PLD Module 5 : Earning HBS Alumni Status

Lisa Hughes, portfolio director, Program for Leadership Development HBS Executive Education

PLD's portfolio director explains how the program develops the knowing, doing, and being of leadership.

Need Help? Contact Us:

Ms. Chelsea Schwerin

Senior Program Advisor
Email: cschwerin@hbs.edu

Identify the Right Program for You

Request the Brochure

PLD's portfolio director explains how the program develops the knowing, doing, and being of leadership.

Need Help? Contact Us:

Ms. Chelsea Schwerin

Senior Program Advisor
Email: cschwerin@hbs.edu

Identify the Right Program for You

Summary

The Program for Leadership Development (PLD) put you on the fast track to leadership. In PLD Module 5, you have the rare opportunity to build on that momentum, continue to expand your leadership skills, and earn lifelong HBS alumni status. This intensive, two-week program takes a deep dive into the qualities of exceptional leaders around the world who are inspiring stakeholders, reshaping organizations, and redefining industries. You will prepare to become an authentic leader who can inspire others and contribute at a higher level to your organization's success.

Summary: The Program for Leadership Development (PLD) put you on the fast track to leadership. In PLD Module 5, you have the rare opportunity to build on that momentum, continue to expand your leadership skills, and earn lifelong HBS alumni status. This intensive, two-week program takes a deep dive into the qualities of exceptional leaders around the world who are inspiring stakeholders, reshaping organizations, and redefining industries. You will prepare to become an authentic leader who can inspire others and contribute at a higher level to your organization's success.

Key Benefits

Viewing your leadership approach through a wider lens, you will be better prepared to navigate complex business challenges and future career transitions. PLD Module 5 not only expands your leadership core and vision, but also provides greater insight into helping your company build and sustain a competitive advantage. You will emerge with the leadership skills and confidence to make high-level decisions that support your organization's financial needs, legal requirements, ethical obligations, and corporate goals.

DetailsExpand All Collapse All

Lead with greater confidence at each stage of your professional development Lead with greater confidence at each stage of your professional development

Strengthen your core leadership skills
Adapt your leadership style to different stakeholders and business scenarios
Inspire through example and empower your team members to lead more effectively

Help your company build competitive advantage and raise profitability Help your company build competitive advantage and raise profitability

Make strategic decisions with a deeper understanding of the financial implications
Help your company deliver greater value to a wide range of stakeholders
Navigate high-stakes negotiations and drive better outcomes

Expand your personal and professional network Expand your personal and professional network

Extend your network by living and working with accomplished PLD graduates from various backgrounds, industries, and countries across the globe
Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

Key Benefits

Details

Lead with greater confidence at each stage of your professional development

Strengthen your core leadership skills
Adapt your leadership style to different stakeholders and business scenarios
Inspire through example and empower your team members to lead more effectively

Help your company build competitive advantage and raise profitability

Make strategic decisions with a deeper understanding of the financial implications
Help your company deliver greater value to a wide range of stakeholders
Navigate high-stakes negotiations and drive better outcomes

Expand your personal and professional network

Extend your network by living and working with accomplished PLD graduates from various backgrounds, industries, and countries across the globe
Build relationships with a diverse group of peers who can provide wide-ranging insights into your business challenges and career decisions

Who Should Attend

This program is offered exclusively to past PLD participants who wish to continue developing as leaders and contribute more significantly to their company's growth.

Dive Deeper into the Experience

Inside the Classroom

See how exchange with faculty and peers yields new insights into critical business trends.

We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?

Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.

Discover more about business. And yourself.

Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.

Who Should Attend: This program is offered exclusively to past PLD participants who wish to continue developing as leaders and contribute more significantly to their company's growth.

Dive Deeper into the Experience

Inside the Classroom

See how exchange with faculty and peers yields new insights into critical business trends.

Watch the Video Watch the Video

We Celebrate New Ways of Thinking. Are You Ready?

Thrive in a learning environment that welcomes diverse ideas and perspectives.

Watch the Video Watch the Video

Discover more about business. And yourself.

Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.

Watch the Video Watch the Video

Alumni Status

Upon completing PLD Module 5, you will become a lifetime member of the HBS alumni community—and gain exclusive access to our global alumni network and vast array of resources that facilitate lifelong learning, growth, and success. (You also can earn HBS alumni status by completing 10 nights* of qualifying HBS Executive Education open-enrollment or custom programs.) Learn more.

*Calculated by the number of nights spent on campus. For example, a 4-day program may require 3 nights on campus.

Alumni Status

*Calculated by the number of nights spent on campus. For example, a 4-day program may require 3 nights on campus.

