Strategic Thinking for the CXO: Platforms, Ecosystems and AI-Driven Strategies
Reimagine strategy. Redefine leadership.
Programme overview: Strategic Thinking for the CXO
The Strategic Thinking for the CXO: Platforms, Ecosystems and AI-Driven Strategies from Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education prepares leaders like you to anticipate disruption, design adaptive strategies and execute them with confidence. As organisations navigate a world shaped by shifting market dynamics, geopolitical and sustainability pressures, ecosystem-based competition and advances in artificial intelligence (AI), leaders must operate under heightened uncertainty and complexity. Succeeding in this environment demands strategic fluency—the ability to challenge assumptions, rethink competitive boundaries and make sound decisions under complex conditions.
Through an immersive curriculum, hands-on learning, expert guidance and real-life examples, including Apple and LEGO, this programme equips you to connect strategic foresight with practical execution. Guided by Cambridge Judge Business School faculty, you will learn to integrate AI, sustainability and broader strategic considerations in your decision-making, preparing yourself to lead with clarity and purpose while turning disruption into long-term opportunity.
39%
45%
Key takeaways
Understand the real forces shaping your competitive landscape through strategic frameworks and spot threats and opportunities before your competitors do.
Use AI and emerging technologies not as buzzwords, but as real strategic levers to make sharper, faster, strategic decisions.
Design scalable growth strategies across platforms, ecosystems and industries to create sustainable value.
Move from rigid planning to adaptive strategies to anticipate disruption and turn uncertainty into long-term advantage.
Turn strategy into execution that moves the organisation, aligning leaders, teams and resources around outcomes.
Who is the Strategic Thinking for the CXO programme for?
The Strategic Thinking for the CXO: Platforms, Ecosystems and AI-Driven Strategies programme is designed for leaders seeking to achieve strategic goals and drive organisational growth in a rapidly changing environment. It is ideal for:
CXOs and senior leaders looking to understand and manage the impact of disruption and leverage technology to drive long-term transformation
Entrepreneurs and business heads who want to design adaptive business models, reimagine growth strategies and compete in dynamic markets
Consultants, advisers and board members aiming to apply proven frameworks to guide strategic decision-making and strengthen resilience across organisations
What you will learn in the Strategic Thinking for the CXO programme?
Understand the fundamentals of strategic thinking, and explore why traditional models fall short in today's fast-changing business environment.
Explore how organisations compete and grow within the platform economy by designing strategies that create and capture value across interconnected networks.
Explore how leading organisations design innovative business models, sustain competitive advantage and cultivate the strategic agility and serendipity mindset needed to recognise and act on unexpected opportunities for innovation and long-term growth.
Examine how AI and data reshape strategic thinking, decision-making and organisational performance.
Navigate how organisations achieve strategic growth and build corporate advantage in a disruptive and evolving market landscape.
Build expertise in strategy design and implementation to translate strategic intent into effective action.
Hands-on learning: assignments and activities
Try-it activities:
Develop your own templates and tip sheets to apply the strategic frameworks and models at work.
Follow the step-by-step guidance to map an ecosystem. Analyse real-world business situations with strategic frameworks and models.
Discussion activities:
Contextualise your learnings using real-world problems, share your experience with peers and exchange key takeaways from lectures and guest interviews.
Why Strategic Thinking for the CXO from CJBS Executive Education?
The Strategic Thinking for the CXO: Platforms, Ecosystems and AI-Driven Strategies programme, led by Professors Kamal Munir and Shahzad (Shaz) Ansari, blends research-based insight with practical frameworks to help you diagnose disruption and design adaptive strategies that translate intent into measurable outcomes. The programme strengthens your ability to lead strategically in an era shaped by AI and continual transformation.
Cambridge Judge Business School, recognised as one of the world’s leading institutions, develops leaders who drive meaningful change. We combine rigorous research with practical relevance to help executives deepen their judgement and expand their capacity to innovate.
Our programmes attract ambitious professionals from across industries who want to broaden their perspective, strengthen their leadership presence and create impact within their organisations and beyond.
Case studies
The Strategic Thinking for the CXO: Platforms, Ecosystems and AI-Driven Strategies programme features a curated selection of real-world case studies that connect strategic theory with practice. Each case is designed to help you analyse decisions, assess outcomes and apply insights to your own organisation.
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.
What will the learning experience be like?
Guest interviews
Gain insights from industry leaders and Cambridge Judge Business School faculty on first-principles thinking, platform strategy and AI in strategy.
Live Q&A sessions with faculty
Join interactive sessions to clarify concepts, explore frameworks and connect learning to your professional context
Goal setting and reflection
Track progress through guided reflections and checkpoints that link new ideas to your organisational challenges.
Practical application
Apply frameworks such as the Strategy Palette, power model and Balanced Scorecard through practical exercises and case discussions.
Discussion activities
Engage with a global cohort of peers to exchange perspectives and build a network of strategic leaders.
Continuous access
Revisit learning materials, videos and resources for up to 12 months from the programme start date.
Faculty
Professor of Strategy and Policy; Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University Community and Engagement; Professorial Fellow of Homerton College, University of Cambridge
Kamal Munir has served in leadership roles at Cambridge Judge Business School and Lahore University of Management Sciences. He publishes widely on organisational strategy, ins...
