The Leading Sustainability: High Impact Leadership online short course, offered by the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) in collaboration with GetSmarter, is an 8-week program designed to equip professionals with the skills to lead transformative change in sustainability. Targeting aspiring and established leaders, this course provides practical tools to drive high-impact leadership in business and policy settings. Accessible globally with no prerequisites, it focuses on fostering sustainable practices and is certified by the UK CPD Certification Service, requiring an estimated 80 hours of study.

Core Content

The curriculum explores leadership styles, frameworks, and best practices for integrating sustainability into organizational strategies. It covers the values and practices of high-impact leadership, stakeholder engagement, and communication techniques to overcome barriers to sustainable change. Learners examine global sustainability challenges, such as climate change and resource scarcity, and develop personalized leadership action plans. Real-world case studies and insights from CISL’s expert faculty, who have extensive experience supporting global business leaders, ensure practical relevance across industries.

Key Skills

Participants will develop the ability to assess their leadership style, communicate purpose-driven strategies, and unite teams around shared sustainability goals. The course equips learners with tools to influence stakeholders, drive organizational transformation, and implement sustainable practices effectively. Through practical assignments, participants create ambitious leadership action plans to apply high-impact leadership in their contexts, enhancing their ability to lead with confidence and foster systemic change.

Target Learners

This course is tailored for professionals, including business leaders, managers, and policymakers, who aim to integrate sustainability into their leadership roles. It is ideal for aspiring leaders seeking to build self-confidence and established leaders looking to refine their approach to maximize team performance. The course suits individuals across industries, particularly those in business, public sector, or civil society, who are committed to driving sustainable change and aligning their organizations with global sustainability goals.

Learning Format

Delivered through GetSmarter’s online platform, the course is self-paced, requiring 8–10 hours per week over 8 weeks. It features interactive video lectures, practical assignments, quizzes, and discussion forums, supported by CISL faculty and a dedicated Success Adviser. The flexible, cohort-based learning model includes weekly modules and a cloud-based environment, ensuring accessibility for busy professionals. Upon completion, learners earn a digital certificate from CISL, along with access to the CISL alumni network of over 9,000 global leaders.

Additional Benefits

The course offers measurable learning outcomes, enabling participants to apply sustainable leadership strategies to real-world challenges, such as aligning business operations with environmental and social goals. Backed by CISL’s global reputation and collaboration with GetSmarter, it provides credible, industry-relevant content. Learners gain access to 2U’s Career Engagement Network and the CISL alumni network, fostering professional connections and career growth. The certificate enhances credibility, positioning graduates to lead transformative sustainability initiatives in their organizations and beyond.

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