Authentic Leader Development

Executive participates in class discussion as fellow students actively listen

Discover the key to engaging and inspiring others: you. Confront life's biggest questions to deepen your self-awareness, build your emotional intelligence, and expand your capacity to lead.

The program fee covers tuition, program materials, accommodations, and most meals.

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Exploring your life story, values, and defining experiences will strengthen your ability to lead with authenticity and purpose.

Authentic Leader Development is an immersive, deeply personal experience that challenges you to scrutinize your ambitions, fears, and purpose. You'll leave prepared to lead more effectively and sustain an intentional and meaningful life.

Key Program Features

Key Topics

  • Analyze the formative experiences that have shaped you as a person and a leader

  • Examine how your natural leadership style serves you—and recognize where broadening your repertoire will strengthen your effectiveness

  • Lead with integrity through pressure and challenges by clarifying and remaining true to your values and purpose

  • Coach others to unlock their potential

  • Practice deep listening to understand others' perspectives, strengthen trust, and respond with empathy and intention

  • Sustain your leadership by building an integrated and fulfilling life that balances work, relationships, and personal pursuits

Program Format

  • 6
    days on the HBS campus
  • 12–15
    hours of pre-program work

Please note that you will be asked to complete certain exercises and case preparation before the program begins to help you maximize the value of your time on campus. Case materials and a detailed schedule will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.

Who Should Attend

Authentic Leader Development is for experienced leaders who are open to sharing personal insights, experiences, ambitions, and fears both in class and small groups. By showing up ready to share and learn, you will join decades of leaders who describe this journey as one of the most transformational experiences of their careers.

The program's effect is amplified when multiple members of the same organization attend together and can continue supporting each other's development after the program ends.

Global Perspective

A diverse group of four executives laughing and engaging in a casual business meeting, seated around a wooden table with documents
7%
Africa
18%
Asia Pacific
17%
Europe
7%
Latin America
13%
Middle East
38%
North America

Top Industries Represented

  • 19%

    Financial

  • 11%

    Nonprofit Services

  • 9%

    High Technology

  • 6%

    Health Care

  • 6%

    Manufacturing

  • 6%

    Professional Services

  • 6%

    Raw Materials / Energy

  • 5%

    Real Estate / Construction

  • 4%

    Chem/Pharma/Bio

  • 4%

    Consumer Products

Experience

Years Worked

  • 4%

    Less than 10 years

  • 15%

    10-14 years

  • 20%

    15-19 years

  • 24%

    20-24 years

  • 20%

    25-29 years

  • 13%

    30-34 years

  • 3%

    35-39 years

  • 1%

    40 or more

Companies That Have Participated

  • Mastercard Incorporated
  • Meta
  • Microsoft
  • Nissan
  • Pricewaterhouse Coopers
  • Saudi Telecom
  • Sterling Bank
  • Suffolk
  • United Bank for Africa
  • Vivint
  • Zenith Bank

Teaching Team

All our executive education programs are developed and taught by a team of widely recognized HBS faculty. Many are skilled educators, groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors. Through their board memberships, consulting, and field-based research, they address the complex challenges facing business leaders across the globe.

Faculty Cochairs

Faculty

The HBS Experience

This in-person program takes place on our storied campus where you'll live and learn at the heart of Boston's vibrant business, academic, and technology hubs.

At HBS, every detail is carefully calibrated to drive your success. Living arrangements and classrooms that spark connection. Unrivaled academic resources. And rejuvenating fitness, dining, and cultural amenities.

View of Executive Education area of HBS campus

The dedicated Executive Education area of campus features multiple classroom buildings and three residence halls around a quad

Residence hall bedroom and bathroom, with woman looking out a window

Our well-appointed residence halls feature private bedrooms, living group lounges, and courtyards to fuel vibrant discussions

Admissions

We admit applicants on a rolling, space-available basis, so you are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible.

The selective admissions process is based on professional achievement, organizational responsibility, and the admissions criteria for each program as described in Who Should Attend. There are no formal educational requirements for HBS Executive Education programs.

Learn more about the admissions process and requirements.

Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, and faculty are subject to change. In accordance with Harvard University policy, Harvard Business School does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex or sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, veteran status, or disability in admission to, access to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.