Executive upgrade
People, Performance and Strategic Renewal
Strengthen your skills in making informed people decisions that support organisational performance and long-term strategic development.
Start: 20 May 2027
About the course
About the course
Purpose
Join us and explore how people decisions shape organisational performance in a rapidly changing world of work. Together, we will examine how organisations align talent, teams, and skills with strategic goals, design high-performing work environments, and sustain competitiveness through continuous renewal. Combining analytical frameworks with practical application, the course equips participants to make informed people decisions that support organisational performance and long-term strategic development.
Your benefits
- Diagnose how people-related decisions influence organisational performance and strategic renewal.
- Translate strategic priorities into concrete people and capability initiatives.
- Design organisational conditions that enable high-performing teams.
- Evaluate workforce development and reskilling strategies in dynamic business environments.
- Analyse how talent development supports long-term competitiveness.
- Formulate actionable people strategies that support business growth and renewal.
- Apply course frameworks to real organisational challenges in own professional context.
About the course
Organisations increasingly compete through their ability to mobilise talent, develop organisational capabilities, and continuously renew themselves in response to technological disruption, shifting labour markets, and the broader transformation of work. This course examines how people-related decisions shape organisational performance and long-term strategic renewal. Participants learn how to translate strategy into concrete people actions: attracting, developing, and deploying talent; designing performance-enabling team structures;
and building learning mechanisms that support upskilling and reskilling in dynamic environments.
Through a combination of analytical frameworks, case discussions, and applied exercises, the course develops participants’ ability to diagnose people-related strategic challenges and translate them into actionable organisational initiatives. Particular attention is given to the role of data and evidence in people decision-making, including the use of workforce analytics to diagnose performance drivers. The course also examines engagement and wellbeing as critical elements of the organisational infrastructure that enables sustainable performance.
Themes
- People as a strategic resource: how talent and capabilities contribute to competitive advantage
- Aligning people strategy with business growth and organisational priorities
- Identifying pivotal roles and designing effective talent strategies
- Reskilling, upskilling, and skills-based workforce planning in dynamic environments
- New ways of organising work: remote, project-based, and platform-enabled work models
- Designing high-performing teams and enabling collaboration in diverse work settings
- Engagement, wellbeing, and organisational conditions that support sustained performance
- Using workforce analytics to diagnose performance drivers and support evidence-based people decisions
Facts
Spring 2027
| Lecture dates: | May 20-21 & Jun 1-2 from 9-4 |
| Exam: | Jun 30 |
| Place: | CBS - Dalgas Have 15, 2000 Frb |
| Teachers: | Dana Minbaeva & Thomaz Teodorovicz |
| Type: | Elective |
Teachers
Ready to sign up?
You must hold a bachelor’s degree – it is possible to apply for an exemption. In addition, you must have at least two years of relevant work experience after completing your degree.
Related courses
Leading Strategic Transformation
This course develops the strategic judgement required when clarity is limited and equips leaders to harness human capital as the driving force of strategic transformation.
5 ECTS
Lederen i forandring
Udvikl dit lederskab til at håndtere kompleksitet og drive forandring med gennemslagskraft.
5 ECTS
Explore further
Broaden your perspective with articles and events on related themes and topics.
Innovation is not about turning everything on its head
There is much to gain if public leaders manage to establish the right conditions for innovation in an everyday context. The key factors include knowledge of…
Frisættelse i den offentlige sektor: Frihed eller ansvarsforskydning?
Frisættelse bliver fremhævet som svaret på ældreområdets udfordringer. Men er det i virkeligheden en ansvarsforskydning, hvor kompleksiteten ikke minimeres og…
Leadershift: inspiring a fresh direction in leadership
Already an accomplished pharmaceutical leader, Catherine Dorfman’s EMBA experience at Copenhagen Business School nevertheless crystallised a new career path –…
Building a strategic future: charting a new direction in leadership
The CBS Executive MBA helped Daniel Tewfik develop the strategic perspective, resilience and confidence to make his latest ‘Leadershift’ - into a transformation role at LEGO Group.
Power is a dirty word - but essential to leadership
Power is often associated with hierarchy and authority. But according to Professor MSO and organisational researcher Kristina Dahlin, understanding power is…
"The Blue MBA is accessible for people in my region"
Mozambique-based Amado Mabasso took the CBS Blue MBA – despite the distance – to get more involved in the shipping and logistics industry and specify his knowledge.
