Programme brochure

LSE AI Leadership
Accelerator

This six-month Accelerator gives you the depth, coaching and credentials to lead AI with confidence — without stepping out of your career.

Not sure yet? Most participants start with a quick consultation.

AI is reshaping how businesses compete and how leaders lead. But while ambition is everywhere, many professionals still lack the tools, strategy, and confidence to turn AI into action.

This programme is built for that gap.

Designed for senior professionals, the LSE AI Leadership Accelerator helps you assess where AI adds value, build board-ready business cases, and lead AI-driven change, without needing to be technical. You’ll work through real-world scenarios, apply proven tools and develop leadership assets you can use immediately in your role.

Alongside expert guidance and coaching, you'll grow your credibility as a leader who doesn't just talk about AI — you drive it.

Gain clarity on where AI delivers real value

Learn how to evaluate AI opportunities in your organisation, avoid hype and prioritise initiatives that create measurable impact.

Deliver strategic AI investments with credibility and clarity

Learn how to identify, cost, and oversee AI initiatives from business case to benefit realisation, managing governance, vendors and risks to successful adoption.

Lead change with confidence (regardless of your technical background)

Navigate resistance, build alignment across teams and lead AI transformation without needing to be technical.

Advance your career with 1:1 coaching and an LSE credential

Work with a coach to refine your AI leadership positioning, unlock new strategic roles, and gain a recognised qualification that signals future readiness.

Developed in collaboration with leading AI practitioners from:

Deloitte office of Generative AI

Programme overview

Start date:

11 May 2026
Apply by 4 May 2026

Tuition:

£7,995
(Payment plans available)

Duration:

6 months + 2 weeks of Orientation

Format:

100% online, 5–10 hrs/week

Certification:

LSE AI Leadership Certificate

Support:

Executive coaching, industry mentorship, peer networking

Key outcomes:

Practical AI strategy, measurable business impact, confident non-technical leadership

Ideal for:

Leaders and domain experts driving AI adoption (no technical background required).

Please note: Key information is subject to change during programme development. Scheduled breaks for public holidays may extend the calendar end date beyond six months, though your total active learning time remains six months in full.

Key programme takeaways

By completing this programme, you’ll:

Deliver credible AI business transformation
Confidently create and implement strategic AI initiatives that produce measurable organisational outcomes and genuine competitive advantage.

Lead strategic AI initiatives — even without a tech background
Gain clear, practical frameworks to make strategic AI decisions confidently, overcoming barriers and resistance to achieve real results.

Navigate ethical and regulatory complexities effectively
Learn practical strategies to manage complex AI ethics, governance and compliance issues, reducing organisational risk and building stakeholder trust.

Turn AI insights into impactful executive decisions
Practically integrate AI into your daily decision-making and leadership practices to measurably enhance productivity, innovation, and team performance.

Earn a prestigious LSE AI leadership credential
Position yourself credibly as a leader in AI strategy and innovation, clearly signalling your expertise and readiness to lead AI-driven change.

Why choose the LSE AI Leadership Accelerator?

Explore if this is right for you – Book a consultation
Six months. Practical skills.
Immediate organisational impact.

Unlike brief overviews or broad, long-term programmes, the LSE AI Leadership Accelerator is explicitly built for measurable impact: delivering practical, industry-aligned AI leadership skills, personalised executive support, and immediate career and organisational ROI in just six months.

Attribute Short Courses
(4–8 weeks)		 AI Leadership Accelerator
(6 months + 2 weeks Orientation)		 MBA Programmes
(1–2 years)
Learning approach Introductory knowledge & awareness Outcome-centric learning with measurable career impact (real-world AI leadership skills immediately applicable) Broad leadership and general management frameworks
Industry relevance & employer alignment Topical knowledge, limited direct employer alignment Directly developed with industry partners (employer-aligned skills ensuring immediate workplace relevance) Broad business management; indirectly industry-aligned
Real-world application Limited; theory-focused with case studies Multiple AI case studies and projects (real organisational scenarios, simulations, or applied workplace projects) Broad, strategic application across industries
Executive & career support Limited direct coaching Holistic executive coaching (career coaches, expert facilitators, student success managers) Generalised career development and networking
Flexibility for busy executives Quick learning, minimal schedule disruption Flexible online structure specifically designed for senior executive schedules Structured curriculum, usually with fixed timelines
Credential & career signalling Certificate in a specific AI-related area Prestigious, career-boosting LSE AI leadership credential (explicitly signals executive readiness in AI leadership) Management credential (broad business)
Adaptability to AI evolution Current snapshot of AI trends Live sessions, masterclasses & continuous expert insights (ongoing relevance despite rapid AI evolution) Long-term strategic frameworks (less responsive to AI shifts)
Time to measurable career & organisational ROI Rapid exposure; limited measurable organisational impact Measurable organisational results and personal career impact within months Long-term career benefits (broader, future-focused)

Is this programme for you?

