Executive Academy in Leading and Designing Transition

Increase your impact as sustainable leader who has the skills to use design principles and apply the philosophy of:

Adaptable – with the mindset of imperfection
Curious – ready to experiment and willing to get “lost in woods”
Open to arts – be willing to embrace complexities of the modern world
Resilient – knowledgeable about their limits, willing to expand them
Peaceful – taking time for themselves and sustaining their energy

Answer the questions about your interest and register for the program

Module 1. Context, Challenges and Possibilities

Module 2. New Perspectives

Module 3. Designing Disruptive Change

Module 4. Value Creation

Module 5. Societal Impact

Module 1. Context, Challenges and Possibilities

04-06.09 and 02-04.10.2024EBS Tallinn and EKA Narva

Who: Peep Aaviksoo, Merle Viirmaa, Marko Rillo, Meelis Kitsing, Katri Raik, Kaarel Suuk

The first module consists of two sessions:

04-06.09.2024 – EBS Campus in Tallinn, Lauteri 3, Tallinn, Estonia – Teambuilding and Introduction to Coaching and Fieldwork
02-04.10.2024 – EKA Campus in Narva, Joala 18, Narva Estonia – Strategy and Systems.

The first session – Teambuilding, Introduction to Coaching and Fieldwork

The first session improves communication skills by introducing through constant feedback and coaching tools. The session helps participants to learn how to summarise and communicate complex issues in easy and understandable ways. The interactive workshop on coaching tools and techniques is delivered by Peep Aaviksoo and Merle Viirmaa.

Goals:

Uses coaching in personal and professional development.
Uses tools for group coaching in team setting.

The second session – Strategy and Systems

The second session takes a multi-level view to leading and designing change:

On systems level, it focuses on adapting to change in VUCA environment that requires understanding uncertainties and complexities.
On organisational level, it focuses on creating change in social systems comprised of individuals with occasionally aligning or conflicting goals.
On individual level, it focuses on creating change in oneself. Reflecting on participants development goals.

The session is delivered by Meelis Kitsing, Katri Raik and Kaarel Suuk

Goals:

Uses strategy and systems thinking in transformative change.
Applies skills for strategic planning and systems analysis.

Teambuilding and fieldwork

04-06.09.2024EBS Tallinn

Who: Peep Aaviksoo, Merle Viirmaa, Marko Rillo

This session focuses on the importance of coaching in a rapidly changing world. It develops skills for effective coaching and group coaching techniques. The module helps participants to adapt to change and lead others through change.

Session Overview

Location: EBS Campus in Tallinn, Lauteri 3, Tallinn, Estonia

Timing:

Wed 04. September 2024: Introduction to Study Programme and Fieldwork
Thu 05. September 2024: Coaching Introduction – Listening and Coaching Individuals
Fri 06. September 2024: Using Coaching for Leadership Techniques.

Session Contents

The aim of this session is to start with initial fieldwork and obtain the skills of coaching.

The person who completes the course acquires knowledge that enables a better understanding of the nature and potential of coaching in the development of management culture and the application of coaching methods and tools.
The subject brings clarity to the differences between coaching-mentoring-consultation-training and helps to discover alternatives to giving advice. An effective GROW model is introduced, which allows you to start coaching right away. The course covers important techniques for effective coaching, including developing listening skills and practicing asking open questions.
You will learn ways of listening that make your partner talk more, and you will be offered standard questions for practice that will bring the best answer.
Those who have completed the course know the characteristics of coaching management and know how to combine it with other management styles. You will learn to design forward and feedback conversations.
The course offers a lively learning environment and plenty of practical exercises.

Session Assignment

An essay on the topic “Who am I” with a length of 2-3 x A4 (750-1000 words), which must be uploaded to Canvas by September 18, 2024 at the latest.

Session Reflection

Session reflection will take place on September 19 virtually to discuss the session assignment.

Strategy and systems

02-04.10.2024EKA Narva

Who: Meelis Kitsing, Katri Raik, Kaarel Suuk

This session focuses on strategic planning and systems thinking in the context of transformative change.

Session Overview

Location: EKA Campus in Narva, Joala 18, Narva Estonia

Timing:

Wed 02. October 2024. Introduction to Systems View – Adapting to VUCA Change
Thu 03. October 2024. Systems and Scenarios.
Fri 04. October 2024. Managing Systems in Parctice
Virtual session: Fri 18. October 2024. Discussion of homework assignment.

