Program Overview

The Strategic Leader Program: How to Excel as Your Responsibility Increases

The Strategic Leader Program is designed to prepare executives for transitioning to broader management and strategic roles. This strategic leadership development program equips executives with the tools to navigate complexity, shape corporate culture, and confidently drive organizational change.

Overview

In every rising leader’s career, there comes a time when getting to the next level in the organization requires a multi-disciplinary approach to leadership. The key to successfully transitioning to such executive roles is the ability to understand external environments, read early-warning signals of disruption, and rapidly and strategically align the resources of the organization to capture competitive advantage.

This program is designed to prepare executives for this transition. Through six key sessions, participants will broaden their knowledge, perspective, and understanding of strategic leadership. They will learn why success occurs outside the boundaries of their organization, how to make sense of complexity to lead their organization into the future, and how to successfully shape corporate culture and drive organizational change.

Impact

In this strategic leadership program, participants will learn how to:

• Interpret complex and fast-changing external environments and their impact on their business
• Create winning strategies for their organization
• Lead cross-functional, diverse teams with authenticity and agility
• Implement their strategic leadership game plan
• Manage change by overcoming organizational resistance
• Build a high-performance culture

Program Structure

The program is offered in three global locations: New York City, Dubai, and Paris. The in-person program prepares executives for their next big career move. Through six key sessions, participants will gain the tools to navigate complexity, shape corporate culture, and confidently drive organizational change.

• Session 1
• Session 2
• Session 3
• Session 4
• Session 5
• Session 6

Participant Profile

This strategic leadership development program is designed for executives who are transitioning, have just transitioned, or are planning to transition to broader management roles, including general managers, cross-functional leaders, and senior functional managers.

Faculty

• William G. Pietersen: Professor of the Practice of Management, Columbia Business School
• Paul Ingram: Kravis Professor of Business, Management Division
• Stephan Meier: James P. Gorman Professor of Business, Chair of Management Division

Dates and Locations

• January 27–29, 2026: Dubai, UAE
• May 19–21, 2026: Manhattanville, NYC

Cost and Credits

• Cost: $8,150
• CIBE Credits: 3
• Format: In-Person

Requirements

Attendees are upper- to senior-level executives who are in or transitioning to broader management and strategic roles.

Certificate in Business Excellence (CIBE)

The Certificate in Business Excellence is a customizable learning experience that allows participants to select programs that best interest them and are most suited for their needs. Any completed program, regardless of format, will count towards the Certificate in Business Excellence.

More Leadership Programs

• Columbia's Executive Coaching Service
• Strategy and Leadership in the Future of Work
• Leading Strategic Growth and Change
• Emerging Leader Development Program

These programs offer a range of learning opportunities for executives to develop their leadership skills and knowledge. They cover topics such as strategy, innovation, and change management, and are designed to help participants become more effective leaders in their organizations.