2024 Executive Education Year in Review
The accomplishments outlined in our annual report would not be possible without the continued support and trust of our faculty, staff, partners, and participants.
Dear friends of Michigan Ross and the Ross Executive Education community,
As we prepare to transition to a new year, I’d like to take a moment to recognize 2024 as a vivid reminder that change is both constant and inevitable—globally and within our own professional and personal lives.
This year saw the most democratically held elections in history, with a wide range of changes and shifts in our political and social landscapes. From small business owners to C-Suite executives—every organization must anticipate and manage with continued uncertainty. This time has urged us to reflect deeply on our role as educators in fostering resilient and agile leaders who are not only equipped to manage change, but also welcome change as an opportunity for continuous improvement, creativity, and sustained success.
Within Michigan Ross Executive Education, we’ve also embraced a season of transformation. This includes the planning of the new LA campus and our temporary move to a new space while we renovate our Executive Learning and Conference Center. As our department has and will continue to navigate significant internal changes into the new year, we’ve rediscovered the strength of collaboration and the opportunities that come with reimagining what’s possible. These endeavors, which will position us to better serve our community, have also reminded us that the challenge of change often brings the clarity and momentum needed to innovate and grow. We look forward to sharing updates about the exciting developments and projects coming to executive education in the year ahead.
In the meantime, I am proud to present the Michigan Ross Executive Education 2024 Year in Review. This report reflects the dedication, excellence, and impact that have defined our efforts over the past year. These accomplishments would not have been possible without the devoted efforts of our faculty, staff, and partners, as well as the trust and collaboration of the leaders and learners we serve.
Looking ahead to 2025, we are excited to deepen our impact by expanding our reach, refining our offerings, and continuing to shape the future of Executive Education. Whether through programs that tackle the complexities of sustainability, exploring the evolving role of AI, or providing tools for building more inclusive and resilient organizations, Michigan Ross Executive Education will continue to support our community with the forward-thinking solutions needed to lead with confidence and purpose, even in the face of change.
On behalf of the Michigan Ross Executive Education team, I wish you a joyful holiday season and a fulfilling year ahead.
Sincerely,
Nicholas Hamilton-Archer
Chief Executive Education Officer
University of Michigan - Ross School of Business
2024 Executive Education Year in Review
Executive Education Insights
In collaboration with the same faculty who teach in our highly ranked degree programs, Michigan Ross Executive Education shared expert insights on critical business topics: leadership, sustainability, burnout, and AI, among other trends. These perspectives offered business leaders fresh ways to think about challenges, opportunities, and strategies shaping the future of their organizations.
New Quarterly Newsletter: The Executive Edge
Launched in Q4 of 2024, The Executive Edge, a new quarterly newsletter from Michigan Ross Executive Education, examines pressing issues facing business leaders and garnering global media attention. Complimenting a curated selection of news articles on trending topics, our faculty members address key questions through expert commentary and insights, offering practical perspectives to help leaders stay ahead of trends impacting their business.
The Executive Edge (Q3 2024) - Inside This Issue: AI, Employee Burnout, ESG Reporting
Q4 2024 coming in January
Leadership INSIGHTS
Throughout 2024, the leadership landscape and requisite skills continued to evolve, influenced by the dual demands of navigating change and fostering resilience. Leaders are increasingly expected to address complex tasks, such as advancing sustainability and integrating technology, while managing employee retention and well-being.
Michigan Ross Executive Education remains at the forefront of these shifts, offering programs and insights that prepare leaders to adapt, inspire, and create meaningful impact in their organizations and beyond.
Read: Leading Organizational Transformation with Positive Leadership
Read: Cultivating Agility in Modern Organizations: Interview with Professor Lindy Greer
Sustainability Insights
Sustainability remained a central focus for businesses in 2024, evolving to address not only environmental concerns but also the interconnected social and governance facets. Companies faced continued pressure from stakeholders to align their strategies with long-term sustainability goals, navigating the complex demands for meaningful action and difficulties of conflicting reporting frameworks.
In 2024, Michigan Ross Executive Education continued to support business leaders in this critical area by leveraging expertise from the Erb Institute and CERES while expanding offerings. Programs like Building Board Expertise on Sustainability and Sustainable Leadership in the ESG Era provided leaders with the knowledge to drive responsible practices and shape a more sustainable future for their organizations and boards.
Watch: Driving Sustainable Transformation in 2024 and Beyond
Read: Building Climate Ready Boards Through Sustainability Expertise
Burnout and Well-Being Insights
Burnout continued to be a pressing issue for organizations in 2024 as stress levels across the global workforce persisted. Although the COVID-19 pandemic was an accelerant, factors such as employee isolation, political polarization, and other external global forces contributed significantly. The far-reaching impacts of burnout on not only the individual level but also at the organizational level have emphasized the need for business leaders and HR leaders to prioritize worker well-being while building cultures that support practices like open communication and work-life balance.
