The Advanced Strategy Program

Business strategy has evolved in a short period. In the past, business evolutions were relatively incremental and predictable. Now, unforeseen competitors and new products and services are born seemingly overnight. Moreover, as technological innovation accelerates economic and social change, new demands are being placed on organizational leadership to stay one step ahead.  And staying ahead requires thinking strategically—piecing together the intricate puzzle of business strategy.

This seven-week live-online education series provides the latest thinking in strategy to help executives build and sustain their organization’s advantage in highly competitive markets. By attending, you’ll explore why some organizations seem to become successful overnight, learn how to remain steady in the face of unforeseen uncertainty, and discover how growth can be achieved despite facing roadblocks.

• Gain the frameworks to design and implement the right growth strategies to unlock value
• Discover how to leverage growth to strengthen your organization’s competitive position
• Develop a culture that drives organizational growth, increase profitability, and deal with the unknown
• Learn how strategists analyze and select products and services to meet tomorrow’s needs
• Increase your ability to predict and anticipate changes to highly competitive markets

Our live-online programs are delivered in a synchronous format where executives learn from renowned Chicago Booth faculty and global peers in an interactive, high-impact virtual environment. The benefit to this format is leaders will receive Booth’s rigorous content in short, digestible sessions. 97% of live-online participants recommend our programs to colleagues, friends, and those who seek to expand their skills.

Each session builds upon itself—unlocking the program teachings into a practical roadmap of learning. Participants will apply concepts in real-time through business case analyses, puzzles, and solution-driven problem-solving practices. Moreover, sessions include a Q&A time — allowing a rare opportunity to explore concepts with program faculty.

Live-Online Sessions
Over the course of seven weeks, participants will join highly-focused two-hour live-online sessions. Live-online sessions are held on Fridays from 11 a.m. —1 p.m. CT.  Session schedule by topic is below.

• Week 1: Why Bother with Strategy? 
• Week 2: How Not to be Surprised
• Week 3: How to Deal with the Unknown?
• Week 4: How to Play Moves Ahead? 
• Week 5: Will the Technology Win?  
• Week 6: Does Culture Eat Strategy for Lunch?
• Week 7: What does Strategy Look Like?

Note: Program dates, instructors, and fee are subject to change.

This program prepares mid-to senior-level executives who seek to grow their organizational competitive advantage. Executives in long-established businesses and entrepreneurs leading smaller firms will find value in attending. And those from various industries will find this program beneficial, such as manufacturing, technology, and retail sectors. In addition, those in the roles of business development, new product development, R&D, marketing, sales, and those directly involved with the strategic direction of their organization will find benefit.

What past participants say about strategy programs with Professor Schrager:

Professor Schrager provided a lot of real-world experience and is extremely knowledgeable—the frameworks he provided have helped me think differently. I preferred the live-online format and enjoyed the class structure of lecture, case study, lecture.

—Derek Mitchell, Global Alliances Executive, Cloudera, Inc.

[Professor] Schrager offers a refreshing insight into the difficult subject of strategy. His enthusiastic and simple approach draws upon real world experience of strategy. Participants are offered a different approach to help drive success in the future of the competitive world of business.

—Lyman T., Division General Manager, Modine Manufacturing Co.

Highly engaged course that energized me for my current and future sales in my organization. It taught me how to approach strategy and challenged my thinking, judging strategy. It gives you concrete tools / approaches you can use on the job.

—Leslie M., Director, Marketing Strategic Planning & New Categories, Bayer HealthCare

Jim Schrager is a very dynamic energizing speaker- lots of great open classroom discussion. Everybody I talked to was extremely happy with the class and have lots of take away items to try within our own business. Lots of fun and I learned a lot!

—Tom N., Business Manager, Huntsman Corporation

The instructors provided the tools that allowed me to formalize my thought patterns and challenge myself to reach conclusions with a new level of confidence.

—Dan K., Global Strategy Analyst, Johnson Controls, Inc.