IMPACT

"In the Executive Development Program, we want to make sure you not only understand what is occurring right now, but that you also can begin to predict where the opportunities will be in the days and years to come."
– Grant Ackerman, the program’s Faculty Director

 
The Executive Development Program’s comprehensive curriculum, personal business case project, and world-class self-assessment tools deliver an unparalleled program experience with an immediate return on learning.

Summary of Benefits:

• Develop immediate and lasting leadership skills for yourself and your organization. A 360-degree survey identifies the strengths and weaknesses of your leadership style, equipping you with the tools and insights to develop your personal Leadership Credo and to assume larger responsibilities in the future.
• Gain proficiency in critical functional business areas, including leadership, strategy, accounting and finance, innovation, and marketing.
• Create solutions to your actual business challenges. Participants work in teams on personal cases and develop a personal action plan to implement when they return to their organization, giving them the opportunity to apply and integrate their learnings in real time and receive actionable feedback from peers and faculty.
• Learn from faculty who are experts on essential business topics. Faculty members who teach in the School's MBA program lead you through case discussions, focused leadership sessions, self-development exercises, and workshops in an intensive off-site format.
• Build a network of executives from various industries and functions. Throughout the program, you will learn from and network with other high-potential executives from around the world, giving you varied perspectives for a deeper understanding of global business challenges.

We Bring Proof*

• 97 percent of participants said they developed new skills in the Executive Development Program.
• 96 percent of participants said the knowledge gained in the program was applicable to achieving their professional goals.
• 100 percent of participants said the program helped them develop new ways of thinking.

*Numbers in this section are based on program evaluations from Executive Development Program participants in 2015 and 2016

Certification

Upon completion, participants earn the Certificate in Management, granting the following Columbia Business School benefits:

• 15 percent tuition benefit on programs lasting up to seven days*, for you and up to two colleagues each year
• Subscriptions to the School’s publications

Participants also earn 13 days towards a Certificate in Business Excellence. Participants may use their 15 percent tuition benefit toward the remaining five days of programming required to complete the certificate. Learn more.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

In only two weeks, you will take a deep dive into the full spectrum of critical business subjects with a specific focus on developing your leadership abilities. This fast-paced curriculum is inspired by Columbia Business School’s MBA program and structured around three major components – personal leadership growth, strategic leadership sessions, and business-critical skills.

Personal Leadership Growth

Constituting the foundation of the program, these critical tools will help you understand your current leadership strengths and weaknesses, identify your opportunities for growth, and develop your future leadership agenda.

• Leadership Evaluation & Feedback. Before arriving at the program, participants complete a 360-degree feedback instrument. During the program, participants review their 360 report with experienced coaches who can help identify existing strengths and opportunities for improvement.
• Learning Styles. Participants begin the program by looking at how preferences for various learning styles impact the learning process. By evaluating their own preferences and those of their colleagues, participants begin to develop a cohesive and effective learning community.
• Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and Derailers. Participants explore and apply various elements of Emotional Intelligence as they develop a better awareness of self and a better understanding of the needs of others. Particular attention is given to “derailers,” those personal and professional attributes that start out as strengths but can become weaknesses if not properly managed.
• Leadership Credo. The leadership credo exercise provides participants with an opportunity to inventory their personal beliefs about leadership and assess what will make their organization a success. Elective Leadership Communications sessions help participants develop their skills in public speaking and presentations.
• Personal Cases. During the two-week program, participants work in teams on personal cases that provide an opportunity to apply and integrate their knowledge of strategy, leadership, marketing, operations, and finance. Plenary discussions and team presentations during the program showcase thought leadership in action. After receiving feedback about their case from peers and faculty, each participant develops a Personal Action Plan to implement these ideas when they return to their organization.
• Individual Development Plans. During the second week of the program, after receiving their 360 feedback, each participant creates a personalized plan that will serve as a guide for his or her continued learning and development.
• Tomorrow, Today. This capstone session at the end of the program explores what the world will look like in the not-so-distant future. Drawing on all of their learnings from the program, participants consider ideas and opportunities that can be accessed right now.

Strategic Leadership Sessions

Through a series of strategic leadership sessions, including those listed below, you will learn actionable skills so you can return to your organization ready to realize your return on your investment.

