Huge learning uptake with UNSW Learn to Lead
In its seventh year running, UNSW Learn to Lead broke records for enrolments.
Published on the 01 July 2026
Learn to Lead is a flagship self-paced online course crafted exclusively for UNSW alumni, donors, UNSW staff and selected students. The course is offered free of charge to these cohorts each year.
This year marks the seventh year running for the course. In 2026, Learn to Lead was focused on the human connection in a digital world, with three modules developing current understanding and enhancing capabilities in this arena.
With more than 5,000 enrolled learners comprising largely of UNSW alumni, Learn to Lead broke records in enrolments in 2026 compared to 2025, setting the bar even higher for this exemplary course.
Expert facilitators for Learn to Lead
This year’s theme, human connection in a digital world was guided by UNSW Dean of Lifelong Learning, Professor Nick Wailes with expert UNSW academics.
Professor Joel Pearson
Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, UNSW School of Psychology
One of Australia's foremost researchers on intuition, decision-making and the psychology of AI, Joel explores the neuroscience of trust and human connection and why these qualities become more important, not less, as AI takes on a greater role in organisational decision-making.
Claire Annesley
Founding Dean, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture
A specialist in leadership, organisational change and human-centred design, Claire, alongside Professors David Sanderson, Carly Vickers and Stephen Doherty, will show you how to integrate digital data with human insight to solve complex problems and apply practical design approaches in your day-to-day leadership.
Yenni Tim
Associate Professor, UNSW Business School
With her deep expertise in strategy, transformation and responsible technology, Yenni's module focuses on building organisational resilience in the face of digital change, and ensuring that AI is adopted responsibly.
What do learners think about Learn to Lead?
Feedback from learners who completed Learn to Lead was received via surveys and word of mouth on email and on LinkedIn.
Always appreciate UNSW offering these continuous learning resources to keep ideas sharp. - Frances Brook
Another fantastic program from UNSW—Learn to Lead: Human Connection in a Digital World was both timely and thought-provoking. Grateful for the opportunity to learn, reflect, and continue building the skills needed to lead effectively in an increasingly digital world. - Andy Young
Another excellent bite-sized learning opportunity from UNSW. As always, the presentations and discussions were insightful, engaging, and thought-provoking. Loved it! - Dr Helen Goldsmith
Returning to Learn to Lead for a second year has been both energising and grounding. My sincere appreciation to Nick Wailes and the exceptional academic and industry leadership team at AGSM @ UNSW Business School for designing such a thoughtful and relevant learning experience. The course has a unique way of making big ideas both accessible and transformative, especially for alumni seeking to continuously evolve. - Tommy Law
Continue the conversation throughout the year
Listen to our podcast on human-centered leadership in practice
Explore the ideas behind the human connection in a digital world with this insightful discussion between Professor Nick Wailes and Professor Claire Annesley.
Building on the themes from Learn to Lead 2026, discover why human skills remain essential in a technology-rich world and hear practical approaches to deep listening, engaging diverse perspectives and making more human-centered decisions.
Take a free short course: Human Skills in a Digital World
Continue developing your leadership capability with the Faculty of Arts, Design & Architecture's free, self-paced short course Human Skills in a Digital World. Gain the skills to identify, articulate and demonstrate the human skills you bring to your professional practice using the ADA Skills Passport and its nine Enduring Human Skills.
Be the first to hear about Learn to Lead next year
Keep your contact details up to date and we'll let you know when enrolments for the next program open.