succession. True leadership is fulfilled when others carry the mission forward.

Register HERE

For more information, email [email protected]