BERKELEY SCHOOL OF BUSINESS, ARTS & SCIENCES

Women Leadership Program Overview

The Women Leadership Program is a premium executive education program that empowers women leaders with the strategic capabilities, confidence, and leadership competencies required to excel in executive and boardroom environments. The program focuses on leadership style development, boardroom presence, strategic communication, governance awareness, executive decision-making, influence, negotiation, personal branding, and long-term leadership growth.

Participants engage in executive coaching sessions, leadership diagnostics, boardroom simulations, practical communication exercises, and strategic leadership activities that strengthen their ability to lead organizations, manage stakeholders, and drive business outcomes. The curriculum emphasizes real-world leadership application while developing the executive mindset necessary for navigating complex business environments.

Through expert guidance and practical learning experiences, participants refine their leadership approach, strengthen executive influence, and create a personalized executive growth plan. The program concludes with a final executive leadership project that demonstrates strategic thinking, leadership effectiveness, and professional growth readiness.

Participants may also explore the Certified CEO Program to strengthen executive leadership capabilities. Professionals interested in governance can continue their development through the Directorship Programme. For advanced strategic leadership skills, consider the Executive Leadership & Strategic Thinking Programme.

Offered By

Berkeley School of Business, Arts & Sciences

Vision & Mission

The vision of this program is to develop confident, influential, and strategically minded women leaders who drive organizational excellence, inspire high-performing teams, and contribute meaningfully to executive decision-making and governance. Its mission is to equip women with advanced leadership capabilities, executive presence, strategic communication skills, governance awareness, negotiation expertise, and decision-making competencies through executive coaching, practical learning experiences, and leadership development frameworks that support progression into senior leadership and board-level roles.

What is the Women Leadership Program Eligibility?

This Women Leadership Program is designed for women professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership capabilities and advance their careers. It is suitable for senior executives, managers, team leaders, entrepreneurs, business owners, department heads, aspiring leaders, and professionals who wish to enhance their strategic thinking, executive presence, communication, governance awareness, decision-making, influence, and leadership effectiveness. No specific academic background is required; however, prior professional or managerial experience is recommended to maximize learning outcomes.

Who can do the Women Leadership Program?

anyone who is interested to learn about following concepts can pursue Women Leadership Program:

Executive leadership and management skills, Strategic communication and influence, Boardroom presence and executive confidence, Governance and organizational leadership, Decision-making and problem-solving, Executive branding and professional growth.

individuals with the following designations:

Executive Director, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Operating Officer (COO), Vice President, Senior Manager, Department Head, Business Owner, Leadership Consultant, Corporate Strategy Manager, Board Member or Advisor.

Course Structure

Session 1: Executive Leadership Style & Strategic Influence

Develop executive leadership capabilities, leadership presence, strategic influence, and the confidence required to lead effectively in senior management and executive environments.

Executive Leadership Fundamentals

Leadership Styles & Effectiveness

Strategic Thinking for Leaders

Building Executive Presence

Influencing Stakeholders

Leadership Impact & Performance

Session 2: Strategic Communication & Executive Presence

Strengthen communication capabilities, executive presence, stakeholder engagement, and persuasive communication skills required for leadership success.

Executive Communication Principles

Strategic Messaging Techniques

Strategic Thinking for Leaders

Building Executive Presence

Influencing Stakeholders

Leadership Impact & Performance

Session 3: Boardroom Presence & Governance Awareness

Develop an understanding of governance principles, boardroom dynamics, leadership responsibilities, and effective participation in executive decision-making environments.

Corporate Governance Fundamentals

Boardroom Roles & Responsibilities

Governance & Ethical Leadership

Boardroom Communication Skills

Leadership Accountability

Strategic Governance Practices

Session 4: Executive Decision-Making & Problem Solving

Learn decision-making frameworks, critical thinking techniques, and strategic problem-solving approaches used by effective executive leaders.

Executive Decision-Making Models

Critical Thinking Techniques

Risk Assessment & Analysis

Strategic Problem Solving

Data-Informed Decisions

Managing Complex Challenges

Session 5: Influence & Negotiation Excellence

Build the ability to influence stakeholders, negotiate effectively, manage conflicts, and achieve positive outcomes in executive and organizational settings.

