Leading for the Future

Master the skills and mindset to navigate uncertainty, drive transformative change, and build a more sustainable and resilient future for you and your organisation.

Dates

St Andrews
17 to 19 March 2026
2 to 4 November 2026

Duration

Three days

School

Business School
Executive Education

Fees

General
£3,300
University of St Andrews alumni
£1,650

Your learning experience

This three-day intensive course equips leaders with the tools to navigate uncertainty and drive transformative change. Through innovative futures methodologies and storytelling techniques, you will develop the creative mindset and critical thinking skills you need to envision and shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for your organisation and beyond. 

This in-person programme offers an exceptional learning experience, combining interactive small-group sessions with your peers in the beautiful, historic setting of St Andrews, home to our world-class University. 

Taught by our experts, you will benefit from lectures, interactive discussions, and real-world case studies. 

You will challenge assumptions about business-as-usual thinking and leave with the confidence to shape the future for the better. 

Course content

Day one

  • Understanding the future 
  • Imagination and creativity

 Day two

  • Identifying drivers and signals of change 
  • Developing your futures toolkit  

Day three

  • The power of storytelling 
  • Writing inspiring scenarios that shape positive change 

Who is it for?

  • Senior executives and C-suite leaders: gain a strategic perspective on the future and develop the leadership skills to navigate complex challenges 
  • Mid-level managers and team leaders: enhance your leadership skills and learn how to drive innovation and change in your organisation 
  • Consultants and advisors: develop your expertise in futures thinking and strategic foresight to better serve your clients 
  • Entrepreneurs and social innovators: gain insights into emerging trends and opportunities to create sustainable and impactful ventures 

How will your organisation benefit?

This course is an investment in your organisation's ability to thrive in an uncertain and rapidly changing world. By developing future-ready leaders, you'll enhance your adaptability, resilience, and capacity for innovation. 

Key benefits: 

  • Enhanced strategic foresight: equip leaders to anticipate and respond effectively to future trends and disruptions 
  • Increased innovation: foster a culture of innovation and experimentation, enabling your organisation to adapt and thrive in dynamic environments 
  • Improved change management: develop leaders who can effectively navigate complex change initiatives and drive successful transformations 
  • Stronger leadership pipeline: build a pipeline of leaders equipped with the skills and mindset to guide your organisation into the future 
  • Enhanced organisational resilience: develop the capacity to anticipate and respond effectively to unforeseen challenges and disruptions 

If your organisation is interested in investing in its development and people with St Andrews Executive Education, we’re pleased to offer a range of Corporate Membership benefits.

Participants in an Executive Education class.
Anna Brown

Course leader

Dr Anna Brown, Senior Lecturer in Management

Why University of St Andrews Business School?

Ranked as one of the UK's leading universities, the University of St  Andrews is renowned for its teaching excellence. Our Business School brings together leading global academics and practitioners across management, finance, and economics.

In The Guardian's University Guide 2025 UK rankings we are proud to be:

  • Number one in Business and Management
  • Number two in Economics

Our Executive Education experience blends cutting-edge research, academic rigour, and global perspective. Inspiring transformative thinking and leadership, this new course will allow you to innovate and excel in your field.

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Build connections

Our alumni make connections at St  Andrews that prove invaluable as they navigate similar challenges through their careers.

  • Grow and learn from your new personal network
  • Work with colleagues across industries and geographies
  • Create lasting professional relationships 

Generate impact

You can immediately apply your learning to your role and organisation. You will be able to: 

  • Drive transformative change 
  • Navigate uncertainty and complexity 
  • Build a more sustainable and resilient future
  • Enhance your leadership skills

Take the next step