Michigan Ross Executive Education recognized the significance of these issues and remained committed to exploring them through faculty insights while incorporating topics such as emotional intelligence, leading under pressure, and managing emotions on teams into programming and speaking engagements.
Read: The Executive Edge (Oct 2024) - Inside This Issue: AI, Employee Burnout, ESG Reporting
Read: Reconnecting With Colleagues in a Disconnected Workplace
OTHER Focused Topics INSIGHTS
Throughout 2024, Michigan Ross Executive Education expanded its focus to complement core business topics and offer intriguing insights on emerging areas such as AI, the influence of culture on behavior, and negotiation strategies.
Watch: Professor Marcus Collins, Jeezy, and the Power of Culture
Watch: Leveraging the Power of Culture in Commerce: A Holistic Approach
Read: Towards Responsible AI: Leveraging Machines that Emulate Human Capabilities
Watch: Bridging Cultures, Building Agreements: Lessons in Global Negotiation
Global Impact
Michigan Ross Executive Education deepened its global reach in 2024 through meaningful learning experiences that addressed the unique challenges and opportunities of clients in key locations worldwide. From long-time established partnerships to new opportunities—these initiatives demonstrated a commitment to understanding clients' unique needs and building future-ready leadership across diverse industries and regions.
Below are a few key highlights of Michigan Ross Executive Education's impactful collaborations and deliverables achieved in 2024.
Custom Deliverables in India
L&T | The partnership with Larsen & Toubro (L&T) reached its 11th year in 2024, solidifying the program’s role in shaping leaders for India's "nation-building corporate." L&T continues to lead India’s infrastructure development across critical sectors like transportation, power, and heavy machinery.
Tata Group | The Tata Group Executive Leadership Seminar (TGELS), now in its 48th iteration in 2024 and stands as the longest-running executive education program at Michigan Ross, continued to shape the executives driving one of the nation’s and world’s most iconic conglomerates. The TGELs program exemplifies the sustained power of leadership education to evolve with the times while staying rooted in its impactful origins inspired by the late CK Prahalad’s early work.
TVS Motor Company | The Michigan Ross Executive Education team partnered with TVS Motor Company, a leading global automaker operating in the two and three-wheeler segments, to launch and deliver the first Global Program for Management Development in 2024. This program will train over 120 executives over the course of three years and is designed to equip participants with practical skills and knowledge crucial for success in today's competitive environment. A unique aspect of this program is its partnership with the Srinivasan Services Trust, which works with communities and governments to empower India's rural poor. Participants immersed themselves in a village experience and provided their skills and expertise to better the nonprofit's mission. At the conclusion of the program, participants presented action learning projects to senior leadership. Many of the project proposals are now being integrated into the business.
Custom Deliverables in Japan
NEOM | NEOM is a unique urban development project on the Red Sea that includes leaders from more than 90 countries working together to create the city of the future. In 2024, NEOM high-potential leaders, in partnership with Michigan Ross Executive Education, conducted two one-week immersion programs in Tokyo, Japan. These weeks featured interactive learning with Ross faculty, visits to companies and municipalities, and presentations from participants on how to create a more innovative culture.
Custom Deliverables in the USA
Amazon | Michigan Ross Executive Education continued to travel to Amazon offices worldwide in 2024. These visits facilitated conversations with senior leaders on their principles and brought research, tools, and applications to support the world's largest e-commerce platform.
Blue Compass RV | Blue Compass RV is North America's fastest-growing recreational vehicle retailer, with more than 100 stores nationwide. Through innovative approaches such as their proprietary RV Complete App, which provides 24/7 support for customers, as well as their unmatched network of service locations, Blue Compass has raised the bar of expectations in the industry. Coming back to Michigan Ross for the second time, Blue Compass partnered with Michigan Ross Executive Education for a leadership development program for their market leaders and other key executives. While the program emphasized leadership, financial acumen, and communication skills, it also particularly focused on the application of learning to real Blue Compass topics. Participants also completed action-based learning projects, leading to tangible results for the company.
Diageo and Deloitte | Together with our partners, Diageo, a global leader in beverage alcohol, and Deloitte, a professional services powerhouse, 2024 saw the launch of an internal academy. This academy is designed to cultivate the next generation of category and business development experts within the beverage alcohol industry. Michigan Ross Executive Education spent many days traveling with hundreds of new executives in these roles, including engagements in Dallas, Texas, and welcoming them to Michigan, where the Michigan Stadium (also famously known as the Big House) was used as a 'Big Classroom.' Whether it was deep work around strategy, communication, or change, Ross Executive Education has enjoyed partnering on this next phase of Diageo's future transformation.
