What is the Certified Business Strategist?

The Certified Business Strategist is a globally recognised professional certification by the Global Leadership Institute (GLI), designed to equip professionals with advanced competencies in Soft Skills & Personal Dev..

How long does this certification take?

The programme is 9 Week and can be completed at your own pace through our self-paced online option, or alongside live virtual sessions.

Is this certification globally recognised?

Yes. GLI certifications are internationally recognised and carry CPD credits, making them valuable for career advancement worldwide.

What level is this certification?

This is a Intermediate Level certification, suitable for professionals with relevant experience or background in the field.

You can enrol by emailing info@leadership.co.ke, contacting us via WhatsApp at +254 722 223 084, or filling the enrolment form below.

Certified Business Strategist (CBUS) | Online Certification

Executive Summary

Certified Business Strategist

Designed for today’s high-impact professionals, the Certified Business Strategist (CBUS) delivers a rigorous Intermediate-level curriculum that equips participants with the knowledge, tools and frameworks needed to excel in strategic leadership, organisational management and business transformation.

This 9 Week programme is structured around recognised global leadership and management competency frameworks, ensuring every graduate applies internationally validated methods to real-world challenges.

GLI’s CBUS holders are recognised by leading organisations across Africa, the Gulf, Europe and the Americas as qualified, results-driven professionals. Whether you are advancing your current career or transitioning into new responsibilities, this certification provides the competitive edge you need in 2026 and beyond.

Programme Overview

Certification at a Glance

Certification

Certified Business Strategist

Acronym

CBUS

Who Should Enrol?

Managers and Team Leaders
Heads of Department and Directors
Senior Executives and Aspiring Leaders
Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

Programme Inclusions

Everything Included in Your Enrolment

All study materials and study guide
Access to GLI online learning portal
Online examination and assessment
Digital certificate and digital badge
Physical certificate (shipped to you)
CPD credits for professional bodies
GLI alumni network membership
Facilitator and tutor support
Resource downloads and reference library
Automatic enrolment confirmation

Certification Benefits

Why This Certification Matters for Your Career

Career Advancement

Accelerate your career towards executive, director and C-suite leadership roles

Professional Recognition

Credential aligned with recognised global leadership and management competency frameworks

Leadership Capability

Develop the strategic and operational skills to lead complex strategic leadership functions

Organisational Impact

Design and implement strategic leadership systems that drive performance and measurable results

Compliance Readiness

Master the standards, compliance and ethical governance central to strategic leadership

Global Employability

Qualify for strategic leadership roles across corporates, public institutions, NGOs and enterprises worldwide

Competency Framework

Core Competencies You Will Develop

✦Business Model Architecture

✦Competitive Positioning

✦Revenue Model Structures

✦Strategic Resource Architecture

✦Growth Portfolio Management

✦Business Performance Architecture

Course Curriculum

Programme Modules

The full programme, module by module.

Core CurriculumModules 1–20 · specific to Certified Business Strategist · module 20 is the capstone

1

Business Strategy Foundations

Data engineering: models, pipelines and the quality problem · Digital transformation and technology adoption in practice · Digital transformation strategy · Digital strategy: what to change, in what order, and why

2

Business Model Architecture

People analytics maturity and operating model · Business model design: value, revenue and cost architecture · Digital maturity assessment: knowing where the organisation really is · Leading digital change: adoption, resistance and the people who make it work

3

Market Structure Analysis

Digital and market transformation · Digital disruption and modern go-to-market · Digital and data-driven go-to-market · Technology governance and change control

4

Customer Value Architecture

Customer lifetime value and profitability · The value of customer-centricity · Customer lifetime value · Customer retention, loyalty and lifetime value

5

Competitive Positioning

Competitive strategy: cost, differentiation and the danger of the middle · Competitive strategy and positioning · Competitive advantage: positioning, resources and sustainability · Measuring growth and transformation impact

6

Growth Architecture

Professional ethics in technology · Digital accessibility and inclusion · Bridging business and technology · Ethical and responsible technology

7

Business Portfolio Analysis

Corporate-level strategy: portfolio, diversification and the parenting question · Innovation portfolio: horizons, experiments and commercialisation · IT governance, decision rights and the technology portfolio · Measuring learning transformation impact

8

Revenue Model Structures

IT governance and technology control frameworks · GRC technology and continuous monitoring · Technology strategy and architecture choices · Digital business models and monetisation

9

Market Opportunity Mapping

Opportunity identification, screening and prioritisation · Digital, blended and low-bandwidth delivery · Managing technology assets, vendors and technical debt · Digital currencies and CBDCs

