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Olga Epitropaki presenting in Waterside main lecture theatre

Leading and Managing People

 

Three-day executive short course | 18-20 November 2026
Durham University Business School – Waterside Building

Price: £1000

 

Course overview

This intensive three-day executive programme explores what it takes to lead and manage people effectively in today’s organisations. Combining cutting-edge leadership research with practical application, this course equips participants with the knowledge, self-awareness and practical tools needed to lead, build trust and develop high-performing teams. Through evidence-based frameworks, case studies, self-assessment exercises, and interactive activities, participants will explore how they lead, how others experience their leadership, and where opportunities for growth exist. They will develop the confidence, self-awareness and leadership skills to navigate common leadership challenges, build trust and collaboration within their teams, and lead with greater impact in their organisations.

 

Why attend?

Managers are increasingly expected to deliver results while supporting employee wellbeing, engagement and development. This course provides the space and tools to step back from day-to-day pressures, critically examine your current approach and strengthen your ability to lead with clarity, confidence and adaptability. Participants will leave with a deeper understanding of people management and a practical action plan for their own leadership development.


On this course you will learn how to: 

  • Apply evidence-based leadership principles to lead people with greater confidence and impact.
  • Identify your leadership strengths, preferences and development opportunities through self-assessment and reflective exercises.
  • Recognise and overcome limiting beliefs and common leadership challenges that can hinder effectiveness.
  • Build greater self-awareness, confidence and resilience as a leader to navigate complex leadership situations.
  • Build trust and psychological safety to create engaged, high-performing teams.
  • Motivate, coach and develop individuals to maximise engagement and performance.
  • Lead organisational change effectively.

 

Skills and outcomes

By the end of the programme, participants will be able to:

  • Develop greater self-awareness by recognising how personal leadership preferences, strengths and behaviours influence team dynamics and working relationships.
  • Motivate, coach and develop individuals to maximise engagement and performance.
  • Strengthen the ability to build trust and psychological safety and create high-performing teams.
  • Lead organisational change effectively.
  • Reflect on personal leadership challenges, identify areas for continued development, and create an actionable leadership development plan to support long-term growth.

 

Who should attend?

This course is ideal for current and aspiring managers, team leaders, project managers and professionals who are responsible for leading people and teams or driving organisational change. It is equally valuable for experienced leaders seeking to refresh their leadership approach and individuals preparing for more senior leadership responsibilities.

 

Programme lead

The course is led by Professor Olga Epitropaki, an internationally recognised academic at Durham University with extensive experience teaching leadership and management within executive education, professional programmes and university settings. Her teaching approach combines academic rigour with practical application, ensuring learning is directly relevant to managerial practice across a wide range of sectors and functions.

 

Venue and experience

The programme will be held at Durham University Business School’s state-of-the-art Waterside Building, offering modern teaching spaces and an inspiring learning environment. Lunch will be included across all days, allowing participants to focus fully on learning and networking.

Taught by

 

Olga Epitropaki,  Deputy Executive Dean (Research) at Durham University Business School

Olga Epitropaki

Professor Olga Epitropaki is Chaired Professor of Management and Deputy Executive Dean (Research) at Durham University Business School. She is an internationally recognised expert in leadership and organisational behaviour and among the Stanford/Elsevier World's Top 2% Scientists (2025), reflecting the global impact and influence of her research. Olga has over 20 years’ experience designing and delivering executive education and leadership development programmes for organisations across a wide range of industries. She has worked with senior leaders and managers from global organisations including AIG, AstraZeneca, Boeing, Boehringer Ingelheim, GlaxoSmithKline, Nissan, Novo Nordisk, PepsiCo, Sanofi, Vodafone, Xerox and many others.

Take the Next Step

Join us to gain practical insights, sharpen your skills, and make a lasting impact on your company’s trajectory. To register your interest or if you require further information about the course, please contact one of our team at exec.ed@durham.ac.uk.