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Executive Education

Design Thinking Masterclass

Practical solutions to innovate, impact and transform

Design Thinking provides a structured, user-centric approach to solving complex problems and unlocking creativity. It not only drives innovative solutions, but also fosters a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. 

This program equips you with the essentials of this transformative approach. Explore the fundamentals of Design Thinking and collaborative leadership, while gaining practical techniques and hands-on experience to apply these concepts immediately. Employ the power of Design Thinking to become a dynamic leader. Ignite a culture of innovation and strategic insight in your team.

 

How you will learn

This online course offers a dynamic learning environment designed to provide an interactive learning experience that fosters collaboration and active participation. Working with peers from various industries, you’ll engage in hands-on exercises, real-world scenarios and practical application of Design Thinking strategies and tools.

 

Who is this for?

This course is for business professionals eager to enhance creative problem solving and support an environment of innovation. For example: 

  • Business managers, directors, department heads and team leaders 
  • Project and program managers
  • Sales and marketing professionals
  • Leaders in professional service organizations

The impact

Embarking on an Executive Education program focused on strategic leadership can be a transformative experience for individuals seeking to enhance their professional impact. Participants stand to gain a multitude of benefits:

Become Design Thinking savvy:

  • Think like a designer
  • Apply effective Design Thinking tools and techniques

Overcome complex challenges: 

  • Uncover novel solutions to complex, ambiguous problems
  • Respond more agilely to changing conditions 

 

Drive creativity and innovation:

  • Leverage diverse perspectives to generate creative outcomes
  • Experiment your way to success

Enrich your leadership abilities:

  • Lead new initiatives with confidence
  • Cultivate a collaborative culture where learning can thrive
  • Approach complex problems with a structured, user-centric methodology 
  • Understand Design Thinking concepts and practical applications 
  • Adapt Design Thinking tools and techniques to various business scenarios and team sizes for maximum impact
  • Devise innovative solutions that address real-world challenges effectively
  • Develop skills to organize and lead productive Design Thinking sessions
  • Harness the power of collective insights to magnify innovation and creativity in your team
  • Contribute to the long-term success and sustainability of your organization
  • Increase organizational capacity to develop new products, services and processes that promote business growth and market differentiation
  • Create strategic, user-centred solutions that enhance customer satisfaction and operational efficiency
  • Improve cross-functional teamwork and communication, ultimately driving better project outcomes
  • Strengthen competitive edge by staying ahead of industry trends
  • Remain relevant in a rapidly changing market
DAY 1: Introduction to Design Thinking

 

Module 1: The Changing Business Context
See how leaders are using Design Thinking to nurture a culture of collaboration and experimentation to drive innovation.

  • V.U.C.A and the collapse of the traditional business model
  • Divergent vs. convergent thinking and the double-diamond framework 
  • Core principles of Design Thinking and common variations

Module 2: The Designer’s Toolbox
Take a deep dive into the Design Thinking process and its fundamental tools and techniques. 

  • The role of ideation and different techniques
  • Affinity clustering, dot-voting and prioritization 
  • Empathy mapping, personas and journey mapping
  • Reframing and how-might-we statements
 
DAY 2: Applying the Design Thinking Method

 

Module 3: Failing Fast to Success
Learn how to maximize organizational learning through experimentation, while minimizing overall risk.  

  • Thinking like a designer
  • Developing and testing solutions
  • Prototyping and the value of failing fast

Module 4: Design Thinking Leadership
Get practical instruction for planning, organizing and executing an effective Design Thinking session. Understand the role of leadership and culture in the successful application of Design Thinking. 

  • Cultivating a creative culture
  • Principles and practices of design-driven leadership 
  • The importance of effective story-telling
  • Key considerations when planning a design thinking session

Jonathan Carrigan

Associate

Jonathan is an expert educator and industry leader specializing in digital transformation, AI integration and organizational strategy. With over 20 years of professional experience, he has held senior roles in top organizations such as Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), where he spearheaded digital product development, data-driven marketing and strategic transformation initiatives. 

Jonathan’s proven ability to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and strategic leadership makes him a sought-after instructor for executive education programs. He has over a decade of experience designing and delivering executive training programs focused on the practical application of AI and digital strategies to drive innovation, improve operational efficiency and foster team engagement. His interactive approach significantly enhances his students’ learning experience, empowering them to navigate the complexities of AI adoption, aligning technology with organizational goals to create meaningful and lasting impact.

Jonathan’s practical experience in business transformation is complemented by an MBA in Technology Management, along with certifications in product management and executive leadership. 

[Executive Education Programs] AI for Administrative ProfessionalsAI for Business TransformationAI for EveryoneAI for Marketing and SalesDesign Thinking MasterclassDigital Transformation

Upcoming sessions

calendar Program dates
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notebook Format
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Aug 13 - 14, 2025
$1390.00 + tax (5%)

Online

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Online format is delivered virtually in real time and are not recorded. 

Online format is delivered virtually in real time and are not recorded. 

Online

Why UBC Sauder Executive Education?

Elevate your career and organization with UBC Sauder. Recognized as a global leader in executive education by the Financial Times, our programs deliver a transformative learning experience, resulting in tangible impact.

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