Full course description
Application Required ** Before registering on the course, you must first submit an application here **
The Transitioning to C-Suite Programme is designed for high-performing senior leaders and new C-Suite executives preparing to take on enterprise-level responsibilities. Whether you're about to step into the C-Suite or have recently arrived, this programme helps you shift from functional excellence to executive-level leadership.
Across three in-person modules, online materials and guided executive peer coaching sessions, you’ll gain the tools, frameworks, and executive mindset to lead with vision, steer change, and make decisions that shape the future of your organisation.
This programme will help you:
- Think like an enterprise leader: Move from a functional to a cross-organisational perspective.
- Make strategic decisions with confidence: Understand the interplay between risk, opportunity, and innovation.
- Lead through complexity: Navigate ambiguity, build personal and organisational resilience, and effectively lead change.
- Strengthen your executive presence: Communicate with clarity, influence with integrity, and engage key stakeholders successfully.
- Expand your enterprise leadership capital: Build relationships with a diverse group of senior peers from a range of industries and sectors.
Programme structure and topics covered:
A transformative three-month strategic leadership journey featuring three immersive two-day modules, supported by online resources and executive peer coaching sessions.
- Module 1: (24 & 25 Aug 2026) Adaptive Leadership at the Executive Level
Build your executive mindset, elevate your leadership presence and strengthen your resilience. Understand what it means to lead at the enterprise level and develop your personal and organisational roadmap for growth. - Module 2: (22 & 23 Sept 2026) Change, Culture & Communication at the Executive Level
Influence organisational culture and lead sustainable change. Learn how to communicate with impact to influence, align, and engage others. - Module 3: (20 & 21 Oct 2026) Strategy & Innovation at the Executive Level
Discover how to lead strategic transformation, foster innovation within constraints, and apply adaptive strategy in fast-changing environments.
You’ll also participate in facilitated executive peer coaching sessions with an executive coach - a powerful space to reflect, challenge assumptions, and embed learning alongside a trusted cohort of senior peers.
Learning outcomes:
Participants will:
- Adopt the mindset and practices of adaptive executive leadership to enhance personal impact and effectiveness.
- Lead cultural transformation and complex change using proven tools and frameworks.
- Communicate with influence by delivering compelling messages and demonstrating executive presence.
- Drive innovation and strategy in dynamic environments through adaptive thinking and decision-making.
- Build a diverse network of senior leaders from a range of industries, sectors and regions.
- Develop and refine your coaching skills with the support of proven frameworks and expert guidance to effectively support others' reflection, growth and performance.
Organisations will benefit from:
- Future-ready leaders who can think beyond their functions and act strategically
- Increased enterprise leadership capabilities
- More engaged, adaptive and aligned leaders
Who should attend?
Whether you're being sponsored by your organisation or self-nominating, this programme is designed to help you lead at the next level.
- Senior managers, directors, general managers and heads of departments looking to accelerate their transition into more strategic roles.
- Newly appointed executives seeking to sharpen their C-suite leadership.
- Organisations investing in their next generation of enterprise leaders.
Primary contact person:
Alistair Cran | Business Development Manager
M: +64 21 313 675
E: Alistair.Cran@auckland.ac.nz
By enrolling in a Short Course at the University of Auckland you agree to the Short Course Terms and Conditions