This programme is specifically designed for senior professionals who must move quickly from AI curiosity to credible leadership, delivering measurable organisational results and confidently driving strategic AI initiatives.

Whether you’re preparing to pitch a strategic AI initiative, guiding teams through adoption, or stepping into a leadership role that demands credibility on this topic, this Accelerator is for you.

You’ll benefit most if you’re thinking:

“I need to lead AI strategy, but I’m not a data scientist.”
“I’ve been handed an AI project — now I need to make it work.”
“I know AI matters, but how do I turn that into something real for my business?”
“I’m advising clients on AI, but I need deeper credibility and tools that go beyond theory.”

This programme is designed for:

Senior leaders & C-suite executives

Make informed, high-stakes AI decisions aligned to business strategy, ethics and sustainable, measurable long-term value. Confidently distinguish credible opportunities from hype, protecting your strategic credibility.

Directors & senior managers

Turn AI from theoretical possibilities into tangible business results. Learn exactly how to pitch, plan and successfully implement impactful AI initiatives that clearly advance your career and your organisation’s objectives.

AI & digital transformation consultants

Enhance your authority and deepen your strategic toolkit. Strengthen your credibility with proven frameworks and tangible examples to guide clients effectively from AI exploration to successful, measurable execution.

Professionals in AI-intensive sectors

In sectors like finance, healthcare, technology, or legal, where AI disruption is immediate and significant, develop not just knowledge, but explicit practical strategies and measurable outcomes that differentiate you as an industry leader.

Concerned about leading AI without a technical background?

You don’t need technical expertise: this programme explicitly equips you with the strategic capabilities to ask insightful questions, evaluate risks and confidently drive meaningful organisational change.

Are you ready?

This 90-second self-assessment helps us – and you – understand how well this programme aligns with your goals.

Or, if you're already feeling confident about your fit, you can start your application now.

Admissions criteria

To ensure a high-quality, executive-level cohort, applicants must:

Hold an undergraduate degree (any field) or equivalent qualification

Have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience

Be proficient in English (professional working proficiency)

Be motivated to actively engage with peer learning and apply insights directly in organisational contexts

Be committed to leading measurable strategic AI initiatives that deliver clear business value

Be over the age of 18 years

Real-world practice: why our approach delivers more

Unlike most programmes available, our Accelerator puts practical application front and centre, justifying your investment through immediate, measurable organisational impact.

Throughout the programme, you’ll engage in authentic, high-value projects designed directly with industry-leading partners (to be announced soon), ensuring relevance, practicality and premium quality.

What practical, industry-aligned learning looks like:

Real AI challenges, real impact:
Tackle authentic AI implementation challenges provided by high-profile industry leaders and innovative AI-first organisations, applying strategic insights directly to real-world scenarios.

Live business case development:
Build credible, fully-costed AI business cases, receive personalised expert feedback and pitch directly to industry panels, providing the kind of depth, practical specificity and direct industry interaction uniquely suited for leaders focused on strategic AI initiatives.

Executive-led masterclasses & industry panels:
Engage in exclusive live interactions with senior executives from leading firms, gaining direct strategic insights far beyond standard course materials.

Cross-sector AI application:
Compare AI strategies across sectors (finance, healthcare, retail, tech), gaining broad yet practical insights.

Still have questions?

How to apply

Taking your next leadership step is simple and we’re here to support you through it.

Step 1: Speak to an Enrolment Advisor

Book a 15-minute consultation with an advisor.
We’ll explore your leadership goals, answer your questions, and ensure this is the right fit for your career ambitions.

Step 2: Start your online application

Submit your leadership-focused CV (or LinkedIn profile) and academic documents (if available). If you don't have a degree, that's okay, our team will guide you through an alternative pathway.

Application requirements:

  • CV or LinkedIn profile
  • Academic transcript or certificate (if available)
  • Proof of identity

Step 3: Review and decision

Your application will be reviewed within 5 business days.
If successful, you’ll receive your offer to join the founding cohort.

Congratulations

You’re on your way to studying with LSE and leading AI transformation with clarity, confidence, and credibility.