10

Business Capability Systems

Building digital capability in an organisation · Transformation versus incremental change · Designing a transformation programme · Sustaining transformation and preventing reversion

11

Strategic Resource Architecture

Capacity, workload and resource coordination · Reporting and disclosure tools · Compliance monitoring systems · Data governance and quality

12

Business Model Innovation

Business model design: how the organisation creates, delivers and captures value · Scaling innovation to production · Innovation platforms and experimentation · Category and supplier innovation

13

Strategic Scenario Design

Resilience and future threats · Sustaining improvement and benefits · Transactions: due diligence, valuation and integration · Situational awareness and analytics

14

Growth Portfolio Management

Growth strategy and choosing where to compete · Innovation and continuous delivery · Critical path and network diagrams · Agile principles and the Agile Manifesto

15

Competitive Response Systems

LAN, WAN and network design · Operating systems administration · Network security and firewalls · Cloud models (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)

16

Strategic Business Risk

Platform engineering and reliability (SRE) · Network security and zero trust · Access to finance, grants and investment · Infrastructure planning for water and mechanisation

17

Business Performance Architecture

Customer-centric operating models · Service analytics and dashboards · Text and interaction analytics · Automation and workflow

18

Strategic Implementation Systems

Infrastructure as code and automation · Infrastructure security and resilience · Software development lifecycle (SDLC) · Web, mobile and cross-platform apps

19

Business Strategy Review

Strategic performance review: measuring the strategy, not just the business · Investment principles and objectives · Investment strategy and allocation · Automation and robotics

20

Business Strategy Capstone

ERP modules and integration · Integration and interfaces · Reporting and enterprise analytics · Workflow and automation

Professional ElectivesModules 21–30 · common to all GLI certifications · broaden your professional range

21

Strategic Communication and Executive Presentation

Vision, purpose and translating direction into work · Audience-centred communication and message structure · Executive leadership: the board interface and enterprise stewardship · Persuasive structure: framing, evidence and the ask

22

Leadership and Team Effectiveness

Leadership identity, style and the limits of style · Leadership assessment, feedback and continuous self-review · What critical reasoning is and what it is not · Situational and adaptive leadership

23

Analytical Thinking and Evidence-Based Reasoning

Creativity and critical-thinking development · Analytical techniques and bias · Evidence-based improvement · Problem framing: symptoms, definition and scope

24

Professional Decision-Making

Managerial decision-making, bias and decision rights · Escalation and decision-making · Decision support: briefs, options and judgement under pressure · Decision frameworks: criteria, weighting and trade-offs

25

Negotiation, Influence and Stakeholder Management

Negotiation preparation: interests, options and the walk-away · Power, followership and organisational politics · Negotiation: preparation, interests and value creation · Concessions, anchoring and the shape of a bargain

26

Project and Execution Management

Proposals, bids and the business case · Project roles and the project manager · Developing the project business case · Planning, scheduling and personal workflow systems

27

Financial Literacy for Professionals

Financial reporting standards and their application · Financial management for the operating manager · Liquidity, funding and balance sheet management · Management accounting: costing, budgeting and decision support

28

Digital Skills, AI and Technology for Professionals

Digital workplace, collaboration and user support · Productivity, collaboration and workflow tools · Tools for interaction and collaboration · Working with data: quality, interpretation and honest presentation

29

Ethics, Governance and Professional Accountability

Ethical leadership: integrity, tolerated behaviour and moral courage · Ethics, conduct and speaking up · Business development risk, ethics and integrity · AI for managers: adoption, oversight and governance

30

Personal Effectiveness, Productivity and Career Growth

Emotional competence: awareness, regulation and expression · Self-awareness, strengths and the accuracy of self-image · Emotional intelligence and self-regulation · Priority: outcomes, importance and the urgency trap

Every module opens in the learning portal with its full lesson set, worked examples, further reading and video masterclasses. 30 modules · 150 lessons.

Learning Outcomes

What You Will Achieve

Establish a comprehensive understanding of Certified Business Strategist principles aligned with recognised global leadership and management competency frameworks
Apply evidence-based methods to improve strategic leadership, organisational management and business transformation
Master strategic thinking, vision and direction setting and leading teams, people and high performance
Apply decision-making, problem-solving and execution and emotional intelligence and authentic leadership in real-world settings
Lead risk management, quality and compliance relevant to your field
Design stakeholder engagement and professional communication strategies
Use data-driven decision-making and performance-measurement tools effectively
Apply internationally recognised best practice to advance your career in strategic leadership

Enrolment Process

How to Get Certified

🎯

Step 1: Choose Your Certification

You are viewing Certified Business Strategist — one of GLI's 1,990+ globally recognised professional certifications.

