Aspiring CEO
A leadership course for executives preparing for their first CEO role, developed by Melbourne Business School and Deloitte.
Aspiring CEO Overview
We recognise that exceptional CEOs need the rare combination of visionary leadership and adaptive expertise to thrive in today’s rapidly evolving business environment.
We will equip you with strategic frameworks, practical examples, simulations, and coaching so you can prepare to excel in your first CEO role.
Executives, board members, and thought leaders alongside experts from Melbourne Business School and Deloitte will help participants develop the vision, adaptability and resilience needed to navigate technological shifts and geopolitical challenges in an increasingly fast-changing business environment.
Who Should Attend Aspiring CEO?
Endorsed Senior Executives
- Each program will include up to 15 senior executives from private, government, listed, and not-for-profit organisations that are identified as top candidates for promotion to a CEO role within the next three years.
- To be eligible, you must support your application with an endorsement from your CEO or Board Chair confirming your readiness for a CEO role within three years, even if that role is outside your current organisation.
Aspiring CEO Program Key Takeaways
What does it take to be a CEO?
- Your motivation and values alignment: Aligning your ‘why’, core values, and your story.
- Physical and mental health: Prioritising physical and mental health for optimal executive function and performance.
- Current CEO perspective: Guest speakers will share their journey and lived experiences navigating real-world scenarios.
What capabilities and experiences do I need?
- Capabilities required: Your accountabilities including technical considerations and organisational fundamentals; team and talent; and relationships.
- Operating at the CEO level: Making the difficult decisions and leading through change and adversity.
- Board and external stakeholders: Working together for greater impact.
How do I get there?
- Strategy & execution: Develop an action plan to secure your first CEO role.
- Pitch for the role: Positioning yourself for the role.
- Peer network: Ongoing support from network of peers.
Aspiring CEO Topics Covered
Your story, “why” and values
High performing teams
Real-life CEO scenarios
CEO skills and capabilities
Choices and trade-offs
A Message From Our Leaders
Many executives have demonstrated capability to lead their respective business units. The shift to a CEO role demands greater enterprise leadership and a commitment to lean into the many complex challenges only CEOs face. At the School, we’re proud to have helped thousands of leaders rise to this challenge.”
MAGNUS GITTINS
Chief Executive Education Officer
Stepping into a CEO role is both a privilege and a defining moment - it calls for fresh perspective, agility, and trusted voices around you. That’s why MBS and Deloitte have come together - to walk alongside new CEOs with a multidisciplinary team that brings real-world insight, deep connection, and practical tools for lasting impact across any industry or market.
JOANNE GORTON
Chief Executive Officer of Deloitte Australia
Aspiring CEO Key Facilitators
Andrea North-Samardzic
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, ASSOCIATE DEAN EXECUTIVE DEGREE PROGRAMS
Andrea is an accomplished education and research executive with a proven track record of driving strategic change in Executive Education portfolios, with a focus on C-suite career development. She is known for leading transformation and growth in MBA programs and, engaging top industry leaders in the design and development of innovative content and delivery.
Lee Peters
PARTNER, DELOITTE AUSTRALIA
With over 20 years at Deloitte, including nearly a decade as a Partner, Lee has dedicated his career to fostering leadership excellence and capability development with his clients. His passion lies in transforming organisations into employers of choice by empowering individuals and leaders to unlock their full potential through impactful learning experiences.
Aspiring Guest Speakers
Drew Ginn OAM is a decorated Olympian and Thomas Keller Medallist who leverages his experience in world-class athletics to drive shared ownership and peak performance in organizational settings.
He currently serves as General Manager at Marshall White Bayside and an Associate at Melbourne Business School, where he facilitates holistic coaching and transformative leadership experiences.
Kathryn J Fagg AC Guest Speaker - From Executive to CEO
A highly experienced Board Member and Chair, Kathryn J Fagg is on the boards of ASX-listed companies NAB, Medibank Private and Djerriwarrh Investments.
She is a former chair of the CSIRO and Boral and was a member of the board of the Reserve Bank of Australia from 2013 to 2018.
She is a former President of Chief Executive Women (CEW) and a former Chair of Parks Victoria and the Melbourne Recital Centre.
Kristelle Young Guest Speaker - From Aspiring to Arriving
Christelle is the Managing Director of T2 Tea and a distinguished executive with extensive experience in strategy, transformation, technology, and data analytics.
Formerly the Chief Data & Analytics Officer at L’Oréal South Asia Pacific, Middle East & North Africa, she has led significant transformation initiatives across 33 countries.
Christelle is also an board member at Melbourne Business School’s Institute for Digital Innovation & AI.
Aspiring CEO Prerequisites
Participants will require endorsement from their CEO or Board Chair to be accepted into this program.
This program has been developed by:
Upcoming Sessions
In this residential program, participants stay on campus and engage in workshop activities after hours. The program fee covers tuition, meals and accommodation during the workshop.
Read our full terms and conditions and other frequently asked questions for more information.
Program Enquiry
Melbourne Business School’s short courses cater to:
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