Emerging CEO

Programme overview

In today’s dynamic business landscape, the pathway to the CEO role is evolving, creating unprecedented opportunities for ambitious leaders. Organisations are increasingly seeking fresh perspectives and bold, strategic thinkers — not just from the C-suite but from across the leadership spectrum. As an ambitious senior professional aspiring to be a CEO, you need to shift your focus from being operationally effective to being strategically indispensable. Accelerating your career means embracing unconventional moves and bold decisions, backed by a clear personal growth strategy. 

The Emerging CEO programme is designed for senior executives aspiring to transition into this C-suite leadership role. You will acquire a range of essential skills, enabling you to successfully navigate the responsibilities of a CEO.

This six month online programme draws on expertise from Imperial College Business School faculty, industry experts and case studies. It features hands-on modules for practical learning and opportunities for interactive engagement, and strategic thinking. You will experience live online teaching sessions, video lectures, interactive activities and assignments whilst receiving personal support from a dedicated Learning Team.

You will finish the programme prepared to implement your learnings, and with a verified Digital Certificate from Imperial College Business School Executive Education. 

Who should attend?

The Emerging CEO programme is designed for senior professionals aspiring to fast-track their transition to a C-suite role. The programme helps develop a holistic view or ‘big picture’ mindset of the business, enabling participants to emerge as confident leaders capable of guiding the organisation through high-growth challenges. The programme is particularly relevant for:

• Functional heads and senior managers looking to gain exposure to cross-functional leadership, strategic decision-making and corporate governance while managing stakeholders and aligning innovation with profitability
• Vice presidents, directors, and their equivalents seeking personalised mentorship to expand their leadership capabilities and develop a mindset to navigate organisational and market challenges
• Founders and co-founders of start-ups seeking insights into leadership presence, financial strategies and stakeholder management to scale their businesses

Learning Objectives

By the end of this transformational programme, you will be able to:

• Foster a culture of innovation and drive the organisation’s evolution through a transformative leadership style
• Use strategic frameworks for rapid market and competitive dynamics response
• Differentiate between funding mechanisms, assessing their trade-offs and alignment with the organisation’s goals
• Develop an innovative growth strategy that integrates financial, operational and leadership goals with the organisation’s vision
• Analyse various organisational structures, discerning their impact on decision-making processes within the organisation
• Hone your communication skills to foster transparency and clarity within the organisation, leading to enhanced trust and relationship management
• Adapt to future forces to lead business transformation in a complex world

Learning Journey

Phase 1: Executive Leadership Essentials | 12 weeks

Understand the executive leadership skills necessary to excel in a C-suite leadership role. Navigate the current finance landscape confidently by gaining expertise in effective decision making, strategic agility and ethical leadership. Explore how to drive innovation and ensure alignment with sustainable practices.

Module 1: Organisational Structures: From Hierarchies to Networks

Module 2: Navigating and Influencing Complex Politics

Module 3: Building Alliances and Collaboration at an Executive Level

Module 4: Understanding Enablers and Derailers to Career Progression in the C-Suite

Module 5: Building Trust and Relationship Management

Module 6: Adept Communication: The Art of Storytelling

Module 7: Fostering a Culture of Ethics

Module 8: Inspiring Cohesive, Effective Teams

Module 9: Future Forces Transforming Demands on the C-suite

Module 10: The Role of C-Suite in Driving Digital Transformation

Module 11: Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG): Balancing Profitability and Responsibility

Module 12: Understanding and Appreciating Diversity in the Workplace

Phase 2: Strategies for the CEO | 6 weeks

Module 13: The CEO Role in High-Growth Organisations

Module 14: Individuality as a CEO

Module 15: Corporate Governance

Module 16: The C-Suite

Module 17: Financial Strategies

Module 18: Navigating Funding Sources

Phase 3: CEO Transformation Imperatives | 6 weeks

Module 19: Executing on the Innovation Edge

Module 20: Corporate Strategy for Disruptive Growth

Module 21: Executive Communication

Module 22: Leading through Flux

Module 23: Talent Strategies for High Growth

Module 24: Stewarding Culture