"It was about connecting my logistics knowledge more holistically"
Despite his many years of experience in the shipping and logistics industry, International Freight Shipping’s Reynir Gislason embarked on the CBS Blue MBA at…
A shift in perspective: Turning expertise into strategic leadership
As Head of 160 engineers at COWI, Louise Vang Edwards relies on sharp industry insight, a clear market outlook and a strong strategic mindset.The CBS Executive…
You need to be less of a manager and more of a human being
The flexible work life places new demands on you as a manager. Consider two perspectives, one from a City Administrator and another from an MPG lecturer,…
Christian Bach Birkshøj – Københavns Kommune
MPG skaber gode ledere, ikke kun veluddannede ledere. For man udvikler både sine menneskelige egenskaber og styrker sit faglige grundlag, mener centerchef Christian Bach Birkshøj.
Medledelse: Det er ikke nødvendigvis dig som leder, der skal lede
Alle organisationer skal ledes, men ikke nødvendigvis kun af ledere. Medledelse betyder heller ikke, at lederen får færre opgaver. Koordinering på tværs,…
Diversity wins: turn differences into an advantage
Leading a team of diverse employees towards inclusion and psychological safety is difficult, it takes time and can be frustrating. But it also yields far…
Diversity is nothing without inclusion
Deputy Police Inspector Daniel Benner believes that diversity is a management treasure, and inclusion is the key to the treasure chest. "We can strive for…
How can you fight everyday discrimination?
Everyday discrimination is often less explicit than 'regular' discrimination and can therefore be difficult to counteract, for both managers and…
Hør alle afsnit af podcastserien 'Fyrtårn, Velfærd i bevægelse'
I podcastserien 'Fyrtårn, Velfærd i Bevægelse' stilles der skarpt på hvad det er for en velfærd vi kommer fra, og hvordan vi fornyer velfærden. Lyt til alle afsnit her.
Green public leadership should be in focus if countries are to reach climate goals
While civil society and businesses are undeniably important in the green transition, focusing on them tends to overshadow an equally important player - the…
Agile and Adaptive Leadership in the 21st Century
In today’s ever-evolving business landscape, leadership is no longer a static concept; it’s a dynamic, agile, and adaptive force that guides organisations…
"Leadership development doesn't always have to feel good"
At a time when leadership development is often reduced to tools and quick fixes, a different perspective is emerging. CBS Associate Professor Eric Guthey and…
Podcast: Coming out of the psychological closet
In their "Leading Professional People" podcast, Professor Laura Empson and Tony Hall, Lord Hall of Birkenhead, have been exploring the crucial…
Podcast: Katherine White - Leading discretely
In their "Leading Professional People" podcast, Professor Laura Empson and Tony Hall, Lord Hall of Birkenhead, have been exploring the crucial…
Podcast: June Sarpong - Leading as an outsider
In their "Leading Professional People" podcast, Professor Laura Empson and Tony Hall, Lord Hall of Birkenhead, have been exploring the crucial…
Podcast: Chris Saul - Subtle power
In their "Leading Professional People" podcast, Professor Laura Empson and Tony Hall, Lord Hall of Birkenhead, have been exploring the crucial…
Podcast: Spies as Professionals
In their "Leading Professional People" podcast, Professor Laura Empson and Tony Hall, Lord Hall of Birkenhead, have been exploring the crucial…
110 years of voting rights – where does equality stand today?
We have brought together four women to discuss equality - or the lack thereof - 110 years after women gained the right to vote. They all have one thing in…
From cycler to CEO: Learning to lead from sports
Just as you can train to break records, you can also train to become a good leader. That's just one of the things that leadership and sports have in…
The most expensive mistake is not the error, but continuing it
Organisations ignore warnings and persist with failing projects for far too long. This can cost billions, and, in the worst cases, human lives. New research…
Leadership Can Be Painful – But Are We Allowed to Talk About It?
At times, leadership is difficult, painful, and even sorrowful. So how do leaders cope when the task is challenging? And how honest should they be when…
Leading with nature: How?
