Innovative companies know that long-term success requires a pipeline of visionary leaders who can help build and secure a competitive edge. The Program for Leadership Development prepares emerging executives to become more effective influencers who can contribute to corporate success on a higher level.
A fast-track alternative to the executive MBA (EMBA), this highly personalized program features two on-campus and two virtual, self-paced modules that focus on accelerating your business and your career. You will return to your organization more confident, more capable, and better equipped to take on new challenges.
Innovative companies know that long-term success requires a pipeline of visionary leaders who can help build and secure a competitive edge. The Program for Leadership Development prepares emerging executives to become more effective influencers who can contribute to corporate success on a higher level.
A fast-track alternative to the executive MBA (EMBA), this highly personalized program features two on-campus and two virtual, self-paced modules that focus on accelerating your business and your career. You will return to your organization more confident, more capable, and better equipped to take on new challenges.
Download the Program for Leadership Development Curriculum Guide
Download the Program for Leadership Development Curriculum Guide
This program features sessions in the HBS Live Online Classroom.
Just as HBS pioneered the case study method, we also built the first live online classroom in 2014 and have been refining and optimizing our virtual program experience ever since. In a world that is now centered around virtual connection, our programs reflect the input and experience of tens of thousands of participants.
When you participate in a virtual HBS Executive Education program, you benefit from a powerful learning experience carefully designed with a virtual setting in mind. Through live synchronous program sessions, you'll engage directly with our renowned faculty to learn from their latest research, gain actionable takeaways, and facilitate your growth. In addition, virtual discussion groups will connect you to a global group of peers and build your network.
This program features sessions in the HBS Live Online Classroom.
Just as HBS pioneered the case study method, we also built the first live online classroom in 2014 and have been refining and optimizing our virtual program experience ever since. In a world that is now centered around virtual connection, our programs reflect the input and experience of tens of thousands of participants.
When you participate in a virtual HBS Executive Education program, you benefit from a powerful learning experience carefully designed with a virtual setting in mind. Through live synchronous program sessions, you'll engage directly with our renowned faculty to learn from their latest research, gain actionable takeaways, and facilitate your growth. In addition, virtual discussion groups will connect you to a global group of peers and build your network.
PLD is a highly structured yet deeply personalized experience. From the careful selection of living group members and new HBS case studies to professional executive coaching for individuals and teams, every aspect is designed to foster collaborative learning and accelerate personal growth.
PLD is a highly structured yet deeply personalized experience. From the careful selection of living group members and new HBS case studies to professional executive coaching for individuals and teams, every aspect is designed to foster collaborative learning and accelerate personal growth.
Completing the four core modules of PLD puts you on the path to achieving HBS alumni status. You can become a lifetime member of the HBS alumni community by selecting one of three options:
As part of the HBS alumni network, you gain exclusive access to our vast global alumni network and an array of resources
that facilitate lifelong learning, growth, and success.
Completing the four core modules of PLD puts you on the path to achieving HBS alumni status. You can become a lifetime member of the HBS alumni community by selecting one of three options:
As part of the HBS alumni network, you gain exclusive access to our vast global alumni network and an array of resources
that facilitate lifelong learning, growth, and success.
Applications will be considered on a rolling, space-available basis. Both your application and letter of reference must be submitted before the admissions committee can review.
The $52,000 program fee covers tuition, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals.
You will be invoiced upon admission to the program. Invoices are due within 30 days of receipt, or upon receipt if the program start date is less than 30 days from the invoice date. If you need to cancel or defer your participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellation or deferral requests 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.
A limited amount of partial scholarship funding may be available for qualified applicants from not-for-profit organizations. Please include a request for funding in your application.
Applications will be considered on a rolling, space-available basis. Both your application and letter of reference must be submitted before the admissions committee can review.
The $52,000 program fee covers tuition, books, case materials, accommodations, and most meals.
