Dates and modules

The CAS Design Leadership is divided into a total of seven workshop modules, each of which takes place from Thursday to Saturday, from 9 am to 4.30 pm (subject to change). Exception is module 3, which takes place offsite. An overview of speakers and guest lecturers for this CAS can be found here.

Module 1

Set the Scene

Class of 2026: Thurs–Sat, 26.–28.2.2026
Class of 2027: Thurs–Sat, 4.–6.3.2027

The introductory module provides an overview of trends in modern working environments amid digital and social change. Participants encounter fundamental principles of leadership and design, learn about frameworks and position themselves within them.

Module 2

Embodied Leadership

Class of 2026: Thurs–Sat, 19.–21.3.2026
Class of 2027: Thurs–Sat, 18.–20.3.2027

Neurobiological processes form the basis for effective leadership. This requires the ability to influence and specifically control one's own mental processes, for example with the help of embodiment and approaches from sports psychology. Participants train the interaction between body, mind and behaviour, as well as sustainable presence, clarity and the ability to act in everyday leadership situations.

Module 3 – Offsite

Conscious Leadership (Self & Planet) 

Class of 2026: Thurs–Sat, 9.–11.4.2026, with overnight stay 
Class of 2027: Thurs–Sat, 15.–17.4.2027, with overnight stay
(subject to change)

Against the backdrop of the Graubünden mountains, participants identify key leadership challenges as well as their own strengths, weaknesses and blind spots. They develop awareness of their own values, principles and individual resources (resilience) – and attempt to reconcile these with planetary requirements.

Module 4

Leading Change – Strategic Thinking, Collaboration & Storytelling

Class of 2026: Thurs–Sat, 7.–9.5.2026
Class of 2027: Thurs–Sat, 12.–14.5.2027

How can cooperation succeed in dynamic contexts? How can leaders actively shape group dynamic processes? This module focuses on strategic thinking and leadership to enable development. The focus is on storytelling as a leadership tool to make complex change understandable and create impact.

Module 5

Strategy, Digital Transformation & HCAI

Class of 2026: Wed, 20.5.2026, 4.30–7.30 PM (Zoom), and Thu/Fri, 21./22.5.2026 (Toni-Areal)
Class of 2027: Wed, 27.5.2027, 4.30–7.30 PM (Zoom), and Thu/Fri, 28./29.5.2027 (Toni-Areal)

Digital business models are subject to a logic that influences organisation and leadership. Examining current transformation dynamics and leadership requirements in the information age, as well as human-centred approaches such as human-centred AI and their significance for sustainable innovation, raises awareness of digital competence as a strategic success factor.

Module 6

Leadership Signature: Connecting The Dots

Class of 2026: Thurs–Sat, 4.–6.6.2026
Class of 2027: Thurs–Sat, 17.–19.6.2027

In this module, participants reflect on and integrate key leadership skills and practise presentation skills, conversation techniques and negotiation skills in challenging situations. They develop a personal leadership profile and position themselves through personal branding. They anchor what they have learned in their everyday leadership activities and raise their awareness of social trends and their significance for contemporary leadership.

Module 7

Leadership Special: Improvisation & Performance

Class of 2026: Thurs–Sat, 2.–4.7.2026
Class of 2027: Thurs–Sat, 8.–10.7.2027

The final module, which focuses on acting techniques, serves to deepen presence, spontaneity and resonance through improvisation and singing, as well as to connect inner attitude and outer expression. An interactive simulation game (megagame) simulates collective leadership challenges.

* subject to changes.