Curriculum breakdown

Your Accelerator begins with two weeks of Orientation, during which you’ll be introduced to your Success Manager and Leadership Coach. You’ll get access to the digital learning environment and onboarding materials, and while you’re settling in, you'll have the opportunity to connect with fellow learners and plan your studies.

Course 1: Applying AI in Organisations

Objective: This course prepares you to evaluate and apply AI technologies to create meaningful business value. You’ll acquire the insight to identify where AI can create impact, understand the risks and assess its strategic fit — while also learning what’s required for successful adoption across different functions and contexts.

You will be equipped to:

  • Understand core AI technologies, including machine learning and generative AI, and their business applications.
  • Identify where AI can improve organisational performance and reshape competitive advantage.
  • Navigate the known implementation barriers, using insights from real-world use cases across different functions and contexts.
  • Assess the wider impact of AI on the organisation, job roles and the workforce.
  • Address key ethical and regulatory issues, including privacy, bias and fairness.
  • Capstone Activity: Develop a strategic AI proposition that aligns with organisational goals, ensures responsible implementation and delivers measurable value.
Course 2: Going From Vision to Value

Objective: This course helps you prepare strategic AI investments and guide them from pilot to full-scale rollout. You’ll strengthen your ability to make informed, strategic AI investment decisions that align with organisational goals and are configured to achieve business value.

You will be equipped to:

  • Evaluate your organisation’s readiness to support AI at scale.
  • Scope, cost and measure the benefits and deliverables of AI initiatives.
  • Assess potential AI investments based on business needs, risk and value.
  • Oversee AI projects from pilot to full rollout, including governance, vendor strategies and lifecycle oversight.
  • Optimise ROI through strategic execution and benefit realisation strategies.
  • Prepare and pitch credible AI business cases aligned to strategic goals.
  • Capstone Activity: Develop and present a comprehensive AI business case.
Course 3: AI & Change Leadership

Objective: This course equips you to lead AI and digital transformation by applying change management strategies and building organisational readiness. You’ll strengthen your ability to align strategy, communication and stakeholder engagement to drive effective and responsible adoption of AI initiatives.

You will be equipped to:

  • Play a pivotal role in AI and digital transformation initiatives.
  • Evaluate and implement organisational change management strategies.
  • Prepare communication strategies tailored to diverse stakeholder groups.
  • Deploy innovative approaches to manage resistance, with a focus on AI initiatives.
  • Manage stakeholder engagement and AI policy integration.
  • Capstone Activity: Develop a comprehensive change management strategy for an AI deployment project.
Course 4: Using AI for Executive & Team Performance

Objective: This course enables you to use AI to boost your performance and decision-making, while critically assessing the risks and trade-offs of AI-powered workflows. You’ll also learn how to support your team in adopting AI tools responsibly and ethically in everyday work.

You will be equipped to:

  • Use AI tools to improve your productivity and decisions, while balancing privacy and responsible use.
  • Design AI workflows that support decision-making while retaining human oversight.
  • Assess the benefits and risks of integrating AI into your daily workflow.
  • Recognise the effects of AI on team dynamics, and how to support your team in adopting AI tools in ethical and effective ways.
  • Apply AI to improve communication, collaboration and feedback in your leadership.
  • Capstone Activity: Design a custom AI-powered leadership and productivity playbook.

Please note: Course titles and content are subject to change during development.

Programme fee

Invest in your leadership growth with a programme designed to build strategic confidence, deliver real-world impact and position you for AI-driven transformation.

Full programme fee

£7,995 (incl. VAT)

The full programme fee is £7,995 (incl. VAT). Choose the payment plan option that works for you, whether you prefer to pay upfront and save, spread your investment over time, or ease in with a deposit.

Pay in full & save

£7,245 one-time payment

Save £750 on the full programme fee of £7,995 by paying upfront

6-Month Plan – £799.50 Deposit

£1,199.25/month × 6 months

Start with 10% deposit, no interest or added fees

6-Month Plan – £2,398.50 Deposit

£882.75/month × 6 months

Save £300 with a higher upfront deposit

Extended 24-Month Plan (via StepEx)

£299.81/month × 24 months

Start with 10% deposit (£799.50)
Only available to UK/EU residents.

All options include 1:1 coaching, live industry interaction and full curriculum access.

No payment required to apply, just secure your review.

Your teaching team

World-class faculty, industry leaders and practical expertise

The LSE AI Leadership Accelerator is taught and supported by a team of globally respected faculty, industry practitioners and strategic leadership coaches — each bringing bringing a unique perspective on AI, leadership and organisational change.

