Weatherhead Executive Education: Turning doers into leaders

Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management Executive Education is making global headlines in business education.

Ranked #40 globally and #3 in the U.S. for open enrollment programs by the Financial Times, Weatherhead continues to earn recognition as a leader in executive education.

 “It’s gratifying to see this recognition from the Financial Times,” said Andrew Medvedev, dean of the Weatherhead School of Management. “Executive Education is where we excel in turning doers into leaders—professionals who navigate complexity with clarity, purpose, and integrity.”

 Investing in regional talent, competing on a global stage

For Weatherhead, the accolade is affirmation, not a finish line. Its focus remains steadfast: serving mid- to large-scale organizations within a two-and-a-half-hour drive of Cleveland—helping them compete globally by investing in people first.

“We see talent development as economic development,” says Julia Kious Zabell, Executive Director of Weatherhead Executive Education. “When local organizations grow their people, they strengthen our region’s ability to lead and innovate.”

The Weatherhead Difference: Friendly excellence

At the core of Weatherhead’s approach is a uniquely Midwestern ethos of “friendly excellence.” Faculty aren’t just subject-matter experts—they’re mentors who bring energy, accessibility, and a genuine investment into each participant’s growth. Staff and instructors alike operate with the belief that what they do in a single day can change everything. That dedication helped drive an extraordinary 9.93/10 satisfaction score—#2 globally.

 Participants describe the experience as both rigorous and human—learning that feels personal, applicable, and transformational. “People feel supported, inspired, and seen,” Zabell explains. “That combination of excellence and care is what keeps leaders coming back.”

 A full ecosystem of leadership development

While open enrollment programs earned global recognition, they’re just one part of a larger ecosystem. Weatherhead Executive Education also delivers custom programs, corporate subscriptions, coaching services, and signature leadership experiences, creating multiple entry points for organizations of all sizes.

Many clients have partnered with Weatherhead Executive Education for over a decade, citing measurable improvements in culture, engagement, and leadership capacity. One long-standing national banking partner even credits the collaboration with shaping their award-winning workplace culture.

Staying ahead of the curve

Weatherhead works to ensure its programs remain both cutting-edge and practical, addressing the real challenges leaders face at the intersection of business, technology, and human leadership.

On the technology front, the school has developed a new Artificial Intelligence Certificate, responding to growing demand for AI fluency among business leaders. Courses such as Demystifying Artificial Intelligence and Digital Strategy in the Era of Generative AI help participants understand and apply emerging technologies to real organizational challenges.

Complementing this technological focus is Weatherhead’s longstanding strength in human-centered leadership development. Coaching remains a cornerstone of that work. The ICF-accredited Coaching Certification Program, reimagined for 2026, uniquely serves leaders inside mid- to large-scale organizations—helping them develop coaching skills that fit their real-world context. Unlike many broad coaching programs that prepare individuals to become professional coaches, Weatherhead’s approach is designed for managers who want to lead more effectively within complex systems, inspiring performance and guiding their teams through uncertainty and change.

Together, these programs represent the future of executive education—where technological fluency meets emotional intelligence. Weatherhead is preparing leaders who can harness innovation without losing humanity, and who can turn disruption into opportunity.

Rooted in Cleveland, reaching the world

Weatherhead Executive Education has delivered programs for organizations around the globe—from Abu Dhabi to Scotland and beyond—and is fully equipped to bring its expertise wherever leadership development is needed.

Still, its roots in Greater Cleveland remain central to its identity. “We’re experienced in—and genuinely enjoy—taking our work wherever the client needs us,” says Julia Kious Zabell. “But our heart and values are grounded here. Everything we do, whether in Cleveland or across the world, carries that same sense of partnership and commitment.”

Looking ahead

With global recognition, Weatherhead is amplifying its story—through alumni networks, partnerships, and community collaborations—showcasing that transformative executive education thrives right here in Northeast Ohio.

In the next few years, Weatherhead Executive Education plans to expand its faculty network, evolve curriculum design, and invest in experiences that make programs even more impactful.

 “For decades, Executive Education at Weatherhead has been where ideas meet practice,” says Dean Medvedev. “It’s the bridge between the university and the world around us, where learning fuels progress and impact takes root.”

Want to learn more about Weatherhead Executive Education? Contact Julie Guthiel, Director of Custom and Business Development at julie.gutheil@case.edu or 216-368-1503

Top photo by Roger Mastroianni/Case Western Reserve University