Overview
Course summary
This course is part of the Westminster Executive Summer School.
This course invites participants to explore the complex and often ‘muddy’ nature of leadership challenges, with a particular focus on addressing ‘wicked’ problems - unique issues with no clear templates or solutions. By combining practical tools and reflective exercises, participants will develop strategies to navigate uncertainty and ambiguity effectively.
A distinctive feature of the course is the emphasis on personal development as a foundation for broader strategic thinking. Participants will create their own Personal Development Plan, learning techniques they can apply to any strategic challenge. Concepts such as Carol Dweck's Growth Mindset and Ian McGilchrist's insights into neuroscience will be covered, helping participants build the mental agility required for modern leadership.
The course includes an innovative Randonautica-inspired activity, where participants set personal intentions and are allocated to a site visit that challenges them to think creatively about leadership and strategy.
Who is this course for?
This course is designed for executives and aspiring senior leaders who recognise the importance of investing in their personal and professional growth to tackle today’s leadership challenges. It is especially suited for those seeking to develop adaptive strategies and navigate the unpredictability of modern leadership contexts.
Participants will:
- Engage with concepts and frameworks to approach unstructured, unprecedented challenges.
- Explore neuroscience and psychology to build resilience and mental flexibility.
- Learn from peer discussions and real-world applications of leadership.
- Build their leadership competence by designing personal strategies that can be scaled to organisational and global challenges.
Participants will benefit from being equipped to:
- Think and act strategically while embracing complexity and change.
- Navigate uncertainty with a growth mindset and neuroscience-backed techniques.
- Develop a personal leadership philosophy that drives innovation and progress.
Employers will benefit from:
- Leaders who can handle ambiguity and inspire action in unpredictable situations.
- Motivated senior leaders who are self-aware, innovative, and equipped to implement meaningful change.>
Discounts and offers
Bundle
Book two courses across both sessions of the Westminster Executive Summer School for a 10% discount on the combined price.
Groups
If you are booking as a group or institution, please contact us before you book as you may be able to benefit from our 15% group or corporate discounts.
Returning short course delegates
We offer a 10% discount to returning short course delegates. If you’re not booking your first short course or professional qualification with us and this discount is not applied to your course at checkout, please contact us.
UoW undergraduate/postgraduate students, alumni and colleagues
We also offer a 20% discount to our undergraduate and postgraduate students, alumni, and colleagues. To receive your discount code, please contact us before booking your course.
Course structure
This applied and reflective leadership course focuses on equipping participants with tools, techniques, and insights to navigate ambiguity and foster innovation in their roles.
- Introduction, overview and review of concepts and fundamentals of Strategic Leadership.
- Introduction to the Randonautica-inspired activity.
- Wicked problems: navigating complex, unstructured challenges (eg sustainability, migration and change).
- Leadership and growth mindset: fostering resilience and adaptability.
- Preparing for site activity
- Randonautica activity in Central London
- Personal strategy and development: building a foundation for strategic thinking.
- Neuroscience in leadership: insights into decision-making and creativity.
- Theory U: breaking through past unproductive patterns of behaviour or attitudes that prevent leaders from empathizing with employee and client perspectives.
- Evaluation and reflection on strategic leadership, growth mindset, and effective patterns of decision-making.
Our tutors
Dr Sylvia Snijders – Senior Lecturer, University of Westminster Business School
Sylvia has been teaching Organisational Behaviour and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) modules for 20 years in the University of Westminster. She holds a Doctorate in Animal Science, a diploma in Organisational Behaviour and a Certificate in Counselling. Her research interests include DEI issues and innovative and sustainable behaviour in various industries. Her extensive teaching experience supports a comprehensive understanding of DEI, leadership and change management, and research methods. Her interests in leadership focus on theories and practices that are helpful in educating future leaders to navigate the complex and unpredictable situations in the world of work. In her teaching, Sylvia created a track record of facilitating learning for students from all backgrounds and levels through innovative and supportive sessions, where students can discuss, debate and engage in a safe space.
Dawn de Kock – Senior Lecturer, University of Westminster Business School
Dawn brings a multidisciplinary perspective to her work, shaped by studies in intercultural communication, European studies, linguistics, and information technology. With Master’s degrees in these areas, she enjoys exploring how language, culture, and technology intersect, and finding ways to apply these insights in practical settings.
In a corporate environment, Dawn found her niche in leading and managing Europe-wide virtual teams. She has honed her ability to foster collaboration and maintain productivity in geographically dispersed teams, drawing on her understanding of intercultural communication to navigate the challenges of working across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
Deadline for course bookings
The booking deadline is 16 June 2025.
Learning outcomes
By the end of the course you should be able to:
- Critically apply the skills of strategic thinking; be able to envisage options and consequences, select sound courses of action and challenge the status quo.
- Apply the skills of self-awareness, demonstrating an understanding of leadership potential of self and others that is appropriate in the management of multicultural teams.
- Critically evaluate the relevance of personal integrity, ethical behaviour and wisdom in leadership.
Booking
Westminster Executive Summer School
This course is part of the Westminster Executive Summer School.
The Summer School is an empowering experience designed to boost skills and career prospects. Attendees can choose from four specialised courses, Digital Marketing Strategy, Leading International Projects, Leadership for Sustainability and Data Analytics and Business Intelligence, each taught by experienced academics and practitioners. You will have opportunities for networking and site visit events.
Find out more on the Westminster Executive Summer School page.
Join our Executive Summer School
Hear from our team of experienced academics and business professionals about why you should join our Executive Summer School.