• Systems Thinking. Your work and the work of others is embedded in an interconnected framework that constitutes a complex whole. Understanding how your activities influence others and impact the greater good becomes a key to your leadership success.
• Networks and Social Capital. Program participants consider the power of personal and organizational networks as a tool for leading and managing in organizations. A self-assessment instrument permits each participant to evaluate the reach and magnitude of their own network. Strategies for creating, developing, and leveraging network ties are also explored.
• Building Coalitions. Getting things done in organizations often requires working across boundaries or in an environment where lines of authority are blurred or non-existent. You’ll explore how to identify and evaluate various constituencies in your organization including their power and attitudes. You’ll leave the program able to build coalitions that ensure the success of your strategic initiatives that require cooperation across your organization.
• Conflict, Negotiations, and Persuasion. Working effectively with others within and across organizations requires a cutting edge capacity to gain their support. We’ll consider various approaches to managing conflict, building consensus, and persuading others. Self-assessment instruments help you identify your current approach to conflict and consider how you can expand your repertoire to use other approaches when needed.
• Essence of Decisions. We often think of decision making as rational and predictable. We’ll explore the politics and (sometimes irrational) process of making strategic decisions. Simulation exercises help participants understand how they can use these learnings to navigate through the complexity of decision-making in their own organizations.
• Creating a Culture of Performance. Too often, an enterprise’s vision and values become empty slogans that do not inform in any way the daily activities of the organization. In this session, participants consider how to align individual performance goals, feedback, and evaluations with an organization's vision and mission to ensure everyone is moving forward together, successfully.
• Global Perspectives and Challenges. With few exceptions, the continued success of your products or services will be directly impacted by developments around the world. As an experienced leader, you’ll be expected to understand and adapt to a constantly changing global environment. During the program, participants survey the business and political landscape over the next 25 years and explore how power shifts and other dynamics will impact their work.
• Leading Change. In the contemporary business environment, the only thing constant is change. As a capstone to their learning, EDP participants consider the dynamics of change and how to lead individuals and organizations through a constructive and effective change process.

Business-Critical Skills

Critical for any leader is a sound understanding of cross-disciplinary functions. Inspired by Columbia Business School’s world-renowned MBA program, the following is a selection of the sessions during the program that will provide you with a greater understanding of the whole picture.

• Strategy and Innovation. Program participants review the theory and practice of strategic thinking as they develop their capacity to analyze market and competitive forces to create winning propositions for their organizations. Application exercises help participants develop their own new ideas about next level strategic initiatives for their organizations.
• Marketing and Advertising. Participants explore various frameworks and concepts in marketing and consider how advertising plays an integral role in an organization's overall brand management.

• Finance and Accounting. Recognizing that sound financial analysis is critical to the success of any enterprise, participants develop their capacities to use financial data to assess business performance and ensure sufficient cash to meet the organization's needs.
• Operations. Recognizing that a firm’s day-to-day activities must be aligned with its overall strategy, program participants learn about various aspects of operations, including logistics and supply chain management. Case studies illustrate how a firm can leverage its capacities across the organization and around the world to create innovative and cost-effective operations.

Sample Agenda

For more information on the program schedule download the sample agenda or contact Alberto Cruz, assistant director of Learning Solutions, at 212-854-6037 or ac2508@gsb.columbia.edu.

PARTICIPANT PROFILE & TESTIMONIALS

The Executive Development Program is designed for mid- to upper-level executives across disciplines and industries who lead a functional, country, or unit role. The program is ideal for executives who seek to further their leadership development because they are on the path to a broader role that requires leading outside their areas of education and expertise.

Typical Participant Mix

Hear from Past Participants:

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Simon Hathway

Head of Retail at Wilkinson Stores

"It's been the best professional learning experience that I've been a part of before. There was a great diversity of participants which was really important to me. I'll take away a clear understanding of what I want to represent as a leader. I'll also take away some new business tools that I can apply, and I'll take away a lot of networks and friends."

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Tshepo Hlongwane

Head of Client Solutions and Special Projects, Liberty Group

"The Executive Development Program has shifted aspects of my thinking. I walk away from the program with an advanced framework for better decision making, solid management skills, and a world-class network."

Franklin Lithgow

Franklin Lithgow

Director, Miraalto Consulting

"At Columbia Business School, you learn that you have to work at being a better leader, and they provide you with the tools to do it. The way the Executive Development Program is structured into different sessions is great. And the number of faculty that we had the chance to meet was amazing. After the program, you are encouraged to stay in touch with participants and the school. There is always an email from Columbia recommending things to do or what to read or who to connect with. It's great. [Executive education] is definitely the best scenario to grow yourself and your business."