Session Contents

The second session takes a multi-level view to leading and designing change:

On systems level, it focuses on adapting to change in VUCA environment that requires understanding uncertainties and complexities.
On organisational level, it focuses on creating change in social systems comprised of individuals with occasionally aligning or conflicting goals.
On individual level, it focuses on creating change in oneself. Reflecting on participants development goals.

The session is delivered by Meelis Kitsing, Katri Raik and Kaarel Suuk

Goals:

Uses strategy and systems thinking in transformative change.
Applies skills for strategic planning and systems analysis.

Analyses and benchmarks

30.10 – 01.11.2024EBS Tallinn

This module focuses on the importance of analysis and benchmarking in systems-oriented design.

Session Overview

Location: EBS Campus in Tallinn, Lauteri 3, Tallinn, Estonia

Timing:

Wed 30. October 2024.
Thu 31. October 2024.
Fri 01. November 2024.
Virtual session: Fri 15. November 2024. Discussion of homework assignment.

Study Tour (Saarbrücken)

27-29.11.2024Saarbrücken

This module focuses on managing transformative innovation projects and learning from the best global practices.

Prioritisation

15-17.01.2025EKA Tallinn

This module focuses on setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and conducting cost-benefit analyses.

Session Overview

Location: EKA Campus in Tallinn, Põhja puiestee 7, Tallinn, Estonia

Timing:

Wed 15. January 2025.
Thu 16. January 2025.
Fri 17. January 2025.
Virtual session: Fri 31. January 2025. Discussion of homework assignment.

Disruptive innovation

12-14.02.2025EBS Tallinn

This module focuses on the balance between radical innovation and fine-tuning existing processes, with a focus on the technology basis.

Session Overview

Location: EBS Campus in Tallinn, Lauteri 3, Tallinn, Estonia

Timing:

Wed 12. February 2025.
Thu 13. February 2025.
Fri 14. February 2025.
Virtual session: Fri 28. February 2025. Discussion of homework assignment.

Value proposition

12-14.03.2025EKA Tallinn

This module focuses on designing value propositions, assessing viability, managing risks, and considering ethics.

Session Overview

Location: EKA Campus in Tallinn, Põhja puiestee 7, Tallinn, Estonia

Timing:

Wed 12. March 2025.
Thu 13. March 2025.
Fri 14. March 2025.
Virtual session: Fri 28. March 2025. Discussion of homework assignment.

Business modeling

9-11.04.2025EBS Tallinn

This module focuses on business modeling, pricing strategies, and budgeting.

Session Overview

Location: EBS Campus in Tallinn, Lauteri 3, Tallinn, Estonia

Timing:

Wed 9. April 2025.
Thu 10. April 2025.
Fri 11. April 2025.
Virtual session: Fri 25. April 2025. Discussion of homework assignment.

Action planning

7-9.05.2025EKA Tallinn

This module focuses on action planning, production management, investment decisions, and legal aspects such as GDPR, taxes, intellectual property, and mergers and acquisitions.

Session Overview

Location: EKA Campus in Tallinn, Põhja puiestee 7, Tallinn, Estonia

Timing:

Wed 7. May 2025.
Thu 8. May 2025.
Fri 9. May 2025.
Virtual session: Fri 23. May 2025. Discussion of homework assignment.

Communications

4-6.06.2025EBS Tallinn

This module focuses on communication, marketing, and sales.

Session Overview

Location: EBS Campus in Tallinn, Lauteri 3, Tallinn, Estonia

Timing:

Wed 4. June 2025.
Thu 5. June 2025.
Fri 6. June 2025.
20.06.2025 – EBS Campus in Tallinn – Final Graduation Ceremony

Module 2. New Perspectives

30.10-01.11 and 27-29.11.2024EBS Tallinn and Saarbrücken Germany

Who: Marju Lauristin, Ruth-Helene Melioranski, Tanel Kärp, Anna-Maria Praks

The second module consists of two sessions:

30.10-01.11.2024 – EBS Campus in Tallinn, Lauteri 3, Tallinn, Estonia – Analyses and Benchmarks
27-29.11.2024 – Study Tour to Saarbrücken, Germany – Strategy and Systems.

The third session – Analyses and Benchmarks

This module focuses on the importance of analysis and benchmarking in systems-oriented design.

The fourth session – Study Tour to Saarbrücken

This module focuses on managing transformative innovation projects and learning from the best global practices.

