CBS Executive Education

Never stop learning

Let's start 2026 with a good look at Society

<p>“There have been mistakes, and it is regrettable.” Phrases like this are everywhere these days. Executives, public sector leaders, and government officials have gradually mastered the art of expressing regret without taking responsibility. It could have been an apology and pretends to be one, but instead it’s just hot air - empty words wrapped in politeness, where no one is held accountable.</p>

Where Did the Apology Go?

<p>When the stakes are high, responsibility is a necessity, not an option. This is how you find solutions within the Circle of Wicked Risks.</p>

Responsible leadership fails the test – again

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<p class="subtitle2">Trump does it. Nike does it. SAS used to do it. Without any of us really noticing, a market where companies fight for our identity has emerged. Disputes are an important factor in this market.</p>
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We purchase identity like never before

<p>What happens to critical thinking when everyone has a chatbot as a study partner? Generative AI has entered classrooms, study rooms and young people’s daily lives. But while the technology is advancing at breakneck speed, our understanding of how it should be integrated into education is lagging behind.</p>

How much critical thinking can we outsource?

<p>Deputy Police Inspector Daniel Benner believes that diversity is a management treasure, and inclusion is the key to the treasure chest. "We can strive for gender balance in hiring, for example, but if we don't bring diversity into play when making decisions, we miss out on the opportunities that diversity offers," he says.</p>

Diversity is nothing without inclusion

<p>Many young people still end up paying high interest rates and risk falling into debt traps. Together, in Denmark, they owe one billion kroner. A new research article introduces an analytical model to understand young people’s behaviour on the loan market.</p>

Young people and expensive consumer loans: a matter of trust and social norms

<p>We have brought together four women to discuss equality - or the lack thereof - 110 years after women gained the right to vote. They all have one thing in common: they have completed one of CBS's Executive Education programmes, but apart from that, they each represent four different industries and four different perspectives.</p>

Women in Denmark: 110 years of voting rights – where does equality stand today?

<p>After years of pressure to lead societal change, companies now face political backlash — from greenwashing accusations to being labeled "woke." In response, companies hesitate to speak. But silence risks something even more serious than criticism: the erosion of public trust in business and, ultimately, the possibility of progressive change, explains Associate Professor Julie Uldam in this column.</p>

Sustainability in the age of disinformation: Why silence is risky

<p>If women lose their job, the risk of long-term unemployment is markedly higher than for men. It affects mothers particularly severely as they are twice as prone to long-term unemployment compared to fathers, a new study concludes. This new knowledge should lead to initiatives that will help the most marginalised groups gain employment again, according to Anne Sophie Lassen, Postdoc at Copenhagen Business School and one of the researchers behind the study.</p>

Being laid off affects women more severely than men

<p>They need not hold power or formal authority – yet their voices have helped shape our society. Researchers at CBS are now delving into history to understand how the so-called moral elite has influenced everything from welfare policies to collective values.</p>

What role has the moral elite played in shaping modern society?

<p>Artificial intelligence is evolving rapidly – and it is transforming the way we work. Christian Hendriksen, Assistant Professor at CBS, explains why it can take decades before the full potential of a technology becomes visible – and why we already need to start rethinking our skills to keep pace with developments. Hear how companies such as Novo Nordisk are already radically changing their work processes, and why flexibility and curiosity will be key competences in the labour market of the future.</p>

Explainer: How to work with AI

<p>The cities of New York and Copenhagen have both faced significant political realignments in their city halls. What might this mean for their economies?</p>

Urban revolution? – A mayor's influence on a city's economy

<p>Hear why CBS Associate Professor Dr. Poornima Luthra considers meritocracy a myth that is gaining traction due to fear among groups who have traditionally held positions of power in our organisations.</p>

Explainer: Meritocracy

<p>On average, an immigrant in Denmark earns 9.2% less than an ethnic Dane. In other parts of Europe and North America, the gap is even wider. This is demonstrated by a new, comprehensive study published in Nature. Among the researchers is Associate Professor Lasse Folke Henriksen from Copenhagen Business School.</p>