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Danielle Corcoran

General Manager Human Resources and Company Secretary at IOOF Holdings Ltd.

"The exercises in the Executive Development Program allowed me to improve the way I operate, which in turn benefits my team and the business. I am now more aware of different styles of people, and I look for certain characteristics in meetings. I actively ensure that I relate to team members or stakeholders in a way that will bring the best out of them. For example, when important decisions need to be made and I see that reflective personas [who are uncomfortable with making quick decisions] are in the room, I say, 'Let's get back tomorrow morning to make a decision.' That gives them a bit more time, and I know that I'm going to better engage those people down the road by giving them a sense of ownership in what we're doing.

Another great part of the program was the networking aspect. It gave me an appreciation for different industries, different ways of doing things, different opinions on matters. That was very valuable to me. I’ve stayed in touch with a number of participants, to the point where I’ve visited them overseas and they’ve come to see me in Australia. One of the participants and I even decided to meet again at Columbia Business School to complete our Certificate in Business Excellence together."

Executive Development Program: Participant Testimonial “A Broad View of Management”

Matthew Choy

Managing Director at Rsupport

Matthew Choy explains how the Executive Development Program has offered him different perspectives on management.

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Gansirey Seck

Managing Director, GS Consulting

"At the program, I had the chance to look at the big picture. The session about networking connected everything for me. I realized that I could be more successful with the collective force. I was networking well outside of my company, but I needed to do more work internally. I had to make sure to put the right team structure in place so that I could spend more time on innovation and creativity. I even relayed some of the program learnings to my team. For instance, every Wednesday, we have an innovation brainstorming day. All of this helped me think more strategically, and that's how my team and I achieved the largest deal in our company's history. No one expected us to achieve what we did, but it worked, and everyone enjoys the team and work environment."

Tim Heijn

Tim Heijn

Subsurface Development Manager, Maersk Oil

"Since completing the program a year ago, I’ve definitely matured as a leader. While I still focus on what I achieve, I’m now more aware that the team that’s working towards those results is at least as important. I try to get input from a much broader group than I used to, and often times this results in a much broader solution. I’ve used the learnings from the innovation sessions in the program to lead workshops with my team – to think about how we can do things differently. I’ve also learned how to create better alignment with stakeholders."

Executive Development Program: Participant Testimonial "Access"

Niels Petersen on Access

FPSO Project Manager, Maersk Oil and Gas

Past participant Niels talks about the networking opportunities at the program.

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Chris Reed

Special Agent in Charge at U.S. Agency for International Development

"The Executive Development Program at Columbia Business School provided an excellent growth opportunity and new perspectives on leadership. This has been the most beneficial leadership training that I have been a part of in my 30 year career."

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Alberto Giacomelli

Business Development Manager at Gatto Desplay & Gatto Astucci Group

"A great, full immersion on the latest management issues, with an outstanding faculty in a beautiful facility. I had the chance to talk with managers coming from all around the world, sharing experiences, problems and insights. A powerful leader, Professor Ackerman, with an excellent support team."

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Raeann Gifford

Group Leader Technology Innovation at Bayer Diabetes Care

"I came to this program from a technical and scientific background not a business background. I now know what the business side is thinking about. I found a lot of value in that understanding. My purpose is to apply the tools and learnings in my job — to direct my efforts and projects in a more focused and clear manner to have a positive outcome."

Executive Development Program: Participant Testimonial "Cross-Disciplinary Curriculum"

Niels Petersen on the Cross-Disciplinary Curriculum

FPSO Project Manager, Maersk Oil and Gas

Hear about the program’s cross-disciplinary approach from past participant Niels Petersen, FPSO Project Manager at Maersk Oil and Gas.

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Simon Hathway

Head of Retail at Wilkinson Stores

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Tshepo Hlongwane

Head of Client Solutions and Special Projects, Liberty Group

Franklin Lithgow

Franklin Lithgow

Director, Miraalto Consulting

Danielle_2.jpg

Danielle Corcoran

General Manager Human Resources and Company Secretary at IOOF Holdings Ltd.

