Build an adaptive leadership toolkit through real-world challenges
Learn to lead beyond authority in complex environments
Drive change through inclusive and systemic engagement
This program is designed to equip you with the confidence, tools and strategic mindset needed to thrive in uncertainty. Through immersive experiences and real-world challenges, you'll learn to diagnose complex problems, engage diverse perspectives and lead with clarity and compassion - transforming ambiguity into a catalyst for progress and innovation.
Who will benefit
Course is suitable for
This program is designed to help you grow as a leader in times of uncertainty and complexity. You’ll develop new mindsets, practical habits and proven frameworks to lead effectively in fast-changing environments. With a strong focus on people and purpose, you’ll learn how to build resilience, stay clear-headed and lead with confidence in Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) conditions. The program also explores how to lead beyond formal authority, experiment with new approaches and drive meaningful change in systems that require creativity, collaboration and courage. As part of the experience, you’ll take part in powerful activities such as Dialogue in the Dark, designed to challenge your perspective, strengthen empathy and expand your leadership capacity.
Develop the mindset and practical tools to lead beyond authority, enabling you to navigate complex challenges with greater confidence, authenticity and strategic intent.
Learn how to diagnose systemic issues, engage across boundaries and apply adaptive frameworks that lead to meaningful, long-term change across your organisation or sector.
Build resilience and capability to thrive in VUCA environments through real-world practice and strategic experimentation.
Join a diverse cohort of senior leaders to explore multiple perspectives, foster inclusive leadership and build trusted relationships that extend beyond the classroom.
Challenge fixed mindsets and build your capacity to navigate complexity through immersive, growth-focused sessions.
Learn to diagnose and shift complex systems using adaptive strategies for lasting impact across all levels.
Develop skills to listen, lead across differences and foster trust and collaboration in diverse environments.
ngage in hands-on, residential learning with live challenges and transformative experiences like Dialogue in the Dark.
By the end of the program, you will emerge with sharpened leadership insight, enhanced adaptive capacity and practical tools to drive meaningful change. You'll be equipped to navigate ambiguity, lead with greater purpose and resilience, and catalyse progress within complex systems and diverse stakeholder environments.
You’ll learn to confidently diagnose adaptive challenges, distinguish them from technical problems and apply experimentation as a strategy for progress. Develop the skills to lead beyond formal authority, create systemic impact and engage inclusively across boundaries - enabling you to navigate complexity and drive transformative change.
Course delivery
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Commitment |
Method |
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This course is delivered across four full days.
Day 1 |
Day 2 |
Day 3 |
Day 4 |
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Levers not leaders The nature of learning Where do we begin? Core four |
Leadership edge and experimentation Case presentation Martyrs and egos What part of the mess am I? Case presentation Dialogue in the Dark |
Sense making Plating with factions Diagnosing factions Harnessing divergence Brakes and pedals: what is wrong with my tyres? Case presentations |
Adaptive challenge check in The nature of identity Thriving |
By completing this course, you will receive a verifiable digital badge issued by AGSM, certifying your achievement.
The Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) will formally recognise your commitment to professional development and lifelong learning with the Certificate in Executive Management and Development (CEMD). The CEMD is a flexible program that allows you to build your leadership capabilities through stackable learning.
A CEMD is a unique pathway to future study that can directly contribute to accelerating the attainment of an AGSM MBA or Graduate Certificate if you choose to embark on this journey in the future. Each time you complete a short course with the AGSM, we’ll award you with CEMD points. CEMD points can be collected and stacked together to create a unique professional development pathway that works for you and your specific career goals.
Once you collect 12 points over a period of up to 4 years you will be awarded the CEMD. The CEMD is a specialised credential and can contribute to 2 course credits towards our AGSM MBA and Graduate Certificate qualifications.
This flexible model supports continuous learning and creates a recognised pathway from short courses to postgraduate qualifications at UNSW's AGSM.
Next steps
Enrol now in Adaptive Leadership Program via the AGSM Navigator portal.
Course is suitable for