Our academic leads are drawn from the LSE Department of Management and the Data Science Institute — two of the university’s most interdisciplinary and forward-thinking departments. Their expertise spans strategic leadership, AI ethics, digital transformation and organisational behaviour.

Dr Dorottya Sallai

Associate Professor (Education) of Management, LSE Department of Management

Brings 15+ years of experience leading AI-integrated education and advises on organisational change and AI adoption strategies across industries.

Dr Jonathan Cardoso-Silva

Assistant Professor (Education), LSE Data Science Institute

Brings extensive expertise in machine learning, natural language processing, and AI education, with industry experience as a lead data scientist.

Professor Connson Locke

Professor (Education) of Management and Deputy Head of Department (Teaching and Learning), LSE Department of Management

Brings over 30 years of international experience in leadership development and organisational behaviour, guiding learners to lead with confidence and evidence-based insight.

Dr Anuschka Schmitt

Assistant Professor of Information Systems, LSE Department of Management

Brings expertise in AI-augmented work and decision-making, exploring how humans and intelligent systems collaborate to enhance performance and learning in business contexts.

Professor Prithwiraj Choudhury

Professor of Organisational Behaviour, LSE Department of Management

Leading global thought leader on the Future of Work. His research is focused on how technology is changing where we work and how we work.

Dr Tomislav Karačić

Assistant Professor of Information Systems, LSE Department of Management

Brings deep expertise in the social and organisational dimensions of artificial intelligence, examining how AI is developed, interpreted and governed across diverse real-world contexts.

You'll also learn from senior advisors and executives from leading firms, including those in technology, finance and consulting, who share how AI is shaping real-world decisions today.

Robert Hardman

Former Chief AI & Innovation Transformation Officer, Inchcape Digital

Robert is an industry trailblazer with over 25 years of experience working with Fortune 100 companies, including Facebook and Uber, guiding them through digital business transformations. His command of advanced mathematical techniques and knowledge of global technological ecosystems have made him a specialist in deploying state-of-the-art technologies such as Generative AI, LLMs, and machine learning to transform and reimagine businesses.

Susan Steele

Chair and Board Director

Known for enabling rapid, profitable growth in B2B AI, SaaS and tech services businesses, Susan is an experienced chair, board member and C-suite operator whose career spans global leadership roles across IBM, Deloitte, WPP, JPMorgan Chase, and HSBC. She is also an advisor on the impact of AI on the HR function and workplace.

Diwakar Patwal

Head of Data and AI, Thredd

Diwakar Patwal is Vice President of Data and AI at Thredd, and brings more than 15 years of experience in advanced analytics, machine learning and management consulting. He has held senior roles at Natwest, Barclays, Ernst and Young, and IBM, working in financial services, logistics and utilities internationally.

Dael Williamson

EMEA CTO, Databricks

Dael is an accomplished and entrepreneurial CTO, Business Platform Economist, and Architect focused on digital data and AI-led business transformations across various industries. He provides thought leadership and guidance for the C-level executives at major Databricks customers in EMEA and globally. Prior to joining Databricks, Dael was the Global Data Technology Lead at Accenture Microsoft Business Group.

Tom Head

Co-Founder, G3NR8

Tom has two decades in digital and has built multiple 7-figure agencies. He’s now leading G3NR8 , delivering AI training, strategy, research, and cutting-edge solutions to future-proof businesses and give them a competitive edge. G3NR8 is trusted by brands like Samsung, Red Bull Racing, JP Morgan, Tesco, and The Guardian.

Rachel Wagner-Kaiser, Ph.D.

Director, Data Scientist, Advisory, KPMG US

Rachel is an AI leader who helps organisations transform complex, unstructured data into actionable insights that drive real business impact. She leads data science and engineering teams with a solution-first approach, designing practical AI and NLP systems that improve efficiency, reduce manual work, and support better decision-making. Rachel is also the author of the book "Teaching Computers to Read".

Albert John

Management Consultant, AI Nordic Portfolio, Capgemini Invent

Albert is a management consultant at Capgemini Invent with an academic background in international business and management. He sits on the global Applied Innovation Exchange, where he orchestrates and supports Capgemini Group’s global innovation services, helping organisations translate emerging ideas into practical, impactful solutions.

Charlie Symonds

CEO, Alirity

With over a decade of experience advising regulated enterprises and delivering complex change, Charlie is passionate about making AI transformation accessible, responsible and effective. As CEO of Alirity, he helps organisations harness AI responsibly, transforming with confidence, clarity, and control.

