Program for Leadership Development: Accelerating the Careers of High-Potential Leaders
- Dates: 15 JUL 2024–31 JAN 2025
- Format: Blended Combines both in-person and virtual learning.
- Location: Virtual and HBS Campus
- Fee: $56,000
- 15 JUL–05 OCT 2024 — Module 1 (Virtual, Self-Paced)
- 06–18 OCT 2024 — Module 2 (HBS Campus)
- 19 OCT 2024–18 JAN 2025 — Module 3 (Virtual, Self-Paced)
- 19–31 JAN 2025 — Module 4 (HBS Campus)
- 15 JUL–05 OCT 2024 — Module 1 (Virtual, Self-Paced)
- 06–18 OCT 2024 — Module 2 (HBS Campus)
- 19 OCT 2024–18 JAN 2025 — Module 3 (Virtual, Self-Paced)
- 19–31 JAN 2025 — Module 4 (HBS Campus)
"Once you have gone through a program such as PLD, you just belong to this community."
"Once you have gone through a program such as PLD, you just belong to this community."
"Our diverse backgrounds and global perspectives gave shape to invaluable conversations that you can't replicate anywhere else."
"Our diverse backgrounds and global perspectives gave shape to invaluable conversations that you can't replicate anywhere else."
"Participants leave PLD equipped with the skills, mindset, and learning capacity to take on their work at ever-higher altitudes."
"Participants leave PLD equipped with the skills, mindset, and learning capacity to take on their work at ever-higher altitudes."
Summary
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 (PLD) prepares emerging executives to become more effective influencers who can contribute to corporate success on a higher level.
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.
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Summary
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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 (PLD) prepares emerging executives to become more effective influencers who can contribute to corporate success on a higher level.
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.
Key Benefits
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Master the cross-functional challenges of corporate leadership -
Lead organizational change and inspire high-performing global teams -
Develop a personal leadership philosophy and presence that reflect greater confidence and capabilities -
Capitalize on the opportunities unleashed by digital transformation -
Formulate a detailed action plan to address your strategic and leadership challenges -
Build enduring bonds with accomplished peers who span functions, industries, and countries -
Take the first step toward becoming a member of the global HBS alumni community
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Master the cross-functional challenges of corporate leadership -
Lead organizational change and inspire high-performing global teams -
Develop a personal leadership philosophy and presence that reflect greater confidence and capabilities -
Capitalize on the opportunities unleashed by digital transformation -
Formulate a detailed action plan to address your strategic and leadership challenges -
Build enduring bonds with accomplished peers who span functions, industries, and countries -
Take the first step toward becoming a member of the global HBS alumni community
Who Should Attend
PLD is designed for executives preparing for career growth who want to expand their hard and soft skills and refine their personal leadership style to deliver results for their organization. Ideal candidates include:
- Specialists and star contributors who have been identified as outstanding prospects for increased leadership responsibilities
- High potential talent in roles that cover the scope of senior manager, manager, senior director, or director
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Who Should Attend
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PLD is designed for executives preparing for career growth who want to expand their hard and soft skills and refine their personal leadership style to deliver results for their organization. Ideal candidates include:
- Specialists and star contributors who have been identified as outstanding prospects for increased leadership responsibilities
- High potential talent in roles that cover the scope of senior manager, manager, senior director, or director
Dive Deeper into the Experience
Global perspectives > Leadership growth > Organizational impact.Stretching the skills and expanding the mindset of a leader.Coaching—designed to define and pursue your leadership goals—is a key step on your path to success.
Leaders in Virtual Learning
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.
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Leaders in Virtual Learning
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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.
Learning and Living at HBS
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.
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Learning and Living at HBS
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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.
Earning Alumni Status
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:
- Complete PLD Module 5 to earn 10 PLDA Points.
- Earn a total of 10 PLDA Points by completing other qualifying HBS Executive Education programs. View all qualifying programs.
- Attend two consecutive Executive Education programs—Launching New Ventures and Foundations of Private Equity and Venture Capital, plus a special PLD only evening—to earn a total of 10 PLDA Points.
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.
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Earning Alumni Status
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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:
- Complete PLD Module 5 to earn 10 PLDA Points.
- Earn a total of 10 PLDA Points by completing other qualifying HBS Executive Education programs. View all qualifying programs.
