The Director As Strategic Leader

Overview

The Director As Strategic Leader is a comprehensive program designed to inspire individuals and organizations for future success. This course aims to reprogramme strategic thinking and leadership behaviors, addressing the necessity to continuously adapt and focus on the changing needs of strategic leadership.

Programme Information

• Dates:
  • 28 Jun - 03 Jul 2026
  • 08 - 12 Nov 2026
• Duration: 5 days
• Location: Cranfield campus
• Cost: £10,350 + VAT, including accommodation. Concessions are available.

Target Audience

This program is tailored for chief executives, directors, and senior managers who are responsible for the formation of departmental or organizational strategy, oversee strategy execution and implementation, or will soon be assuming or increasing strategic responsibilities.

Programme Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, participants will gain:

• A set of implementable initiatives to progress their organization's strategic development and personal leadership agenda.
• Insights into strategic thinking and associated techniques to address critical questions.
• A greater appreciation of big picture issues and how to address them effectively.
• The opportunity to reflect on their own challenges as a leader and how to exercise strategic leadership within their organization.
• New thinking on leadership and resilience in times of great uncertainty.

Case Studies

The program has received positive feedback from past participants, including:

• "Irish Life group is a great supporter of Cranfield and its executive development programmes. In terms of course content, format, and materials, DASL seemed perfect for my needs." - Brian Murphy, Head of Strategic Programmes, Irish Life Group
• "An excellent week. Very professional, very engaging, and great content." - John Cunningham, Customer and Fleet Solutions Director, Fraikin

Structure

The five-day program runs from Sunday afternoon to Friday afternoon, during which participants are invited to bring their own corporate or operational strategy to work on. The key elements of strategic leadership explored include:

Strategy

• Develop a strategy toolbox ready for implementation
• Strategic management
• Financial strategy
• Strategic projects and how to develop them
• Engagement as a catalyst for strategic success

Leadership

• Build empathy, trust, rapport, and engagement within teams
• Navigate organizational politics
• Recognize and leverage leadership style and preference
• Lead high-performing, winning teams

Supply Chain Management and Logistics

• Understand key activities involved in managing an end-to-end global supply chain
• Discover the greatest competitive weapon in supply chain management
• Identify current and future supply chain disruptors and innovations

Psychology and Mindfulness

• How to stay psychologically fit to do your work

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

• Create an inclusive working environment
• Underpin inclusive leadership to enable your business
• Create a culture of psychological safety

Building a Resilient Organisation

• Understand resilience and the nature of the resilience challenge
• Develop strategies to build resilience within your organization

Programme Experience

This intensive program is delivered through a combination of theory, case studies, and real-world experience. Participants undertake psychometric assessments as part of the pre-work, which are reviewed on the program to uncover beliefs, drivers, emotions, and behaviors of themselves and their team.

Unique and Practical Programme Features

• Gain implementable tools and frameworks to determine a clear strategic direction for your organization.
• Work on your own corporate or operational strategy formation and execution in real-time.
• Draw on Cranfield's renowned faculty, research, thought leadership, and global perspectives on key issues.
• Acquire insight and inspiration from the experiences of other senior leaders through peer-to-peer learning.

Programme Director

Dr. John Glen

Concessions

An exclusive 20% discount is available for Cranfield School of Management Alumni who have attended one of their 2-day+ programs. Lifelong access to Alumni Membership benefits is included in the price of this course.

Accommodation Options and Prices

Tuition, course materials, full board accommodation, and lifelong access to Alumni Membership benefits are included in the price of this course.

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Overview:

Cranfield University is a postgraduate-focused institution specializing in science, technology, engineering, and management. It is renowned for its strong industry links and practical approach to education.

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Services Offered:

Cranfield University offers a wide range of services to students, including:

Careers and Employability Service:

Provides guidance and support for career planning and job searching.

IT Services:

Offers access to computer labs, software, and technical support.

Libraries:

Provides access to extensive collections of books, journals, and online resources.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Strong Industry Links:

Cranfield University has close relationships with numerous organizations, providing students with opportunities for internships, placements, and networking.

Practical Approach to Education:

The university emphasizes hands-on learning and real-world applications, preparing students for successful careers.

World-Class Facilities:

Cranfield boasts state-of-the-art facilities, including laboratories, workshops, and research centers.

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Academic Programs:

Cranfield University offers a variety of postgraduate programs, including:

Taught Degrees:

MSc programs in various fields, such as aerospace, energy, and management.

Research Degrees:

PhD and MPhil programs for students seeking to conduct advanced research.

Apprenticeships:

Level 7 apprenticeships for professionals seeking to enhance their skills and knowledge.

Professional Development:

Short courses and executive development programs for individuals and organizations.

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Other:

• Cranfield University has two campuses: Cranfield Campus and Cranfield University at Shrivenham.
• The university is committed to sustainability and has a strong track record in environmental research.
• Cranfield University is ranked highly in various international rankings, including those for sustainability and engineering.