Program for

Leadership
Development
Accelerating the Careers
of High-Potential Leaders
Broaden your understanding of business operations and the
global marketplace. Develop an end-to-end view of the enterprise
and cross-functional skills. Become a more effective influencer
and a more confident decision-maker. Create an agile culture that
embraces digital transformation. Design and implement strategies
that turn breakthrough innovation into competitive advantage.
Contribute to corporate success on a higher level.

2
OVERVIEW

Program for Leadership The Program for Leadership Development

Development (PLD)
(PLD) is a highly personalized program
designed to fast-track your career by
addressing your unique leadership
objectives, business challenges, and
professional development goals.
KEY BENEFITS WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This program will help you become a more
This program improves your decision-making The program is designed for high potential agile leader ready to identify problems,
and leadership skills by deepening your specialists and star contributors preparing craft effective solutions, and adapt to global
knowledge of core business operations and for career growth who want to expand their market shifts.
broadening your understanding of today’s hard and soft skills and refine their personal
global marketplace. You will return to your leadership style to deliver results for their
organization more confident, more capable, organization. Executives in roles that cover
and ready to take on new challenges. the scope of senior manager, manager, senior
director, or director are ideal candidates.
3
OVERVIEW

A Typical PLD Class Features:

Delivering a Truly Global 160 Accomplished Peers

Experience
50 Countries Represented

At Harvard Business School (HBS), you will collaborate with an exceptional group of executives 25 Industries Represented
who span industries and countries—and engage with our world-renowned faculty who partner
with 10 global research centers and seven regional offices to write new case studies each year Learn More
that are focused on the most pressing issues facing businesses around the world.

4
OVERVIEW

A Career-Changing
Learning Experience
The PLD curriculum is built around four highly integrated
modules—two on-campus and two distance-learning
sessions that feature Harvard Business School Online,
a powerful digital platform with interactive learning tools.

Four Highly Integrated Modules:

The program requires just four weeks away from the office over the
course of six months, allowing you to apply your learnings and new
skillset in-between modules.

• Module 1—Foundational Skill Building

(Virtual, Self-Paced, 12 Weeks)

• Module 2—Cross-Functional Business Approach

(HBS Campus, 2 Weeks)

• Module 3—Strategy Formulation and Implementation

(Virtual, Self-Paced, 14 Weeks)

• Module 4—Leading Change

(HBS Campus, 2 Weeks)

A Fifth Optional Module:

After completing the four modules, you will be eligible to attend PLD
Module 5—an optional program that combines both virtual and in-person
learning to further accelerate your development as a leader and enable
you to earn HBS alumni status.*

• Module 5—Personal Leadership—Optional

(Virtual, HBS Campus, 10 weeks)

*HBS alumni status may also be achieved by earning 10 PLDA Points by completing other qualifying HBS Executive Education programs. Learn more at www.exed.hbs.edu/plda-points. 5
OVERVIEW

Up Your Leadership Game.

Maximize Your Impact.

Centered on leadership, change, and innovation, PLD deepens your understanding of core
business operations and improves your decision-making skills. You will become a stronger
innovator and a more agile leader, ready to identify competitive threats, craft effective
solutions, navigate global market shifts—and lead cross-functional initiatives that expand
corporate growth and competitive advantage.

Key Topics

1 Accounting 6 Corporate Accountability

2 Finance 7 Business, Government, and the International Economy

3 Strategy 8 Change Management

4 Marketing Operations 9 Innovation

5 Leadership 10 Personal Leadership

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THE CURRICULUM

TOPIC 1:

Accounting

Understand the language of accounting.

• Master the vocabulary of financial statements
and accounting reports.

• Learn the concepts of accounting in order to

use it as an effective tool for communication,
monitoring, and resource allocation.

• Become comfortable using firms’ financial

statements to gain an understanding of their
performance and to make useful valuation
estimates.

• Enhance your familiarity with how accounting

is used in evaluating economic conditions and
making organizational decisions.

Collaborative Learning Groups

At HBS, you will be placed with a carefully selected group of
peers whose members span industries, countries, and functions.
This diversity of perspectives enriches your learning experience
and expands your global network.

7
 THE CURRICULUM

TOPIC 2:

Finance

Gain a solid foundation in the

fundamentals of finance.
• Attain the knowledge, skills, and judgment
needed to make good investment, financing,
and operating decisions.

• Prepare to evaluate complex investments.

• Understand how to coordinate the many

financial decisions firms must make.

