Topic-Focused
For Organizations
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Executive Education has partnered with organizations for over 70 years to deliver custom training for their employees. We take the time to understand your business, your team, and your goals to develop learning experiences drawing from UW Foster’s globally renowned faculty, resources, and evidence-based research.
Whether you represent a group of leaders from an organization looking to gain new knowledge and skills or an academic institution leading students on a global immersion program, deciding to make UW Foster School of Business a part of your educational journey is a smart investment.
Companies that have benefited from our programs include Amazon, Microsoft, Swedish Hospital, Starbucks, Boeing, Gates Foundation, FEMA, and DocuSign, to name a few. We also partner with numerous small-to-mid sized companies, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and universities from around the world.
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Custom Programs
Executive Education partners with organizations worldwide to create transformative learning experiences designed specifically for their teams. We collaborate closely with our clients to understand your business challenges, team dynamics, and strategic objectives, then design custom programs that leverage the University of Washington’s globally renowned faculty, cutting-edge research, and proven methodologies.
Partner with Executive Education to develop programs that reflect your industry, your goals, and your team. From Fortune 500 companies in IT, manufacturing, and financial services to state and local government agencies, we work with organizations that are diverse in size, industry, and business models. We also work regularly with international companies and MBA/EMBA groups from around the world for residential global immersion programs in Seattle.
Our Collaborative Approach
We believe in true partnership when designing your custom curriculum:
- Integration of Your Values: We incorporate your company’s values and strategic priorities directly into the content of the program.
- Cultural Alignment: We explore which formats and learning techniques best complement your existing corporate culture and internal training initiatives.
- Comprehensive Learning Design: Beyond faculty-led sessions, we can integrate executive guest speakers, customized case studies, application exercises, simulations, and capstone team competitions.
- Ongoing Partnership: Many organizations work with us year after year, continuously refining content and formats based on participant feedback and evolving business needs.
Leadership Development
- 1–3-day intensive covering critical leadership attributes and competencies
- Transformational leadership and developing your personal leadership philosophy
- Leading as agents of change and organizational transformation
- Managing diverse teams and fostering inclusive environments
- Influencing without authority and stakeholder engagement
- Power and status dynamics in workplace relationships
Strategic Decision-Making & Problem Solving
- Leadership decision-making and avoiding cognitive biases
- Complex problem solving and systematic issue resolution
- Solving complex problems through improved group dynamics
- Goal setting and competitive strategy
Competitive Strategy & Innovation
- Market segmentation, positioning, and go-to-market strategy
- Creativity and innovation through design thinking approaches
- Entrepreneurial thinking and strategic growth principles
- Brand management strategy and customer loyalty development
Organizational Change Management
- Leading organizational change (diagnostic tools and change planning)
- Teamwork, perception, decision-making, and motivation
- Strategic organizational design and corporate culture transformation
- Creating cultures of shared responsibility and achievement
Technology & Future of Work
- Generative AI and the future of work (live demos, case studies, interactive exercises)
- Competing around AI and navigating digital transformation
- Technology strategy, innovation, and industry evolution
Business Communication & Negotiation
- Negotiating skills (foundational and advanced multi-point negotiations)
- Communication signals, styles, and effective workplace communication
- Business communication skills with customized coaching and immediate behavior change
- Relationship building, power dynamics, and agreement structuring
- Difficult conversations and presentation skills
Financial Management & Operations
- Accounting and finance for planning, decision-making, and reporting
- Financial statements and transaction analysis
- Identifying relevant costs for a decision; using cost behavior to set budgets, evaluate performance, and make decisions
- Investment analysis: identifying a project’s impact, risk and cost of capital, financing an organization
- Supply chain resilience, sustainability, and agile operations
Human Resources & Organizational Behavior
- HR management tools that strengthen business performance
- Managing diverse teams and overcoming barriers to innovation
- Workplace dynamics, motivation, and performance optimization
Ethics and Governance
- Business ethics, codes of conduct, and ethical leadership
- Corporate social responsibility and stakeholder management
- Corporate governance best practices and ethical decision-making
Custom programs are exactly that: custom. Each tackles specific topic areas, training gaps, or challenges unique to your organization. Our programs vary widely in content, format, and duration:
Targeted Skills Development Examples
- Two-day negotiating skills seminars for sales teams
- One-week finance and accounting fundamentals for management teams
- Specialized workshops addressing persistent organizational challenges
Leadership Development Program Examples
- One to Two-week residential management development for high-potential future leaders
- Executive leadership intensives with integrated speakers and case studies
- Multi-month leadership journeys with implementation checkpoints
Problem-Solving Focused Program Examples
- Development of company-specific processes and frameworks
- Creation of customized instructional materials and case studies based on your business
- Group projects with built-in follow-up sessions after program completion
Quick Custom Training Options
- Any of the topic-focused courses that you see on our website can be offered as a class exclusively for your employees (for groups of 15+).