Professor of Strategy & Innovation, Director of the MPhil in Innovation, Strategy & Organisation Programme, Professorial Fellow of St Edmund’s College
Shahzad (Shaz) Ansari is an expert in strategic management, business model innovation and corporate social responsibility. He publishes widely in top journals and teaches and ...
Guest speakers
Senior Specialist, Production Technologies, BMW
Silicon Valley Strategist and Advisor
Founder, AI Partnerships
Head of ICB Strategy and Partnerships, JPMorgan Managing Director, London
Professor, Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California (USC)
Academic Supervisor, Fellow, Cambridge Judge Business School
Certificate
Upon successful completion of the Strategic Thinking for the CXO programme, participants will be awarded a digital certificate of completion by Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education.
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 only and may be subject to change at the discretion of Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education.
Executive Certificate in Leading Strategy and Innovation in the Digital Era
FAQs
What is the Strategic Thinking for the CXO: Platforms, Ecosystems and AI-Driven Strategies programme from Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education?
The Strategic Thinking for the CXO: Platforms, Ecosystems and AI-Driven Strategies programme from Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education prepares leaders to anticipate disruption, design adaptive strategies and execute them with confidence. Through an immersive curriculum, hands-on learning, expert guidance and real-life examples, including Apple and LEGO, you will learn to connect strategic foresight with practical execution. Guided by Cambridge Judge Business School faculty, the programme helps you integrate AI, sustainability and digital fluency into your strategic decision-making, preparing you to lead with clarity and purpose while turning disruption into long-term opportunity.
How do I know if the Strategic Thinking for the CXO: Platforms, Ecosystems and AI-Driven Strategies programme is right for me?
The Strategic Thinking for the CXO: Platforms, Ecosystems and AI-Driven Strategies programme is ideal for:
- CXOs and senior leaders who want to lead through disruption and shape organisational direction, driving long-term transformation
- Entrepreneurs and business heads looking to design adaptive business models, reimagine growth strategies and compete in dynamic markets
- Consultants, advisers and board members aiming to apply proven frameworks to guide strategic decision-making and strengthen resilience across organisations
What is the typical class profile?
The Strategic Thinking for the CXO: Platforms, Ecosystems and AI-Driven Strategies programme attracts a diverse cohort of senior leaders from various industries and geographies. Class profiles vary from one cohort to the next, but generally, the programme draws a highly experienced audience looking to sharpen their strategic thinking capabilities and drive organisational growth in rapidly changing environments.
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 learner.success@emeritus.org for assistance. Note that, unless otherwise stated on the programme web page, all programmes are taught in English, and proficiency in English is required.
On what dates will the Strategic Thinking for the CXO: Platforms, Ecosystems and AI-Driven Strategies programme be offered in the future?
Future dates for the Strategic Thinking for the CXO: Platforms, Ecosystems and AI-Driven Strategies programme will be listed on the programme web page once confirmed. You may also email us to enquire about upcoming offerings.
How much time is required to complete the programme?
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 during the programme?
The Strategic Thinking for the CXO: Platforms, Ecosystems and AI-Driven Strategies programme is designed to be highly interactive while also allowing time for self-reflection and providing an understanding of the core topics through various active learning exercises. Time will be spent among a variety of activities, including:
Engaging with recorded video lectures from faculty
Attending live webinars and office hours, as per the programme schedule
Examining real-life case studies and examples
Completing assignments, quizzes and knowledge checks
Participating in moderated discussion groups with your peers
Applying learnings through assignments
Please email us if you need further clarification on programme activities.
What are the requirements to earn a certificate?
To earn a certificate of completion for the Strategic Thinking for the CXO: Platforms, Ecosystems and AI-Driven Strategies programme, participants must complete the required activities and assignments and as outlined in the programme syllabus. The passing criteria will be communicated at the start of the programme.
What type of certificate will I receive upon programme completion?
Upon successful completion of the Strategic Thinking for the CXO: Platforms, Ecosystems and AI-Driven Strategies programme, you will receive a verified digital certificate of completion from Cambridge Judge Business School Executive Education. This digital certificate can be shared on social media platforms, including LinkedIn, to demonstrate your achievement. The digital certificate will be sent approximately two weeks after the programme completion, once grading is complete. Hard copies of certificates are not provided.
Will I receive alumni status from Cambridge Judge Business School?
Completion of the Strategic Thinking for the CXO: Platforms, Ecosystems and AI-Driven Strategies programme does not grant alumni status or additional certificates from Cambridge Judge Business School or the University of Cambridge.
What are the technical requirements to participate in the programme?
To participate in the Strategic Thinking for the CXO: Platforms, Ecosystems and AI-Driven Strategies programme, you will need access to a computer with a modern browser and a stable internet connection. The learning platform works best when accessed through the latest version of Google Chrome. Video lectures can be viewed online but cannot be downloaded. Any live webinars and office hours will require an internet connection to attend, but recordings will be made available if you are unable to join live.
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).
If you apply by an early deadline, you may receive a programme fee benefit. If you believe you may qualify for other discounts, please check with your programme adviser to confirm the applicable discount that will provide the greatest benefit and if there are specific terms and conditions for use. For more information, please connect with a learning adviser or email learner.success@emeritus.org.
What if I don’t have a credit card? Is there another method of payment accepted?
Yes, you can do the 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’re interested in enroling 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.
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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