• Learn how to develop financial policies within

an organization.
Exceptional Group of Global Peers
PLD provides the time and support you need to build trusting relationships
with a group of peers outside your organization who not only can understand
your challenges, but also can provide objective feedback. Each day, you will
gain new insights by:
• Collaborating with executives who span industries, countries, and cultures
• Considering diverse perspectives during case discussions and assignments
• Contributing to small group exercises and projects as part of a team
• Giving and receiving confidential feedback in a safe environment

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THE CURRICULUM

TOPIC 3:

Strategy

Design strategies that effectively

create value.
• Understand how functional strategy, business
unit strategy, and strategy implementation relate.

• Identify sources of advantage in your industry.

• Successfully balance opportunities and risks

and adapt your organization’s strategy to global
market shifts.

• Differentiate between short-term gains and

sustainable, long-term competitive advantage.

• Prepare to generate value by identifying and Distinctive Teaching Methodologies

applying the ideal configuration of the product
mix and functional activities. Pioneered by HBS faculty, the case method delves into the
complex business challenges facing senior executives of leading
companies, nonprofits, and government organizations across the
globe. Immersed in a dynamic exchange of ideas, perspectives,
and counterpoints, you will take on the multifaceted role of chief
decision-maker. In addition to studying cases on your own, in
small groups, and in the larger classroom, you’ll build knowledge
and skills through negotiation exercises and workshops.

9
 THE CURRICULUM

TOPIC 4:

Marketing
Operations

Recognize how to use marketing to

deliver value and cultivate growth.
• Align marketing strategies with your
business objectives.

• Effectively analyze markets, customer

needs, and buying behavior.

• Gain an understanding of the elements

of the marketing mix.

• Learn the importance of developing

powerful strategies to drive brand value.

• Assess ROI for your marketing spend.

Premium Accommodations and Amenities

Modern, well-appointed living arrangements feature private
bedrooms and bathrooms, spacious common areas, dining
facilities, and state-of-the-art technology. We also provide
a range of hotel-style amenities, including housekeeping
and dry cleaning.

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THE CURRICULUM

TOPIC 5:

Leadership

Expand your contribution through

strong leadership.
• Adjust your leadership approach as
your responsibilities grow and change.

• Learn from the challenges you encounter,

developing greater confidence in your
leadership capabilities.

• Adapt your leadership style to

different circumstances.

• Lead effectively through situations

involving conflict.

• Empower others and foster effective

teamwork by implementing collaborative
decision-making approaches.
Global Approach to Business Management
Our programs provide insights into global business practices gained
from our 10 global research centers and seven regional offices
around the world, where the top minds in business, government,
and higher education collaborate on groundbreaking research.

11
 THE CURRICULUM

TOPIC 6:

Corporate
Accountability

Examine the complex responsibilities

facing corporate leaders.
• Become familiar with the management and
governance systems leaders can use to
promote an organization’s responsible behavior.

• Examine the legal, ethical, and economic

responsibilities of corporate leaders.

• Analyze the role of business in solving social

and environmental challenges.

• Identify how personal values can play a crucial

role in effective leadership.

• Examine environmental, social, and governance

Renowned Faculty (ESG) risks and opportunities, and the ways in
which organizations incorporate ESG factors
PLD is developed and taught by a multidisciplinary team of into their governance.
HBS faculty who are widely recognized as skilled educators,
groundbreaking researchers, and award-winning authors.
Engaged with companies across the globe, they draw on
real-world experience to address the complex challenges
facing today’s business leaders.

12
THE CURRICULUM

TOPIC 7:

Business,
Government,
and the
International
Economy
Apply a global perspective
to strategic thinking.
• Analyze the economic, political,
and social forces that shape the
global business environment.

• Apply a coherent framework for

understanding and evaluating
international, macroeconomic,
and political circumstances.

• Examine the gains and challenges

arising from global integration.

• Understand the development and

implementation of broad global Actionable Learning
strategies by organizations.
Our global curriculum is designed to address real-world challenges.
Participants return to their companies with the skills, mindset,
and confidence they need in order to immediately apply what
they’ve learned and deliver impact to the business.

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 THE CURRICULUM

TOPIC 8:

Change
Management

Prepare to play an effective role in

leading and managing change.
• Identify what needs to change and how
you can implement solutions within
your organization.

• Expand your repertoire of change

management processes and approaches.

• Craft a leadership style that helps you unite

a team around a clearly articulated vision—
and drive essential change.

