About the programme

The Global Connect Leadership Academy is an immersive leadership experience for newly appointed partners and those on the partner track from MSI and DFK member firms.

It provides a unique opportunity to network with like-minded professionals from different countries and cultures - exchanging knowledge, sharing best practices, and gaining insights into global business trends and challenges.

How it works

The Academy will take place over two days in January 2027 in Prague, Czech Republic. In the lead-up to the meeting, participants will take part in a series of preparatory sessions via Zoom, allowing them to connect with one another and begin building the foundations for the programme ahead.

The full programme combines in-person training sessions with social events for both professional development and genuine relationship-building across both alliances.

Is the Academy right for you?

The Academy welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds who are eager to learn from experienced leaders and industry experts, and committed to continuous personal and professional development.

Applicant profile

Applicants should be either newly admitted partners (within three years of admission to partnership) or professionals expected by their firms to be admitted to partnership within the next 12 months.

In addition to a strong professional background, ideal attendees bring excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The Academy places real emphasis on effective leadership through collaboration and relationship-building, so applicants should be open-minded, adaptable, and genuinely willing to embrace new ideas and perspectives.

Selection criteria

Partnership status: Applicants should be newly admitted partners at an accountancy firm (within three years of admission to partnership) or expected by their firms to be admitted to partnership within the next 12 months.

Global perspective: Applicants should have experience working in a global context or have demonstrated an understanding of international business practices.

Leadership potential: Applicants should exhibit strong leadership potential and a desire to take on leadership roles within their firms. This can be demonstrated through previous leadership experience, participation in leadership development programmes, or recommendations from senior leaders within their firm.

Communication and interpersonal skills: Applicants should possess strong communication and interpersonal skills - including the ability to effectively communicate ideas, collaborate with others, and build relationships with clients and colleagues.

Firm endorsement: Applicants will require a sign-off from a senior partner within their firm who can attest to their leadership potential and suitability for the programme.

Commitment to the firm: Applicants should demonstrate a commitment to their respective firms and a willingness to contribute to the growth and success of their organisation.

Programme fee

Application process

To apply for the Global Connect Leadership Academy 2026/27, candidates should email the MSI Secretariat to request an application form. Completed applications must be submitted by 29 May.

Before submitting, please ensure you have the support of your Managing Partner. Endorsement from firm leadership is a requirement of the application.

The application form covers:

Career to date: Briefly outline your professional journey, including key roles, achievements, and milestones.

Leadership examples: Provide specific examples of your leadership experience within your current firm, MSI engagement, or other relevant contexts. Highlight any initiatives, projects, or challenges you have led, and the outcomes achieved. 

Your goals: What are you hoping to achieve by participating in the Academy? 
 

Key dates

• Applications open: April 2026
• Application deadline: 29 May
• Attendance confirmation required by: July 2026
• Virtual preparatory sessions: Late 2026
• In-person Academy: January 2027, Prague

Programme fee

UK£1,300 per delegate. This covers all meals, social events, in-person sessions, and virtual preparatory workshops. Travel to and accommodation in Prague are not included and will need to be arranged separately.

Who can apply? The Academy is open to professionals from MSI Global Alliance and DFK International member firms. Applicants should be newly admitted partners (within three years of admission to partnership) or expected to be admitted to partnership within the next 12 months.

Do I need my Managing Partner's approval before applying? Yes. Endorsement from a senior partner within your firm is a requirement of the application. Please ensure you have this in place before submitting.

How many places are available? The Academy is limited to 20 participants in total, drawn from across both associations. Places are allocated on a selective basis following the review process.

What happens after I apply? All applications will be reviewed by members of the MSI Secretariat, who will evaluate each submission against the selection criteria and notify applicants of the outcome by email. Successful applicants will be required to confirm their attendance by July.

Will the programme definitely go ahead? The Academy requires a minimum of 20 participants to proceed. Applicants will be notified of the programme status once the application window has closed and selections have been made.

What do the virtual sessions involve? The preparatory Zoom sessions take place in late 2026 ahead of the in-person Academy. They allow participants to connect with one another and begin building the foundations for the programme ahead. Further details will be shared with accepted participants.

What is included in the programme fee? The fee of £1,300 covers all meals, social events, in-person sessions, and virtual preparatory workshops. Travel to and accommodation in Prague are not included and will need to be arranged separately.

Cancellation

Cancellations must be submitted in writing to Pauline Rottstock at the MSI Secretariat no later than three months prior to the event. Cancellation fees may apply depending on the timing of withdrawal.

Withdrawal and Substitutions

If a registered participant withdraws, written notice must be provided to the organisers. Substitutions may be permitted at the organisers' discretion.

Minimum Numbers

The Academy requires a minimum of 20 participants to proceed. Applicants will be notified of the programme status once the application window has closed and selections have been made.

Programme Changes

The organisers reserve the right to make reasonable changes to session content, speakers, format, dates, or delivery method where necessary. Any significant changes will be communicated to participants as soon as practicable.