PLD Module 5

Participants sit and talk with their laptops open to review data in a conference room, overlooking HBS campus through large windows

Our Program for Leadership Development helps emerging executives fast-track their influence and effectiveness within their organizations. PLD Module 5 builds on that powerful leadership development and gives you the unique opportunity to earn lifelong alumni status.

  • Status

    Accepting Applications

  • Format

    Blended

  • Location

    Virtual and HBS Campus

  • Fee

    $29,750

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

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Program Announcement

There's still time to join the upcoming session of PLD Module 5. The Admissions Committee will continue to accept applications through June 1, 2026. We encourage you to apply soon, before the first virtual, live online session on June 3, 2026.

Take a deep dive into the mindsets and behaviors of exceptional leaders around the world. Those who are inspiring stakeholders, reshaping organizations, and redefining industries.

PLD Module 5 brings all the elements of your PLD learning together in an intensive exploration of what it means to be an authentic leader. You will emerge with the decision-making skills and confidence that support your organization's financial needs, legal requirements, ethical obligations, and corporate goals.

Key Program Features

Key Topics

  • Strengthen your grasp of corporate finance and relationships with capital markets and financial institutions

  • Identify your authentic leadership style and purpose while creating an action plan to achieve your potential

  • Navigate your responsibilities as a high-level decision-maker supporting your organization’s financial needs, legal requirements, and ethical obligations

  • Explore your personal role—and your company's organizational role—in generating more value for the business and for society

  • Understand the psychology of decision-making and learn how to steer complex negotiations

Program Format

  • 7
    weeks of part-time self-paced learning
  • 10
    hours of live online learning
  • 2
    weeks on the HBS campus

Participants will receive a detailed schedule and case materials approximately two weeks before the program starts.

Session Details

May 19 – Jul 11, 2026Part-TimeVirtual, Live Online and Self-Paced
Jul 12 – 24, 2026Full-TimeHBS Campus

Before coming to campus, participants will attend 10 hours of live virtual sessions hosted via Zoom or the HBS Live Online Classroom. Self-paced work through HBS Online and preparing for case discussions will require an additional 10–12 hours per week.

Live Online Classroom or Zoom sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m.–12:45 p.m. ET of select weeks. Exact dates will be confirmed in the coming months.

Who Should Attend

  • PLD Module 5 is exclusively for past participants of the Program for Leadership Development who wish to continue developing as a leader and contribute more significantly to their company’s growth

  • To get the most out of this program, we strongly encourage a six-month break following the Program for Leadership Development. This allows participants to apply learnings to their organization before returning for PLD Module 5

Global Perspective

A diverse group of four executives laughing and engaging in a casual business meeting, seated around a wooden table with documents
4%
Africa
14%
Asia Pacific
20%
Europe
7%
Latin America
12%
Middle East
44%
North America

Top Industries Represented

  • 20%

    Financial

  • 17%

    High Technology

  • 8%

    Professional Services

  • 6%

    Health Care

  • 6%

    Nonprofit Services

  • 6%

    Raw Materials / Energy

  • 6%

    Real Estate / Construction

  • 5%

    Consumer Products

  • 5%

    Manufacturing

  • 4%

    Retail Services

Experience

Years Worked

  • 9%

    Less than 10 years

  • 32%

    10-14 years

  • 40%

    15-19 years

  • 15%

    20-24 years

  • 4%

    25-29 years

  • 1%

    30-34 years

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 Chair

  • Headshot of Joshua D. Margolis

    Joshua D. Margolis

    James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Professor of Business Administration, Unit Head, Organizational Behavior, Chair, Program for Leadership Development

Faculty

The HBS Experience

This is a blended program that alternates in-person and virtual elements. Immersive modules take place on our storied campus where you'll live and learn at the heart of Boston's vibrant business, academic, and technology hubs. Virtual modules provide the opportunity to learn from anywhere in the world to provide flexibility for busy leaders.

At HBS, every detail is carefully calibrated to drive your success. Thoughtfully designed virtual learning experiences. 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.