• Foster innovation, receptiveness to change,

and an entrepreneurial mindset.
Professional and Personal Development • Improve change-related decision-making,
Beyond the daily interactions with professors and peers, a critical even when there is insufficient information.
part of the HBS experience is the ability to step back from your
day-to-day routine and reflect on where you’ve been and where
you want to take your career. This introspection is an important
part of the growth process and one of the reasons HBS Executive
Education has been called a life-changing experience.

14
THE CURRICULUM

TOPIC 9:

Innovation

Improve your firm’s ability to innovate.

• Embrace your role as an agent of change,
stepping up to new challenges.

• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across

the organization to break down barriers to change
and realize the potential of progressive ideas.

• Prepare to take advantage of longer-term

opportunities while meeting shorter-term
objectives.

• Contribute to the creation of a supportive

environment where people are able to take
risks and learn from failures.

• Foster innovation through experimentation,

iteration, and quick adaptation.

Private Fitness and Wellness Offerings

Our extensive fitness center includes state-of-the-art equipment,
a swimming pool, game courts, locker facilities with spa amenities,
and access to our team of personal trainers and nutritionists.

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 THE CURRICULUM

TOPIC 10:

Personal
Leadership
(Module 5: Optional*)

Strengthen your day-to-day leadership skills.

• Prepare to lead cross-functional initiatives
authentically and with integrity.

• 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.

• Expand your leadership vision and address a

personal leadership challenge.

• Attain HBS alumni status upon completion of

additional programming.
Historic and Cultural Hub
HBS is located in the historic Boston-Cambridge area. Harvard *You can become a lifetime member of the HBS alumni community by
Square is within walking distance, and you’ll find a rich array of selecting one of three options: 1) Complete PLD Module 5 to earn 10 PLDA
arts, music, sports, dining, shopping, and other recreational Points, 2) Earn a total of 10 PLDA Points by completing other qualifying
HBS Executive Education programs, or 3) Attend two consecutive Executive
activities easily accessible from campus. 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. Learn more at www.exed.hbs.edu/plda-points.

16
CALENDAR

A Typical Week on Campus This sample schedule is representative of past on-campus modules.
Topics, times, and events are subject to change.

CLASS GUIDE
Mandatory Attendance Optional Sessions

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

6:30–7:15 AM 6:30–7:15 AM 6:30–7:15 AM

Optional: Yoga Optional: Spin Optional: Spin

6:30–8:00 AM 6:30–8:00 AM 6:30–8:00 AM 6:30–8:00 AM 6:30–8:00 AM 6:30–8:00 AM

Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast Breakfast

8:00–8:45 AM 8:00–8:45 AM 8:00–8:45 AM 8:00–8:45 AM 8:00–8:45 AM 8:00–8:45 AM

Case Preparations Case Preparations Case Preparations Case Preparations Case Preparations Case Preparations

9:00–10:15 AM 9:00–10:15 AM 9:00–10:15 AM 9:00–10:15 AM 9:00–10:15 AM 9:00 AM–12:00 PM

Evaluating the Business Cash or Accrual Ethics in the Global Negotiating Living Group Acceleration
Opportunity Accounting Digital Age Imbalances with Peers Living Group Lounges

10:15–10:45 AM 10:15–10:45 AM 10:15–10:45 AM 10:15–10:45 AM 10:15–10:45 AM

Break Break Break Break Break
10:45 AM–12:00 PM 10:45 AM–12:00 PM 10:45 AM–12:00 PM 10:45 AM–12:00 PM 10:45 AM–12:00 PM
Corporate Creating and Managing Up Building a Leading
Strategy Communicating Value and Down Purpose-Driven Brand Under Pressure

12:00–1:30 PM 12:00–1:30 PM 12:00–1:30 PM 12:00–1:30 PM 12:00–1:30 PM 12:00–1:30 PM

Free Time
Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch

1:30–4:30 PM 1:30–4:30 PM 1:30–4:30 PM 1:30–5:00 PM 1:30–5:00 PM

Allocating Costs to Entrepreneurial Virtual Reality Living Group Industry Guest Speaker
Products and Services System Strategy Experience Acceleration Exercise and/or Off-Site Visit

5:00–6:00 PM
Wine and Cheese 5:30–9:30 PM
Reception Reception and Outing Free Time
Isabella Stewart Gardner
Museum
6:00–8:00 PM 6:00–8:00 PM 6:00–8:00 PM 6:00–8:00 PM
Dinner Dinner Working Dinner Dinner