Immigrants earn less and have limited access to high-paying jobs

<p>What is the environmental impact of AI’s most utilised models, from the energy consumed during their development to the power required for their operation? Gain a concise understanding of the energy demands associated with AI usage and discover how you can adjust your practices as both a consumer and a user.</p>

Explainer: AI's climate effect

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<p class="body2">The EU is facing major challenges in its relationship with China. According to Kjeld Erik Brødsgaard, researcher at CBS and leader of a large EU-funded research project, a more strategic and research-based analysis of our relationship with China is urgently needed.</p>
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Without Drastic Action the EU Risks Welfare Amid US-China Tensions

<p>CBS professor warns:&nbsp; Europe's reliance on American software is an underestimated security threat</p>

“We could go from digital to stone-age society in an instant”

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<p class="body2">The old world order is crumbling, creating space for new alliances. But in that game the world’s second-largest continent is poorly positioned.</p>
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Africa remains on the sidelines

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<p class="body2">A new CBS study uncovers Greenland’s power elite. The research reveals conflicts in Greenland politics, independence debates, and Danish-Greenland relations, highlighting how governance and democracy are shaped by internal divisions.</p>
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Greenland’s power elite: A small elite marked by big internal conflicts

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<p class="body2">In times of crisis, we instinctively turn to strong, decisive leaders. But is that really the best approach? Professor Laura Empson explains why this may be holding us back – and how to shift towards a more collective form of leadership.</p>
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Why we seek "strong" leaders in a crisis – and why we should embrace collective leadership instead

<p>China is no longer just the world’s factory – it is a force for innovation. How can we learn from the country's bold moves in technological innovation, industrial policy, and global value chains — and how can that insight guide us through Europe’s own innovation strategy, industrial developement and green transformation?</p>

We can learn from China

<p>If you think that the carbon footprint of average citizens does not differ from that of a multimillionaire, think again. However, you are not alone in this assumption. New research at CBS indicates that we underestimate the CO2 emission inequality between average citizens and society’s wealthiest, and that this misperception weakens support for climate action.</p>

How Underestimating Personal Carbon Footprint Undermines Effective Climate Policies

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<p class="body2">As geopolitical uncertainty threatens climate action, CBS Professor Andreas Rasche argues that business leaders must take charge of the sustainability agenda.</p>
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Geopolitical Challenges to Climate Action: Why Businesses Must Step Up

<p>While civil society and businesses are undeniably important in the green transition, focusing on them tends to overshadow an equally important player - the public sector, writes CBS professor Susana Borrás.</p>

Green public leadership should be in focus if countries are to reach climate goals

If the world were static, we would not need to have a culture of continuing education. But that is not the case. Staying at the top means that we have to keep educating ourselves.

<p dir="ltr">Discover the business and society themes we focus on. Dive into our articles, videos, and podcasts to broaden your horizons.<span>&nbsp;</span></p>
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<p dir="ltr">Visit our <a href="/en/inspiration" title="Inspiration">Inspiration page</a> for a comprehensive overview of our research and insights.</p>
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DEEP DIVE INTO A WEALTH OF KNOWLEDGE

<p>Leadership takes both skills and an open mindset. Whether you work within the public or private sector, there is always something new to learn: take your pick among our articles on the topic.&nbsp;</p>

Leadership

<p>Global supply chains are facing unprecedented challenges. Discover innovative strategies to enhance efficiency, resilience, and foster growth in your supply chain operations.</p>

Value Chains and Globalisation

<p>Fostering inclusion and diversity is not just a moral imperative but a strategic advantage. By integrating these principles into business practices, companies can drive innovation, enhance employee engagement, and better serve a diverse customer base. Let’s explore how embracing diversity can transform our workplaces and communities.</p>

Inclusion and Diversity

<p>Read about the experience of strong believers in lifelong education.</p>
<p>Meet more participants to our Executive Education programmes <a href="https://efteruddannelse.cbs.dk/en/inspiration?filters=PARTICIPANT+STORIES" data-anchor="?filters=PARTICIPANT+STORIES">here.</a></p>