- Attend two consecutive Executive Education programs—Launching New Ventures and Foundations of Private Equity and Venture Capital, plus a special PLD only evening—to earn a total of 10 PLDA Points.
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.
Admissions Criteria and Process
- The application, telling us about your experience, your organization, and your current responsibilities, goals, and challenges
- A letter of reference from someone familiar with your work
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.
Answering Your Questions
Letter of Reference
English Proficiency
Application Submission
Application Review
Fee, Payment, and Cancellations
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.
- The application, telling us about your experience, your organization, and your current responsibilities, goals, and challenges
- A letter of reference from someone familiar with your work
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.
Answering Your Questions
Letter of Reference
English Proficiency
Application Submission
Application Review
Fee, Payment, and Cancellations
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.
What You Will Learn
Focused on leadership, change, and innovation, the Program for Leadership Development 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.
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What You Will Learn
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Focused on leadership, change, and innovation, the Program for Leadership Development 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.
Module DetailsExpand AllCollapse All
Module 1: Foundational skill buildingModule 1: Foundational skill building
- Build shared business knowledge and terminology before arriving on campus
- Complete introductory courses in accounting, finance, and quantitative methods
- Prepare for the cases that you will discuss during Module 2
- Identify your customized case challenge on the phone with your HBS Executive Coach
- Set aside 10 to 12 hours per week to complete this work
- Evaluate your current leadership skills through the Leadership Learning Path Assessment tool
Module 2: Cross-functional business approachModule 2: Cross-functional business approach
- Develop an end-to-end view of the business and how all functions interrelate
- Explore strategy, marketing, operations, finance, accounting, and corporate accountability
- Learn how functional strategy, business-unit strategy, and strategy implementation relate
- Understand the role that control systems play in executing strategy
- Analyze the economic, political, and social forces shaping the global business environment
Module 3: Strategy formulation and implementationModule 3: Strategy formulation and implementation
- Complete self-directed work at your own pace while engaging in scheduled exercises and group sessions
- Round out your understanding of strategy by completing Economics for Managers via Harvard Business School Online
- Continue working on your customized case and personal action plan
Module 4: Leading changeModule 4: Leading change
- Identify what needs to change within your organization
- Expand your portfolio of change management processes and approaches
- Foster innovation, receptiveness to change, and an entrepreneurial mindset
- Present an overview of your customized case and action plan for feedback
Module 5: Personal leadership (Optional)Module 5: Personal leadership (Optional)
- Develop the self-awareness and emotional intelligence of an authentic leader
- Support your company's financial needs, legal requirements, and ethical obligations
- Become a more effective negotiator and a more confident decision-maker
- Address the competing demands of all stakeholders
- Create advantage by generating more value for the business and society
- Expand your leadership vision and address a personal leadership challenge
- Attain HBS alumni status upon completing PLD Module 5
Module 1: Foundational skill building
- Build shared business knowledge and terminology before arriving on campus
- Complete introductory courses in accounting, finance, and quantitative methods
- Prepare for the cases that you will discuss during Module 2
- Identify your customized case challenge on the phone with your HBS Executive Coach
- Set aside 10 to 12 hours per week to complete this work
- Evaluate your current leadership skills through the Leadership Learning Path Assessment tool
Module 2: Cross-functional business approach
- Develop an end-to-end view of the business and how all functions interrelate
- Explore strategy, marketing, operations, finance, accounting, and corporate accountability
- Learn how functional strategy, business-unit strategy, and strategy implementation relate
- Understand the role that control systems play in executing strategy
- Analyze the economic, political, and social forces shaping the global business environment
Module 3: Strategy formulation and implementation
- Complete self-directed work at your own pace while engaging in scheduled exercises and group sessions
- Round out your understanding of strategy by completing Economics for Managers via Harvard Business School Online
- Continue working on your customized case and personal action plan
Module 4: Leading change
- Identify what needs to change within your organization
- Expand your portfolio of change management processes and approaches
- Foster innovation, receptiveness to change, and an entrepreneurial mindset
- Present an overview of your customized case and action plan for feedback
Module 5: Personal leadership (Optional)
- Develop the self-awareness and emotional intelligence of an authentic leader
- Support your company's financial needs, legal requirements, and ethical obligations
- Become a more effective negotiator and a more confident decision-maker
- Address the competing demands of all stakeholders
- Create advantage by generating more value for the business and society
- Expand your leadership vision and address a personal leadership challenge
- Attain HBS alumni status upon completing PLD Module 5
Special Program FeaturesExpand AllCollapse All
Living/Learning Group WorkLiving/Learning Group Work
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:
- Share global insights with peer executives who span functions, cultures, and countries
- Consider diverse perspectives as you discuss cases and assignments
- Complete small group exercises and collaborate on projects as a team
- Exchange feedback—both personal and professional—in a safe environment
HBS Executive CoachingHBS Executive Coaching
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.
