ISB Women’s Leadership Programme focuses on influence, impact and growth

Despite measurable progress on diversity goals, women continue to remain underrepresented in senior leadership roles, reflecting persistent structural and organisational barriers.

According to Women in the Workplace 2025 by McKinsey & Company¹, women hold just 29 percent of C-suite roles globally, a figure unchanged from 2024, underscoring the persistent gap in senior leadership representation.As organisations examine ways to address this imbalance, leadership development and mentorship initiatives have become an area of focus. Programmes aimed at strengthening executive presence, strategic decision-making and organisational influence are increasingly viewed as mechanisms to support women’s advancement into decision-making roles.

Within this broader context, the Women’s Leadership Programme offered by ISB Executive Education is structured as a learning initiative designed for mid- to senior-level women professionals. The programme focuses on leadership capability building, strategic thinking and professional networks that can support career progression into senior roles.Strengthening executive presence and strategic influenceThe Women’s Leadership Programme provides women with a structured learning journey that moves from personal insight to organisational alignment and, ultimately, to broader impact.

Delivered through a blend of live online sessions, coaching, peer learning, and on-campus immersions, the programme focuses on enhancing self-awareness, critical thinking, negotiation, communication, and data-driven decision-making.Participants begin by strengthening self-awareness, critical thinking, and emotional agility, building the foundation for authentic leadership. The curriculum then expands to focus on influencing teams, negotiating effectively, shaping organisational culture, and leading with empathy and purpose.

The final phase emphasises executive communication, innovation, and the confidence to drive change and articulate a clear leadership voice.Reflecting the programme’s emphasis on interactive learning and diverse perspectives, Gaathaa Sindhi, Service Delivery Manager, Palo Alto Networks noted, “The programme was incredibly engaging – whether online or on-campus - every session encouraged discussions, creativity, and new ideas.

The faculty made learning interactive and insightful, and connecting with professionals from diverse industries helped me gain fresh perspectives.

It also provided a holistic view of diversity, equity, and inclusion, leaving me empowered to implement these learnings for my team and customers.”From self-mastery to organisational impactThe curriculum progresses through three integrated modules - Reimagine Self, Lead Forward, and Amplify Impact - moving from personal leadership insight to organisational alignment and, finally, to influence and innovation.

Participants learn to leverage emerging technologies such as AI thoughtfully, foster inclusive cultures, shape organisational strategy with empathy and purpose, and articulate their leadership voice with clarity and conviction.Intensive group coaching sessions run parallel to the modules, enabling participants to translate learning into practical action, while sustaining long-term professional growth.

The programme also creates a strong leadership network that extends beyond the classroom, fostering collaboration and peer support among women leaders across industries.Highlighting the programme’s flexibility and cohort-driven learning, Nandini Himanshu Suthar, Lead UX Designer, Salesforce shared, “As a new mother, resuming my professional journey felt daunting, but the blended format provided the flexibility I needed to manage my time effectively.

The online sessions allowed me to balance learning with my responsibilities, and being part of a diverse cohort of lawyers, designers, and marketers, was truly inspiring, helping me apply new insights in my field.

”An immersive, network-driven learning experienceDesigned for women professionals with five or more years of experience including those preparing for senior roles, managing new teams, or navigating career transitions - the programme offers access to globally recognised ISB faculty, industry speakers, and a vibrant peer cohort.

Programme details

On successful completion, participants will receive a certificate from ISB Executive Education and gain ISB Executive Alumni status, providing continued access to learning resources, events, and a global professional network.Applications are now open for the upcoming cohort of the ISB Executive Education Women’s Leadership Programme, offering women leaders an opportunity to strengthen executive presence, expand strategic influence, and lead with purpose in an increasingly complex and dynamic business environment.Know more about the programme here.References:

Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of ISB Executive Education by Times Internet’s Spotlight team.