Program Overview

The Leadership Leap

Overview

Explore the complexities of leadership – learn strategies to minimise disruption, successful succession planning and how to seamlessly navigate leadership changes with confidence.

Dates

• 29 September to 1 October 2025

Duration

• Three days

School

• Business School
  • Executive Education

Fees

• General: £3,300
• University of St Andrews alumni: £1,650

Your Learning Experience

This is an in-person programme, where you will learn alongside your peers in an interactive, small group setting in the beautiful, historic town of St Andrews, home to our world-class University. Taught by experts in the field, through lectures, interactive discussions, case studies, and practical exercises, you will enhance your leadership capabilities to drive organisational success during times of change.

Indicative Course Content

Day One: Understanding Succession as a Transition

The Succession Process

• Concept of succession as a transition rather than a recruitment exercise
• Signs of impending succession and how they affect organisational dynamics
• Phases of succession, from pre-resignation to post-appointment adjustment

The Context of Succession - Leading Organisational Change

• Examine succession as organisational change and the implications for leadership and management
• Analyse organisational networks of power and resistance
• Discuss the impact of succession on individual and collective identities within the organisation

Day Two: People First - Smart Succession Strategies

Emotional and Professional Impact

Emotional and Professional Impact

• Emotional aspects of succession for all parties involved
• Strategies for managing staff expectations and concerns during transition
• Case studies of successful and challenging succession experiences

Navigating Predecessor-Successor Dynamics

• Challenges posed by predecessors who remain within the organisation
• Develop strategies for managing the "ghost" of the predecessor in staff memories
• Handling delicate predecessor-successor interactions

Day Three: Leadership, Equality and Diversity

Leadership Development

• Essential leadership skills and their application in driving organisational success
• Techniques for difficult conversations
• Influence and conflict management

Promoting Equality and Diversity

• Importance of equality and diversity in the workplace
• Strategies for creating an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives

Implementing Inclusive Practices

• Action plans to integrate equality and diversity initiatives within your organisation
• Leading inclusively and promoting diverse perspectives
• Strategies for sustaining an inclusive culture and adapting to future challenges

Who is it for?

This course is designed for current and aspiring leaders:

• Senior executives and managers preparing for leadership transitions
• HR professionals involved in talent management and succession planning
• Board members of SMEs and non-profit organisations
• Aspiring leaders looking to understand succession dynamics

How will your Organisation Benefit?

By attending this three-day course, your organisation will cultivate a robust succession strategy, ensuring a smoother and more inclusive transition whenever leadership changes occur.

Participants will be better equipped to:

• Minimise disruptions and maintain continuity: Proactively plan for leadership changes, reducing operational risks and ensuring stability throughout the transition
• Strengthen employee engagement: Manage the emotional and professional effects of succession, fostering trust and transparency among staff
• Enhance organisational resilience: Adopt leadership approaches that promote agile decision-making and adapt to evolving business environments
• Promote equality and diversity: Implement inclusive practices that value varied perspectives and experiences, reinforcing an environment where innovation can flourish
• Maintain a leadership pipeline: Develop policies and frameworks that attract, retain, and grow future leaders, improving long-term organisational performance

Course Leader

• Dr Sandra Romenska, Senior Lecturer

Why University of St Andrews Business School?

Ranked as one of the UK's leading universities, the University of St Andrews is renowned for its teaching excellence. Our Business School brings together leading global academics and practitioners across management, finance, and economics.

In the Guardian's University Guide 2025 UK rankings we are proud to be:

• Number one in Business and Management
• Number two in Economics

Our Executive Education experience blends cutting-edge research, academic rigour, and global perspective. Inspiring transformative thinking and leadership, this new course will allow you to innovate and excel in your field.