Learning and Living at HBS

When you participate in an Executive Education program on the HBS campus, you enter an immersive experience where every aspect of the learning model has been carefully designed to facilitate your growth. Your learning will take place on your own, in your living group, and in the larger classroom, driven by the renowned HBS case method.

Learning and Living at HBS: When you participate in an Executive Education program on the HBS campus, you enter an immersive experience where every aspect of the learning model has been carefully designed to facilitate your growth. Your learning will take place on your own, in your living group, and in the larger classroom, driven by the renowned HBS case method.

Admissions Criteria and Process

We admit candidates to specific sessions on a rolling, space-available basis, and encourage you to apply as early as possible. Although most programs have no formal educational requirements, admission is a selective process based on your professional achievement and organizational responsibilities.

The Application Process

We select applicants who embrace challenges, seek genuine personal and professional growth, and are ready to think in new ways about their business and their contribution. The curious, open-minded executive who commits wholeheartedly will find the program to be a highly stimulating, rewarding—even life-changing—experience.

To apply, you will submit:

The application, telling us about your experience, your organization, and your goals for attending this program
A letter of reference from someone familiar with your work

To review both the application and letter of reference, download the Application PDF. You can submit your application via our online Application Form or by returning a completed PDF. When submitting the online application form, you will be asked for the email address of the individual serving as your reference. That individual will receive an email with a link to an online letter of reference form.

Answering Your Questions

Our Program Advising team can help you at any stage of the admissions process—starting with identifying the program that best addresses your learning and development goals. Contact a program advisor via email or call 1.800.427.5577 (outside the U.S., call +1.617.495.6555).

Letter of Reference

To gain a deeper understanding of your background and your potential as a leader, we require a letter of reference from a senior executive within your organization, a board member, or an HBS graduate familiar with your role and responsibilities. To submit the letter, follow the instructions in your application.

English Proficiency

Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential for active participation in fast-moving classes and small group discussions.

Learning Commitment

Residency on campus is required and classes are held six days a week. Your active participation in all classroom sessions, case discussions, and other program activities is essential, so you must be free of other responsibilities while you are on campus.

Application Submission

We recommend that you apply as soon as you can, and at least four weeks before the program start date. You may use our online form or download an application. HBS maintains all application information in strict confidentiality. We acknowledge receipt of applications via email. In the unlikely event that you do not receive an acknowledgment, please email us at exed_admissions@hbs.edu or call us at +1.617.495.6226.

Application Review

To optimize the learning experience and maximize the exchange of ideas, our Admissions Committee makes selections that balance each participant's experience, scope of current responsibilities, and type of organization. HBS seeks candidates who reflect a broad range of industries, functions, countries, and backgrounds. We review applications monthly and will contact you via email with the Admissions Committee's decision.

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

The program fee covers tuition, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals. No payment is necessary until you have been accepted. Payment is required prior to the program start date. If you need to cancel or defer participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellations or deferrals received 14 to 30 days prior to the start of the program are subject to a fee of one-half of the program fee. Requests received within 14 days are subject to full payment.

Admissions Criteria and Process

The Application Process

To apply, you will submit:

The application, telling us about your experience, your organization, and your goals for attending this program
A letter of reference from someone familiar with your work

Answering Your Questions

Letter of Reference

English Proficiency

Proficiency in spoken and written English is essential for active participation in fast-moving classes and small group discussions.

Learning Commitment

Application Submission

Application Review

Fee, Payment, and Cancellations

What You Will Learn

PLD Module 5 brings all the elements of your PLD learning together in an intensive exploration of what it means to be an exceptional leader. This two-week module features interactive faculty presentations, case studies, small group discussions, in-depth self-assessments, dealmaking simulations, and leadership exercises. As you reassess your personal goals, identify your leadership blind spots, and fine-tune your leadership style, you will emerge with a personal action plan for accelerating your career—and sustaining your company's success.

What You Will Learn: PLD Module 5 brings all the elements of your PLD learning together in an intensive exploration of what it means to be an exceptional leader. This two-week module features interactive faculty presentations, case studies, small group discussions, in-depth self-assessments, dealmaking simulations, and leadership exercises. As you reassess your personal goals, identify your leadership blind spots, and fine-tune your leadership style, you will emerge with a personal action plan for accelerating your career—and sustaining your company's success.