You will be invoiced upon admission to the program. Invoices are due within 30 days of receipt, or upon receipt if the program start date is less than 30 days from the invoice date. If you need to cancel or defer your participation, you must submit your request in writing more than 30 days before the start of the program to receive a full refund. Cancellation or deferral requests 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.
A limited amount of partial scholarship funding may be available for qualified applicants from not-for-profit organizations. Please include a request for funding in your application.
Focused on leadership, change, and innovation, the PLD curriculum is built around four highly integrated modules. In on-campus or live online modules, you will engage in faculty presentations, case studies, personal assessments, individual and group exercises, and special projects. Through a customized case and professional HBS Executive Coaching, you will develop a personal action plan for tapping new revenue sources and navigating global market shifts.
The virtual, self-paced modules feature Harvard Business School Online—a powerful digital platform that captures the dynamism of the HBS classroom, connects you to a global network of peers, and provides exclusive access to a wealth of interactive learning tools.
After completing the four modules, you will be eligible to attend PLD Module 5—an optional two-week session on campus that further accelerates your development as a leader and enables you to achieve HBS alumni status.
Download the Program for Leadership Development Curriculum Guide
Focused on leadership, change, and innovation, the PLD curriculum is built around four highly integrated modules. In on-campus or live online modules, you will engage in faculty presentations, case studies, personal assessments, individual and group exercises, and special projects. Through a customized case and professional HBS Executive Coaching, you will develop a personal action plan for tapping new revenue sources and navigating global market shifts.
The virtual, self-paced modules feature Harvard Business School Online—a powerful digital platform that captures the dynamism of the HBS classroom, connects you to a global network of peers, and provides exclusive access to a wealth of interactive learning tools.
After completing the four modules, you will be eligible to attend PLD Module 5—an optional two-week session on campus that further accelerates your development as a leader and enables you to achieve HBS alumni status.
Download the Program for Leadership Development Curriculum Guide
An immersive four-module program creates the opportunity to build close, trusting relationships with a small, diverse group of senior executives who can understand your challenges—but are not part of your organization. Your living group will stimulate your learning each day as you:
Focused on accelerating individual and team growth, your professional coach will help you identify your leadership strengths and gaps through one-on-one and group coaching, a 360-degree leadership and personal assessment, and customized feedback. You will emerge with greater self-awareness, understanding, and confidence—as well as a customized action plan for achieving your leadership goals.
A customized, 360-degree assessment of your current skills provides insight into your leadership and management strengths as well as areas for improvement.
The My HBS Leadership Case is the cornerstone of the PLD learning experience. In Module 2, you will address a performance gap or strategic opportunity facing your organization by building a comprehensive strategy and implementation plan. Throughout the program, the faculty, your living group, and your professional HBS Executive Coach will deliver feedback that will help you fine-tune your personal action plan.
During Module 4, your living group will compete to find a winning solution to a current business challenge brought to the program by one of our alumni. Building on your coursework in innovation and collaboration, you will leverage your group's unique talents and, in the process, learn how to lead diverse teams in a global context. In Module 3, your living group coach and project faculty advisor will be available to provide feedback via a dedicated portal, online meeting rooms, and teleconferencing to help you prepare for the competition in Module 4.
An immersive four-module program creates the opportunity to build close, trusting relationships with a small, diverse group of senior executives who can understand your challenges—but are not part of your organization. Your living group will stimulate your learning each day as you:
Focused on accelerating individual and team growth, your professional coach will help you identify your leadership strengths and gaps through one-on-one and group coaching, a 360-degree leadership and personal assessment, and customized feedback. You will emerge with greater self-awareness, understanding, and confidence—as well as a customized action plan for achieving your leadership goals.
A customized, 360-degree assessment of your current skills provides insight into your leadership and management strengths as well as areas for improvement.
The My HBS Leadership Case is the cornerstone of the PLD learning experience. In Module 2, you will address a performance gap or strategic opportunity facing your organization by building a comprehensive strategy and implementation plan. Throughout the program, the faculty, your living group, and your professional HBS Executive Coach will deliver feedback that will help you fine-tune your personal action plan.
