Executive Certificate in Strategic Leadership and Influence
Build the strategic mindset and presence to influence outcomes
Strengthen your strategic leadership skills and executive presence with the Executive Certificate in Strategic Leadership and Influence learning journey from Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education.
Why choose this multiprogramme learning journey?
The Executive Certificate in Strategic Leadership and Influence from Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education is designed as a structured learning journey to help leaders like you strengthen your strategic thinking, executive presence and influence. This combined experience brings together two online programmes: Executive Presence and Leadership for Influence and Strategic Thinking for the CXO: Platforms, Ecosystems and AI-Driven Strategies.
Through practical frameworks, real-world case studies, assignments, reflection and capstone components, you will develop the ability to analyse disruption, design adaptive strategies and communicate direction with clarity and credibility. The learning journey will support you in navigating complex environments shaped by AI, ecosystem-based competition, organisational visibility and the need to influence stakeholders with confidence.
By combining business strategy with leadership influence, this programme will help you connect how you think strategically with how you are perceived, trusted and followed.
Benefits for you
Strengthen your ability to diagnose complex business environments and make sharper strategic decisions.
Build leadership credibility, clarity and composure through socially intelligent leadership tools.
Develop adaptive strategies across platforms, ecosystems and industries.
Shape an authentic leadership brand grounded in your values and strengths.
Communicate vision clearly and confidently through compelling storytelling.
Apply AI, ecosystem and platform thinking to strategic plans and decision-making.
Build ethical influence and persuasion strategies grounded in emotional and well-being intelligence.
Turn strategic insight into action by aligning stakeholders, teams and resources around outcomes.
Benefits for your organisation
Improve senior leadership capability across both strategy formulation and leadership communication.
Strengthen leaders’ ability to navigate disruption, AI-driven change and ecosystem competition.
Support clearer communication of strategic direction across teams and stakeholders.
Build leadership presence and credibility in high-stakes business environments.
Improve the ability to translate strategic ideas into organisational action.
Encourage applied learning through case studies, practical assignments, peer discussions and capstone work.
Develop leaders who can combine strategic judgement with influence, visibility and authenticity.
What will the learning experience be like?
Video lectures
Learn foundational and advanced concepts through faculty-led video sessions.
Live Q&A sessions
Connect with faculty, contributors and cohort peers to explore specific challenges
Self-study activities
Practise applying core ideas through assignments, discussions and knowledge checks.
Guest speakers and interviews
Hear real-world perspectives from leaders, experts and Cambridge Judge Business School faculty.
Capstone projects
Develop practical outputs that integrate your learning across both programmes.
Discussions
Participate in peer-led discussions to exchange ideas, experiences and key takeaways.
Continuous access
Revisit learning materials, videos and resources for up to 12 months from the programme start date.
Case studies
Analyse practical scenarios to understand how strategic thinking, leadership presence and influence are applied in business contexts.
Practical application
Apply core concepts to build strategic thinking, executive presence, leadership brand and influence strategies.
Goal-setting and reflection
Track progress through guided reflections and checkpoints that link new ideas to your organisational challenges.
Who is this programme for?
This programme is ideal for:
Senior leaders and CXOs seeking to navigate disruption, AI and ecosystem competition while strengthening strategic decision-making, communication clarity and leadership influence
Rising leaders and managers looking to move from operational execution to strategic contribution, build visibility and step into broader leadership roles
Entrepreneurs and business heads aiming to design adaptive business models, reimagine growth strategies, communicate vision and build trust with stakeholders
Consultants, advisers and board members seeking structured frameworks for strategy design, ecosystem thinking and execution while strengthening stakeholder influence and communication effectiveness
Curriculum
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Part 1 — Executive Presence and Leadership for Influence | Online | 6 weeks
Module 1: The Essence of Executive Presence
Module 2: Developing Executive Presence throughout Your Career
Module 3: Crafting Your Leadership Brand
Module 4: Networking and Relationship-Building
Module 5: Persuasion and Influence
Module 6: Communicating Vision
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Part 2 — Strategic Thinking for the CXO: Platforms, Ecosystems and AI-Driven Strategies | Online | 6 weeks
Module 1: Strategy in a Disruptive World
Module 2: Ecosystems, Platforms and Competition
Module 3: Generating New Business Models for Competitive Advantage
Module 4: AI and Data-Driven Strategy
Module 5: Strategic Growth and Corporate Strategy
Module 6: Strategy Design and Execution
Live sessions
Gain deeper insights into executive presence, leadership influence, strategic thinking, platform strategy and AI-driven business strategy alongside cohort peers through live sessions hosted by Cambridge Judge Business School faculty and contributors. Recordings will be made available to view at your convenience.