8:00–10:00 PM 8:00–10:00 PM 8:00–10:00 PM

8:30–11:30 PM
Coffee and Dessert Case Preparation/ Case Preparation/
Karaoke Celebration
Living Groups Living Groups Living Groups

17
SPECIAL PROGRAM FEATURES

Change the Way You See the World,

the Opportunities Awaiting You, and Yourself

HBS EXECUTIVE COACHING MY HBS LEADERSHIP CASE

Focused on accelerating individual and team growth, your professional The My HBS Leadership Case is the cornerstone of the PLD learning
coach will help you identify your leadership strengths and gaps through experience. In Module 2, you will address a performance gap or strategy
one-on-one and group coaching, a 360-degree leadership and personal opportunity facing your organization by building a comprehensive strategy
assessment, and customized feedback. You will emerge with greater and implementation plan. Throughout the program, the faculty, your living
self-awareness, understanding, and confidence—as well as a customized group, and your professional HBS Executive Coach will deliver feedback
action plan for achieving your leadership goals. that will help you fine-tune your personal action plan.

360-DEGREE ASSESSMENT
Through a 360-degree assessment, your HBS Executive Coach will help you
assess your personal leadership strengths and weaknesses and develop an
action plan that you can take back to your company.

“The entire PLD experience, under the leadership of

extraordinarily talented faculty, helps you become a better
version of yourself. The environment provides the perfect
setting for profound transformation and growth.”
Arman Minasyan-Aubert
Senior Manager of Strategy, Crédit Foncier de France, FR

18
ALUMNI STATUS AND LIFELONG LEARNING

Welcome to One
Completing PLD’s four core modules 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,

of the World’s
gaining exclusive access to our vast global alumni network and an array of resources that facilitate
lifelong learning, growth, and success. The options are:

Most Powerful
• Complete PLD and PLD Module 5 to earn 10 Program for Leadership Development Alumni (PLDA) Points.
• Complete PLD and additional qualifying HBS Executive Education programs with values that total
10 PLDA Points.

Business Networks • Complete PLD and 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.*

THE HBS ALUMNI NETWORK HBS PUBLISHING ALUMNI PLUS PROGRAM

Tap into a vast global community of more than 85,000 Receive a 20% discount on regularly priced items, including HBS Press books, Harvard Business
MBA and Executive Education alumni in 160 countries. Review article reprints, and cases (subscriptions not included).

HBS EMAIL ADDRESS BAKER LIBRARY/BLOOMBERG CENTER SERVICES

Your lifelong HBS email address helps you stay Access a comprehensive online collection of curated business research resources, available to you
connected to HBS and fellow alumni. from anywhere in the world. The resources have been chosen specifically for HBS alumni to support
your professional development, business development, career planning, and business research.
HBS ALUMNI CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS
PROGRAMS DISCOUNT
Connect with members of more than 100 alumni clubs,
shared interest groups, and affiliates worldwide at As an alumnus, you will be eligible for a 30% discount on future HBS Executive Education programs
business, learning, social, and community service events. that you attend.

* Learn more at www.exed.hbs.edu/plda-points.

“My network includes approximately

250 PLDers, and I can contact any of them
without hesitation for advice or support.”
Elnura Hashimova
Senior Business Process Consultant,
Mazda North American Operations, U.S.
19
HBS EXECUTIVE EDUCATION

A Learning Experience
Unlike Any Other

Every year, executives from around the world turn to HBS Executive Education to
propel their careers, ignite their passions, and reach their most ambitious goals.

Here, you will be fully immersed in a unique In the evening, you’ll continue the conversation
living-and-learning experience with other top with your fellow participants in our unique
executives from leading companies around on-campus living groups, over meals, during
the world. off-campus outings, and in other social settings. “The experience of being at
Led by our world-renowned faculty, our Beyond the daily interactions with professors HBS and going through PLD
global curriculum is designed to give you the and peers, another critical part of the HBS made me fearless. I can take
knowledge and skills you need to overcome experience is the ability to step back from your
real-world business challenges and lead with day-to-day routine and reflect on where you’ve risks, make better decisions,
greater purpose by questioning assumptions, been and where you want to take your career. and figure out the next steps
disrupting usual ways of doing business, and
introducing unexpected ways of thinking. It’s a unique and holistic approach to for my career and my life.”
professional and personal development
During the day, you’ll take part in dynamic that many of our alumni and participants Diana Tannous
lectures, case discussions, and exercises. have called a life-changing experience. Head of Department and Chief Dietitian,
Clemenceau Medical Center, Lebanon

