Arts of Leading

At the highest levels of leadership—among Board Directors, CEOs, and senior executives—perspective isn't a luxury; it’s a strategic imperative. In an era of increasing complexity and uncertainty, diversity of thought is essential for sound judgment, creative problem-solving, and resilient decision-making. At the same time, with ageing populations and shifting generational dynamics, unlocking the full potential of multigenerational workforces will require leaders who can see broadly and connect deeply across differences.

At the heart of this is character, a dynamic capacity that shapes how we perceive, engage, and collaborate. Character broadens our lens, strengthens our ability to navigate tension, and grounds our leadership in integrity and trust. This is where the liberal arts offer a powerful canvas, connecting the academic disciplines with lived practices of deeper seeing and listening to create intentional influence.

To borrow from Leonard Bernstein: “The best way to know a thing is in the context of another discipline”. This is precisely the premise of the Arts of Leading.

Guided by a world-renowned faculty of practitioners and scholars, this programme invites participants to explore leadership through cross-disciplinary lenses. With character as our foundation, we engage with the liberal arts to reflect on individual difference, collaborative potential, and the kind of leadership this era demands. We draw on deeply human disciplines to develop skills that endure far beyond any one role or context:

• Legacy and identity through the lens of literature and the arts
• Presence and perception through the practice of visual observation
• Creative problem-solving through the dynamics of jazz and improvisation
• Influence and narrative through the craft of storytelling
• Agility and self-awareness through techniques drawn from theatre and performance

This is a unique experience and opportunity for participants to recalibrate how they see, how they show up, and how they can shape the future—together.

The leaders most critical to this transitional era are those with sound judgment, collaborative influence, and the capacity to innovate through complexity. As force factors converge across business and society—and as the challenges we face grow ever more interconnected—this programme is designed for those in senior roles operating at the intersection of systems, sectors, and emerging ideas.

You will learn from a faculty of experts who work across academic disciplines and at the intersection of ideas. They bring deep disciplinary knowledge, as well as a commitment to sustainable impact, long-term thinking, and personal legacy. Together, they will curate a space intentionally crafted to support the strengthening of your leadership skills and values through reflection, immersion, and shared learning. The three-day experience will go beyond professional development and offer you a reset for your way of seeing, thinking, and leading.

You already understand leadership through the lenses of economics, performance, and risk. Here, we will introduce the underutilised yet increasingly essential lenses of the arts and humanities. As we navigate the age of AI and humanise complexity, these disciplines are not peripheral—they are becoming core to the future of leadership.

This programme is for you if you want to:

• Lead through complexity with greater confidence and discernment
• Step away from daily demands and reconnect with purpose
• Expand your imagination, creativity, and presence as a leader
• Rethink the cultures you are shaping and the legacies you are creating

Rooted in the arts and grounded in character, the three-day programme invites you to engage with leadership as a way of being. Through immersive sessions, structured reflection, and intimate dialogue, you will experience a different way of learning—one that speaks to the whole person. It’s a radically human-centred experience that challenges conventional notions of leadership and reconnects you to what—and who—you lead for.

Our hope is that what you take from this experience will ripple outward—not only shaping your own leadership but creating a multiplier effect for your team, your organisation, and the communities you serve.

• Character-based insight and foresight around your next era of influence and legacy as a leader - harnessing your strength of character for positive impact
• Fresh perspectives on complexity and the ability to lead teams through changing business environments
• A renewed sense of purpose and possibility

• A cross-functional coaching community of practitioners, scholars and fellow participants
• Creative practices and exercises to support good judgement and collaboration in business contexts
• A leadership commitment to carry forward into your work and life

1. When and where will the programme take place?

The Arts of Leading programme will run from 21st November (midday) until 23rd November (midday) at the Rhodes House, South Parks Rd, Oxford OX1 3RG. Participants will stay at the Rhodes House and the cost of accommodation (2 nights) and meals during the programme is included in the course fee.

2. What is the course fee?

The course fee is £3500 per participant.

3. What discounts are available?

A 10% reduction on the course fee is available for Oxford alumni, Oxford staff, nonprofits and social enterprises.

4. How many participants will attend the programme?

We intend to limit the number of participants to 30.

5. Do you provide visa support?

No, we do not provide or cover the costs of visa applications, nor can we assist with the application process. Participants are responsible for ensuring they have the appropriate visa or immigration status to attend the programme.

All visitors participating in University activities must comply with UK immigration requirements. Please consult the University’s guidance on visitor visas.

If you do not require a visa, you may still need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). View guidance and application information on applying for an ETA.

6. Who can I contact to learn more?

If you have any questions about the programme that aren’t answered above, please contact us at info@oxfordcharacter.org.