What it takes to step up as a strategic leader and how IIM Calcutta helps build that capability

For many years, operational excellence defined the success of a Chief Operations Officer. Today, while execution remains critical, organisations are looking for COOs with much more capabilities needed in the AI economy.

They are expected to contribute to strategic decisions, help steer large-scale business initiatives, and bring together technology, people, and processes in ways that create long-term value.In today's high-stakes business environment, characterised by the rapid onset of Artificial Intelligence and increasingly volatile global markets, operations have become the heartbeat of enterprise strategy. Organisations now require leaders who can move beyond linear processes to drive enterprise scale, influence boardroom decisions, lead AI-driven transformations, and step up as strategic leaders who shape enterprise-wide outcomes.This evolution is fundamentally changing the career trajectory for senior operations professionals. The modern COO is increasingly viewed as a primary candidate for future C-suite succession due to their holistic grasp of the organisation's value chain. Recent research indicates that the dynamic between the top two executives is shifting. A strong CEO and COO partnership is now widely considered a formula for success, where the COO not only executes predefined strategy but actively shapes it alongside the CEO¹.However, transitioning from operational excellence to enterprise-wide strategic leadership requires a sophisticated toolkit that spans AI transformation, financial discipline, advanced governance, leadership presence, and enterprise-level decision-making. As the COO role continues to evolve, leaders are expected to move beyond operational management and take on a more strategic role within the enterprise.

Today’s operations leaders are increasingly expected to shape business strategy, design agile operating models, lead AI-enabled transformation, and influence boardroom decisions. For professionals looking to step up as strategic leaders and prepare for broader C-suite responsibilities, IIM Calcutta has introduced the Chief Operations Officer Programme, offered in association with TalentSprint, Part of Accenture, as the programme's digital delivery and outreach partner.

Bridging the gap between execution, enterprise leadership, and boardroom strategyAs the most accredited B-School in India and a member of the prestigious CEMS global alliance², the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta offers a curriculum that bridges the gap between execution and high-level strategy. By positioning this programme as a pathway for senior professionals, the institute is creating a new class of leaders who are as comfortable discussing ethical AI responsibility as they are with supply chain optimisation.The transition from a traditional leader to a next-gen involves a pivot from optimising costs to driving enterprise-wide value. The curriculum integrates AI and business transformation into operations strategy, helping participants align operations with business goals, devise strategies, build supply chain capabilities, and leverage optimisation models to enhance competitiveness in an AI economy.A significant focus of the programme is placed on the COO's role in the boardroom.

Here, participants learn to navigate the complexities of corporate governance, enterprise risk management, and the responsibilities of executive board members. By understanding the macroeconomic context of business and developing a deep financial understanding of strategy, senior professionals are equipped to influence boardroom decisions, contribute to enterprise governance discussions, and strengthen their leadership credibility with authority.As AI-driven transformation accelerates, leaders must balance innovation, governance, and risk. Gartner predicts that by 2027, augmented analytics capabilities will evolve into autonomous platforms managing a significant portion of business processes³.Strengthening leadership presence at scaleTechnical mastery is only one pillar of C-suite success. The ability to lead, influence, and manage stakeholder relationships is equally vital. The programme builds leadership and stakeholder management capabilities, helping participants strengthen negotiation, conflict resolution, and executive presence.The learning experience is built on a high-impact model that includes hands-on learning through case studies and group assignments. It also features a high-stakes capstone project based on real business challenges. Participants also engage closely with faculty and accomplished professionals from diverse sectors, building meaningful connections and a strong peer network that lasts beyond the programme.The programme is led by experienced IIM Calcutta faculty, including Prof.

Peeyush Mehta from the Operations Management Group and Prof. Amit Dhiman from the HRM Group. Their academic expertise and industry insights help participants build a strong foundation in strategy, leadership, and operations.Upon successful completion, participants gain IIM Calcutta Executive Education alumni status and become part of a distinguished network of over 33,000 alumni. This lifelong connection offers valuable opportunities for networking, collaboration, and continued professional growth.Key programme highlights The Chief Operations Officer Programme by IIM Calcutta combines rigorous learning with a format tailored for senior professionals. Key highlights include:

The role of next-gen COO is evolving beyond operations. Explore more about the changing dynamics in a LIVE webinar hosted by IIM Calcutta’s distinguished faculty Prof. Peeyush Mehta and Prof. Amit Dhiman. Register now to discover what it takes to lead at the enterprise level.

Eligibility

Organisations can also nominate high-potential executives to strengthen leadership development efforts and build a pipeline of future-ready enterprise leaders.Step up from operations to enterprise leadershipBy the end of the programme, participants move beyond a conventional focus on efficiency and process management to a broader role centred on enterprise value and strategy. Exposure to AI transformation, governance, enterprise risk, and leadership frameworks enables them to make organisation-level decisions with confidence.

With stronger judgement, leadership presence, and an enterprise-wide perspective, they are better equipped for broader strategic and C-suite responsibilities.Leading with impact in the age of intelligenceAs organisations redefine leadership expectations in the age of AI, senior professionals must be prepared to contribute beyond functional expertise. The Chief Operations Officer Programme at IIM Calcutta helps experienced leaders develop the perspective, judgement, and confidence required to create lasting organisational impact.

Through a blend of academic rigour and practical application, the programme enables professionals to take on larger leadership mandates with conviction.

Click here to know more about the programme.References:1. "The CEO-COO Partnership: A Formula For Success," Forbes/The Innovation Framework, https://theinnovationframework.com/the-ceo-coo-partnership-a-formula-for-success/2. "IIM Calcutta Triple Crown Accreditation and CEMS Membership," Indian Institute of Management Calcutta Official Website, https://www.iimcal.ac.in/programs/pgpex/mba-for-executives-programme3. "Gartner Predicts 75% of Analytics Content to Use GenAI for Enhanced Contextual Intelligence by 2027," Gartner, https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2025-06-18-gartner-predicts-75-percent-of-analytics-content-to-use-genai-for-enhanced-contextual-intelligence-by-2027Disclaimer: This article has been produced on behalf of TalentSprint (part of Accenture LearnVantage) by Times Internet’s Spotlight team.