Businesses are shifting from doing less harm to doing more good for nature. Net-positive biodiversity is becoming the goal — not just reducing damage, but…
Responsible leadership fails the test – again
When the stakes are high, responsibility is a necessity, not an option. This is how you find solutions within the Circle of Wicked Risks.
Has Leadership Fallen for the Entrepreneurial Hype?
Entrepreneurial leadership is celebrated as agile, fast, and innovative. As the start-up mindset spreads across society, leaders face a new challenge:…
Leaders extend hope when AI projects fail to deliver on promises
What happens when new, hyped technology fails to achieve the expected results? Leaders don't abandon projects - they extend hope that they will one day deliver.
Responsible ownership is the key to sustainability in business
More than ever, short-termism is seen as a barrier to building a sustainable business community committed to the green transition and to tackling inequality,…
When CEOs cry – Psychological safety and emotional leadership
Emotions have taken over working life, and CEOs today must take into account the vulnerability of employees. But research shows that the requirement to be…
"Krisernes tid er pligtens tid – og du skal blande dig!"
I en tid præget af kriser og globale spændinger stiller CBS-professor Bent Meier Sørensen skarpt på behovet for patriotisk lederskab. Han argumenterer for, at…
How to Lead Under Extreme Circumstances
In a world of uncertainty, leadership is more critical than ever. CBS Executive Education and collaborators recently gathered experts to explore how leaders…
When leadership quality declines, employees’ depressive symptoms increase
A new Danish study shows that employees’ depressive symptoms rise when the quality of leadership falls – and vice versa
Ledelse handler om relationer
Oplev 7 minutters sammendrag af forelæsning v/ professor emeritus Jan Molin på MMD’s ledelseskonference på Nationalmuseet i 2014. I lyset af den store…
På MMD lærer du ikke 'om' ledelse
Hør professor emeritus Jan Molin, underviser på MMD, introducerer til MMD's grundprincipper om ledelse og læring i relationer.
Thrive at Work: Building an Attractive Work Culture
In 2022, nearly 1 million Danes changed jobs, highlighting the shift towards shorter employment tenures. A group of experts representing leaders, HR…
Let go of control and lead with agility in uncertain times
Danish companies are impacted by numerous unpredictable events that demand a focused and agile leadership response. This column by Professor Torben Juul…
You may have the title – but have you stepped into leadership?
There is a difference between having a leadership role and leading. Ida Strand, Head of Department at the Danish Cancer Society, reflects on her start as a new…
How do field experts become competent leaders?
Do you have doubts about how to step into this new manager's role? Hear what theories and experts have to say.
New management strategies for new generations?
How do you advance leadership to consider generations seeking meaning, balance and value in their work life?
Building inclusive cultures in the workplace
Putting an emphasis on the importance of inclusion and belonging at work on a day-to-day basis.
AI is lagging behind at work: New CBS studies point to a lack of strategy, training and shared direction
Two new CBS studies show that Danish companies not only lack skills and clear frameworks for AI, they also often overlook that AI tools come with their own strategic logics.
Aesthetics and Business Innovation: Rethinking Leadership and Creativity
Innovation demands creativity. Business leaders might achieve greater success in fostering innovation and creativity by drawing inspiration from the world of…
Den menneskelige, nærværende ledelse er den langsigtede formel til succes
Han har været konsulent for McKinsey, CEO for Triumph og B&O og er i dag investor og professionelt bestyrelsesmedlem. Men mere end noget andet er Tue…
How to share leadership in practice - Lessons from an organisation in transition
The perception of leadership has changed from being an innate ability of the individual to something we are responsible for together. Where does this leave…
Ledelse må ikke gå tabt i oversættelsen
Ledelse handler ikke kun om at føre, men også om at forklare. Det understreger skoleleder og Master of Public Governance-dimittend Sille Sine Bruun Madsen i…
The hierarchy is too slow: Why companies are distributing power
With traditional hierarchies showing their limits, researchers from CBS and RUC call for bolder organisational models. They urge Danish companies to…
From Power to Powerlessness: What Politicians Can Teach Us About Leadership
High workloads, fierce competition and limited influence over legislation take their toll on politicians at Christiansborg, turning the centre of power into a…
How Saying No Can Help Rebuild the Welfare State
When a citizen says no to a public-sector proposal, it is not a sign of negativity but a prerequisite for productive disagreement and value creation. That is…
The future of work sets new demands: How leaders can prepare themselves for a new era
Artificial intelligence and a new geopolitical reality will shape organisations and businesses. These challenges call for a different and more forward‑looking…
Create safety through clarity: Co‑leadership requires courage and structure
With 500 employees spread across more than 50 teams – and not a single traditional manager – Clever is Denmark’s largest co‑led organisation. Here, we share…
Lyt til podcastserien: Vejen til medledelse sæson 1
Flere organisationer vender hierarkiet og giver medarbejdere ansvar for faglig ledelse, ansættelser, budgetter og til tider strategi. Men hvordan gør de, og…
From biotech to boardrooms: how CBS helped build a career with impact
Disillusioned by the traditional mindset of US business schools, Zeke Shepherd made a fresh start in Copenhagen – and transformed his employability in the process.
