Masters Certificate in Innovation Leadership

Developing the Capability to Lead Innovation

84% of CEOs identify innovation as critical to growth, yet only 6% report satisfaction with their organization’s innovation performance*. This gap highlights a common challenge: translating intent into sustained organizational capability. This program is designed to support leaders in strengthening the skills and judgment required to lead innovation more effectively.

Take all the modules in any order to earn the full Masters Certificate, or just take the module(s) you need ( Strategic Innovation and Creative Leadership , Futureproof Your Organization , or Unleashing Innovative Momentum ).

Building Innovation as an Organizational Capability

Canada’s economy is operating in a period of sustained disruption, shaped by technological change, global uncertainty, and shifting competitive dynamics. In this context, innovation increasingly depends on leadership practices that enable learning, experimentation, and informed decision-making across organizations.

This program focuses on developing innovation as a strategic and repeatable capability rather than a series of isolated initiatives. Participants build a stronger understanding of how to embed innovation across teams and functions, drawing on approaches such as design thinking, foresight, storytelling, and emerging technologies, including AI. The emphasis is on strengthening leadership judgment, creativity, and influence to support sustained momentum and practical impact.

Day 1: Innovation Fundamentals (Online)

Day 2: Innovation Preparation (Online)

Day 3: Innovation & Leadership (Online)

Expertly lead innovation projects from strategic planning through to the development of new products, operational improvements, and breakthrough ideas. This module equips you with leading-edge strategies that combine both the hard and soft skills required to drive innovation and create a lasting competitive advantage.

Through hands-on exercises and case studies, you’ll apply design and systems thinking to lead from any level within an organization. Key topics include innovation fundamentals and frameworks, creative thinking preferences, the challenges of leading innovative teams, and the essential skills for driving innovation across self, team, and enterprise.

Day 1: Strategic Foresight (Hybrid)

Day 2: Entrepreneurship (Online)

Day 3: Innovation Traction (Online)

Gain valuable insight into how to leverage an entrepreneurial mindset within complex work environments to lead and drive innovation effectively. This module explores the key behaviours and emerging trends needed to futureproof your organization—equipping you with both offensive and defensive strategies for navigating change.

You’ll build the skills to become a resilient, agile, and strategic leader, using tools like storytelling and data visualization to influence others and inspire action. Core topics include strategic foresight, entrepreneurial behaviours, influence and persuasion, storytelling through data, and practical approaches to agility and resilience.

Day 1: Unlock Innovation (Online)

Day 2: AI and Innovation Intelligence (Online)

Day 3: Conditions for Sustainable Innovation (Hybrid)

Learn how to unlock the creative potential of your teams and organization by fostering an environment that inspires innovation at every level. This module focuses on the soft skills and cultural conditions required to spark and sustain innovation, emphasizing the importance of trust, influence, and psychological safety.

You’ll explore how to build a climate that supports breakthrough thinking, leverage AI and emerging technologies, and remove systemic barriers that slow progress. Key topics include creating a culture of innovation, responding to disruption and trends, using proven tools to overcome obstacles, and accelerating momentum across teams.

If you're a mid-career professional responsible for shaping strategy or influencing innovation within your team or business unit, this program will equip you with the tools to lead more creatively and strategically. Ideal for project managers, HR professionals, and leaders in product development, marketing, sales, operations, and IT, this program helps you build the skills—and the confidence—to step into more senior, innovation-driven roles.

For directors and senior leaders across industries such as operations, consulting, and business development, this program offers advanced approaches to embedding innovation into organizational culture and strategy. Learn how to futureproof your organization by cultivating high-performing, creative teams and aligning innovation with long-term business goals.

Get cutting-edge, career-advancing training without putting your life on hold. This accelerated format delivers deep, practical learning in just 9 days—perfect for working professionals ready to lead innovation with confidence.

Gain marketable skills in creative thinking, influencing others, psychological safety, storytelling, and technological agility. You’ll learn how to lead change, inspire teams, and drive results in fast-moving environments.

Train with Schulich ExecEd’s award-winning instructors—experienced practitioners and thought leaders in innovation strategy, foresight, and entrepreneurial leadership who bring real-world insights into every session.

Apply your skills in collaborative problem-solving exercises that mirror the complexities of today’s business environment. From AI-powered innovation to swarm creativity and crowdsourcing, you’ll put theory into action.

Connect with professionals across industries who are navigating similar challenges. Build a powerful network of peers and mentors who value innovation, growth, and leadership as much as you do.

Whether you're aiming for your next promotion, launching a new initiative, or repositioning your career path, this certificate gives you the skills and confidence to lead boldly—and unlock new career opportunities.