Your learning
This three-day intensive course equips leaders with the tools to navigate uncertainty and drive transformative change. Through innovative futures methodologies and creative visioning techniques, you will develop the mindset and critical thinking skills you need to lead towards 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, time for reflection, and practical tools that can be applied in real-world contexts.
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
The course opens by exploring leadership principles that foster open, collaborative relationships with others and that connect leaders to time and place. Participants will travel through deep time to learn about the future as open ended and plural, while considering the benefits of futures thinking for organisations.
Day two
The second day of the course offers participants the opportunity to explore a range of practical tools and develop their futures literacy. These tools help manage uncertainty, identify early signs of change, and support transition towards a more sustainable world.
Day three
The final day engages participants in creativity and imagination to vision alternative futures. Participants will practise creative thinking skills to help imagine viable alternatives to ‘business as usual’. Vital time for reflection will help consider the actions that we can take to bring our preferred futures closer to us.
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 creativity 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.
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.
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