Executive Learning Program Combines Design and Business

‘Business Perspectives for Creative Leaders’ from
AIGA and Yale School of Management Equips Creative Leaders to Tackle High-impact Opportunities

New York, NY—Business Perspectives for Creative Leaders, originating from a partnership between AIGA, the professional association for design, and the Yale School of Management, returns for its 16th year. Taught by Yale faculty, the program provides executive-level education to design professionals to equip creative leaders to meet the challenges of management and give participants the skills and perspectives they need to reach the next levels in their careers.

This year’s program will take place live online, April 17–June 1, 2023. 

Join us for an Open House on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 to learn more about the program. Register here for the Open House. 

Business Perspectives for Creative Leaders is an executive business certificate program curated for design professionals. The program is taught by experienced Yale faculty who incorporate design-related industry examples into the coursework. Created for mid-career and senior professionals, this program is ideal for designers looking to become better leaders, master strategy, navigate change, expand their network, and optimize their teams to drive growth.

More registration information and program information on the Business Perspectives for Creative Leaders is here.

“In the wake of the pandemic employee burnout and the desire to find purpose in our professions are at an all-time high. Innovative and conscious leaders, leaders who can strategically reach organizational goals while balancing the emotional needs of staff, are critical to building resilient and effective teams today. When Yale and AIGA partnered in 2008 we designed a program that helped creatives elevate their work, teams, and organizations. We are proud that the program continues to give leaders confidence and we are thrilled to continue our partnership with AIGA,“ said Kavitha Nair Bindra, Assistant Dean and Executive Director, Yale SOM Executive Education.

“AIGA is committed to partnering with like-minded organizations to further our mission to advance design as a professional craft, strategic advantage, and vital cultural force,” said Manuhuia Barcham, PhD, AIGA Board Chair and Principal of Archetekt, a Strategic Design and Futuring firm based in Seattle, Washington. “The Business Perspectives for Creative Leaders program provides participants with the skills they need to move their careers and businesses forward and create impact for design. We are committed to providing the design community with the professional development opportunities they need. We’re glad to be able to continue this partnership with Yale and provide this much needed resource to our community.” 

2023 Program
This program is offered in a live online format to create a highly engaging environment where participants are an active part of the program. Break out activities bring small, varied groups of people together in meaningful ways. Unique networking activities drive social connection with other passionate professionals to deepen learning and nurture budding connections into lasting relationships. 

Program Details

• Length: 6 weeks, roughly 20 hours
• Commitment: 5—6 hours weekly plus 3—4 hours of pre-work
• Fee: $5,850
• Outcome: Develop managerial and leadership expertise to drive innovation, influence colleagues, and lead teams.

2023 Agenda
The program’s agenda is designed to accomplish two goals: first, to instill a general competency in meeting the challenges of management; and second, to facilitate the creative leaders’ development of their own personal career aspirations. Instead of teaching management topics in separate, single-subject courses, Yale SOM Executive Education teaches core subjects in an integrated way, providing frameworks and concepts in a richer, more relevant context.