Redefining tech leadership with purpose
At Copenhagen Business School, Navneet Brar combined her tech background with a passion for sustainability. The result? A new career in Copenhagen that’s both…
Is Your Strategic Toolbox Up to Date?
Navigating the profound geopolitical upheavals shaping the world today demands a solid – and perhaps reinforced – strategic toolbox. But what does this mean in…
Explainer: Meritocracy
What is meritocracy and what does it have to do with DEI? CBS Associate Professor Dr. Poornima Luthra explains exactly that in this video.
Explainer: Co-leadership
What does it mean to run a co-led company? And what is the role of the leader? Hear guest lecturer at Master of Public Governance Ann-Christina Matzen An…
Leadership in the Age of AI: The 3 Phases – Curiosity, Usefulness & Normalisation
To create real value from investments in new technologies like artificial intelligence, leaders must guide their organisation through three key phases.
Why we seek "strong" leaders in a crisis – and why we should embrace collective leadership instead
In times of crisis, we instinctively turn to strong, decisive leaders. But is that really the best approach? Professor Laura Empson explains why our preference…
Bjørn Zabell: Empowering Global Leadership Through CBS Executive MBA
Bjørn's journey through the CBS EMBA programme exemplifies how high-potential individuals with cross-border ambitions can transform into global leaders…
Future leadership is calling for These Competencies
What does the leadership of the future look like? The CBS Leadership Think Tank provides a suggestion with four key sets of competencies that can create robust…
Outlier in Sound: Christoffer Nyvold of SOUNDBOKS
In the world of high-decibel sound systems and innovation, Christoffer Nyvold stands out as the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of SOUNDBOKS, a venture…
Jeppe la Cour, CBS EMBA Graduate, Drives Renewable Energy Innovation at Port of Roenne
Jeppe la Cour, Chief Commercial Officer at the Port of Roenne, has overseen significant developments at the port, attributing much of this progress to the…
The leaders of the future are supply chain savvy
We should stop thinking solely in terms of individual companies and instead focus on supply chains.
“I’ve Refined My Professional Identity”
Kim-Sa Ngo is currently pursuing her MBA at Copenhagen Business School to gain a deeper understanding of business management and best practices. She has a…
We are not as inclusive as we think we are.. but we can be
We often overestimate how inclusive our organisations are, and imagine that we hire and promote people on the basis of merit - their education, experience,…
Focus on sustainability and leadership
Aditya Maha is a Chemical Engineer with 10+ years of international leadership experience in the chemicals, energy, and pharma industry. He chose the Copenhagen…
Building a global future
Jacob Heinricy Jensen values the increasing commitment to help building a global future of greatly reduced carbon emissions within Cadeler A/S, where he works…
Flying high with the Blue MBA
Kristine Palm currently holds a loaded and busy position as an airfreight specialist for Kuehne+Nagel. Nevertheless, she decided to broaden her views of the…
Managing risk opens up opportunities
Alessio La Rosa, global head of freight at Cofco and a strong believer of lifelong learning, decided to take the Blue MBA programme, to challenge himself and…
Becoming a responsible leader
We recently brought together Andrew Mellor (MBA Admissions Manager) and Alistair Edwards, MBA alum & Associate Global Portfolio Director at Novo Nordisk,…
"My industry is 10 years behind in digitalisation"
As a Regional Team Leader of Operations in Denmark with Torm A/S, Liv Kjaer knows that that the shipping industry is lagging behind other sectors when it comes…