Leadership, Innovation and Social Impact (LIIS)

Leadership, Innovation and Social Impact (LIIS), offered by Esade Executive Education, is an executive programme designed for professionals leading organisations, initiatives, or projects focused on creating social impact. The programme develops leadership capabilities, innovative approaches to financing, and systemic thinking to help participants address complex social challenges and create sustainable solutions beyond traditional organisational models. 

Core Content

The programme explores three interconnected areas: leadership, innovation, and social impact. Learners examine approaches for leading purpose-driven organisations, designing innovative solutions to social challenges, developing sustainable financing models, and understanding the broader systems that influence social problems. The course focuses on moving from isolated interventions towards systemic approaches that address root causes and create lasting impact across communities and organisations. 

Key Skills

Participants will develop skills in impact leadership, social innovation, strategic decision-making, stakeholder engagement, innovative finance, organisational transformation, and systems thinking. The programme strengthens the ability to design and manage initiatives that combine organisational effectiveness with measurable social outcomes while navigating complex social and economic challenges.

Target Learners

This programme is designed for experienced professionals with leadership responsibilities in organisations or projects focused on social impact. It is particularly relevant for leaders of NGOs, social enterprises, foundations, impact-driven companies, public sector initiatives, sustainability teams, and professionals working in areas related to social innovation, community development, and responsible business. 

Learning Format

The programme is delivered through an executive education format at Esade’s Barcelona campus. The upcoming edition runs from 13 October 2026 to 13 May 2027, providing participants with an extended learning experience combining academic frameworks, practical applications, peer learning, and professional exchange. The programme is designed for working professionals seeking to strengthen their leadership capabilities while continuing their professional responsibilities. 

Additional Benefits

The programme provides participants with the opportunity to connect leadership development with social impact creation, helping them understand how organisations can contribute to solving complex societal challenges. Through its focus on systemic impact, innovation, and financing approaches, LIIS supports professionals seeking to build organisations and initiatives capable of generating long-term positive change.

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