Finance for Leaders is intended for leaders and managers who are interested in expanding their knowledge of finance, various financial choices and financial metrics in strategic decision-making and value-creation. Participants enrolling in this program have a rudimentary knowledge of finance and be able to interpret financial data in contracts, identify sources of capital, and recognize the difference between cash flow and profitability - similar to what is covered in the Broad College’s Finance for Non-Financial Managers program. Finance for Leaders focuses on several different themes including:
- Use of financial metrics to identify areas of operational excellence and under-performance
- Role of financial information in making large strategic decisions such as expanding, downsizing, and organizational restructuring
- Application of financial measures in compensation and incentive systems that guide organizations toward maximized value decisions
- Introduction to various revenue streams and fundraising vehicles available and internal to firms
- Analysis of costs and benefits of different financing strategies regarding value creation and default risk.
Various real-world cases will be used to illustrate and explore these issues in a variety of different corporate settings. Open discussion and interactive exercises help participants apply information gained to given scenarios, as well as their organization’s present situation.
Register and Schedule Details
- Finance for Leaders Fall 2026
Cost: $2395.00Description:
The full program cost is $2,395 which includes faculty instruction, all educational materials, lunch and break service, and a certificate of completion. Participants will continue to have access to materials for six months once the session is completed.
The early bird rate is $1,995 if registration is complete and full payment is submitted on or before 30 days prior to start date.
Start Date: Nov 10, 2026
End Date: Nov 10, 2026
Day of Week: Tuesday
Start Time: 8:30am
End Time: 4:30pm
Type: In Person
Start Date: Nov 11, 2026
End Date: Nov 11, 2026
Day of Week: Wednesday
Start Time: 8:30am
End Time: 4:30pm
Type: In Person
Notes:- VIRTUAL Finance for Leaders Fall 2026
Cost: $2395.00Description:The full program cost is $2,395 which includes faculty instruction, all educational materials, lunch and break service, and a certificate of completion. Participants will continue to have access to materials for six months once the session is completed.
The early bird rate is $1,995 if registration is complete and full payment is submitted on or before 30 days prior to start date.
Start Date: Nov 10, 2026
End Date: Nov 10, 2026
Day of Week: Tuesday
Start Time: 8:30am
End Time: 4:30pm
Type: Online, fixed date
Start Date: Nov 11, 2026
End Date: Nov 11, 2026
Day of Week: Wednesday
Start Time: 8:30am
End Time: 4:30pm
Type: Online, fixed date
Notes: - VIRTUAL Finance for Leaders Fall 2026
Faculty and Speakers
Stephen Schiestel is Frederick S. Addy Endowed Professor of Practice in Finance in the Finance Department at Michigan State University’s Broad College of Business. Steve has taught in both the undergraduate and EMBA programs. In 2016, he was awarded the department’s Teacher of the Year award and the EMBA Professor of Excellence Award in 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2022.
Key Learning Objectives
Key learning outcomes address the participants ability to:
- Effectively use financial information and realize limitations of different financial metrics
- Apply financial information to identify sources of value creation and opportunities for operational improvement
- Incorporate financial metrics into compensation systems to guide individuals towards maximizing organizational performance
- Think strategically about growth opportunities and implications of different growth strategies – on financial metrics and funding needs – including acquisitions
- Consider organizational restructuring and divestitures in maximizing value in a variety of different economic environments
- Review the various fundraising vehicles available to firms and the costs and benefits of different financing strategies
- Develop a firm’s financial strategy based on market, industry, and firm-specific conditions
- More effectively communicate with financiers and financial markets
Advanced understanding of these areas will be achieved through faculty instruction, group discussions, practice in using tools and applications, and interaction between participants
Who Should Attend
This program is ideal for:
- Leaders and managers who desire to have a more complete picture of the financial aspects across their organization
- Division directors gaining responsibility for finding finance solutions to company dilemmas
- Professionals aiming to communicate finance information more effectively among financial managers and external market participants
- Leaders and managers from all functional areas and across industries whose decisions have a financial impact on the organization, including leaders in marketing, sales, human resources, operations, manufacturing, and engineering leads
- Administrators looking to grow their finance responsibilities within an organization will appreciate the takeaways for Finance for Leaders.
Additional Information
In-Person: This program will take place at the James B. Henry Center for Executive Development at Michigan State University located at 3535 Forest Road, Lansing MI 48910. For traveling guests, hotel accommodations are available at the adjoining hotel, Candlewood Suites East Lansing.
Online (synchronous): Participants will join in real-time using a web conferencing platform and interact with the instructor and other online and in-person participants. To participate in the program, participants will join the scheduled session(s) at the same time, regardless of their physical location. During the class, the instructor will deliver lectures, and facilitate discussions, while students can ask questions, participate in group activities, and collaborate on projects. A member of the executive development team will monitor the chat and platform to ensure a seamless experience.
Cancellation within 15 days of the program start date will be limited to emergency situations and may result in a 10 percent cancellation fee. Participant substitutions are welcome at any time prior to the start of the program. If a registered participant does not attend and does not notify us in advance, they will be charged the full fee.
For more information, please visit our FAQ Page or contact the Program Director, Keith Groya by email groyakei@msu.edu.