This dynamic, advanced programme targets individuals who aim to progress their careers within senior management. It is tailored to foster participant growth aligned with their specific leadership and career aspirations, building upon existing developmental activities by addressing competency deficiencies and crafting bespoke development strategies. Additionally, the programme provides essential tools, strategies, and networking opportunities to both support and challenge participants as they ascend to higher managerial roles.
The curriculum features insights and hands-on experiences from seasoned business leaders, enriched by academic theoretical frameworks. Each module includes case studies and discussions, spearheaded by a Business School Academic expert in the field alongside a prominent C-suite executive (Chair, CEO, CPO, etc.), who will share candid insights into their professional challenges and triumphs, focusing on relevant issues encountered throughout their careers.
Programme overview
Who should attend:
- Individuals positioned for board-level roles within their organisations.
- Professionals keen on mastering contemporary strategies in management and change.
- Leaders aiming to cultivate a network of high-calibre professionals for career and business enhancement.
- Individuals seeking a hands-on comprehension of boardroom governance and dynamics.
- Those eager for career insights from leading global business figures operating in the UK today.
Programme benefits
- Targeted practical preparation for board-level leadership
- Awareness of one's leadership style, identifying strengths and areas for improvement
- Enhanced executive leadership skills
- Boosted confidence in leading through complex business situations
- A strategic plan for career development through insights into the career trajectories of inspirational senior leaders and practical applications of these insights in one's own context
- Access to a network of senior leaders locally and across various industries, offering connections, business advice, and career support
What you will learn
All sessions will be held face-to-face and delivered by both seasoned academics and experienced business leaders. Online course materials, along with recorded footage of each session, will be accessible through the University Learning Hub.
Session details
Adaptive Leadership in a Rapidly Changing World
Date: Tuesday 9 September 2025
Speaker: Louise Smith OBE, Chair, Innovate Finance
Academic Lead: Dr Sarah Ivory, Former Senior Lecturer in Executive Education, Climate Change and Sustainability
Location: Surgeon’s Hall, the Playfair, 16 Nicolson Street, EH8 9DW
Building and Driving High Performance
Date: Tuesday 23 September 2025
Speaker: Clive Miles, HR Director, Barclays UK Everyday Money Management and Life Moments
Academic Lead: Professor Susan Murphy, Chair in Leadership Development, University of Edinburgh Business School
Location: Edinburgh Futures Institute, Room 0.01, 1 Lauriston Place, EH3 9EF
Formulating and Delivering Strategy
Date: Tuesday 7 October 2025
Speaker: Euan Sutherland, Chief Executive Officer, AG Barr plc and Alison Gowen, Chief People Officer, AG Barr plc
Academic Lead: Dr Winston Kwon, Senior Lecturer in Strategy and Social Innovation
Location: Surgeon’s Hall, the Deacon’s Suite, 16 Nicolson Street, EH8 9DW
Board Readiness and Governance
Date: Tuesday 21 October 2025
Speaker: Angela Seymour-Jackson, Chair, PageGroup
Academic Lead: Professor John Amis, Chair in Strategic Change Management and Organisation and Co-Director of the Centre for Strategic Leadership
Location: Surgeon’s Hall, the Playfair, 16 Nicolson Street, EH8 9DW
Leading Transformation and Change
Date: Tuesday 4 November 2025
Speaker: Greg Michael, Non-Executive Director and Angel Investor; formerly Group CEO of Menzies Distribution
Academic Lead: Professor John Amis, Chair in Strategic Change Management and Organisation and Co-Director of the Centre for Strategic Leadership
Location: Surgeon’s Hall, the Playfair, 16 Nicolson Street, EH8 9DW
How to Lead Successfully in a Polycrisis
Date: Tuesday 18 November 2025
This session will be conducted by specialists in this field.
Location: Surgeon’s Hall, the Playfair, 16 Nicolson Street, EH8 9DW
Price
For details around the fees as well as discounts, please get in touch with the Executive Leadership Programme Team.