Masters Certificate in Innovation Leadership

From Bold Ideas to Lasting Impact.

84% of CEOs say innovation is critical to growth; yet only 6% are satisfied with their company’s performance*. The gap is clear: organizations need leaders who can turn ambition into measurable results. This program equips you to lead innovation with confidence. Gain futureproof skills in foresight, AI and storytelling to unlock creativity, build momentum and turn innovation into competitive advantage.

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Fees: $8,950
Length: 9 days of study over 4 months
Next Session: October 15, 2026 to
December 11, 2026
  • Location:
  • Online

Masters Certificate in Innovation Leadership

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  • Programs
  • Masters Certificate in Innovation Leadership

Cultivate a Culture of Innovation and Momentum

Canada’s economy has entered a defining moment. Disruption, technological shifts and global uncertainty are reshaping industries at unprecedented speed. Organizations that thrive will be those led by executives who champion innovation, unlock creativity and drive bold ideas into lasting advantage.

This program equips you to make innovation a strategic capability, not a one-off. It builds the mindset, tools and strategies to embed innovation across teams and organizations, strengthening your skills in leadership, creativity and influence. You’ll learn to spark creative leadership, futureproof with foresight and storytelling, and accelerate momentum through trust, AI and systemic change, blending design thinking, technological agility and proven frameworks to turn ideas into impact and foster a culture that sustains innovation.

Who is this Program For?

The program is structured into three modules that can be taken in any order. Complete all three to earn the full Masters Certificate or enrol in individual modules as standalone certificates.   

Disclaimer: Schulich ExecEd requires a non-refundable deposit from all students as part of the enrolment process. Domestic students are required to submit a $1,000 deposit, while international students are required to submit a 50% deposit. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our advisors for assistance. 

Convince Your Supervisor: Here’s a justification letter for you to edit and send to your supervisor to provide reasoning for attending this program. Our expert advisory team can assist with customizing the letter to suit your needs!

*Source: McKinsey 

Program Overview

  • Day 1: Innovation Fundamentals

    Day 2: Innovation Preparation

    Day 3: Innovation & Leadership

     

    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.

     

    Apr 2026 Cohort

    • Apr 16 2026 (Thu), 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
    • Apr 17 2026 (Fri), 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
    • Apr 24 2026 (Fri), 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

    Click here to enrol into Apr 2026 Cohort.

     

    Oct 2026 Cohort

    • Oct 15 2026 (Thu), 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
    • Oct 16 2026 (Fri), 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
    • Oct 23 2026 (Fri), 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

    Click here to enrol into Oct 2026 Cohort.

  • Day 4: Strategic Foresight

    Day 5: Entrepreneurship

    Day 6: Innovation Traction

     

    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.

     

    Nov 2025 Cohort

    • Nov 28 2025, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
    • Dec 5 2025, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
    • Dec 12 2025, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

    Click here to enrol into Nov 2025 Cohort.

     

    Nov 2026 Cohort

    • Nov 12 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
    • Nov 13 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
    • Nov 20 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

    Click here to enrol into Nov 2026 Cohort.

  • Day 7: Unlock Innovation

    Day 8: AI and Innovation Intelligence

    Day 9: Conditions for Sustainable Innovation

     

    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.

     

    Feb 2026 Cohort

    • Feb 6 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
    • Feb 13 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
    • Feb 27 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

    Click here to enrol into Feb 2026 Cohort.

     

    Dec 2026 Cohort

    • Dec 3 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
    • Dec 4 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
    • Dec 11 2026, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

    Click here to enrol into Feb 2026 Cohort.

  • Fall 2026

    Strategic Innovation and Creative Leadership

    Course Dates Time
    Innovation Fundamentals 10/15/2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Innovation Preparation 10/16/2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Innovation & Leadership 10/23/2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

    Futureproof Your Organization

    Course Dates Time
    Strategic Foresight 11/12/2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Entrepreneurship 11/13/2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Innovation Traction 11/20/2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

    Unleashing Innovative Momentum

    Course Dates Time
    Unlock Innovation 12/3/2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
    AI and Innovation Intelligence 12/4/2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
    Conditions for Sustainable Innovation 12/11/2026 9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Talk to an Advisor

Get Training in Marketable Skills

Leadership Skills
Creative Thinking
Influencing others
Futureproofing
Entrepreneurial Mindset
Storytelling and Visualization
Psychological Safety
VUCA Leadership
AI Powered Creativity
Cross-Boundary Innovation

Who Will Benefit

Mid-Career Leaders

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.

Senior Leaders

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.

6 Reasons to Enrol

Designed for Busy Professionals

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.

Build Futureproof Leadership Skills

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.

Learn from Top Innovation Experts

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.

Tackle Real-World Challenges

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.

Build A Meaningful Network

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.

Advance Your Career

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.

What Difference Will You Make?

This program exceeded my expectations. I feel it was a great base to build upon when I return to work.

- L. Ryan Director, Financial Policy and External Reporting, Bank of Canada

Engaging facilitators, practical application and excellent tools that can be put to use when back in the workplace.

- A. Barger Senior Manager Commercial CS and Inside Sales, Allegran Canada

This program certainly disrupted my existing notion of innovation. It isn’t spontaneous, it isn’t a eureka moment. It’s much more deliberate and requires great discipline. I’m confident this program will help bring that discipline to our organization.

- T. Calder VP, Client Strategy, Search Engine People

Faculty

Andrew Maxwell,

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David S. Weiss,
PhD, ICD.D. CHRE, CHSPC

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Jim Harris,

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Kristen Peterson,

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Lee-Anne McAlear,

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Megan Mitchell,

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Paul Hartley,
PhD

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Rob Lajoie,
MBA

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Susan Lindner,

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What You Get

After completing the Masters Certificate in Innovation Leadership, you'll receive an authentic digital badge from the #1 business school in Canada that employers will recognize.

As more and more companies look for candidates with specific skills, this badge on your CV will be a credible assurance of your achievements and expertise, allowing the right roles to find you faster.

Masters Certificate

Awarded when a series of more extensive programs are completed and a greater skill set achieved.

PMI Credits

54 PMI-PDU

Successful completion of this program will earn PMI® Members, in good standing, Education PDU's in alignment with the PMI Talent Triangle. If this applies to you, you will receive a PDU Claim Code at the conclusion of your program. For more information on how to earn your PDU's, we recommend logging into your Continuing Certification Renewal System (CCRS) to report PDU's and view your certification records. Following this, if you require additional assistance, please contact PMI Support directly.

Custom Programs for Organizations

Use this program as we designed it, or alter it to fit your company’s needs. Either way, we can help you improve your organization's talent pipeline. Get in touch with our custom programs team today.