Module 3. Designing Disruptive Change

15-17.01 and 12-14.02.2025EKA Tallinn and EBS Tallinn

Who: Siim Lepisk, Tamur Tohver

The third module consists of two sessions:

15-17.01.2025 – EKA Campus in Tallinn, Põhja puiestee 7, Tallinn, Estonia – Prioritisation and Analysing Future Focus
12-14.02.2025 – EBS Campus in Tallinn, Lauteri 3, Tallinn, Estonia – Disruptive and Radical Innovation for New Idea Generation

The fifth session – Prioritisation and Analysing Future Focus

This module focuses on setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and conducting cost-benefit analyses.

The sixth session – Disruptive and Radical Innovation for New Idea Generation

This module focuses on the balance between radical innovation and fine-tuning existing processes, with a focus on the technology basis.

Module 4. Value Creation

12-14.03 and 9-11.04.2025EKA Tallinn and EBS Tallinn

Who: Valeria Kiisk, Peeter Koppel, Fabian Takacs

The fourth module consists of two sessions:

12-14.03.2025 – EKA Campus in Tallinn, Põhja puiestee 7, Tallinn, Estonia – Value Proposition and Value Creation
28.03.2025 (virtual meeting)
9-11.04.2025 – EBS Campus in Tallinn, Lauteri 3, Tallinn, Estonia – Business Modeling and Value Capture
25.04.2025 (virtual meeting)

The 7th session – Value Proposition and Value Creation

This module focuses on designing value propositions, assessing viability, managing risks, and considering ethics.

The 8th session – Business Modeling and Value Capture

This module focuses on business modeling, pricing strategies, and budgeting.

Module 5. Societal Impact

7-9.05 and 4-6.06.2025EKA Tallinn and EBS Tallinn

Who: Claus Jacobs, Monika Tamla

The fifth module consists of:

7-9.05.2025 – EKA Campus in Tallinn, Põhja puiestee 7, Tallinn, Estonia – Action Planning
23.05.2025 (virtual meeting)
4-6.06.2025 – EBS Campus in Tallinn, Lauteri 3, Tallinn, Estonia – Communications and Marketing
20.06.2025 – EBS Campus in Tallinn – Final Graduation Ceremony

The 9th Session – Action Planning

This module focuses on action planning, production management, investment decisions, and legal aspects such as GDPR, taxes, intellectual property, and mergers and acquisitions.

The 10th Session – Communications and Marketing

This module focuses on communication, marketing, and sales.

Introduction

Programme includes:

Practical tasks to foster innovation and creativity
Systems view and networks with different industries and topics
Out of box thinking for real life solutions
Personal growth that supports organisational growth

Watch video

Purpose & beyond the profit impact

Megatrends, ecosystem, stakeholders

Future-fit, human-centered leadership, sustainable business model

Self-leadership & sustainable performance

Become a sustainably high-performing leader with deep sense of purpose, self-awareness and systemic thinking capabilities.

Develop a purpose-driven sustainable business model with beyond the profit results. Enable the new busines model by entrepreneurial and cross-functional self-managed teams, green technology and financing.

Have positive impact on the society and environment through stakeholder collaboration and co-innovation.

Keynote speakers

Meelis Kitsing

Professor Meelis Kitsing is the author of the “Political Economy of Digital Ecosystems: Scenario Planning for Alternative Futures” (Routledge 2021).

Valeria Kiisk

Valeria Kiisk (PhD) is an expert in Capital markets, M&A, investment management | BFAA Investment Advisor | EFPA ESG Advisor.

Peeter Koppel

Peeter Koppel (EMBA) is an Estonian economic analyst and columnist who often comments on economic topics in the Estonian media, especially the behaviour of financial markets and the factors affecting it. He is Chief Investment Officer at Redgate Capital with years of experience in capital markets at various large financial institutions.

Merle Viirmaa

Merle Viirmaa has worked on the boards of Estonia’s largest media companies. She is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and is a member of both the Estonian and International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Peep Aaviksoo

Peep Aaviksoo is a top manager with 30 years of experience, the last 10 of which he was active as the head of EBS Executive Education. Aaviksoo has been a certified Executive Coach, 2014 ICF-Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and as a coaching trainer.

Monika Tamla

Monika Tamla is an experienced educator and journalist. She has been news anchor Estonian Public Broadcasting main channel for more than a decade. Since then she has delivered TV simulation training at the Estonian Business School.

