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 strategic and financial acumen, persuasion and influence, crisis communication, true networks, and emotional intelligence.

Who Should Attend

This program is recommended for participants with at least 15 years prior leadership experience but is open to all without regard to gender or gender identity. Applicant backgrounds may 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. The application deadline is February 16, 2024.

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

#1 EXECUTIVE EDUCATION PROVIDER IN NORTH AMERICA – Financial Times, 2023

Founded in 1924, the Stephen M. Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan is committed to building a better world through business. Through powerful ideas, purpose-driven leaders, and positive impact, we use business to make a meaningful difference in the world. Our unique approach focuses on action-based learning and interdisciplinary, team-oriented situations. 

EXECUTIVE EDUCATION

Michigan Ross offers diverse programs for individuals and numerous custom solutions annually, serving more than 4,000 executives worldwide. No matter your business challenge or strategic priority, Michigan Ross can be your partner in success.

Programs for Individuals

Whether you’re an organization working to enhance your leadership pipeline or an individual seeking to advance your career, Michigan Ross Executive Education offers a variety of programs to meet your needs. Benefit from flexible instruction formats, including live online, asynchronous, and hybrid virtual learning.

Custom Solutions

Michigan Ross collaborates with organizations around the world to translate their goals into successful, immersive learning experiences.


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/ascending/ or call 313.324.0236.


2024 Michigan Ross Faculty:

Cheri Alexander
Adjunct Lecturer of Management and Organizations

Susan Ashford
Michael & Susan Jandernoa 
Professor of Management and Organizations

Jeffrey Sanchez-Burks
William Russell Kelly Professor of Business Administration,
Professor of Management and Organizations

Maxim Sytch
Professor of Management and Organizations


2024 INFORUM Executive Speakers:

Shari Burgess
Vice President & Treasurer, Lear Corporation (retired)
Non-Executive Director, Herc Holdings, Inc. 

Megan Crespi
SE Vice President, Chief Operating Officer
Comerica Bank

Mary Draves
President, MDA Consulting, LLC
Retired Chief Sustainability Officer and 
Vice President Environmental Health and Safety, Dow

Telva McGruder
Executive Director
Global Body Manufacturing Engineering

Kiersten Robinson
President, Mexico, Canada and
General Manager Family Vehicles
Ford Motor Co. (retired)

Estella Woo
North American Hub Leader, 
Grow platform 
GmbH, a Bosh Co. 


Credential

After successful program completion, you will earn 1 credit toward the Distinguished Leader Certificate from Michigan Ross Executive Education.

  • 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.

  • Develop an action plan that provides you with the strategic direction needed to climb to the next leadership level in your organization successfully.

  • 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 negotiation.

  • Gain an appreciation for the competencies required for success in global leadership.

  • Capitalize and more deeply understand your network and how to expand your professional relationships further.

  • 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

Participant Tiffany Albert, Chief Executive Officer
Blue Care Network

Participant Marijana Long, Systems Senior Manager
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US

Participant Brenda McMahon, Client Management Leader
Willis Towers Watson

Participant Keisha Olinger, Senior Director & Client Management Leader
Willis Towers Watson

Participant Michelle Hall, Vice President Corporate HR
Meijer


Tuition & Fees

The program fee is payable in advance in US dollars, is net of any tax, is subject to change, and includes:

  • Tuition, instructional materials, all breakfast, lunch, snack breaks, and select dinners

  • Program materials, assessments, and simulations

  • Overnight accommodations are provided Wednesday night

  • To allow adequate time to complete required pre-read assignments, course registration closes five weeks before the program start date.

  • Check our website for our Cancellation, Transfer, and Substitution policy

  • Program offerings are subject to change; visit the website for the most up-to-date information

  • This program does not qualify for any special pricing

Note: Admission to this program is by application only 

All attendees must apply and be accepted. Space is limited.
Application deadline is February 16, 2024.

inforummichigan.org/ascending/