Meet Lifelong Learners

<p>Here is our pick of pieces which shed a different light on Sales &amp; Marketing.</p>

Sales and Marketing

<p>How can you make the most of your career and navigate the major changes in society and the economy? Find some answers to this question in this selection of articles.</p>

Career and Personal Growth

<p>Click here to access our selection of articles on Strategy and Organisation, and expand your knowledge.</p>

Strategy and Organisation

<p>Leadership takes both skills and an open mindset. Whether you work within the public or private sector, there is always something new to learn.</p>

Digitalisation and Emerging Technologies

<p>Becoming sustainable is non-negotiable – but the what and how are always up for debate. Get inspired by our current research, as well as professionals' and organisations' sustainability journeys.</p>

Sustainability and ESG

<p>Healthy finances are the cornerstone of a successful business and financial security for the individual. Gain more insight into finance – from economic principles to private investment.</p>

The New Frontiers of Finance

<p>Learn more about political, financial, social and economic changes that impact and shape our society.&nbsp;</p>

Society

<p>Here is a selection of what we have to say about Innovation and Entrepreneurship. We are happy to share.</p>

Innovation and Entrepreneurship

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<p>With the world’s grand challenges awaiting us, we need to continuously evolve, gain new knowledge and insights, and upskill.</p>
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Learning when it suits you

EDUCATIONS

EE1: Brand leadership – Challenges, frustrations and solutions

SAVE YOUR SEAT

Meet the speakers

Photography

<p style="mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; line-height: normal;" class="MsoNormal">Please note that photographs/videos will be taken/recorded during the event. These will be used by CBS as a record of the event, for digital marketing and publicity purposes on our websites/social media as well as for marketing and publicity purposes in printed formats. Photographs/videos will be stored until it is no longer necessary in order to meet these purposes. Please contact executiveeducation@cbs.dk if you have any concerns or you wish to have a photograph/video of you deleted.</p>

Brand leadership – Challenges, frustrations and solutions

Explore the key challenges facing brands and brand management in the modern business environment. Get inspired, share your experiences and leave with actionable solutions.

<h5><strong>About the event</strong></h5>
<p>In today’s fast-moving and highly competitive marketplace, brands are under more pressure than ever to stay relevant, authentic, and impactful. This event invites executives to explore the key challenges facing brands and brand management in the modern business environment: maintaining trustworthiness and authenticity, acting effectively and keeping pace with the accelerating adoption of AI and digital technologies.<br><br>In this event we will facilitate connections between brand leaders, in a setting where they can learn about current challenges, discuss selected branding topics, and share experiences with peers. In this way, we will unpack the common frustrations experienced by businesses when building, managing, and evolving their brands. Most importantly, the session will focus on actionable solutions.<br><br>Whether you are responsible for brand strategy, marketing, leadership, or business growth, this event will provide valuable perspectives on why branding remains a critical driver of business success today and how to approach it with clarity and confidence.<br><br></p>
<h6><strong>Programme</strong></h6>
<p>16.00 Intro &amp; highlights from research and practice<br>16.20 Round table discussions&nbsp;<br>17.00 Presentations&nbsp;<br>17.20 Plenary discussion and development of concrete ideas for moving forward<br>17.35 Networking&nbsp;</p>

EE2: Breaking the Pattern: Women’s Career Progression in the Workplace

Breaking the Pattern: Women’s Career Progression in the Workplace

Why do women’s careers so often stall, shift, or diverge from men’s in the workplace? In connection with this year’s International Women’s Day, CBS Executive Education takes a closer look at the gender gap in career trajectories.