Sessions include:
Live Q&A sessions with faculty, cohort peers and contributors in the Executive Presence and Leadership for Influence programme
Guest speaker insights on strategy, executive presence, influence and communication
Live Q&A sessions with faculty in the Strategic Thinking for the CXO programme
Note: live sessions mentioned here are subject to change.
Case studies
Apple
Understand how Apple leveraged network effects and platform design to build long-term competitive advantage in a disruptive market.
eHarmony
Explore how a differentiated platform strategy created value and sustained quality in a multisided ecosystem.
IKEA and Patient Innovation
Examine how organisations reimagine business models through circularity, sustainability and customer-centric innovation.
Tesla and NVIDIA
Assess how AI, data and digital capabilities transform strategy formulation and execution for technology-driven growth.
Formula One
Learn how teams use human–AI collaboration to boost performance and what organisations in other sectors can take from their data-driven approach to strategic decision-making
Xiaomi
Study how corporate parenting, alliances and innovation frameworks fuel strategic growth in fast-moving markets.
LEGO and Tata Nano
Analyse the link between strategy design and execution through lessons in alignment, agility and turnaround management.
Frameworks and tools
The Executive Presence and Leadership for Influence programme offers several practical frameworks and tools to help you gain an in-depth understanding of leadership styles and influence strategies and hone your core skills to build a strong leadership brand.
Sheryl Sandberg’s theory of bringing your whole self to work
Herminia Ibarra on prioritising action and experimentation as a leader over thinking and introspection
Jane Fraser on fitting in while emboldening others
Stanley Milgram’s experiments and six degrees of separation, understanding the importance of strong and weak ties
Robert Cialdini’s principles of influence, particularly social proof
Winston Churchill’s principles for sharp and striking writing
George Orwell’s six rules of effective writing
Aristotle’s concept of ethos, pathos and logos
Meet the faculty
Thomas Roulet
Professor of Organisational Sociology and Leadership, Cambridge Judge Business School
Smaranda Gosa-Mensing
People and Culture Leader; Fellow, Cambridge Judge Business School
Kamal Munir, PhD
Professor of Strategy and Policy; Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University Community and Engagement; Professorial Fellow of Homerton College, University of Cambridge
Simon Hall
Journalist and Communication Consultant
Shahzad (Shaz) Ansari, MPhil, PhD
Professor of Strategy and Innovation; Director, MPhil in Innovation, Strategy and Organisation; Professorial Fellow of St Edmund’s College
Guest speakers
Pippa Halley
Organisational Behaviourist
Neeti Gupta
Founder, AI Partnerships
Dex Hunter
Silicon Valley
Christian Busch, PhD
Professor, Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California (USC)
Ali Almakky
Head of Strategy and Partnerships, International Consumer Bank, JPMorgan, London
Eren Öztürk
Senior Specialist, Production Technologies, BMW
Stephen Lile
Academic Supervisor and Fellow, Cambridge Judge Business School
Certificate
Upon completion of this learning journey, you will receive three digital certificates of completion from Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education — one each for the Executive Presence and Leadership for Influence programme, the Strategic Thinking for the CXO: Platforms, Ecosystems and AI-Driven Strategies programme and the combined Executive Certificate in Strategic Leadership and Influence multiprogramme learning journey.
Note: after successful completion of the online programme, your verified digital certificate will be emailed to you in the name you used when registering for the programme. All certificate images are for illustrative purposes and may be subject to change at the discretion of Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education.
FAQs
1
The programme
How do I know if this programme is right for me?
After reviewing the information on the programme landing page, we recommend you submit the short form above to gain access to the programme brochure, which includes more in-depth information. If you still have questions about whether this programme is a good fit for you, please email us on the email address learner.success@emeritus.org and a dedicated programme adviser will follow up with you very shortly.
Are there any prerequisites for this programme?
Some programmes do have prerequisites, particularly the more technical ones. This information will be noted on the programme landing page as well as in the programme brochure. If you are uncertain about programme prerequisites and your capabilities, please email us at the ID mentioned above.
Note that, unless otherwise stated on the programme web page, all programmes are taught in English, and proficiency in English is required.
What is the typical class profile?
More than 50% of our participants are from outside the United States. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but generally, our online certificates draw a highly diverse audience in terms of professional experience, industry and geography — leading to a very rich peer learning and networking experience.
On what other dates will this programme be offered in the future?
Check back at this programme web page or email us to inquire whether future programme dates or the timeline for future offerings have been confirmed yet.
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The learning experience
How much time is required each week?
Each programme includes an estimated learner effort per week. This is referenced at the top of the programme landing page under the Duration section as well as in the programme brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page.
How will my time be spent?
We have designed this programme to fit into your current working life as efficiently as possible. Time will be spent among a variety of activities, including:
Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
Attending webinars and office hours, as per the specific programme schedule
Reading or engaging with examples of core topics
Completing knowledge checks/quizzes and required activities
Engaging in moderated discussion groups with your peers
Completing your final project, if required
The programme is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and to demonstrate an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Please email us if you need further clarification on programme activities.
