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Ivey unveils action-oriented leadership development programs to empower global businesses for success in emerging fields

Sep 19, 2023

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New leadership certificates offers courses in sustainability, digital transformation, and equity, diversity and inclusion 

The Ivey Academy at Ivey Business School, Canada’s top-rated institute for advanced management education and professional development, is announcing the launch of three new Advanced Impact Certificates to help organizations drive real impact on critical business issues around sustainability, inclusion, and digital transformation. 

The Ivey Academy is offering unique flexible learning pathways in each of these areas that allow leaders to select specific content that fits their needs. As part of the Ivey Experience, each participant identifies a specific challenge or opportunity in their organization and works directly with an Ivey faculty member to develop an action plan. 

Aimed at addressing three growing strategic pillars in modern business—sustainability, digitalization, and inclusion—the Advanced Impact Certificates are designed to accelerate leadership development in future-oriented fields. Participants engage in core programming specific to each stream, as well as virtual learning experiences that give executives the flexibility to tackle content at their own pace. The capstone of each certificate is an Ivey Action Learning Studio project that helps leaders implement their learning at work.  

The Ivey Action Learning Studio creates tangible value by helping individual leaders tackle a practical project for their organizations. Each participant works one-to-one with an Ivey Business School faculty member to design and present a focused business plan for their organization. Leaders apply theoretical knowledge to tangible situations, helping their companies benefit from fresh insights and solutions to pressing issues, driving continuous improvement and fostering a culture of hands-on learning and development. It's a win-win: employees grow professionally, while the company evolves and innovates through actionable outcomes. Organizations see immediate returns on their investment, build new connections across industries, and boost retention in a highly competitive talent market. 

“Learning at Ivey is, at its core, about community,” says Bryan Benjamin, Executive Director, The Ivey Academy. “Bringing leaders together with top researchers, industry experts, and their peers generates tangible, practical insights that help businesses compete on a global stage. Our new Certificate pathways are designed to amplify that action learning effect and solve real-world challenges.” 

The world is evolving, and Canadian organizations are facing new uncertainties — as well as opportunities. Achieving sustainability goals, navigating digital transformation, and boosting employee engagement are key areas in which organizations can create competitive advantage in a crowded, complex global market. 

Organizations rely on engaged and dedicated leaders to navigate these changes, and the Advanced Impact Certificate equips leaders with the strategic perspectives needed to succeed. Participants also learn tactics for recruiting, developing, and retaining top talent – one of the biggest obstacles organizations face today.  

“We aim to be a partner to the business community, bringing our experience and research-backed insights to help organizations address critical issues,” said Sharon Hodgson, Dean, Ivey Business School. “These new certificates give us the opportunity to blend our industry-leading leadership development experiences with emerging research around the evolution of work, sustainability, and innovation. It’s about creating solutions to the pressing issues businesses are faced with today.” 

Upon completion of an Advanced Impact Certificate, participants are awarded a personalized digital credential and certificate from Ivey Business School. The badge is an authentic digital artifact embedded with a unique URL, allowing participants to showcase their commitment to professional development. These badges can be linked to social media channels, websites, professional networks, and portfolios.  

The Ivey Academy’s holistic approach includes five pillars, acting as guideposts for participants, which drive toward transformational behaviour change, and deep strategic impact for organizations.

The Ivey Experience is: 

  • Informed: We build connections with leaders, industries, and organizations worldwide to understand contemporary business challenges.
  • Innovative: We challenge our team, clients, and participants to consider bold new perspectives and research on the critical Issues of our time.
  • Interactive: We immerse participants through innovative approaches to experiential learning.
  • Impactful: We demonstrate return on investment and measurable business outcomes for clients and individuals.
  • Inclusive: We set expectations for behaviour and participation that promote respect and collaboration in a safe environment.

The Ivey Academy is rated #1 in Canada for Executive Education by the Financial Times and is one of the top providers globally. The Ivey Academy works with global organizations to develop executives, build leadership capacity, and drive impactful strategic change. Learning at Ivey is deeply experiential, grounded in real-world case research, and facilitated by top Ivey Business School faculty.  

The Ivey Academy programs and services are available today. For more information, please visit http://www.iveyacademy.com.  

Media contact information: Ivan Langrish, Associate Director, Media Strategy, Ivey Business School, ilangrish@ivey.ca, 416-203-0664  

About the Ivey Business School, Western University 

The Ivey Business School (www.ivey.ca) at Western University is Canada's leading provider of relevant, innovative and comprehensive business education. Drawing on extensive research and business experience, Ivey faculty provides the best classroom experience, equipping graduates with the skills and capabilities they need to tackle the leadership challenges in today's complex business world. Ivey offers world-renowned undergraduate and graduate degree programs, as well as Executive Education at campuses in London (Ontario), Toronto and Hong Kong.  

About the Ivey Academy 

The Ivey Academy at Ivey Business School is Canada’s leading institute for management education and professional development. The Ivey Academy works with organizations globally to build leadership capacity, share insights on critical business issues, and drive real-world strategic impact through learning. Learning at Ivey blends contemporary research with innovative teaching methods to create an interactive, social, inclusive environment for professional growth.