Executive Leadership Blueprint

A Structured and Engaging Start

The Domestic Residency (EMBA 8000) is the first milestone in your 18-month leadership development journey at Robinson and sets the tone for your Executive MBA experience. This intense, three-day residency builds self-awareness and provides tools for self-reflection. Through experiential simulations and activities, you'll explore your leadership style and learn how to adapt it for greater effectiveness. The residency lays the foundation for long-term growth, marking the beginning of a comprehensive leadership development plan that challenges you to move from contemplation to action and supports continuous progress throughout the program.

“Heading into this program…I was truly concerned about the cost. I almost didn’t enroll. After this weekend, I have no doubt about the value. I know I’m going to get my return on this investment.”
- Malcom Sawyer, EMBA Class of ’26

“I went through the admissions process. I looked at other schools, but after this weekend, I feel 110% confident in my decision.”
- Clint Mayer, EMBA Class of ’26

“It’s been 7 years since I experienced [the domestic residency]. I still use the skills today from what I learned during that weekend.”
- Julio Rivas, EMBA Class of ’17

At Robinson, we believe that leadership is a collaborative effort. While self-reflection is valuable, we recognize the importance of diverse perspectives. The 360-degree Leadership Circle Profile gathers feedback from supervisors, colleagues, and other key stakeholders. This multi-rater assessment provides insights into 18 leadership competencies and 11 reactive tendencies, helping students identify their strengths, blind spots, and areas for development.

The360-degree assessment provides valuable data but requires interpretation and action planning. In addition to our EMBA career strategist, each student is paired with an experienced executive leadership coach who leverages the360-degree feedback to develop a customized leadership development plan. Coaches provide ongoing support, guidance, and accountability to help students translate insights from their Leadership Circle Profile into tangible behavioral changes and achieve their leadership goals. Coaches assist students in aligning their development plans with their career aspirations.

Leadership-Driven Curriculum

Leadership development is integrated throughout the curriculum, with courses offering insights and tools to help students become strategic, human-centered leaders. Emphasizing real-world application, the program equips graduates to lead with confidence, creativity, and strategic foresight across industries. These EMBA courses integrate key leadership development components:

• Introduction to Executive Management (EMBA 8000): Begin your leadership development journey with a three-day intensive featuring experiential simulations and activities that enhance self-awareness, evaluate your leadership style, and lay a strong foundation for long-term growth.
• Organizational Behavior for Executives (EMBA 8100): Build the knowledge and skills to understand and influence employee behavior within organizations, emphasizing the practical application of psychological, social, and sociological theories to develop effective managerial strategies crucial for executive leadership roles.
• Strategic Digital Transformation (EMBA 8010): Navigate the digital age by learning the skills to understand global trends, develop digital strategies, optimize customer journeys, and leverage technology for business growth.
• Data Analytics & Decision Making (EMBA 8150): Leverage data and machine learning models for informed decision-making, addressing ethical and social considerations in the application of AI.
• Innovation and Design Thinking (EMBA 8810): Gain expertise in human-centered design methodologies, fostering creative problem-solving and innovative thinking, while emphasizing empathy and iteration.
• Global Markets & Transnational Strategy (EMBA 8425): Explore the complexities of international trade, geopolitics and market dynamics to make strategic decisions in an interconnected, ever-evolving global economy.
• Corporate Financial Policy (EMBA 8500): Develop financial acumen by acquiring the tools and knowledge to make informed strategic decisions, including valuation, capital budgeting, and financing strategies. Taught by a three-time CFO, this course emphasizes critical thinking and ethical considerations, equipping students with the insights needed to drive firm value and navigate complex financial challenges.
• Leading the Enterprise (EMBA 8820): Study and apply change management models to reduce risks associated with organizational transformation.
• International Management Practices (EMBA 8650): Participate in an international residency to South Africa that immerses students in the local context, enabling them to analyze global factors, navigate cultural nuances, and evaluate international business opportunities, preparing them to lead in an interconnected world.
• Executive Leadership and the Senior Management Team (EMBA 8800): Explore leadership challenges at the corporate and business unit levels, focusing on enterprise performance, strategy development, and organizational effectiveness..

Personalized Career Strategy for Executive Leaders

Robinson’s Executive Leadership Blueprint goes beyond the classroom, offering personalized career coaching that aligns your professional goals with personal values. Guided by career strategist Melissa Owens, you’ll create a customized career development roadmap for meaningful success. From refining your resume and LinkedIn profile to interview prep and networking strategies, Melissa helps you present your best self. Students and alumni have secured roles as executive director, senior vice president, and CTO, leaving the EMBA program with both leadership skills and a clear career plan for advancement.

"One key differentiator of the EMBA program was having a certified coach to support me in securing a job at Amazon — a goal I successfully achieved with Melissa's help. The program’s focus on leadership and career strategy doesn’t just enhance your skills — it transforms your perspective and elevates your career trajectory."
- Adler Cossovan, Class of ’25

Alumni Mentoring for Continued Growth

The Executive Leadership Blueprint supports the ongoing growth of EMBA students and alumni through our Executive Leadership Mentorship Program. This program pairs current students with EMBA alumni mentors, fostering valuable exchanges of ideas, leadership strategies, and feedback. Regular, structured meetings help refine leadership skills and build lasting relationships. Mentorship goes beyond career guidance, offering opportunities for self-awareness, leadership development, and expanding professional networks. Both mentees and mentors gain confidence and competence, ensuring continuous leadership growth long after graduation.