Principles of Influence & Persuasion

Executive Negotiation Strategies

Stakeholder Management Techniques

Conflict Resolution Skills

Building Strategic Relationships

Achieving Win-Win Outcomes

Session 6: Executive Personal Branding

Develop a strong executive identity, professional reputation, and leadership brand that supports career advancement and organizational influence.

Executive Brand Development

Leadership Reputation Management

Professional Networking Strategies

Visibility & Thought Leadership

Personal Influence & Credibility

Executive Career Positioning

Session 7: Executive Growth Planning

Create a structured executive development roadmap that supports leadership growth, career progression, and long-term professional success.

Leadership Self-Assessment

Identifying Growth Opportunities

Executive Development Planning

Strategic Career Advancement

Building Leadership Resilience

Long-Term Success Frameworks

Session 8: Final Executive Leadership Project

Apply programme learning through a comprehensive executive leadership project that demonstrates strategic thinking, leadership effectiveness, communication excellence, and executive readiness.

Executive Project Planning

Leadership Strategy Development

Executive Presentation Skills

Boardroom Simulation Exercise

Final Executive Growth Plan

Project Assessment & Feedback

Instructors

Umair Zahid

Umair Zahid, CFA, is a seasoned finance professional with extensive experience in investment management, portfolio optimization, and financial instrument analysis. With a career across major global markets, he excels in risk management and regulatory compliance. Skilled in equities, fixed income, derivatives, and commodities, Umair combines analytical expertise with teaching excellence, mentoring students in CFA concepts and exam success.

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Learning Methodology

Berkeley offers expertly developed learning materials tailored to meet participants' needs, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the syllabus and optimal exam preparation.

‣ Tailored Material: Guides are designed to cover the entire syllabus, offering full preparation and deep understanding.

‣ In-Depth Content: Unlike superficial outlines, our materials provide fully developed theories and concepts, equipping participants with complete knowledge.

‣ Strategic Study: We help participants prioritize study time by indicating the weight of each topic, allowing efficient focus on crucial areas.

‣ Difficulty Levels: Topics are labeled as "Awareness" or "Proficiency," guiding participants to allocate time based on the required depth of knowledge.

‣ Comprehensive Coverage: Our materials include detailed theory and a glossary of technical terms to clarify complex concepts.

‣ Effective Learning Techniques: Visual aids and memorization techniques ensure long-lasting retention, helping candidates succeed.

Berkeley’s methodologies equip participants with the essential knowledge and tools for both exams and future success.

Lectures

Our lecture plan integrates structured learning with interactive teaching methods, promoting engagement and collaboration. This approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of concepts, fostering critical thinking and practical application in real-world scenarios.

Practice Session

Practice sessions offer hands-on experience through guided exercises, enhancing skills and reinforcing knowledge. This practical approach ensures mastery of concepts, promoting confidence and competence in real-world applications.

Mock Examination

Mock examinations simulate real test conditions, providing valuable practice and assessment. This helps identify strengths and weaknesses, ensuring thorough preparation and boosting confidence for actual exams.

Berkeley Middle East Performance Standards

Evaluates and ensure the quality of the training program and all its deliverables. This is measured through the following indicators:
‣ Instructors' experience and style in presenting and explaining topics.
‣ Variety and balance of teaching methods (such as discussions, case studies, mock exams, and videos) used in the course to ensure retention and to match the learning objectives.
‣ Level of interactivity.
‣ Feedback from program participants.
‣ Full compliance with Institute standards and guidelines for preparation and study requirements and methodology.
‣ Progress reports from the training program provider.

What Is The Exam Information?

The program is assessed through practical leadership activities, strategic communication exercises, executive coaching participation, governance discussions, case study analysis, boardroom simulations, and applied leadership assignments. The assessment approach focuses on demonstrating leadership effectiveness, executive presence, strategic thinking, and professional growth rather than a traditional written examination.

Exam Format & Duration

The program follows a continuous assessment model delivered over 4 weeks with a total learning commitment of 40 hours, including:

Live Teaching: 16 Hours
Guided Study: 8 Hours
Practice & Application: 16 Hours
Total Learning Hours: 40 Hours

Participants are evaluated through engagement, practical exercises, leadership simulations, and successful completion of program activities.

