Emerging CEO
This programme is designed for senior executives aspiring to transition into this C-suite leadership role
Course key facts
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Date
26 Mar - 26 September 2026
Duration
6 months
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Credits
Non credit bearing
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Format
Online
Fee
£7,000
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 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.
Learning Journey
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
Course details
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
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
Upon successful completion of this programme, you will receive a verified digital certificate of completion via email.
Note: You will earn the Associate Alumni status upon successful completion of the programme. Visit the Associate Alumni page to find out more.
Take your partnership with Imperial to the next level by becoming an Associate Alumnus. Complete one (1) of our on-campus, online, and virtual programmes to claim 'Associate Alumnus' status and join our active alumni community.
Some of the benefits of becoming an Associate Alumnus include:
- Access to the Imperial Alumni LinkedIn group
- Invites to relevant events and webinars
- 25% Discount on future learning for yourself and up to three your colleagues
If you are interested in finding out more, contact us today!
Course instructors
Adam Kingl
Lecturer at Imperial Business SchoolAdam Kingl is highly regarded for his expertise in the future of business. His primary research focuses on the work and leadership paradigms of the youngest generations in the workplace. Kingl is a highly sought-after speaker at prestigious events, including the World Expo Business International Milan, Global Leadership Summit and HR Directors Business Summit. His work featured in esteemed publications, including the Financial Times, Sunday Times, The Guardian and many more. He has also authored two books titled Next Generation Leadership and Sparking Success.