RSM’s flagship Strategic Leadership programme empowers C-level executives to reimagine how they lead in a world of disruption and complexity. Across nine months, you will engage with world-class faculty and peers in a transformative journey that reshapes your leadership and equips you to create lasting impact.
This course is offered by Rotterdam School of Management b.v.. For more information about the legal structure of Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University, visit this page.
Over the course of nine months, you will be guided by world-class faculty who blend cutting-edge research with personal mentoring, working with you directly on your own strategic challenge. Intensive on-campus modules are complemented by continuous online learning and faculty mentoring, ensuring that insights are translated into immediate impact in your organisational context.
Together with a select cohort of peers, you will master systems thinking, decision-making under uncertainty, stakeholder engagement, and non-market strategy — building the capabilities to lead both within and beyond the organisation.
This flagship journey combines academic rigour with immersive experiential learning and culminates in a certification in Strategic Leadership from RSM, marking the end of your training as a highest-level leader
RSM's Strategic Leadership programme unfolds over nine months in a blended format. You will begin with online preparation, including podcasts, articles, and self-assessment.
The intensive on-campus module will provide immersive learning, peer exchange, and direct faculty consultation. Between modules, online sessions and guided assignments ensure continuous progress on your strategic challenge. Personalised faculty mentoring connects research to your organisational reality, ensuring both immediate application and long-term transformation.
Get started with an online module including podcasts, articles, and self-assessment.
You will gain the foundational knowledge on systems thinking for strategic leaders, decision-making under pressure and uncertainty, CEO behaviour, navigating stakeholder ecosystems and on-market strategy.
You will be provided a leadership toolkit to prepare you embark on the learning journey and to the intensive, in-classroom experience.
Step into the future of strategic leadership with this intensive 3-day module. Discover how you can thrive as a C-level executive and find your leadership legacy. Acquire the know-how to accelerate your career and engage stakeholders in tour strategic projects.
Between modules, online sessions and guided assignments ensure continuous progress on your strategic challenge. Personalised faculty mentoring connects research to your organisational reality, ensuring both immediate application and long-term transformation.
Celebrate your learning journey as it comes to an end during a graduation ceremony at RSM. Join your peers in a dedicated evening to further network, share outcomes and insights, and obtain your certification in Strategic Leadership for C-Level Executives.
Mirko Benischke, PhD from the University of Auckland (New Zealand), is Associate Professor at the Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University. In addition to his role as Vice Dean of Engagement and Executive Education, he currently also serves as Dean of Education at the Rotterdam School of Management (RSM). His research focuses on three main themes: strategic decision-making of senior executives (CEOs, top management teams, and Board of Directors), MNE strategy, and climate change adaptation. In his research, he primarily draws on behavioural decision-making theories. His work on CEOs and their role in strategic decision-making has appeared in managerial outlets including the Harvard Business Review. Mirko teaches topics including strategy, strategic leadership, corporate governance, global strategy, and geopolitics. He has designed and taught courses across executive education, graduate, and undergraduate levels.
Hannes Leroy is a full professor of leadership development at RSM and academic director of the Erasmus Centre for Leadership. Hannes’s expertise lies in developing authentic and inclusive leadership and in facilitating personal development by bringing people out of their comfort zones. Published in top-tier journals, his research reflects on effective leadership in organisations, particularly on how to develop leaders. He holds a PhD in applied economics and organisational leadership from the University of Leuven in Belgium and has taught at renowned business schools worldwide (e.g., Johnson School of Business, Cornell University).
In-person module on 11 February 2026
€ 11,400 (excl. 21% VAT) for all components (including course materials), mentoring sessions, the final project, lunches, and snacks. This fee does not include hotel accommodation.
All of our short courses can also be delivered as personalised in-company training to groups of employees from the same organisation. This enables us to develop a comprehensive programme that focuses on your organisation’s own unique situation and issues.
Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM) offers a dynamic learning environment for professionals looking to learn new skills and gain more knowledge in business and management education.
Here’s why you should choose RSM:
Part of this programme takes place in Bayle building on the Woudestein Campus of Erasmus University Rotterdam, just 15 minutes by public transport from Rotterdam city centre. Our modern and lively campus has innovative study facilities, sustainable design, and calming green spaces.
The online components of this course can be followed anywhere at your convenience, you will only need a screen and a reliable internet connection.
We aim for a balance between allowing capacity to guarantee individual attention, and achieving a good group dynamic and networking opportunities. For this programme, we keep a class size of 8-12 participants.
Absolutely. All of our short courses can also be delivered as personalised in-company training to groups of employees from the same organisation. This enables us to develop a comprehensive programme that focuses on your organisation’s own unique situation and issues. Reach out to us to receive personal advice on how our course can empower your team's development.
Yes. Alumni from RSM and Erasmus University Rotterdam receive a 15% discount.
RSM alumni are students who have completed either a bachelor of science, master of science, PhD or one executive education programme of more than 40 credit hours. Additionally, companies which sponsor several participants may also be offered a special price.
Participants of open programmes of less than 40 credit hours will not receive a discount.
Programme fees include tuition, programme materials, access to the RSM study facilities and dynamic learning environment. This also includes lunch and refreshments throughout the programme.
Hotel accommodation is not included, so please make individual arrangements for your stay in Rotterdam.
If you require hotel accommodation during your stay in Rotterdam, we recommend a few hotels:
Please contact the hotels directly to make and secure your own reservations.
Note: We recommend that you select the flexible booking option when reserving a room.
Our general terms and conditions apply when you register for an open programme. Please review them to learn more about our policies for cancellation, deferral and substitution.
If you have more general questions, we recommend you explore our more in-depth FAQs page. If you are looking for personal advice, then please contact one of our advisors using the contact form below.
Programme advisor
It's my priority to help you identify how you can meet your professional objectives, so reach out and let's make a plan for your personal development.