University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership

Communicating for Influence and Impact

Online short course

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 course is for you if:

  • You’re looking to improve communication and influence to inspire others to drive innovation, sustainability and positive change in your organisation

  • You’re in a new role or interested in moving into a new position and would like to enhance your collaboration, leadership and communication skills for influence and impact

  • You’re interested in achieving meaningful change within your team and organisation through successful collaboration and communication

  • You’re in a leadership or managerial position and looking to communicate effectively and influence stakeholders

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.

Course curriculum

Over the duration of this online short course, you’ll work your way through the following modules:

Module 1

Gain insight into how communication can be used to create change in a volatile, uncertain and increasingly complex world.

Module 2

Gain insight into how communication can be used to build more inclusive communities.

Module 3

Explore the attributes that contribute to becoming an effective influencer.

Module 4

Examine different communication approaches and techniques.

Module 5

Learn how embedding purpose and cultivating organisational culture can effect change within an organisation.

On completion of this course, you’ll walk away with:

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.

Course Convenors

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.

Umar C.

Communication and Media Strategist; Founding Partner, COMCREA

“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.”

An online education that sets you apart

This University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership 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

Want to know more?

Enter your information to access the course prospectus and learn more about this course from GetSmarter.

Want to know more?

Enter your information to access the course prospectus and learn more about this course from GetSmarter.