Overview
Grounded in Columbia University's academic rigor and global reputation, our Executive Coaching Offering is tailored to real business and leadership challenges. Participants engage in targeted goal setting, reflective practices, and ongoing feedback that drive measurable growth.
Through this process, leaders develop sharper decision-making, greater adaptive capacity, and the ability to inspire and influence in complex organizational contexts.
Coaching Session Structure
Engagements begin with a minimum package of four sessions, designed to build both trust and momentum.
Additional sessions may be added to support ongoing goals.
Establish rapport, clarify goals, and co-design the agenda.
Participant Profile
This coaching offer is designed for:
- Professionals and executives entering new leadership roles or expanding strategic scope
- Senior leaders preparing for enterprise-level or board responsibilities
- High-potential leaders identified for accelerated development
- Executives navigating major transitions such as mergers, cultural shifts, or digital transformation
- Leaders seeking to model coaching practices within their organizations
Key Learnings
Participants emerge from Columbia Executive Coaching with:
- Heightened self-awareness to uncover blind spots and unlock growth
- Sharper decision-making rooted in clarity, adaptability, and sound judgment
- Stronger executive presence to influence, inspire, and lead with authority
- Resilience and agility to thrive in times of change, challenge, or crisis
- Sustained behavioral change supported by structured reflection and accountability
“Coaching is not advice-giving; it is a confidential, developmental partnership that empowers leaders to observe, experiment, and adapt to their own needs.”

Meet Your Coaches
Our coaches come from diverse backgrounds—psychology, leadership development, consulting, and more—but what unites them is a deep commitment to your growth. They’ve worked with executives at every level and know how to balance insight with accountability.

Sarah J. Brazaitis
Professor of Practice, Teachers College, Columbia University
How to Get Started
Beginning your coaching journey is designed to be clear and intentional.
- First, complete a short interest form so we can better understand your goals and leadership context.
- You will then be invited to connect with up to two coaches in complimentary 30-minute chemistry calls—an opportunity to ask questions, share priorities, and explore different coaching styles.
- Once you’ve identified the coach who is the best fit, Columbia will finalize the engagement and connect you directly to begin your sessions.
FAQ
Certification
I’m interested in the Certificate in Business Excellence (CIBE), how do I get started?
At Columbia Business School Executive Education, you’ll be able to customize a unique learning experience by selecting programs that best interest you and are most suited for your needs. Any completed program, regardless of format (live online, in-person, or online), will count towards the Certificate in Business Excellence.
Which programs qualify for the CIBE?
Any completed executive education program, regardless of format (live-online, in-person, or online), will count towards the Certificate in Business Excellence. Partner programs will also count towards the certificate.
What programs are considered partner programs?
Executive education programs developed and administered with our educational partners, bring the best of our combined knowledge, thought leadership, resources, and expertise. Kindly find a list of our partners here on our partnership page.
What are the costs of the certificate?
There’s no set cost associated with the certificate path since you’re able to customize your learning journey with in-person and online programs (price will vary depending on the program type and length).
Are there any tuition assistance or scholarships?
At Columbia Business School Executive Education, we offer non-degree and non-credit-based professional development programs to the global business community. As our programs are non-degree and non-credit, they do not qualify for financial aid.
How are CIBE credits determined?
Credits for a program are determined by the program duration and total learning hours.
Where do I find information on the credit value for a program?
You will find this information on each program page. Credits range from 0.5 credits – 26 credits per program.
How do I get enrolled in the CIBE?
Your certificate journey will start with your first program, and you have 4 years to complete your CIBE. You may register for any of our executive education programs on each program page. You may enroll using the “Enroll Now” button, and the application process should take 5-10 minutes.
How do I receive credits?
You are required to fully attend a program and complete all necessary coursework in order to receive CIBE credits. Credits are only awarded after you complete a program.
How do I check the status of my Certificate completion?
Kindly reach out to a Learning Solutions representative for any questions on the status of your CIBE credit count.
Do CIBE credits expire?
Credits are only valid for four years (Please note: While we are not able to offer in-person programming due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the duration to complete the programming has been extended to five years.). If you have not completed your CIBE within four years, we will only count non-expired credits towards your CIBE credit total.
Does the Certificate in Business Excellence expire?
Your Certificate in Business Excellence does not expire. Once you become a certificate recipient, you will join the greater alumni community at Columbia Business School.
I’ve reached 18 CIBE credits, what’s next?
Congratulations! You should receive a digital copy of your certificate at the end of your program. If you do not receive a copy from your program manager, kindly contact your Learning Solutions representative or your program manager for next steps.
Will I receive a physical certificate?
Upon completion, you will receive a secure, digital certificate through Accredible. Within the platform you will have the option to print your credential, post it to your LinkedIn feed, or display it on your profile as a certification. Please contact your program manager for the status of your digital certificate.
How do I get access to my alumni benefits?
Once you complete your CIBE, we kindly ask for your patience as we process your alumni credentials. The processing time can take anywhere from 8 to 10 weeks long.
Can I add the Certificate in Business Excellence to LinkedIn?
Yes! We will provide you with instructions on how to add your certificate to your LinkedIn profile after you become a Certificate recipient.
Assignments
Will there be any homework or assignments?
For select programs, there will be some assignments to complete after the end of select program sessions. Assignments will typically consist of readings, self-reflections, and brief assessments. This approach is designed to help you practice your learnings.
How long will assignments take?
We do not expect that homework assignments will take up a large amount of time to complete.
Will there be any examinations or grades?
There will be no examinations or grades for our live online programs.
Preferred Pricing and Tuition Benefits for Alumni
Are there preferred pricing options available?
Yes, preferred pricing is available for groups of two or more. To inquire, email execed@gsb.columbia.edu.
As a Columbia Business School alumni am I eligible for tuition benefit?
When you earn a Certificate in Business Excellence you will receive a 25 percent tuition benefit for full-price Executive Education in-person programs lasting three and four days and all full-price online programs. Exclusions apply**
Which programs do not qualify for a 25 percent tuition benefit?
- Columbia Senior Executive Program
- Executive Development Program
- Emerging Leader Development Program
- Finance and Accounting for the Nonfinancial Executive
- High Impact Leadership
- Leadership Essential
- Leading Strategic Growth and Change
- Chief Executive Officer
- Chief Financial Officer
- Chief Marketing Officer
- Chief Investment Officer
- Venture Capital Private Equity
- Executive Program in Management
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