- Convenience: Class can take place at your facility for maximum flexibility, convenience and time savings.
- Faster Delivery: As our open enrollment seminars are already designed, we can deliver them at short notice, depending on faculty availability.
- Focus on Your Organization: In-class discussions focus on specific issues related to your organization.
Program Delivery Methods
- Many programs incorporate experiential learning through simulations, role-play exercises, and real-world application opportunities.
- Host your training in-person at UW, at your company’s facility, or another off-site venue.
- Live online instruction is offered as an alternative for most topics.
- Hybrid formats that blend in-person sessions with attendees joining virtually can help to include distant or international team members.
Seattle’s vibrant business ecosystem, home to iconic companies like Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing, and Starbucks, provides unique learning opportunities. Many of our custom programs include company visits and meetings with industry leaders, giving participants direct access to the insights and experiences of these renowned organizations.
Whether you’re developing organizational leaders, enhancing specific skills across your team, or creating a comprehensive development initiative, partnering with the Foster School of Business represents a strategic investment in your organization’s future success.
For more information on partnering your organization with the Michael G. Foster School of Business, please contact UW Executive Education at [email protected] or 206-543-8560.
Sponsor your Employees & Group Enrollment
Employee Sponsorship
Invest in your employees’ professional development while delivering immediate value to your organization. Sponsor employee participation in our comprehensive leadership programs or topic-focused courses to build critical skills and drive business results.
Group Discounts
When you enroll 3 or more employees in the same comprehensive leadership program or topic-focused course, you receive a 15% discount on course fees. Simply select “group enrollment” during registration, and we’ll coordinate invoicing directly with your organization. (Discount applies to in-person courses only.)
We also have discounts for non-profit organizations attending our open enrollment courses. Click here for more information on discounts. Contact [email protected] for assistance with registering your employee or group.
Global Immersion for Universities and Organizations
The University of Washington serves as your partner for accelerated, intensive 1–2-week global immersion experiences in Seattle. Our innovative programming, taught by leading faculty in one of the world’s premier tech hubs, provides international students and professionals with world-class learning experiences that combine academic excellence with real-world business insights.
For Universities
Universities worldwide choose the University of Washington to enhance their students’ global business education. Whether you’re bringing executive education participants, MBA/EMBA students, or undergraduate learners, our Seattle immersion programs provide essential exposure to U.S. business practices and leadership approaches. We’ve successfully hosted groups from Korea, Japan, Taiwan, China, Switzerland, Spain, Thailand, India, Germany, Brazil, Uzbekistan, and other countries.
Our collaborative approach ensures programs align with your educational objectives:
- Curriculum Integration: We work with your faculty to complement existing coursework and academic goals
- Cultural Bridge-Building: Programs incorporate both rigorous academics and meaningful cultural experiences
- Flexible Scope: Choose from purely academic programming or comprehensive packages including company visits, cultural activities, accommodations, meals, and visa support
For Agencies
Beyond direct university partnerships, we collaborate with agencies supporting targeted professional groups seeking short-term Seattle learning experiences. Our team adapts programming scope and services based on specific group needs and objectives.
Exclusive Company Access
Leverage Seattle’s thriving business community through arranged visits to iconic companies such as Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, Costco, and Boeing. These experiences provide networking opportunities with top executives and firsthand insights into successful business operations and innovation strategies.
Language Support
Language barriers are never an obstacle. We provide simultaneous interpretation equipment and can deliver classroom lectures and company visits in your preferred language. Upon request, we also translate program materials and content to ensure full comprehension and engagement.
Earn a Certificate
Program participants can receive an official certificate of completion signed by the Dean of the UW Foster School of Business, providing formal recognition of their educational achievement and professional development.
Take the Next Step
Inquiries in English: [email protected]
Inquires in Chinese 中文咨询 : James Zheng 郑实, [email protected]