Meelis Kitsing

Estonian Business School
Rector

Professor Meelis Kitsing is the author of the “Political Economy of Digital Ecosystems: Scenario Planning for Alternative Futures” (Routledge 2021). Currently, Meelis serves as the Rector of Estonian Business School and CEO of Estonian Business School Foundation. Previously, he served as Head of Research at Foresight Center, a think-tank at the Estonian Parliament and an Adviser at the Strategy Unit of the Estonian Cabinet Office. He has also worked as Head of Economic Analysis at the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communication. His interests in research focus on scenario planning and digital ecosystems. His research has been published by many recognized academic publishers including Routledge, MIT Press, Springer, IEEE, ACM, and Leuven University Press. Meelis received his PhD from the University of Massachusetts Amherst (US), his MALD as a Fulbright scholar from the Fletcher School at Tufts University (US) and his MSc as a Peacock scholar from London School of Economics (UK).

Valeria Kiisk

Valeria Kiisk (PhD) is an expert in Capital markets, M&A, investment management | BFAA Investment Advisor | EFPA ESG Advisor. She is overseeing the corporate financial advisory side of Redgate Capital. As a board member, Valeria is responsible for sales, personnel, marketing, and communications.

Peeter Koppel

Merle Viirmaa

Merle Viirmaa has worked on the boards of Estonia’s largest media companies, has led strategic changes, modernized and renewed business models of media companies, and developed marketing strategies for several companies. Today she works as a management coach and consultant and a lecturer. Personal experience as a manager helps her understand the challenges of her clients. Merle is a pedagogue by education, she has improved his management knowledge at numerous trainings in Estonia and abroad.In recent years, Merle has devoted herself to coaching. She has worked as a coach with more than 100 managers, as a lecturer she has shared coaching skills and mindset with almost 400 interested people. Merle holds Advanced Practitioner Diploma in Executive Coaching (AoEC, England) and Gestalt Practitioner Diploma (GIS, Denmark). She is a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) and is a member of both the Estonian and International Coaching Federation (ICF). Merle is also a columnist for Edasi magazine. Topics close to her heart have been the management of change and innovation, as well as the field of female leadership.

Peep Aaviksoo

Peep Aaviksoo is a top manager with 30 years of experience, the last 10 of which he was active as the head of EBS Executive Education. He has found his calling in coaching, being one of the founders of EBS Executive Coaching Centre. Since 2012, Aaviksoo has been a certified Executive Coach, 2014 ICF-Associate Certified Coach (ACC) and 2018 ICF-Professional Certified Coach (PCC). Aaviksoo is a licensed expert of Team Coaching International: Certified Team Performance Coach™ (CTPC) and a certified consultant of Hogan Assessment Systems. Previously, Aaviksoo has worked as the CEO of the listed companies Norma and EMT and also as the deputy mayor of Tallinn. Aaviksoo has been the president of the Basketball Association and a member of the EOK Executive Committee for 12 years, as well as the chairman and member of the council of numerous companies. Aaviksoo graduated from the University of Tartu as a basketball coach and with an MBA diploma from EBS in 1993. In 2001, he completed the Senior Executive Program at the London Business School.

Monika Tamla

Monika Tamla brings a wealth of experience and a diverse skill set to her role as a Media Communication and Television Interview Simulation Trainer at the Estonian Business School. With a career spanning over two decades, Monika has made significant contributions across public service, media, and coaching sectors, showcasing her versatility and depth of knowledge. Monika has conducted media training sessions for both public and private sectors, sharing her insights and expertise to improve communication strategies and public presence. Her workshops are known for their interactive and engaging nature, often incorporating simulations and real-life scenarios to provide hands-on experience. Currently serving as an Advisor at the Government Office of Estonia in the Top Civil Service Competence Centre. From 2001 to 2018, Monika played a pivotal role at the Estonian Public Broadcasting (ERR), where she worked as a journalist in News Department. Her career as a television journalist began in 2001 as the morning news anchor for TV program “Terevisioon.” From 2007 to 2018, she served as the news anchor for ERR’s main news program “Aktuaalne Kaamera.” Monika holds a Master’s degree and an Economist diploma (equivalent to an MBA) from Tallinn University of Technology. She also studied EU politics and International Relations in the Estonian School of Diplomacy, Political Science and International Relations in the University of Tartu and Advanced Political Journalism in the Baltic Media Centre in Bornholm.

Programme

A 10 month development journey