Leadership Learning Path AssessmentLeadership Learning Path Assessment
A customized, 360-degree assessment of your current skills provides insight into your leadership and management strengths as well as areas for improvement.
Individual project: My HBS Leadership CaseIndividual project: My HBS Leadership Case
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.
Living/Learning Group Work
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:
- Share global insights with peer executives who span functions, cultures, and countries
- Consider diverse perspectives as you discuss cases and assignments
- Complete small group exercises and collaborate on projects as a team
- Exchange feedback—both personal and professional—in a safe environment
HBS Executive Coaching
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.
Leadership Learning Path Assessment
A customized, 360-degree assessment of your current skills provides insight into your leadership and management strengths as well as areas for improvement.
Individual project: My HBS Leadership Case
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.
The HBS Advantage
The Program for Leadership Development 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
Senior Lecturer of Business Administration
Tai Family Associate Professor of Business Administration
James E. Burke Professor of Business Administration
Sicupira Family Associate Professor of Business Administration
Senior Lecturer of Business Administration
Philip Caldwell Professor of Business Administration
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The HBS Advantage
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The Program for Leadership Development 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.
Faculty Chair
James Dinan and Elizabeth Miller Professor of Business Administration
HBS Unit:Organizational BehaviorFacultySenior Lecturer of Business Administration
HBS Unit:Organizational BehaviorTai Family Associate Professor of Business Administration
HBS Unit:Accounting and ManagementJames E. Burke Professor of Business Administration
HBS Unit:Negotiation, Organizations & MarketsSicupira Family Associate Professor of Business Administration
HBS Unit:Technology and Operations ManagementSenior Lecturer of Business Administration
HBS Unit:Organizational BehaviorPhilip Caldwell Professor of Business Administration
HBS Unit:Business, Government and the International Economy
PLD Sets You Apart
The Program for Leadership Development (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 two integral components that contribute to your personal and professional transformation:
- The My HBS Leadership Case enables you to address a specific challenge in your organization by developing and refining an in-depth strategy and implementation plan throughout the program
- One-on-one professional HBS Executive Coaching sessions and facilitated team meetings help you realize your true leadership potential
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PLD Sets You Apart
-
The Program for Leadership Development (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 two integral components that contribute to your personal and professional transformation:
- The My HBS Leadership Case enables you to address a specific challenge in your organization by developing and refining an in-depth strategy and implementation plan throughout the program
- One-on-one professional HBS Executive Coaching sessions and facilitated team meetings help you realize your true leadership potential
Fast-Track Your Career
PLD is an accelerated alternative to an executive MBA (EMBA) 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.
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Fast-Track Your Career
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PLD is an accelerated alternative to an executive MBA (EMBA) 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.
In-Depth Curriculum, Long-Term Results
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:
- Module 1: Foundational skill building (virtual, self-paced)
- Module 2: Cross-functional business approach (HBS campus)
- Module 3: Strategy formulation and implementation (virtual, self-paced)
- Module 4: Leading change (HBS campus)
*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.
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In-Depth Curriculum, Long-Term Results
-
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:
- Module 1: Foundational skill building (virtual, self-paced)
- Module 2: Cross-functional business approach (HBS campus)
- Module 3: Strategy formulation and implementation (virtual, self-paced)
- Module 4: Leading change (HBS campus)
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 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.
Your Peers Expand Your Learning
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Your Peers Expand Your Learning
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Global PerspectiveExperience the world in your classroom.Global PerspectiveExperience the world in your classroom.4%Africa12%Asia Pacific17%Europe6%Latin America11%Middle East50%North America4%Africa12%Asia Pacific17%Europe6%Latin America11%Middle East50%North America