Certificate of Leadership Excellence
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The Certificate of Leadership Excellence allows participants to define their learning experience in alignment with their personal and career goals and to stay up to date with the latest in leadership, management, and communication, while being knowledgeable about trends that could disrupt corporate strategy. Programs taught by Fisher faculty cover some of the most in-demand subjects being discussed by organizations today, including leadership, finance, supply chain management, and more. Participants in the Certificate of Leadership Excellence program can choose which programs are most advantageous for their individual professional development, applying the knowledge gained in each program in a capstone project.
Register for the Program Program Calendar Programs for Individuals
Program Components
Participants who take 4 two-day topic-based programs over 2 years and complete the Capstone Change Initiative Project with two hours of professional coaching will receive the certificate.
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Participants must take four 2-day on-campus topic-based programs over the span of two years. The four programs can be taken in any order. Fisher College of Business Executive Education offers programs concerning a wide range of hot topics including:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Communication
- Leadership
- Financial Intelligence
- Energy Transition
- IT Business Strategy
- Data Analytics
- Innovation
- Supply Chain Management
- Inclusion & Belonging
- Innovation in Healthcare
Upon completion of 4 topic-based programs, participants will complete a Capstone Change Initiative project that will incorporate everything they have learned. The project will include 2 hours of professional coaching.
As a participant in the COLE program, you will engage in coaching sessions with a reflection coach to produce a change initiative plan that applies what you have learned in the 4 programs you chose as a part of your Certificate of Leadership Excellence.
Coaching session breakdown:
- 20-30 minutes of reflection before each meeting with the coach to reflect on how you could apply what you've learned in each program
- 30 minutes one-on-one time with your coach between each program you complete as a part of the Certificate
- Submit a 2-3 page Change Initiative Plan within 30 days of completing your last program. Cite use of skills/knowledge you learned in the Fisher programs to implement your plan.
- Follow-up with a member of the Fisher College of Business team 60-90 days after completion to the Certificate to discuss opportunities to use your new skills/knowledge.
Coaching sessions will help you:
- Reflect on how to apply key learnings from the professional development programs you've taken through Executive Education within your organization, team, community, etc.
- Develop strategies to impact specific challenges or initiatives.
- Create, communicate, and implement a Change Initiative Plan for your team, organization, community, etc.
- Challenge yourself to support other leaders with what you've learned.
Value of having a coach:
- Self-Awareness: Participants gain a deeper understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, and learning experiences which will help them make more informed decisions in their professional lives.
- Strategic Thinking: Coaching encourages individuals to think critically about how to apply their insights to real-world situations, fostering a more strategic approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
- Collaboration: Participants often recognize the importance of collaboration and how sharing insights and knowledge can enhance team dynamics and support colleagues in their growth.
- Personal Growth: Engaging with a reflection coach inspires a commitment to continuous learning and personal development, encouraging individuals to take proactive steps toward their goals and aspirations.
All cancellations and transfers must be received in writing. Submit your request via email to
Jennie McAndrew (mcandrew.28@osu.edu) with the name of the program, followed by
“cancellation” or “transfer” in the subject line.
- Cancellations must be made at least thirty (30) days prior to the first day of the first
selected topics-based program in order to be eligible for a full refund. - Cancellations must be made at least fourteen (14) days prior to the first day of the
first selected topics-based program in order to be eligible for a 50% refund. - Any cancellations made less than fourteen (14) days prior to the first day of the first
selected topics-based program will forfeit the registration fee. Refunds are not
available after a participant has taken their first topics-based program. - If you for any reason are unable to attend the program, please consider
sending someone in your place. Participants can transfer their registration to someone
else within their organization at no charge up to 24 hours before the first day of the first
selected topics-based program. Registration for the certificate cannot be transferred
after a registrant has participated in the first selected topics-based program.
Upcoming Topic-Based Programs
Any four topic-based programs taken within two years will be applicable to a Certificate of Leadership Excellence.