What is it like to learn online with the learning collaborator, Emeritus?
More than 350,000 learners across 80 countries have chosen to advance their skills with Emeritus and its educational learning partners. In fact, 90% of the respondents of a recent survey across all our programmes said that their learning outcomes were met or exceeded.
All programme content will be made available to learners at the commencement of the programme. However, to ensure the programme delivers the desired learning outcomes, the learners may appoint Emeritus to manage the delivery of the programme in a cohort-based manner, the cost of which is already included in the overall programme fee.
A dedicated programme support team is available 24/5 (Monday to Friday) to answer questions about the learning platform, technical issues or anything else that may affect your learning experience.
How do I interact with other programme participants?
Peer learning adds substantially to the overall learning experience and is an important part of the programme. You can connect and communicate with other participants through our learning platform.
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Certificate
What are the requirements to earn the certificate?
Each programme includes an estimated learner effort per week, so you can gauge what will be required before you enrol. This is referenced at the top of the programme landing page under the Duration section as well as in the programme brochure, which you can obtain by submitting the short form at the top of this web page. All programmes are designed to fit into your working life.
This programme is scored as a pass or no-pass. Participants must complete the required activities to pass and obtain the certificate of completion. Some programmes include a final project submission or other assignments to obtain passing status. This information will be noted in the programme brochure. Please email us if you need further clarification on any specific programme requirements.
What type of certificate will I receive?
Upon successful completion of the programme, you will receive a smart digital certificate. The smart digital certificate can be shared with friends, family, schools or potential employers. You can use it in your cover letter or resume and/or display it on your LinkedIn profile.
The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the programme end date, once grading is complete.
Can I get the hard copy of the certificate?
No, only verified digital certificates will be issued upon successful completion. This allows you to share your credentials on social networking platforms, such as LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
Do I receive alumni status after completing this programme?
No, there is no alumni status granted for this programme. In some cases, there are credits that count towards a higher level of certification. This information will be clearly noted in the programme brochure.
For how long will I have access to the learning materials?
You will have access to the online learning platform and all the videos and programme materials for 12 months following the programme start date. Access to the learning platform is restricted to registered participants per the terms of agreement.
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Technical requirements
What equipment or technical requirements are there for this programme?
Participants will need the latest version of their preferred browser to access the learning platform. In addition, Microsoft Office and a PDF viewer are required to access documents, spreadsheets, presentations, PDF files and transcripts.
Do I need to be online to access the programme content?
Yes, the learning platform is accessed via the internet, and video content is not available for download. However, you can download files of video transcripts, assignment templates, readings, etc. For maximum flexibility, you can access programme content from a desktop, laptop, tablet or mobile device. Video lectures will be streamed via the internet, and any livestream webinars and office hours will require an internet connection. However, these sessions are always recorded, so you can view them later.
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Payment process
Can I still register if the registration deadline has passed?
Yes, you can register up until seven days past the published start date of the programme without missing any of the core programme material or learnings.
What is the programme fee, and what forms of payment do you accept?
The programme fee is noted at the top of this programme web page and usually referenced in the programme brochure as well.
Flexible payment options are available (see details below as well as at the top of this programme web page next to FEE).
Tuition assistance is available for participants who qualify. Please email
What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?
Yes, you can do a bank remittance in the programme currency via wire transfer or debit card. Please contact your programme adviser or email us for details.
I was not able to use the discount code provided. Can you help?
Yes! Please email us with the details of the programme you are interested in, and we will assist you.
How can I obtain an invoice for payment?
Please email us your invoicing requirements and the specific programme you are interested in enrolling in.
Is there an option to make flexible payments for this programme?
Yes, the flexible payment option allows a participant to pay the programme fee in instalments. This option is made available on the payment page and should be selected before submitting the payment.
How can I obtain a W9 form?
Please connect with us via email for assistance.
Who will be collecting the payment for the programme?
Emeritus collects all programme payments, provides learner enrolment and programme support and manages learning platform services.
Are there any restrictions on the types of funding that can be used to pay for the programme?
Programme fees for Emeritus programmes with Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education may not be paid for with (a) funds from the GI Bill, the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Act of 2008 or similar types of military education funding benefits or (b) Title IV financial aid funds.
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Refund policy
What is the programme refund and deferral policy?
For the programme refund and deferral policy, please click the link here.
Didn't find what you were looking for? Write to us at learner.success@emeritus.org or Schedule a call with one of our Programme Advisers or call us at +44 203 479 4043 (UK) / +1 315 819 0707(US) / +65 3163 8580 (SG)
Flexible payment options available.
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