Customer Reference
"Global Leader was a very positive experience. I gained updated insights into lea...”
Juha Liitola
Global Leader – Graduate Diploma in Management
Skills and Confidence for Managing Across Functions in a Global Context
Global Leader is a general management training program that can be adapted to your personal development needs and time frame. The program is for developing your business management skills, strategic decision-making abilities, leadership expertise, and professional confidence in an international operating environment.
Studying in the Global Leader program offers many benefits, not only for those who simply wish to study in a compact and efficient general management program, but also for those who are planning to pursue future studies in our EMBA or MBA programs. Global Leader has a very similar program structure, participant profile, and study format to our MBA programs and is often utilized as a springboard to MBA studies, especially Aalto EMBA studies.
Up to six Global Leader modules (27 ECTS credits) can be transferred from the Global Leader program to the Aalto Executive MBA or Aalto MBA program.
Benefits
The program is designed to enhance the participants’ personal skills and competencies as leaders and individuals. The modules also broaden understanding of key management issues, especially in an international business environment.
Enhance performance through improved strategic, financial, and marketing capabilities
Build a network and be engaged in a dialogue with international instructors and a peer group of experienced professionals – your fellow participants
Increase your ability to lead change effectively
Achieve strategic agility and new dynamic capabilities for your organization
Widen your global perspective by participating in optional study tours to, for example, Yale
For
The Global Leader program is designed for experienced business and team leaders who require the skills to manage global business operations across borders and functions.
It is also relevant for seasoned experts who aspire to build competencies and confidence in making strategic decisions.
Contents and Schedule
The program has a modular structure, consisting of four core modules and two elective modules. Each of the core modules are held once a year and you can start the program with any of the modules. Elective modules can be chosen from the electives in the Aalto EMBA and Aalto MBA programs. Each program module is worth 4.5 ECTS study credits.
The program is geared towards practical hands-on learning by using case studies and real-world exercises to complement theories. The instruction methods enable the integration of theory and practice. A typical learning module consists of pre- and post-assignments, lectures, discussions, case studies, and group work.
All Global Leader study modules can also be taken as stand-alone programs.
Program Structure
Pre-module period of 2-3 weeks
Individual preparation
Three-day module
Intensive contact learning session with instructor and peers
Post-module period
Take-home assignment
Core Modules
Elective Modules
As a full program participant of Global Leader, you may choose two elective modules from a large selection offered in the Global Leader, Aalto EMBA, and Aalto MBA programs. You can pick your favorites from a selection of more than 15 topics.
Read more
Elective modules available include, for example,
- Corporate Entrepreneurship
- Design Thinking
- Digital Strategy and Transformation
- Leading with Impact
- Leading for Creativity
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Power and Influence
- International study tours
International Study Tours
Study tours take participants to locations such as Yale and Harvard in the USA. The study tour program includes lectures by academics –typically related to the different topics within a broad theme of leadership. A study tour typically consists of four full days of learning and extracurricular activities uniquely available on campus. There is a separate registration process and a separate fee for study tours.
Program Fee and Registration
Global Leader Stand-Alone Modules
You can take the complete Global Leader program or register for individual stand-alone Global Leader modules:
February 2026
Financial Decision-Making
Schedule February 2026
Location Aalto University Töölö, Helsinki, Finland
Frequency Once a year
The program provides you with an understanding of balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, and other financial disclosures, and how this information relates to key variables in management decisions.
Fee: € 4,650 (+ VAT)
May 26–28, 2025
Strategic Marketing and Customer-Centricity
Schedule May 26–28, 2025
Location Aalto University Töölö, Helsinki, Finland
Frequency Once a year
You will get a comprehensive understanding of strategic marketing and how strategic marketing is crucial in driving growth by being or becoming customer-centric.
Fee: € 4,650 (+ VAT)
September 22–24, 2025
Global Strategy
Schedule September 22–24, 2025
Location Aalto University Töölö, Helsinki, Finland
Frequency Once a year
The program focuses on the fundamental issues in strategy planning and will give you the skills needed to develop the long-term viability of your organization.
Fee: € 4,650 (+ VAT)
November 10–12, 2025
Leading Change and Transformation
Schedule November 10–12, 2025
Location Aalto University Töölö, Helsinki, Finland
Frequency Once a year
The program focuses on developing awareness and skills in how to lead and coach yourself, your team, and your organization through change.
Fee: € 4,650 (+ VAT)
April 8–10, 2025
Leading with Impact
Schedule April 8–10, 2025
Location Aalto University Töölö, Helsinki, Finland
Frequency Once a year
The program provides the skills and frameworks needed for effective and influential leadership in a compact package.
Fee: € 4,650 (+ VAT)
October 20–22, 2025
Power and Influence
Schedule October 20–22, 2025
Location Aalto University Töölö, Helsinki, Finland
Frequency Once a year
Influencing has become an essential skill for managers in an increasingly complex business environment. This program focuses on understanding how politics work in an organization and learning how to handle power and influence tactics to achieve professional goals.
Fee: € 4,650 (+ VAT)