Leadership Development: Courses and Programs

The Bauer Leadership Center develops and supports courses that emphasize Values Based, Data Driven™ leadership.

These two guiding principles are grounded in the core values and identity of WashU Olin Business School and specify how one should operate in all one does as a leader.

When industry and community leaders come into the classroom, a common theme in their remarks is the importance of personal values and ethics—in their careers, and in guiding their organizations. At Olin, values-based leadership is an integral part of the business curriculum. Our goal is to model authentic leadership values and encourage students to develop a plan for balancing leadership impact with personal integrity.

From signature courses to graduate degree programs to Bauer Fellows, the Bauer Leadership Center impacts the education of Washington University students. In the Center’s “Defining Moments” and “Women and Leadership” courses, students hear firsthand from exemplary leaders discussing their approach to leadership and the values that guide them.

Sponsored Leadership Courses

WashU Olin Business School offers a range of leadership courses in undergraduate, graduate and executive programs beyond these sponsored courses.

To understand which ones are the best fit for your education and career development, please discuss with your program office.

Leadership in the Trenches: Learning to Lead through Experience

This class is designed to help students advance their leadership capacity by engaging in and learning from a challenging leadership experience. It is the core class required for all Bauer Leadership Fellows. Participants in this class are required to apply and be accepted as a Team Lead for Olin’s Center for Experiential Learning Practicum Program.

Defining Moments: Lessons in Leadership and Character from the Top

Most transformational leaders can point to a handful of key moments that defined the trajectory of their character, their career and their company. How can aspiring business leaders prepare themselves to face their defining moments with insight and integrity? This course examines these questions by learning from leaders who exemplify both business excellence and personal character.

This course allowed me to listen to various perspectives and has opened my mind to different points of view on how to become a successful leader and create an impact in my company and community.

Eddie Cohen, MBA Candidate

Other Defining Moments speakers at our spring 2023 event include:

• John Mozeliak, President of Baseball Operations, St. Louis Cardinals
• Sue McCollum, CEO, Eagle Brands Sales/ Double Eagle Distributing
• Bob Chapman, Chairman and CEO, Barry-Wehmiller

Women in Leadership

Now in its eighth year, this course focuses on learning from the experiences and insights of women who have achieved excellence and impact in leadership.

Women in Leadership Class Speakers, Fall 2023

• Reetika Grewal, EVP, Head of Digital for Commercial Banking and Corporate & Investment Banking, Wells Fargo Bank
• Sunny Yi, VP, General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer, Adidas Asia Pacific and Greater China
• Akberet Boykin Farr, Vice President, Human Resources, Emerson
• Maxine K. Clark, CEO, Clark-Fox Family Foundation Founder, Build-A-Bear Workshop; Chief INspirator, The Delmar DivINe
• Aimee Wehmeier, President, Paraquad
• Lori Coulter, Co-Founder and CEO, Summersalt

Women in Leadership Class Speakers, Fall 2022

• Maxine Clark, CEO, Clark-Fox Family Foundation; Founder, Build-A-Bear Workshop; Chief INspirator, The Delmar DivINe
• Zoe Hillenmeyer, Chief Commercial Officer, Peak
• Dr. Shantay N. Bolton, Executive Vice Chancellor and Chief Administrative Officer, Washington University in St. Louis
• Kristen Wild, President and Chief Executive Officer, Operation Food Search
• Cassandra Brown Ray, Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Saint Louis Zoo
• Tina Garrison, President, SSM Health DePaul Hospital

Leadership Programs and Degrees

Undergraduate

Our BSBA Major in Organization and Strategic Management, BSBA Minor in the Business of Social Impact or Non-BSBA Program options for these areas of focus combines coursework in leadership, organizational behavior, strategy and human resources. The major is ideal for students interested in management rotational programs, consulting and/or human resource management.