Leading Professional Service Firms

Diverse group of executives in the classroom

Set yourself apart from the crowded field of professional service firms. Deliver outstanding client service and build an agile corporate culture that leverages innovation to outpace the competition.

  • Status

    Accepting Applications

  • Format

    In-Person

  • Location

    HBS Campus

  • Fee

    $17,500

  • Application Due

    Jan 16, 2025

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

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As the barriers to entry for new professional service firms are disappearing, competition is accelerating and reshaping the business landscape. Building and communicating real impact and value to clients requires next-level leadership perspectives and abilities.

In Leading Professional Service Firms, you’ll gain an actionable understanding of how to satisfy clients and motivate staff. Leave with a strong vision, an effective strategy, and the fiscal discipline to maximize enterprise value while maintaining a sound bottom line.

Key Program Features

Key Topics

  • Design and implement growth-driving strategies while navigating market shifts

  • Sharpen core competencies to deliver exceptional client value

  • Maintain strategic focus when faced with business challenges

  • Attract, develop, and retain top talent

  • Foster a flexible, inclusive culture to promote organizational and individual success

  • Sharpen your leadership skills and cultivate them in others

  • Implement effective governance and decision-making approaches

  • Optimize time management and maintain work-life balance for yourself and others

  • Communicate a compelling vision and strategy that inspires others to realize their potential

Program Format

  • 6
    days on the HBS campus
  • 9–12
    hours of pre-program work

Case materials and a detailed schedule will be made available approximately two weeks prior to program start.

Who Should Attend

This program is for leaders at professional service firms with responsibility for defining and executing strategy, including:

  • CEOs or general managers

  • Principals, partners, or heads of an office, business unit, or practice

Global Perspective

Two female and two male executives sit and smile around a table filled with notes.
2%
Africa
16%
Asia Pacific
32%
Europe
6%
Latin America
4%
Middle East
40%
North America

Experience

Years Worked

  • 2%

    Less than 10 years

  • 10%

    10-14 years

  • 22%

    15-19 years

  • 29%

    20-24 years

  • 24%

    25-29 years

  • 9%

    30-34 years

  • 3%

    35-39 years

  • 1%

    40 or more

Companies That Have Participated

  • Deloitte
  • Moore Stephens Sydney
  • Porsche Consulting
  • Pricewaterhouse Coopers
  • Skanska
  • Vanguard
  • Watermark Search International
  • West Monroe Partners

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

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.