Strengthening Leadership Through Immersive Learning—Willis College Executives Complete the Canadian Leaders at Sea Program

From November 23–28, Willis College Chief Operating Officer Ramona Buda and VP, Academic & Campus Excellence Sarah Patrick participated in the Royal Canadian Navy’s Canadian Leaders at Sea (CLaS) Program—an experience designed to challenge leaders, expand perspectives, and highlight the essential role the Navy plays in Canada’s security landscape.

For Willis College, this program represents more than professional development. It reflects our deep and long-standing connection to Canada’s military community—a relationship rooted in respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to preparing people for meaningful careers.

The CLaS program provides leaders with a fully immersive introduction to life in the Navy, offering a deeper understanding of Canada’s “all-ocean global force” and the leadership principles that sustain it. By engaging directly with naval personnel, culture, and training environments, our leaders returned with strengthened insight into the values and discipline that guide Canada’s Armed Forces.

A Leadership Experience With National Significance

Immersive leadership experiences like CLaS ensure that Willis College’s senior leaders are continuously learning—not only about their own work, but about the systems and people we support across the country. The Navy’s approach to teamwork, resilience, problem-solving, and lifelong learning mirrors the qualities we strive to foster in our own organization and in the learners we serve.

By witnessing these practices in action, Ramona and Sarah gained perspectives that will help inform how we design programs, support military-connected learners, and align our work with the evolving needs of Canada’s defence sector. This is particularly important as Willis College continues to serve military members, veterans, and families through specialized training pathways and dedicated support.

Learn More About Our Work With the Canadian Armed Forces and Veterans

Willis College is proud to support active members, veterans, and military families through specialized programs, flexible learning pathways, and career-focused training that aligns with Canada’s evolving workforce needs.

To explore our initiatives, partnerships, and supports for the military community, visit:
https://williscollege.com/military-and-veterans/