Leadership isn’t just a title at ATB—it’s a commitment of our leaders to drive positive impact for themselves, their teams and ATB.

That commitment reached a new milestone in November 2025, when we celebrated the first cohort of 46 graduates of our Leader DNA Certification program, a proprietary initiative designed to empower our leaders with advanced skills and real-world business acumen.

Developed in a first-of-its-kind partnership with the University of Alberta (UofA) and launched in March 2025, this program marks a fundamental shift in how we approach professional growth and develop leadership as a practice. It bridges the gap between academic theory and practical application, cultivating the leadership needed to execute our strategy, embody our purpose and culture and deliver outstanding impact for our stakeholders. According to Michael Maier, Associate Dean at the University of Alberta, the program is designed to “develop leaders who make an impact, enable success and foster a thriving environment.”

The program is truly differentiated in the industry, offering participants the opportunity to earn a UofA certificate, an industry designation and post-secondary credits applicable to MBA programs. A select cohort of ATB leaders is chosen from applicants who have been at ATB for at least one year and have completed all prerequisite learning courses. The certification program consists of 120 hours of online and in-person learning over approximately seven months, including a kickoff event and three two-day in-person residencies. Then, to maintain their designation, individuals must complete 20 hours of leadership development annually through continuous learning opportunities, networking and application of the leadership skills they’ve acquired through Leader DNA Certification.

“Leading with confidence means nothing without the agility to improvise. True Leader DNA is found in the space between our expertise and our ears, having the humility to listen with the intelligence to evolve.” 

Sergio Rodriguez, Leader DNA Cohort 1 Valedictorian (pictured above)

With a second cohort of 47 leaders set to graduate in June 2026 and two cohorts planned to launch each year, ATB is committed to building world-class leadership capabilities within our team members. As these certified (and soon-to-be certified) individuals return to their roles, they carry a dedication to leadership as a way of life—one that balances current performance with future transformation—leading the way to a more prosperous and resilient future for our stakeholders and for generations to come.