💳

Step 2: Enrol & Pay Online — Instantly

Click Enrol & Study Online to register and pay securely via Paystack, Visa, Mastercard, M-Pesa or bank transfer. Access is granted the moment payment is confirmed.

📚

Step 3: Study in the GLI Learning Portal

Work through 15 structured modules and 75 lessons at your own pace, with downloadable resources and expert-designed content — all inside the LMS.

🎓

Step 4: Pass, Get Certified & Verified

Sit your final examination online, earn your certificate instantly, and receive a globally verifiable Certificate ID — plus GLI Alumni Network access.

🎓 Enrol & Study Online — Instant Access

Secure checkout · Instant LMS access · Globally verifiable certificate

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions

What is the CBUS certification?

The Certified Business Strategist is a professional certification awarded by the Global Leadership Institute. It covers 20 core modules specific to Business Strategist, culminating in the capstone “Business Strategy Capstone”, plus 10 professional elective modules common to all GLI certifications. Candidates study through the online portal, submit the capstone project and sit a final examination; those who pass receive a verifiable certificate carrying a unique certificate ID.

Who should enrol in the CBUS?

This certification is ideal for Managers and Team Leaders, Heads of Department and Directors, Senior Executives and Aspiring Leaders and Business Owners and Entrepreneurs, and other professionals seeking to formalise their expertise in strategic leadership, organisational management and business transformation with a globally recognised credential.

How long does the CBUS certification take to complete?

The programme is structured over 9 Week and offers flexible learning modes. Self-paced learners can progress at their own schedule, while live virtual participants follow a structured cohort schedule with facilitator-led sessions.

Is the CBUS internationally recognised?

Yes. GLI certifications are recognised across 100+ countries and are aligned with recognised global leadership and management competency frameworks. Graduates receive a digital certificate, a physical certificate and CPD credits recognised by employers worldwide.

What is the cost of the CBUS certification?

The Certified Business Strategist is offered in two formats: Self-Paced at USD 499 and Live Virtual at USD 699. Corporate group rates are available for organisations enrolling 5 or more participants. Contact GLI for a bespoke corporate training quotation.

What does the CBUS certification include?

Enrolment includes all study materials and study guides, access to GLI's online learning portal, online examination, digital certificate and badge, physical certificate (posted), CPD credits, GLI alumni network membership, and ongoing facilitator support.

What is the assessment format for the CBUS?

The Certified Business Strategist is assessed through an online examination consisting of multiple-choice questions, case study analysis, and practical application assignments. The assessment is designed to evaluate real-world competency, not just theoretical recall.

What CPD credits do I earn from the CBUS?

The Certified Business Strategist carries Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits, which can be applied towards professional body requirements including recognised international professional associations.

Can I study the CBUS while working full-time?

Absolutely. The self-paced option is designed for busy working professionals and allows you to study when and where it suits you. Live virtual sessions are typically scheduled in the evenings or on weekends to accommodate professional commitments.

What career outcomes can I expect from the CBUS?

Graduates progress towards executive, director and C-suite leadership roles. The CBUS strengthens your expertise in strategic leadership, organisational management and business transformation and positions you for advancement across corporates, public institutions, NGOs and enterprises.

Graduate Voices

What Our Alumni Say

“

The curriculum was directly applicable to my daily work. I immediately applied what I learned and saw results within weeks of completing the programme.

Managing Director

Private Sector

“

GLI's certification is the most practical professional programme I have attended. The international frameworks gave me credibility with my employer and clients.

Operations Manager

NGO Sector

“

I earned my CBUS while working full-time. The self-paced format made it possible, and the quality of the content is genuinely world-class.

Head of Strategy

Government

Certified Business Strategist

Certified Business Strategist

Certification at a Glance

Who Should Enrol?

Everything Included in Your Enrolment

Why This Certification Matters for Your Career

Core Competencies You Will Develop

Programme Modules

What You Will Achieve

How to Get Certified

Common Questions

What Our Alumni Say

You May Also Like

Certified Professional Development Facilitator

Certified Coaching and Mentoring Associate

Certified Team Building and Collaboration Expert

Certified Disease Prevention Specialist

Certified Learning & Development Professional

Certified Hazardous Materials Practitioner