Exam Dates

As this program uses a continuous assessment approach, there are no fixed examination dates. Participants complete assessments throughout the learning journey according to the program schedule.

Passing Criteria

To successfully complete the program, participants are expected to:

Attend and actively participate in live sessions.
Complete assigned leadership activities and practical exercises.
Demonstrate understanding of leadership, governance, and strategic communication concepts.
Participate in executive coaching and boardroom simulation activities.
Complete all required program components.

Exam Locations

The programme is delivered through a flexible online learning format, allowing participants to attend from any location worldwide.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Doha, Qatar

London, United Kingdom

Success Stories

“As a strong advocate for education and human development, I commend Berkeley for its exceptional commitment to empowering future leaders. The institution stands as a symbol of excellence, innovation, and opportunity. Students who walk its halls are nurtured with knowledge, values, and vision—qualities that contribute to building a stronger and more prosperous future for our nation.”- H.H. Shaikh Khalifa Al Hamid

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Alumni Benefits

‣ Exclusive Networking Events: Access invitations to industry-leading events and thought-leadership gatherings featuring renowned speakers.

‣ Monthly Updates: Stay informed with a newsletter highlighting the latest research, events, and activities from the school.

‣ LinkedIn Community Access: Join the Executive Education LinkedIn group for networking and professional development opportunities.

‣ Educational Discounts: Enjoy a 20% discount on open-enrollment programs and access to workshops focused on emerging trends.

‣ Global Alumni Network: Connect with a diverse alumni community through the Berkeley School’s online network and engage in country and interest groups.

Is It Worth the Investment?

Leadership Excellence & Executive Confidence
Develop practical leadership capabilities, executive presence, strategic thinking, decision-making skills, and the confidence required to lead teams and organizations effectively.

Strategic Communication & Influence Skills
Strengthen communication, stakeholder engagement, negotiation, persuasion, and influence skills to succeed in executive and boardroom environments.

Governance & Decision-Making Expertise
Build an understanding of governance principles, organizational accountability, ethical leadership, risk awareness, and effective executive decision-making.

Boardroom Presence & Executive Branding
Enhance professional credibility, personal branding, leadership visibility, and boardroom presence to create a lasting impact within organizations.

Leadership Growth & Career Advancement
Develop a personalized executive growth plan to support leadership progression, career advancement, and long-term professional success.

Organizational Impact & Business Leadership
Apply leadership strategies, governance awareness, and executive communication techniques to drive organizational performance, team effectiveness, and sustainable growth.

Progression Pathway

The program provides a foundation for advancing into senior leadership, executive management, and board-level responsibilities. Participants can apply the leadership, governance, communication, and strategic decision-making skills gained through the program to enhance their professional growth and organizational impact. Leadership concepts are aligned with international best practices and executive development frameworks promoted by UN Women. Participants can further explore global leadership insights through World Economic Forum. Business leadership competencies are also supported by research from McKinsey & Company.

What you Earn

Earn a certificate demonstrating advanced leadership, governance, communication, and executive management competencies.

Strategic Leadership Expertise

Demonstrate proficiency in strategic thinking, governance awareness, executive communication, and leadership decision-making.

Career Advancement Opportunities

Strengthen your professional profile for leadership promotions, senior management responsibilities, executive roles, and entrepreneurial success.

Global Professional Credibility

Gain a recognized credential that reflects your commitment to leadership excellence and continuous professional development.

Executive Communication Mastery

Strengthen your ability to communicate strategically, engage stakeholders, and lead high-impact business discussions.

Related courses

Certified CEO Program

The Certified CEO Training Program equips senior executives with essential skills for leading at the highest level. It covers strategic leadership, financial management, and organizational governance, focusing on advanced topics like risk management and global strategies. Participants will enhance their decision-making and communication skills through practical exercises and case studies, preparing them for effective CEO roles.

Format	Duration
Executive Intensive	2 Days
Advanced Leadership Programme	3–5 Days
Board Excellence Programme	1 Week
Modular Executive Series	Flexible
Corporate Bespoke Programme	Customized

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Women Leadership Program