During Module 4, your living group will compete to find a winning solution to a current business challenge brought to the program by one of our alumni. Building on your coursework in innovation and collaboration, you will leverage your group's unique talents and, in the process, learn how to lead diverse teams in a global context. In Module 3, your living group coach and project faculty advisor will be available to provide feedback via a dedicated portal, online meeting rooms, and teleconferencing to help you prepare for the competition in Module 4.
PLD is developed and taught by a multidisciplinary team of 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.
James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Professor of Business Administration
Assistant Professor of Business Administration
Professor of Business Administration
James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Associate Professor of Business Administration
Sicupira Family Associate Professor of Business Administration
Senior Lecturer of Business Administration
Philip Caldwell Professor of Business Administration
PLD is developed and taught by a multidisciplinary team of 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.
James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Professor of Business Administration
Assistant Professor of Business Administration
Professor of Business Administration
James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Associate Professor of Business Administration
Sicupira Family Associate Professor of Business Administration
Senior Lecturer of Business Administration
Philip Caldwell Professor of Business Administration
At HBS Executive Education, we offer an accelerated alternative to an executive MBA—the Program for Leadership Development (PLD). The PLD learning experience is designed to fast-track your career by addressing your unique leadership objectives, business challenges, and professional development goals. You will become a more agile leader ready to identify problems, craft effective solutions, and adapt to global market shifts.
At HBS Executive Education, we offer an accelerated alternative to an executive MBA—the Program for Leadership Development (PLD). The PLD learning experience is designed to fast-track your career by addressing your unique leadership objectives, business challenges, and professional development goals. You will become a more agile leader ready to identify problems, craft effective solutions, and adapt to global market shifts.
Focused on leadership, change, and innovation, PLD features three integral components that contribute to your personal and professional transformation:
Focused on leadership, change, and innovation, PLD features three integral components that contribute to your personal and professional transformation:
Often compared to a rapid-fire executive MBA program, PLD is intended for proven executives who seek to play a greater role in corporate success. The program is ideally suited for specialists or star contributors with at least 10 to 15 years of work experience who are considered outstanding prospects for increased leadership responsibilities. PLD equips you with a broader understanding of core business functions and deeper confidence in your decision-making skills. You will emerge with a personal action plan for advancing your leadership goals—and strengthening your company's competitive edge.
Often compared to a rapid-fire executive MBA program, PLD is intended for proven executives who seek to play a greater role in corporate success. The program is ideally suited for specialists or star contributors with at least 10 to 15 years of work experience who are considered outstanding prospects for increased leadership responsibilities. PLD equips you with a broader understanding of core business functions and deeper confidence in your decision-making skills. You will emerge with a personal action plan for advancing your leadership goals—and strengthening your company's competitive edge.
The rigorous PLD curriculum is tailored to achieve a singular goal—accelerate the development of emerging business leaders. Delivered via four intensive modules that take place over the course of six months, the compressed format is designed with your responsibilities in mind:
The two on-campus modules require a total of four weeks away from your job. After completing the four modules, you also will have the opportunity to achieve HBS alumni status* during PLD Module 5, an optional, two-week capstone session.
* You also can attain alumni status by earning a total of 10 PLD Alumni Points by completing other qualifying HBS Executive Education programs. View all qualifying programs.
The rigorous PLD curriculum is tailored to achieve a singular goal—accelerate the development of emerging business leaders. Delivered via four intensive modules that take place over the course of six months, the compressed format is designed with your responsibilities in mind:
The two on-campus modules require a total of four weeks away from your job. After completing the four modules, you also will have the opportunity to achieve HBS alumni status* during PLD Module 5, an optional, two-week capstone session.
* You also can attain alumni status by earning a total of 10 PLD Alumni Points by completing other qualifying HBS Executive Education programs. View all qualifying programs.