<h5><strong>About the event</strong></h5>
<p>Why do women’s careers so often stall, shift, or diverge from men’s in the workplace?<br><br>In connection with this year’s International Women’s Day, CBS Executive Education takes a closer look at the gender gap in career trajectories. Building on the research project 'The Gender Career Gap: An Analysis of Occupational Segregation and Career Progression' from CBS Associate Professor Annaïg Morin, this event explores how workplace structures, norms, and career pathways shape women’s opportunities over time.<br><br>Bringing together both research and practitioner perspectives, the discussion will feature insights from change-making companies and thought leaders working to close the gender career gap.<br><br></p>
<h6><strong>Programme</strong></h6>
<p>TBA</p>

EE4: Pulse & Principles

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

BREAKOUT FACILITATORS

PARTNERS

Pulse & Principles: Leading at the Edge of Complexity

When complexity becomes the everyday condition, what does leadership development require? Join this one-day conference on rethinking and challenging leadership development in a complex world.

<h5><strong>About the event</strong></h5>
<p>When complexity becomes the everyday condition, what does leadership development require? For professionals who design, facilitate, commission and evaluate leadership development, including L&amp;D, OD and HRD leaders, program directors, coaches, consultants and researchers, the work is not about teaching fixed models. It is about enabling sensemaking, strengthening relational capacity and building principles in action across systems at the edge of complexity.</p>
<p>As complexity becomes normal, organisations need leaders who can coordinate across boundaries, act with speed without losing judgement and sustain trust under pressure. This day focuses on building those capabilities and on how to develop them at scale inside real organisations.</p>
<p>The programme will include keynote speakers, such as Jody Hoffer Gittell, Professor and PhD Program Director at Brandeis University’s Heller School, as well as breakout sessions where participants will engage with relevant cases.</p>
<p><em><strong>Who is this event for?</strong></em> People who work with leadership development and are looking to get inspired, challenged, and rethink their practices and programs to match a new reality of polycrises and uncertainty.<br><br></p>
<h6><strong>No-show fee</strong></h6>
<p>In order to give the most people the opportunity to participate in the event and to protect ourselves against food waste etc., we need to know if you are participating, otherwise we can give your place to someone else. Therefore, if you cancel after the deadline on 9 April at 12:00 CET or do not arrive on the day, you will subsequently receive a charge of 450 DKK. Should you be prevented, you are always welcome to send a colleague in your place and thereby avoid paying a no-show fee.</p>

EE5: Shaping the Future of Work with AI

Shaping the Future of Work with AI

Discover how AI is reshaping the future of work. Join CBS Executive Education for an event where three CBS researchers share insights on the skills needed to adapt, innovate and thrive in an AI-driven world.

<h5><strong>Back by popular demand: Join our event on the impact of AI on the future of work</strong></h5>
<p>In the 18th century, the steam engine powered the Industrial Revolution. In the 1990s, the World Wide Web connected workplaces across the globe. Today, we are in the midst of another profound technological transformation: the rise of artificial intelligence.</p>
<p>AI is already transforming the way we work – both individually and as organisations. The question is no longer <em>if</em> AI will shape the future of work, but <em>how</em>. Which skills matter now, and which will be vital tomorrow?</p>
<p>Our upcoming CBS Executive Education event explores how AI is reshaping our working lives. Three CBS researchers will share their perspectives on what the rise of AI means for people and organisations in the years ahead. This is your chance to equip yourself with the tools and insights to adapt to change and integrate AI effectively into your work, ensuring you stay ahead in a quickly evolving landscape.</p>
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<h6><strong>Programme</strong></h6>
<p><strong>16:00-16:30:</strong> Arrival and registration</p>
<p><strong>16:30-16:45:</strong> Welcome</p>
<p><strong>16:45-17:10:</strong> Presentation by Ioanna Constantiou</p>
<p><strong>17:10-17:45:</strong> Presentation by Anoush Margaryan</p>
<p><strong>17:45-18:25: </strong>Workshop with Christian Hendriksen</p>
<p><strong>18:25-19:00:</strong> Introduction to CBS Executive Education and networking reception</p>

Join our events

BUSINESS & SOCIETY INSIGHTS

Brand leadership – Challenges, frustrations and solutions

Breaking the Pattern: Women’s Career Progression in the Workplace

Pulse & Principles: Leading at the Edge of Complexity

Shaping the Future of Work with AI