The ASA Master of Distribution Management (MDM) program is a transformative 12-month leadership journey designed to elevate emerging and existing leaders in the wholesale-distribution industry. With a curriculum rooted in practical application, collaborative learning, and executive-level thinking, the MDM program empowers professionals to immediately apply core leadership competencies to real-world business challenges.
 

This immersive program culminates in a strategic Capstone Project—a signature experience where participants tackle a self-selected business problem or opportunity, applying the full spectrum of their newly developed leadership skills.

Participants follow the “ASA Essentials of Practical Leadership in Wholesale Distribution” handbook throughout the program. While self-paced, the reading is aligned with monthly themes and peer discussions, ensuring practical integration of leadership concepts.
 

Peer-to-Peer Touchpoints

Each month, participants join virtual peer-to-peer sessions to:

• Explore leadership topics collaboratively
• Share personal insights and experiences
• Apply learning to real-world business scenarios

At least once during the program, each participant leads one of these sessions, fostering peer leadership and public speaking skills. Active participation is crucial—attendance of at least 75% is required to avoid an alternative final exam.

Supplemental Training

Participants complete 10 hours of additional professional development aligned with key MDM competencies. This may include:

• ASA-hosted conferences (e.g., EMERGE, ELEVATE)
• Company-sponsored training (e.g. lunch-and-learns, company-wide trainings)
• Online coursework via ASA University

Activities must align with leadership themes such as Change Management, Strategic Decision-Making, Visionary Thinking, and more.

The Capstone Project is the heart of the MDM program—a personalized initiative that connects classroom learning with on-the-job leadership challenges. Within the first two months, each participant—guided by a mentor—identifies a business issue or growth opportunity as their Capstone focus.
 

Capstone Timeline & Process

1. Months 1–2: Select a Capstone topic with mentor input and submit a formal Capstone Project application.
2. Months 3–11: Apply learning modules to the Capstone topic, with regular mentor check-ins to align theory with practice.
3. Month 12: Present the Capstone to ASA’s Graduate Review Committee over Zoom. Presentations should:
   • Demonstrate leadership and problem-solving
   • Highlight use of MDM competencies
   • Show measurable impact and outcomes

Successful presentations lead to MDM graduation. Candidates are recognized at ASA’s annual NETWORK Conference and receive a certificate and commemorative plaque.

Throughout the program, students develop and apply a range of key leadership skills:

• Change Management
• Strategic Decision-Making
• Visionary Thinking
• Communication & Conflict Management
• Organizational Effectiveness
• Embracing Culture
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Key Financial Metrics
• Succession Planning

The 12-month MDM program is $995 per learner and includes core textbook, “Essentials of Practical Leadership in Wholesale-Distribution”, as well as professional support materials, peer-to-peer facilitation, support from ASA-U advisors, as well as a wealth of free development resources for mentors.