Harvard Kennedy School Executive Education

06/02/2026

Disagreement is everywhere. Leading through it is a skill.

The spring 2026 issue of Harvard Kennedy School Magazine highlights how HKS alumni and faculty are putting that skill into practice—bridging divides, navigating high-stakes decisions, and modeling more productive debate in the moments that matter most. https://bit.ly/4uBJF6C

05/30/2026

Authority is a role you are given, but leadership is a practice you choose.

One provides direction and order, while the other involves helping a group face difficult realities. Understanding the difference is essential for making progress on your most important challenges.

How do you distinguish between having a title and actually leading?

05/28/2026

Harvard Kennedy School Professor Ben Schneer discusses recent redistricting in Texas, California, Virginia, and Florida, and the Supreme Court’s ruling on Louisiana v. Callais.

05/27/2026

Adrián García, a Councilmember (Regidor) in Ensenada, Baja California, is helping shape more inclusive, resilient, and transparent public policy in Mexico.

Through the Emerging Leaders executive program, Adrián broadened his strategic perspective, strengthened his capacity for reform advocacy, and connected with leaders facing similar challenges worldwide.

The impact of the program is already visible. Recently, he played a pivotal role in passing the first municipal autism bill in Mexico, applying lessons from the program to help turn the initiative into reality.

Looking ahead, Adrián aims to build data-driven municipal initiatives focused on food waste reduction, mental health support, and community empowerment—creating policies that can be models for cities across Mexico.

Learn more about Adrián's experience in Emerging Leaders. https://bit.ly/4x12QIX

05/26/2026

Join the conversation with Dean Jeremy Weinstein and Professor Sharad Goel in the next Policy Spotlight: Insights from Faculty webinar. They will explore the ways new technologies are reshaping society and government, and the profound opportunities and challenges that are already emerging.

Register for the webinar on Tuesday, June 2, at 12 PM EST ➡️

Zoom unifies cloud video conferencing, simple online meetings, and cross platform group chat into one easy-to-use platform. Our solution offers the best video, audio, and screen-sharing experience across Zoom Rooms, Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and H.323/SIP room systems.

05/25/2026

The walk along the Charles River is just one of the many special parts of the Harvard campus.

If you are joining us in Cambridge this season, take a few minutes between sessions to step outside, reflect, and enjoy the campus surroundings.

We look forward to welcoming our participants to Harvard Kennedy School this summer.

05/23/2026

If you are unsatisfied with the status quo in your organization, you are exactly who this program was built for.

Tim O’Brien explains that leadership isn't just about your role in a hierarchy. It is about the muscle you build to mobilize people when there is no easy answer. Instead of just studying theories, you bring a real-world dilemma from your own job and work through it with a small group of peers from around the world.

It is a hands-on way to diagnose what is actually holding your team back and find a way to move forward.

Leadership for the 21st Century Session Dates: September 13–18, 2026
Application Deadline: July 20, 2026

Learn more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4tTfmr7

05/22/2026

HKS Executive Education had a great time at the ATD Conference this week. Thank you to everyone who stopped by our booth and connected with us. We look forward to staying in touch!

05/21/2026

🎉 50th Anniversary Alumni Highlight

Bob Sommerfeld of Phoenix, Arizona, attended Crisis Leadership in Higher Education in 2016.

Reflecting on his experience, he shared:
"The Harvard Kennedy School provided the opportunity to connect with senior leaders from other institutions of higher education to discuss current issues we are faced with. The faculty facilitated discussions and dialogue, and the information provided was outstanding."

We're proud to have been empowering leaders like Bob for 50 years.

05/20/2026

Why do some economies grow while others stay stuck?

Professor Ricardo Hausmann argues that growth is not just about having resources or money. It is about what people in a society know how to do together. He calls this "know-how."

When a team knows how to make one complex thing, it becomes easier to learn how to make the next. In his classroom, leaders use data to map out exactly where their cities or nations can expand next. It is a practical way to look at the future of prosperity.