What is the Certified Leadership Strategist?

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

How long does this certification take?

The programme is 8 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 Leadership Strategist (CLES) | Online Certification

Executive Summary

Certified Leadership Strategist

Designed for today’s high-impact professionals, the Certified Leadership Strategist (CLES) 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 8 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 CLES 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 Leadership Strategist

Acronym

CLES

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

Leadership Capability

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

Career Advancement

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

Strategic Thinking

Build the strategic thinking, analysis and execution skills of world-class leaders

Organisational Impact

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

Personal Excellence

Develop emotional intelligence, resilience and authentic executive presence

Global Employability

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

Competency Framework

Core Competencies You Will Develop

✦Digital Leadership Ecosystems

✦Remote Leadership Systems

✦Digital Leadership Intelligence

✦AI-Enabled Leadership

✦Digital Talent Systems

✦Leadership Technology Metrics

Course Curriculum

Programme Modules

The full programme, module by module.

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

1

Digital Leadership Ecosystems

Digital financial services, mobile money and agent networks · Digital operating model: how the organisation works once it is digital · Digital leadership and business transformation · Data engineering: models, pipelines and the quality problem

2

Technology-Enabled Leadership Models

Managing technology assets, vendors and technical debt · Payment technology and switches · Cybersecurity and fraud technology · Technology governance and change control

3

Digital Leadership Capability Architecture

Building digital capability in an organisation · Digital procurement roadmaps · Technology and digital strategy: alignment, portfolio and roadmap · Agile and digital transformation projects

4

Remote Leadership Systems

Inclusive, remote and distributed leadership · Measuring security transformation impact · Digital forensics fundamentals · Chain of custody in digital evidence

5

Digital Workforce Structures

Future of work and workforce transformation · Digital advisory, e-extension and mobile services · Traceability, blockchain and digital records · Digital marketplaces and e-commerce

6

Technology-Enabled Organisational Culture

Innovation and experimentation culture · Digital fraud, cyber-enabled schemes and electronic evidence · Innovation and technology investment · Team leadership in technology

7

Digital Leadership Intelligence

Intelligence-led and data-driven security · Sustaining transformation and benefits · Measuring learning transformation impact · Learning technology ecosystem

8

Technology Adoption Leadership

Digital transformation and technology adoption in practice · User adoption and change · Governance transformation and reform · Digital ethics and responsible AI

9

Digital Innovation Leadership

Ethics and responsible innovation · Scaling innovation to production · Innovation platforms and experimentation · Category and supplier innovation

10

AI-Enabled Leadership

Leadership impact and organisational health metrics · 360-degree feedback and leadership assessment · Ethics and responsible leadership · Personal leadership development planning

11

Digital Decision Systems

Learning technology, platforms and blended design · Professional and digital publishing practice · Digital, blended and low-bandwidth delivery · Digital currencies and CBDCs

12

Technology Change Leadership

Leading change at scale: sequencing, coalition and momentum · Transformation versus incremental change · Designing a transformation programme · Sustaining transformation and preventing reversion

13

Digital Talent Systems

Succession and the leadership pipeline · Talent, succession and the leadership pipeline · Data analytics for assurance · Reporting and disclosure tools

14

Virtual Leadership Structures

Business models for new tech · Integration with existing systems · Risk and regulatory considerations · Standards and interoperability

15

Digital Leadership Risk

OT and cyber-physical security · Network and cloud forensics · Intelligence cycle and sources · Intelligence products and briefing

16

Leadership Technology Metrics

Project management software and tools · Project data, reporting and analytics · Automation in project delivery · AI and predictive project analytics

17

Digital Leadership Maturity

Organisational maturity, assessment and improvement programmes · Major cloud platforms and services · Cloud security and identity · Migration and modernisation

18

Technology Leadership Renewal

Transformational leadership and organisational renewal · Infrastructure planning for water and mechanisation · Data-driven decision support and analytics · Behaviour change and adoption of innovations

19

Digital Leadership Roadmapping

Text and interaction analytics · Automation and workflow · Operating-model and process re-engineering · Innovation and fintech collaboration

20

Digital Leadership Strategy Project

Testing and test automation · Agile principles and Scrum · Infrastructure as code · Application and network security

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 Leadership 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

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Step 1: Choose Your Certification

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

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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.

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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.

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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 CLES certification?

The Certified Leadership Strategist is a professional certification awarded by the Global Leadership Institute. It covers 20 core modules specific to Leadership Strategist, culminating in the capstone “Digital Leadership Strategy Project”, 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 CLES?

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 CLES certification take to complete?

The programme is structured over 8 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 CLES 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 CLES certification?

The Certified Leadership Strategist is offered in two formats: Self-Paced at USD 349 and Live Virtual at USD 549. Corporate group rates are available for organisations enrolling 5 or more participants. Contact GLI for a bespoke corporate training quotation.

What does the CLES 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 CLES?

The Certified Leadership 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 CLES?

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

Can I study the CLES 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 CLES?

Graduates progress towards executive, director and C-suite leadership roles. The CLES 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 CLES 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 Leadership Strategist

Certified Leadership 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

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