NFL | The National Football League is the world's most valuable sports league, with annual revenues of $18 billion, and has been the most-watched sport in the United States since 1972. In June of 2024, the NFL partnered with Michigan Ross Executive Education to provide an executive development program for leaders from each of the 32 NFL teams as well as the NFL league office and NFL media. The live residential program, hosted on the Ross campus in Ann Arbor, focused on leadership, strategy, teamwork, influence, crisis leaders, and creating a winning culture. The participants also engaged in a variety of experiential learning activities throughout the week, such as preparing meals at Cornman Farms, which the group donated to the Ronald McDonald House at the CH Mott Children’s Hospital, and the Leadership Crisis Challenge at Michigan Stadium.
Ross Redwoods | Innovation and the next-gen of executive education abounded in 2024 with the first run of Immensely Human Leadership, run at a premium resort in the California Redwoods. Affectionately dubbed ‘Ross Redwoods’, senior leaders improved mental resilience, creativity, networking, and leading in ambiguity in this program. Classes were inside, outside, and campfire-side as the participants and faculty worked together on personal and professional thriving. The unique and transformative experience will return in September 2025.
New Interactive Map
Complementing these achievements, the launch of a new interactive map in 2024 offers a comprehensive view of Michigan Ross Executive Education’s global footprint over the years. This dynamic tool highlights the breadth of custom programs, coaching, events, and speaking engagements delivered across more than 200 locations worldwide and counting. While this report captures the work completed in 2024, the map provides a lasting resource showcasing the full scope of Michigan Ross Executive Education's global impact.
Events
Michigan Ross Executive Education also strengthened its global presence in 2024 by connecting with University of Michigan and Michigan Ross alumni, past executive education participants, and other industry leaders worldwide to deliver and engage in impactful events and speaking experiences. These events—ranging from a large HR conference in Paris to intimate gatherings in Mexico—provided impactful platforms for exchanging ideas, exploring emerging business trends, and fostering connections.
Faculty Chat: Mexico City and Monterrey, Mexico (Feb 20-21, 2024)
In partnership with the Office of University Development, Michigan Ross Executive Education brought together alumni and other local business leaders in Mexico City and Monterrey for two lively evenings. Attendees, together with Professor Marcus Collins, enjoyed an intimate setting to connect, share insights, and explore how cultural dynamics shape not only human behavior but also organizational strategy success.
Faculty Chat: Ann Arbor, Michigan (Apr 17, 2024)
For the first time, Michigan Ross Executive Education hosted a faculty chat in its hometown of Ann Arbor, bringing the Michigan business community together to explore the critical and timely topic of sustainable leadership. Moderated by Neil Hawkins of Michigan Sustainability Associates, the discussion featured Professors Stu Hart, Chris Rider, and Sara Soderstrom, as well as the CEO of the local Wacker Chemical Corporation, David Wilhoit. The panel collectively shared both academic and industry perspectives on integrating sustainability into organizational strategy and the obstacles faced by companies. Watch the full discussion here.
The event also featured local artist Chelsea Kirchoff, who creatively transformed highlights from the discussion into picturesque posterboards.
UNICON Directors Conference: Hong Kong (May 21-23, 2024)
As a member school of the global executive education consortium UNICON, Michigan Ross Executive Education had a unique opportunity to co-host the 2024 UNICON Directors Conference in Hong Kong alongside two other member schools, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) and Ivey Business School. The conference attendees, through panels, working sessions, and experiential activities, explored how executive education can differentiate in an increasingly complex and competitive landscape.
MERIT Summit & Awards: Milan, Italy (May 23-24, 2024)
In 2024, Michigan Executive Education maintained its involvement in the MERIT Summit and Awards, a unique gathering of global business schools and L&D leaders across different industries to share insights and stories of navigating the world of corporate learning and people development. Faculty and team members from Michigan Ross traveled to Milan for the first MERIT Summit of the year, themed around building sustainable organizations. Michigan Ross Professor Lindy Greer delivered an informative keynote on how to create organizational agility through diversity and inclusion to the event attendees. Learn more about the key insights from Professor Greer’s session in this interview.
Michigan Football Tailgates: Ann Arbor, Michigan (September 2024)
Continuing an exciting tradition started in 2023, Michigan Ross Executive Education once again brought together local clients, alumni, and friends at Ferry Field in Ann Arbor to celebrate the Michigan Wolverines. These tailgates, while unique from other typical professional gatherings hosted by Ross Executive Education, embrace the energy and camaraderie of game day to reflect the pride and excellence the University of Michigan embodies. Guests enjoyed the spirited atmosphere across 3 weekends, complete with networking, refreshments, and the widespread enthusiasm of the Maize and Blue community.
