Develop your leadership abilities with communication skills that foster collaboration
and influence positive change in any context
8 weeks, excluding
orientation
8–10 hours per week,
entirely online
Weekly modules,
flexible learning
This is your opportunity to unleash your potential for extraordinary impact. By completing a course with CISL, you'll develop the skills, confidence, and network to lead change in your sector, organisation and sphere of influence to make significant contributions to society. Extraordinary change happens when passionate and inspired individuals share a common purpose to drive meaningful impact for the collective good.
This course is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The course has an estimated 80 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is upon you. CISL and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
Over the duration of this online short course, you’ll work your way through the following modules:
Module 1: The need for impactful communication
Gain insight into how communication can be used to create change in a volatile, uncertain and increasingly complex world.
Module 2: The role of communication in shaping society
Gain insight into how communication can be used to build more inclusive communities.
Module 3: Attributes of an effective communicator
Explore the attributes that contribute to becoming an effective influencer.
Module 4: Communicate effectively using listening and storytelling
Examine different communication approaches and techniques.
Module 5: Purpose-driven communication and influence
Learn how embedding purpose and cultivating organisational culture can effect change within an organisation.
Module 6: Influence change within and beyond your network
Explore how communication can be used to influence change within and beyond your network.
Module 7: Collaborating to achieve impact
Gain insight into how to achieve cooperation with stakeholders through effective communication.
Module 8: Maximising your influence and impact
Reflect on your Personal Impact Plan and create a network of your peers.
1
Problem-solving and decision-making tools to influence stakeholders and place yourself at the forefront of organisational change.
2
A Personal Impact Plan to lead positive, sustainable transformation within and beyond your organisation.
3
Communication skills to inspire others to drive innovation and sustainability at a systems level, benefitting all segments of society and industry.
4
Access to professionals from around the world as a member of the CISL global alumni network.
Zoë Arden
Fellow and Associate Director, Leadership, University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Arden specialises in leadership, stakeholder engagement and storytelling. Before joining CISL, she served as director of SustainAbility (a global think tank and advisory firm) and as the director of communications and social responsibility of British Telecom. She has also held the position of managing director of the global communications consultancy Golin, among others. Arden draws on three decades of global business experience, 13 years of which were spent in managing director/director roles in complex organisations. She is also a co-author and contributor of research and reports on leadership development.
Martin Roberts
Director of Digital Learning, University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
Roberts joined CISL as a programme director in 2008. He is an expert in strategic thinking, sustainability, and business leadership, having helped companies across sectors in Africa, Asia, and Europe develop their own solutions to natural resource challenges. Roberts is responsible for digital learning at CISL, and has a keen interest in using technology to create impactful educational opportunities, democratise learning, and promote change. By heading the design and delivery of CISL’s popular portfolio of online courses, Roberts has equipped thousands of business leaders to reshape their organisations and apply the innovative business models of the future.
“Any start-up, entrepreneur or organisation who does not have their purpose, vision and objectives clear should take this course and find out how they can drive an impacting and lasting change at any desired level.”
– Umar Chaudry, Communication and Media Strategist; Founding Partner, COMCREA
This University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) online short course is delivered in collaboration with online education provider GetSmarter. Join a growing community of global professionals, and benefit from the opportunity to:
Gain verifiable and relevant competencies and earn invaluable recognition from an international selection of universities and institutions, entirely online and in your own time
Enjoy a personalised, people-mediated online learning experience created to make you feel supported at every step
Experience a flexible but structured approach to online education as you plan your learning around your life to meet weekly milestones