Executive Development Program: Participant Testimonial “A Broad View of Management”

Matthew Choy

Managing Director at Rsupport

Gans_2.jpg

Gansirey Seck

Managing Director, GS Consulting

Tim Heijn

Tim Heijn

Subsurface Development Manager, Maersk Oil

Executive Development Program: Participant Testimonial "Access"

Niels Petersen on Access

FPSO Project Manager, Maersk Oil and Gas

reed.jpg

Chris Reed

Special Agent in Charge at U.S. Agency for International Development

Giacomelli1.png

Alberto Giacomelli

Business Development Manager at Gatto Desplay & Gatto Astucci Group

Gifford2.jpg

Raeann Gifford

Group Leader Technology Innovation at Bayer Diabetes Care

Executive Development Program: Participant Testimonial "Cross-Disciplinary Curriculum"

Niels Petersen on the Cross-Disciplinary Curriculum

FPSO Project Manager, Maersk Oil and Gas

FACULTY

Grant Ackerman, Faculty Director
Professor of Management
Faculty Member, Executive Education

Grant Ackerman’s research and teaching focuses on executive leadership, collaborative leadership models, managing conflict and consensus within and between firms, cross-cultural negotiations and dispute resolution, organizational justice, and lessons for leadership from the creative and performing arts. He has extensive experience in organizational consulting and has provided his expertise to such companies as Avon, Banker's Trust, Coca-Cola, Deloitte, Ford Motors, Sampoerna (Indonesia), GE Credit Corporation, Lend Lease Americas, Time Warner, United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations, and World Vision, USA. For several years, he served as director of the Institute for International Trade with Educational Services Exchange with China, Inc. (ESEC).
 

Along with Professor Ackerman, additional Columbia Business School faculty contribute to and teach in the program, including the following:
 

Bob Bontempo Adjunct Professor, Management Division

Joel Brockner Phillip Hettleman Professor of Business, Management Division

Gita Johar Meyer Feldberg Professor of Business, Marketing Division

Peter Meola Adjunct Professor, Management Division

Doron Nissim Ernst & Young Professor of Accounting & Finance

Clifford Schorer Entrepreneur in Residence, The Eugene Lang Entrepreneurship Center

SPECIAL FEATURES

The Executive Development Program takes you outside of the traditional academic setting by combining experiential, action-oriented learning opportunities with intellectual, thought-leadership focused learning, and physical, well-being.

Leadership Jazz

Leadership Jazz is an involving and entertaining evening where music mixes with thought-provoking conversation to explore the improvisational world of jazz and its relationship to leadership and management techniques. Top musicians not only display their musical talent but also share their insights on such topics as collaboration and the importance of listening, and answer questions from participants. What emerges is a valuable discussion of the dynamics of individual excellence and constructive teamwork.

Hear more from the faculty director and past participants:

Fifth Avenue Tour

Towards the end of the first week, you’ll depart for a day trip to the Columbia University campus in New York City and learn about brand management with a hands-on approach on a tour of world-famous Fifth Avenue in midtown Manhattan.

Exclusive Specialty Topics

Throughout the program, professors of Columbia Business School will visit the group for guest lectures on a number of specialty topics relevant to today’s business leaders, giving exclusive insight into the School’s world-renowned thought leadership.

Messiness. Finding that too much organization may actually be inefficient, Professor Eric Abrahamson draws on concepts in his new book, A Perfect Mess, to show participants the value of (just enough) disorder.

Strategic Intuition. Using concepts presented in his new book, Strategic Intuition, Professor Bill Duggan helps participants understand the intuitive side of strategy and how they can develop their own capacities to see new solutions to old problems.

The Changing Distribution of Global Power. Professor Ray Horton surveys the business and political landscape over the next 25 years and explores with participants power shifts and their implications for individuals, business, and society.

The Art and Science of Leadership and Motivation. How do great leaders stay motivated even in the most difficult of times? Professor Hitendra Wadhwa looks at both empirical research and real life examples from around the world to illustrate the art and science of motivational leadership.

Experiential Marketing. Professor Bernd Schmitt, considered the founder of the Experiential Marketing school, presents material that shows participants how to use all of the five senses in marketing campaigns.

Fairness. Drawing on concepts outlined in his recent Harvard Business Review article, "Why It's So Hard to be Fair," Professor Joel Brockner explores with participants why being "fair" is so important and, at times, so hard to do.

Executive Wellbeing

To lead requires focus and energy, so one’s health and wellbeing is essential. Executive Wellbeing is a comprehensive model that teaches you how to manage your energy at the program and to develop long-term positive health practices through daily sessions. The connection between the physical self and successful leadership is made in other parts of the program as well.