Ascending to the C-Suite: From Theory to Practice

This unique and experiential program is designed for senior-level women executives who aspire to the C-Suite.

The program combines the world's leading business thinkers from Michigan Ross School of Business with leading business practitioners for an unprecedented educational experience.

"Ascending to the C-Suite: From Theory to Practice" immerses you in specialized subjects whose mastery is critical for C-Suite executives yet often represent gaps in professional development for women leaders. Each topic is taught with a 360-degree view by pairing renowned Michigan Ross faculty with global business leaders.

Participants will dive deep into key business topics and leadership practices while hearing unfiltered insight and first-hand stories from executive role models. Participants will share a similar breadth and depth of experience in a learning environment that will foster strategic connections and relationships beyond the classroom.

Topics that will be covered in depth include advanced business and financial acumen, persuasion and influence, crisis communication, strategic innovation, and true networks.

Who Should Attend

This program is recommended for participants who have a minimum 15 years prior leadership experience and may also include:

Organizational levels that are one to two levels below C-Suite
Executives with a consistent track record of career growth through promotions
Current successor candidate to C-Suite executives
Women business entrepreneurs with sustained business growth and success

All attendees must apply and be accepted. Space is limited. Application deadline is October 28, 2022.

Let’s discuss how this program can help you achieve your goals.
Contact us at rossexeced@umich.edu or call 734-763-1000

About Michigan Ross

#3 Global Provider, Open Enrollment - Financial Times 2020

Michigan Ross Executive Education was recently named a Top 3 global provider--and the #1 provider among U.S. schools--of open enrollment executive programs by the Financial Times. The FT ranking, based on survey responses from managers around the globe, weighs factors from faculty to programs follow-up. Among the highlights, Ross earned #1 rankings in course design, faculty and facilities. We offer approximately 30 different open enrollment in-person and online course programs and a variety of custom solutions annually, serving over 4,000 business executives around the world.

Ross delivers open enrollment programs in multiple formats around the globe and custom solutions wherever our partners’ request. Join us for any of our open enrollment program offerings or contact us to learn more about our custom solutions opportunities. We invite you to experience first-hand the Michigan Ross difference.

About Inforum

Founded in 1962, Inforum is the only professional organization in Michigan - and one of a few in the country - that combines strategic connections, proven professional development programs, a respected forum for new ideas, and original research to accelerate careers for women and boost talent initiatives for companies. Inforum has a deep portfolio of retail and custom leadership programs that serve a broad range of women (and sometimes men) in different stages and types of careers - from nonprofit professionals, to emerging and rising corporate leaders, tech entrepreneurs, veterans and corporate board leaders. Inforum also conducts and publishes original research on women's leadership influence. For more information, visit inforummichigan.org or call 313.324.0236.

2022 Michigan Ross Faculty:

Cheri Alexander, Faculty Management and Organizations
Susan Ashford, Michael & Susan Jandernoa Professor of Management & Organizations and Chair of Management & Organizations
Lindred Greer, Associate Professor of Management and Organizations
Jeffrey Sanchez-Burks, William Russell Kelly Professor of Business Administration, Professor of Management and Organizations
Christopher Williams, Professor of Accounting

2022 Executive Speakers Include:

Terry Barclay, President & CEO, Inforum
Tammi Dukes, Vice President Global Sustainability, Adient
Neil Hawkins, President, Fred A. and Barbara M. Erb Family Foundation
Michelle Illitch, Vice President, Provider Network Solutions and Value-Based Programs, Priority Health
Telva McGruder, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, General Motors Co.
Kiersten Robinson, President, Mexico, Canada, and General Manager Family vehicles, Ford Motor Co.
Maximiliane Straub, President Global Services, Robert Bosch LLC
Julie Washington, SVP, Chief Marketing, Communications & Customer Experience Officer, Trinity Health
Estella Woo, Director, Corporate Venture Building, Robert Bosch LLC

Learn how to pair strategy and finance with business acumen to garner momentum as you ascend to the C-Suite.
Understand how successful leaders at the top echelons of their companies effectively utilize crisis management/communication to redirect potentially adverse or harmful situations.
Sharpen your ability to transform challenges into opportunities as you develop a personalized approach for establishing your negotiation leadership skills.
Strengthen your capabilities as an executive global leader as you gain real-world perspective from global industry leaders.

Return to your current role armed with an action plan that provides you with the strategic direction needed to successfully climb to the next leadership level in your organization
Create a personal leadership plan and legacy statement to drive your future
Gain a deeper understanding of business acumen including strategy and finance
Further develop skills in persuasion and influence, crisis management/communication, and negotiations
Gain appreciation for competencies required for success in global leadership
Capitalize and more deeply understand your network and how to further expand your professional relationships
Be inspired by leading role models who have ascended to the C-suite through your participation in a combination of lectures, interactive sessions, and leadership exercises that seamlessly blend academic and practical learning.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS...past participant insights