Jesus Checa

Strategy and Innovation Director, Bacardi

Jesus has 20 years of global experience driving innovation, digital transformation, and SAP ERP rollouts across the Consumer Goods, manufacturing, and utilities sectors. He is an experienced leader skilled in scaling high-performance teams, managing multimillion-dollar budgets, and leveraging cutting-edge technologies like GenAI to generate more than $10M in new value streams.

Nadine Soyez

GAI Expert & Advisor

Nadine helps organisations turn AI ambition into tangible business results by bridging the gap between strategy, technology, and adoption. With over 15 years’ experience in digital transformation, she brings a practical, outcomes-focused approach to AI implementation and is recognised as one of LinkedIn’s Top 12 AI in Work Voices to Follow in Europe.

Patrick Gilroy

Head of AI and Education, TÜV Association

Patrick is a Berlin-based researcher and Head of AI and Education. A self-described curious generalist and AI enthusiast, he combines social science, storytelling and design expertise to drive innovation in education and technology.

Alper Serçe

Deputy General Manager Operations (NG, HEPP, WPP, SPP) & New Technologies, Enerjisa Üretim

Alper is the Assistant General Manager for Operations and New Technologies at Enerjisa Üretim, where he drives the adoption of digital twins and remote operations in power plant management. With extensive experience in energy operations, he focuses on turning real-time data into actionable insights that improve performance and reliability.

Chris Eastham

Partner, Fieldfisher

Chris is a recognised legal leader with over a decade of experience structuring and negotiating complex, strategic commercial contracts, particularly for business-critical systems and regulated environments. He is passionate about advising organisations at the forefront of innovation, leading the firm’s cross-practice emerging technologies group and being independently recognised by Chambers & Partners as a Global Market Leader in Artificial Intelligence.

Melissa Bramwell

GenAI Lead for HR Transformation, Deloitte

Melissa is a Director at Deloitte with over 17 years’ experience partnering with Consumer and TMT clients, specialising in large-scale HR transformation and the future of work. A former HR Business Partner at Meta and Fellow of the CIPD, she holds a BSc in Psychology and an MSc in Organisational Psychology. She is part of Deloitte’s HC GenAI team, focusing on GenAI in HR, and previously led Deloitte’s UK Future of Work team and co-authored Deloitte’s European Human Capital Trends Report.

Davinder Kang

GenAI Workforce Transformation Director, Deloitte

Davinder leads data-driven, insight-led workforce transformations, redesigning work, teams, and skills to enhance performance and employee experience. As a key member of Deloitte’s UK Office of GenAI, she drives large-scale GenAI programmes, leveraging AI to transform HR functions, embed sustainable skills development, and apply robust people and change frameworks to enable organisation-wide adoption.

Chloe Chia

Human-Centred AI Design Strategist, Deloitte

Chloe is a Senior Manager in Strategy & Business Design at Deloitte and part of the firm’s Innovation and Ventures team. A creative-turned-consultant, she champions human-centred and inclusive design in the application of disruptive technologies such as AI, helping clients build businesses that are desirable, viable and feasible.

George Johnston

GenAI Market Activation Partner, Deloitte

George is a Partner at Deloitte with over 20 years’ experience leading complex, enterprise-wide transformation programmes for telecommunications and media clients across EMEA and South America. He specialises in the scoping, design, implementation, and business change of information and analytics-led solutions, spanning enterprise data and BI, CRM, BSS/OSS, network rollouts, workforce management, EPM, and content and campaign platforms.

Inna Bondarenko

GenAI Transformation Lead, Deloitte

Inna is leading Deloitte’s own AI Transformation programme through hands-on implementation of strategic AI priorities, overseeing AI projects from initial concept through deployment and adoption.

Each learner is paired with an executive coach to help translate learning into action and career growth. Your dedicated coach supports your development throughout the programme and for up to 12 months after.

This expert blend of academic depth, industry insight and personalised support means you don’t just understand AI leadership. You become the kind of leader who can act on it with clarity, confidence and credibility.

About this programme

The LSE AI Leadership Accelerator is delivered in collaboration between The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and FourthRev, a global education company that partners with world-leading universities to deliver career-focused digital programmes.

Curriculum Design & Academic Oversight:

Led by faculty from LSE’s Department of Management and Data Science Institute, ensuring academic rigour, strategic insight, and relevance to global policy and leadership contexts.

Programme Delivery & Learner Support:

Powered by FourthRev’s learner experience and success teams—providing coaching, facilitation, and the digital infrastructure to support high-touch, applied learning journeys.

Together, LSE and FourthRev bring the best of university-led thinking and real-world application to deliver an executive programme that’s both academically grounded and leadership-ready.

Want to explore if this programme is right for you?