Faculty Chat: Mexico City and Monterrey, Mexico (Sep 24-25, 2024)
After a successful visit earlier in 2024, Michigan Ross Executive Education deepened its relationship with the Office of University Development and returned for two more intimate gatherings with business leaders and alumni in Mexico. The team was pleased to be joined by the 109th Mayor of New York City, Bill de Blasio, who brought his political background and unique perspective on leading during the COVID-19 pandemic to discuss leading through change and leading in times of crisis with audience members.
UNLEASH World: Paris, France (Oct 16-17, 2024)
Michigan Ross Executive Education made its debut at UNLEASH World 2024 in Paris, joining over 7,000 HR leaders at the leading global HR conference. Through a partnership with UNLEASH, Ross Executive Education had the pleasure of sponsoring the exclusive UNLEASH Executive Lounge, a key space for over 300 HR executives to connect and recharge throughout the event. Professor Ethan Kross shared valuable insights on managing emotions to foster personal and team growth through a compelling keynote address, while Professor Jeffrey Sanchez-Burks led a thoughtful session, garnering media attention from Forbes, on the importance of competent humility. This event marked an important step for Michigan Ross in engaging with HR leaders and contributing to the ongoing conversation about the future of work.
Faculty Chat: Paris, France (Oct 16, 2024)
While in Paris for the UNLEASH conference, the Michigan Ross Executive Education team took the opportunity to reconnect with local clients and alumni for an intimate event, marking the second faculty chat in Paris. The evening, set against the stunning backdrop of the Seine, offered a unique and memorable setting for engaging conversations and connections. Professors Ethan Kross and Jeffrey Sanchez-Burks built upon their earlier discussions at UNLEASH, diving deeper into the role of emotions and competent humility in leadership and organizational success.
World Business Forum: New York City, NY (Oct 23-24, 2024)
Returning as an Academic Partner for the third year in a row, Michigan Ross Executive Education brought fresh perspectives to and engaged with more than 2,000 executives at World Business Forum NYC. Professor Ethan Kross captivated attendees with a keynote address on the power of the inner voice and how to harness it to enhance critical aspects of personal and professional life. Following the session, a select group of conference attendees participated in an exclusive luncheon, where Professor Kross led a deeper, interactive discussion on the complexity of defining emotions and emotion management.
MERIT Summit & Awards: Dubai, UAE (Nov 21-22)
Michigan Ross Executive Education continued its engagement with the MERIT Summit and Awards, attending the event in Dubai, UAE, a region where we have established many strong client partnerships. With the theme "Leadership 2030: Navigating Transformation," the event brought together global L&D leaders to address the complexities of adapting to rapid changes in technology, economics, and the workforce. Representing Michigan Ross, a team member participated in discussions and knowledge sharing, reinforcing our ongoing commitment to leadership development in the Middle East.
A Glimpse Into 2025
Looking ahead to 2025, Michigan Ross Executive Education is energized to continue shaping the future of leadership development. From exploring new program offerings that address today’s most pressing challenges to hosting dynamic events in key cities around the world—we remain committed to creating unique opportunities for leaders to connect, collaborate, and grow.
New Programs
CXO Leadership Program (Jan 22-Jun 30, 2025) | Online: Launched in partnership with XED, a leading provider of executive education in the Middle East, Far East, LATAM, and South Asia, the CXO Leadership Program offers C-suite executives a unique online learning experience across 16 live-online interactive sessions guided by expert Michigan Ross faculty. This six-month program explores multiple forces that are transforming the modern business landscape and workplaces with an emphasis on innovation and leading through uncertainty.
Chief Data Officer and AI Officer Program (Coming June 2025): Created in partnership with the University of Michigan College of Engineering and Emeritus, a global leader in making high-quality education accessible and affordable to individuals, companies, and governments around the world, this new online program is set to launch in June 2025.
The Negotiation Mindset: From Conflict to Collaboration (Coming Fall 2025) | Online: This three-day program improves your ability to negotiate and evaluate outcomes in professional contexts and encourages opportunities for you to negotiate and engage in real-time with your fellow participants.
FOCUS AREAS
AI
Digital Transformation
Leadership Development
Strategy
Influence and Persuasion
Negotiations
Sustainability
Where We’re Headed
San Diego, California
Dallas, Texas
Mexico City and Monterrey, Mexico
Nashville, Tennessee
Austin, Texas
London, England
Lyon, France
Los Angeles, California
And more to come: Sign up for the Michigan Ross Executive Education mailing list to receive first access to event registration, faculty insights, and new program information.
The accomplishments outlined in this annual report would not be possible without the continued support and trust of our faculty, staff, partners, and participants. We are grateful for our global executive education community and remain excited by the opportunities to grow together, deepening our collective commitment to leadership development in 2025 and beyond. Go Blue!