Key TopicsExpand All Collapse All

Corporate finance Corporate finance

Strengthening your foundation in finance
Applying financial analysis techniques
Working with capital markets and financial institutions
Setting performance goals and compensation incentives
Understanding the flow and management of financial resources at the divisional and corporate levels

Authentic leadership Authentic leadership

Analyzing your formative experiences to find critical lessons that inform your authentic leadership
Identifying your purpose and establishing it as a cornerstone of your leadership approach
Optimizing your leadership effectiveness by understanding common leadership styles
Creating a personal action plan to help you achieve your leadership potential

Leadership and corporate accountability Leadership and corporate accountability

Managing complex and often contradictory demands from diverse stakeholders
Assessing your responsibilities as a high-level decision-maker
Making decisions that support your organization's financial needs, legal requirements, and ethical obligations

Personal leadership in business and society Personal leadership in business and society

Addressing the demands for greater corporate transparency
Considering the impact of every decision on your organization and your community
Exploring your personal role—and your company's organizational role—in generating more value for the business and for society

Negotiation and decision-making Negotiation and decision-making

Developing powerful negotiation strategies
Understanding the psychology of decision-making
Predicting the outcomes of strategic interactions
Navigating complex negotiations successfully

Key Topics

Corporate finance

Strengthening your foundation in finance
Applying financial analysis techniques
Working with capital markets and financial institutions
Setting performance goals and compensation incentives
Understanding the flow and management of financial resources at the divisional and corporate levels

Authentic leadership

Analyzing your formative experiences to find critical lessons that inform your authentic leadership
Identifying your purpose and establishing it as a cornerstone of your leadership approach
Optimizing your leadership effectiveness by understanding common leadership styles
Creating a personal action plan to help you achieve your leadership potential

Leadership and corporate accountability

Managing complex and often contradictory demands from diverse stakeholders
Assessing your responsibilities as a high-level decision-maker
Making decisions that support your organization's financial needs, legal requirements, and ethical obligations

Personal leadership in business and society

Addressing the demands for greater corporate transparency
Considering the impact of every decision on your organization and your community
Exploring your personal role—and your company's organizational role—in generating more value for the business and for society

Negotiation and decision-making

Developing powerful negotiation strategies
Understanding the psychology of decision-making
Predicting the outcomes of strategic interactions
Navigating complex negotiations successfully

The HBS Advantage

Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as 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

Joshua D. Margolis

James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Professor of Business Administration. Head of the Organizational Behavior Unit; faculty chair of the "Program for Leadership Development" and "PLD Module 5."

Faculty

Thomas J. DeLong

Senior Fellow and former Philip J. Stomberg Professor of Management Practice. Member of the Organizational Behavior Unit.

Rohit Deshpandé

Sebastian S. Kresge Professor of Marketing. Member of the Marketing Unit; and faculty chair of the "Global Colloquium on Participant-Centered Learning."

E. Scott Mayfield

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration. Member of the Finance Unit.

Kevin P. Mohan

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration. Member of the Negotiation, Organizations & Markets Unit.

Scott A. Snook

MBA Class of 1958 Senior Lecturer of Business Administration. Member of the Organizational Behavior Unit; and faculty chair of "Authentic Leadership Development."

The HBS Advantage: Our Executive Education programs are developed and taught by HBS faculty who are widely recognized as 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

Joshua D. Margolis

James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Professor of Business Administration. Head of the Organizational Behavior Unit; faculty chair of the "Program for Leadership Development" and "PLD Module 5."

Read Full Bio

Faculty

Thomas J. DeLong

Senior Fellow and former Philip J. Stomberg Professor of Management Practice. Member of the Organizational Behavior Unit.

Read Full Bio

Rohit Deshpandé

Sebastian S. Kresge Professor of Marketing. Member of the Marketing Unit; and faculty chair of the "Global Colloquium on Participant-Centered Learning."

Read Full Bio

E. Scott Mayfield

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration. Member of the Finance Unit.

Read Full Bio

Kevin P. Mohan

Senior Lecturer of Business Administration. Member of the Negotiation, Organizations & Markets Unit.

Read Full Bio

Scott A. Snook

MBA Class of 1958 Senior Lecturer of Business Administration. Member of the Organizational Behavior Unit; and faculty chair of "Authentic Leadership Development."

Read Full Bio

Apply Download Brochure

More Admissions Information

Request the Brochure

PLD's portfolio director explains how the program develops the knowing, doing, and being of leadership.

Need Help? Contact Us:

Ms. Chelsea Schwerin

Senior Program Advisor
Email: cschwerin@hbs.edu

Identify the Right Program for You

Request the Brochure

PLD's portfolio director explains how the program develops the knowing, doing, and being of leadership.

Need Help? Contact Us:

Ms. Chelsea Schwerin

Senior Program Advisor
Email: cschwerin@hbs.edu

Identify the Right Program for You