Henley Executive Management Programme

Evolving into senior leadership is one of the most challenging and defining transitions in any career. It demands a shift from functional expertise to leading across the whole organisation: navigating complexity, making decisions under uncertainty, and shaping strategy while staying resilient. Many executives experience self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and the pressure to perform while maintaining well-being, influence and impact at the highest level.

The Henley Executive Management Programme equips senior executives, directors and heads of function to thrive in this transition. Combining world-class research with real-world application, it develops the confidence, strategic perspective and resilience required to succeed and perform sustainably at the top of the organisation.

Distinctive in its approach, the programme blends experiential and evidence-based learning. From exploring strategy, change, innovation, neuroscience, finance and AI, to practising leadership presence through actor-led simulations, 360° feedback and one-to-one coaching, participants strengthen their resilience through HRV monitoring and personal analysis. They translate insight into impact with a tailored action plan that aims to embed change across their organisation.

Development continues throughout the programme, with opportunities to consolidate and apply the skills and techniques learned back in the organisation with support from Henley. A live consultancy project deepens this application, creating meaningful impact and lasting momentum beyond the programme.

Learning alongside senior leaders from different organisations, participants broaden their perspective, challenge assumptions and develop professional networks, creating sustained value for both the individual and their organisation.

The Henley Executive Management Programme is designed for senior executives, directors, and heads of function who want to strengthen their impact and performance at the highest levels of leadership. It supports both those preparing to step into greater organisational responsibility, developing broader thinking, new behaviours and strategic relationships, and experienced leaders who want to deepen or expand their leadership capability. The programme also helps organisations build a stronger senior leadership pipeline and enhance succession planning capacity.

Important note

All programmes are subject to limited availability. We recommend booking a minimum of 6 weeks before the programme start date, to guarantee sufficient time for your enrolment and on-boarding.

The Henley Executive Management Programme is delivered through a combination of workshops, role-play activities, coaching and self-awareness sessions. You will study as part of a small but diverse cohort of peers, learning from each other’s shared experiences.

The programme takes place over four months, as broken down below:

You'll learn through a unique mix of:

• Experiential learning across strategy, leadership, change, innovation, neuroscience, finance, AI, and more.

• 360-degree feedback and one-to-one coaching for personal insight and growth.

• Peer learning with leaders from diverse organisations and sectors.

• Practical tools, including actor-led simulations for difficult conversations, heart rate variability (HRV) monitoring and personal professional analysis for leadership resilience.

• A personal action plan to apply learning directly back to the organisation at pace and scale.

Our free, informal consultation service introduces you to a member of our team to talk you through everything and anything you want to know about the programme.

Book your consultation call.

Set in sweeping parkland on the banks of the River Thames, Henley Business School's Greenlands campus provides an inspiring and reflective environment for focused work and study.

Find out more about our facilities and how to find us

Executive Education at Henley

For 80 years, Henley Business School has developed confident and resilient business leaders. Executive Education at Henley is:

• Practical: we combine academic rigour with a strong practical focus, so you can immediately apply what you have learned back in your organisation.
• Relevant: Henley faculty are experienced practitioners who can support you in exploring solutions to your organisation’s challenges.
• Collaborative: Open programmes enable you to expand your network, gain new perspectives and share ideas with peers from a range of backgrounds and sectors.
• Personal: deliberately small learning groups allow you to benefit from individual attention and a confidential environment. We encourage you to understand your unique strengths, leadership style, and areas for development.

AI is reshaping the world of work. Leadership determines whether that change becomes progress.

Drawing on insight from senior leaders and Henley experts, our latest report, Redefining Leadership in the Age of AI, offers practical guidance on navigating uncertainty and AI-driven change.

Discover:

• Why AI efficiency gains rarely create lasting value
• How to build AI literacy and close the gap between AI ambition and organisational readiness
• Why human strengths like empathy, critical thinking and emotional intelligence are more important than ever
• The skills, capabilities and mindsets needed to lead effectively in this new era

Read the new report