20
HBS EXECUTIVE EDUCATION
“PLD revolves around participants, so they can elevate their leadership capacity.
Our cross-functional content and collaborative method of instruction equip
participants with the competence and character to take on future leadership
PLD Faculty challenges and responsibilities.”
Joshua D. Margolis
Faculty Chair, PLD, Organizational Behavior Unit

21
HBS EXECUTIVE EDUCATION

PLD Faculty
David C. Edelman Antonio Moreno
Marketing Unit Technology and Operations Management Unit

“Marketing is more than just advertisements. In “Being successful at digital transformation

PLD, you'll learn how to use marketing in a strategic requires a thorough understanding of business
way to deliver value and cultivate growth.” processes and the ability to lead through
change. In PLD, you’ll build both.”
David Fubini
Organizational Behavior Unit Elie Ofek
“Strategy provides the compass and map for your Marketing Unit

company to grow and prosper. Great strategists “Marketing isn’t about clever ads and witty copy.
are able to define where to play, how to win, and It’s a strategic way of thinking about business
how to sustain a privileged position.” opportunities from the perspective of creating
and capturing value for customers.”
Susanna Gallani
Accounting and Management Unit Monique Burns Thompson
“Accounting information supports and influences Organizational Behavior Unit

managerial and strategic decisions at all levels of “PLD develops leaders who understand how to
the organization. In PLD we learn how to measure analyze complex issues, make decisions and
what matters.” manage in gray areas, build systems to align with
goals, and develop cultures that support people
Leslie K. John
doing their best work.”
Negotiation, Organizations, and Markets Unit

“Gathering consumer data creates marketing Gunnar Trumbull

opportunities for firms, but surrendering this Business, Government and the International Economy Unit

information can be perilous for consumers. “In PLD, we explore the economic and political
In PLD, we focus on finding the right balance.” forces, both the risks and the opportunities that
accompany economic integration and shape
globalization.”

22
Learn More
 DATES AND PROGRAM FEES
JUL 2024–JAN 2025 Session DEC 2024–JUN 2025 Session
Program Fee: $56,000 Program Fee: $56,000

Module 1: 15 JUL–05 OCT 2024 (Virtual, Self-Paced) Module 1: 03 DEC 2024–01 MAR 2025 (Virtual, Self-Paced)
Module 2: 06–18 OCT 2024 (HBS Campus) Module 2: 02–14 MAR 2025 (HBS Campus)
Module 3: 19 OCT 2024–18 JAN 2025 (Virtual, Self-Paced) Module 3: 15 MAR–14 JUN 2025 (Virtual, Self-Paced)
Module 4: 19–31 JAN 2025 (HBS Campus) Module 4: 15–27 JUN 2025 (HBS Campus)
Module 5 (Optional): Module 5 (Optional):
MAY–JUL 2024 Session • Program Fee: $29,000 MAY–JUL 2025 Session • Program Fee: $29,000
21 MAY–13 JUL 2024 (Virtual, Live Online and Self-Paced) 20 MAY–12 JUL 2025 (Virtual, Live Online and Self-Paced)
14–26 JUL 2024 (HBS Campus) 13–25 JUL 2025 (HBS Campus)

COMPREHENSIVE LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS

Specially tailored programs for executives at key transition points in their careers.
• Advanced Management Program • Program for Leadership Development
• General Management Program • Owner/President Management

EXPLORE OUR TOPIC-FOCUSED PROGRAMS

Offering 50+ intensive programs that explore specific topics in depth.
• Board Governance • Finance • Innovation • Negotiation & Decision-Making
• Digital Transformation • General Management • Leadership • Social Enterprise & Nonprofits
• Family Business • Health Care • Marketing & Sales • Strategy

TALK WITH A PROGRAM ADVISOR

For a personalized consultation, contact a member
of our Program Advising Team.
www.exed.hbs.edu/pld
Email: executive_education@hbs.edu
Phone: 800.427.5577
(Outside the United States, call: 617.495.6555)

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. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination
policies: Ms. Liza Nascembeni, Harvard Business School, Soldiers Field, Boston, MA 02163-9986 US
Program content, dates, schedule, fees, technology platforms, and faculty are subject to change. ©2024 by the President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved.