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 building and leveraging networks. Top faculty from Michigan Ross are joined by business leaders whose experience in these subjects is extraordinary - especially when the stakes are high.

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 March 29, 2019.

The Experience
Organizational Benefits
Individual Benefits

The Experience

About Michigan Ross

Top 10 global provider - 2018 Financial Times

Michigan Ross Executive Education was recently named a Top 5 global provider by the Financial Times, and our leadership programs have been consistently rated No. 1 by Leadership Excellence. We offer approximately 30 different open enrollment offerings and a variety of custom programs annually, serving over 4,000 business executives around the world. Ross has locations in Hong Kong, Mumbai, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand and delivers programs globally wherever our corporate partners request.

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 programs serve a broad range of women 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 877.633.3500.

2019 Michigan Ross Faculty

Scott DeRue, Edward J. Frey Dean of Business, Stephen M. Ross Professor of Business
Cheri Alexander, Chief Innovation Officer, Faculty Management and Organizations
Susan Ashford, Michael & Susan Jandernoa Professor of Management & Organizations and Chair of Management & Organizations
Paula Caproni, Professor of Management and Organization
Gautam Kaul, Professor of Finance & Fred M. Taylor Professor of Business Administration
Maxim Sytch, Michael R. and Mary Kay Hallman Fellow, Associate Professor of Management and Organizations

2019 Executive Speakers

Terry Barclay, President & CEO, Inforum
Shari Burgess, Vice President & Treasurer, Lear Corporation
Teresa Carroll, Executive Vice President, Kelly Services
Marcy Klevorn, Executive Vice President & President, Mobility, Ford Motor Company
Heather Rivard, Senior Vice President, Distribution Operations, DTE Energy
Maximiliane Straub, Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President Controlling, Finance and Administration, Robert Bosch LLC

Read the Detroit Free Press article published May 1, 2016

Go to CBS Detroit and watch UM Ross Dean Scott DeRue and Inforum President Terry Barclay discuss the program on the "Michigan Matters" show which aired on April 22, 2016.

Organizational Benefits

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.

Individual Benefits

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, speaker, and faculty C-suite insights

Participant Jennifer Reyntjes- AlixPartners LLC
Director, Talent Management

Participant Bonnie Van Etten – FCA US LLC
Vice President – NAFTA/FCA US Chief Accounting Officer

Participant Keera A. Riddick – FCA US LLC
Electrical Senior Manager

Speaker Diana Tremblay - Vice President Global Business Services, General Motors Company (retired)
Diana Tremblay addresses how a class designed for women can better help women to increase their personal power

Faculty Gautam Kaul – Professor of Finance & Fred M. Taylor Professor of Business Administration
Professor Gautam Kaul discusses the science and art of Finance and its importance in the C-suite