Chief Operating Officer (COO) Program
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Redefine Operational Excellence in the Digital Era
As the global business landscape rapidly evolves, the role of chief operating officers (COOs) is becoming crucial in driving innovation, efficiency, and sustainable growth. Organizations are looking for visionary operational leaders to tackle emerging challenges, including changing customer behaviors and rising market risks.
The Berkeley Chief Operating Officer Program is designed to help aspiring and current COOs develop the skills required for effective leadership and operational excellence. Offered by UC Berkeley Executive Education, this program provides a well-rounded approach to modern business challenges by helping you develop a strategic vision, drive operational efficiency, and focus on the business impact of key emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI). Over seven months, the program will be led by expert faculty members whose deep industry experience and insights into strategic vision and operational efficiency will empower you to drive impactful change.
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What You Will Learn
In this seven-month comprehensive program, you will learn how to:
Formulate and execute strategic plans aligned with the organization's goals and objectives
Assess market dynamics, identify growth opportunities, and mitigate risks effectively
Master the principles of operational management and gain insights into enhancing productivity, quality, and efficiency across various functions
Implement risk management methodologies to navigate uncertainty and change
Leverage and assess the impact of new technologies (e.g., AI) and new technological capabilities (e.g., Big Data analytics) on operations and supply chain dynamics
Understand the dynamics of organizational change and develop strategies to lead successful transformations
Communicate effectively and foster a culture of adaptability and innovation
Curriculum
The Berkeley Chief Operating Officer Program offers a comprehensive learning experience to elevate your operations career. The curriculum comprises four core modules featuring expert lectures, case studies, exercises, and discussions with global leaders. Each module concludes with a capstone project in which you will apply program learnings to real-world operational challenges.
Live Sessions
The program includes six live sessions designed to empower current and aspiring COOs. Each session is led by distinguished Berkeley Haas faculty with deep connections to Silicon Valley and the world’s most innovative organizations. These sessions are recorded and made available for later viewing.
Live Session 1: How “the Best” COOs Are Identified
Review your cohort’s assessment on technology investments and disruptions, and explore how top COOs succeed with strategy and AI adoption.
Live Session 2: Value Creation Through Operations Management
Examine a detailed case study of Zara's integrated store and online model, exploring its operational strategies, integration approach, and resulting business outcomes.
Live Session 3: Leading in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous (VUCA) World
Analyze a real-world case study on navigating AI by following an operations leader tasked with implementing AI and considering what recommendations to make to the board.
Live Session 4: Executive Presence and Leadership in Times of Change
Learn the essential components of executive presence, with practical takeaways for authentic, effective communication and leadership in the face of operational challenges and disruption.
Live Session 5: Your Leadership Style
Gain insights into the core elements of executive presence, focusing on authentic, effective communication. Apply practical strategies for leading through operational challenges and disruption.
Live Session 6: AI Strategy in Practice
Understand how to effectively use big data and AI across various organizational contexts. Explore recommended strategies for innovation and AI adoption tailored to businesses of different sizes and at different stages.
AI Strategy and Innovation
AI is reshaping how COOs lead. This program integrates AI into interactive sessions, providing strategic frameworks and practical tools to support smarter decision-making. You will explore:
AI in Action
Real-world case studies that show how operations leaders evaluate, implement, and scale AI initiatives.
Data-Driven Leadership
Leveraging big data and machine learning to optimize operations and deliver measurable value.
AI Strategy in Practice
Proven methods for adopting AI across different business models and growth stages.
Human and AI Collaboration
Guiding teams through disruption while maintaining balance between technology, ethics, and trust.
Program Highlights
Flexible Learning Journey
Dedicate 3–5 hours weekly, balancing learning with work.
World-Renowned Faculty
Learn from the Berkeley Haas faculty and global thought leaders.
Peer Circles
Discuss business, leadership, and career challenges with peers.
Success Coach
Craft your learning journey in line with your career goals with a success coach assigned to your cohort.
Capstone Strategy Projects
Apply learnings to real-world business challenges, bridging theory and practice.
Interactive Live Sessions
Engage with faculty members, coaches, and industry leaders for cutting-edge insights.
Path to Alumni Benefits
Completion of this program fulfills 12 curriculum days toward the Berkeley Certificate of Business Excellence (COBE).
Expand Your Network
Connect with peers, industry leaders, and faculty members during the three-day campus event in California.
Silicon Valley Ecosystem
Become part of the unique Bay Area ecosystem, which is pivotal in shaping the future of technology and business.
Global Leadership Campus Immersion
The program culminates in a three-day Global Leadership Campus Immersion at the Berkeley campus in California. This action-packed networking event features in-person faculty-led sessions, masterclasses, guest speakers, and peer discussions, including sharing your personal case story. You will interact with cutting-edge disruptors, industry leaders, and professionals from prominent organizations, venture capital firms, startups, and technology innovators. Through scheduled networking breaks and live sessions, you will engage with global peers and build influential networks while expanding your professional community.
Capstone Strategy Projects
Across the four core modules, you will apply classroom lessons to distinct projects, each addressing a critical aspect of the chief operating officer's role. These projects will tackle real-world challenges in areas such as strategic operations, complex project leadership, C-suite dynamics, and technology integration. Through these assignments, you will demonstrate your grasp of key concepts and your ability to drive operational excellence and innovation in your organization.
Meet The Faculty
The Berkeley Chief Operating Officer Program is developed and taught by a team of Berkeley Haas faculty members who are renowned experts and skilled educators with a focus on the sociological and psychological processes within organizations. The faculty consists of industry experts and leaders who have spearheaded the development of groundbreaking operational strategies at some of the world’s most prominent institutions.
Faculty Director | Associate Dean for Academic Affairs | Milton W. Terrill Chaired Professor of Business Administration at Berkeley Haas | Operations & IT Management | Sustainability
Edward J. and Mollie Arnold Chair in Business Administration | Associate Professor | Economic Analysis & Policy
Senior Lecturer | Entrepreneurship and Innovation | Management of Organizations
Teaching Professor | Earl F. Cheit Faculty Fellow | Entrepreneurship & Innovation | Innovation & Design | Operations & IT Management | Sustainability
Professor | William D. Crawford Chair in Taxation and Accounting
Associate Professor | Entrepreneurship & Innovation | Management of Organizations
Continuing Lecturer | Business and Social Impact | Operations and IT Management | Sustainability
Note: Faculty list is subject to change.
Who Is It For?
The Berkeley Chief Operating Officer Program is designed for accomplished professionals who are keen on advancing their executive leadership capabilities.
The program is ideal for:
Current COOs seeking to expand their strategic framework and drive change
New and aspiring COOs looking to develop their strategic capabilities and lead organizational transformation
Operational leaders (CTOs, CMOs, CFOs, etc.) aiming to enhance their strategic thinking and drive change initiatives
Senior professionals with over 15 years of experience aiming to advance into operational leadership and C-level roles
Directors and vice presidents in operations and supply chain management aiming to elevate their leadership skills and strategic thinking
Certificate
Upon successful completion of the program, UC Berkeley Executive Education grants a verified digital certificate of completion to participants. Participants must complete 80 percent of the required activities, including a capstone project (if any), to obtain the certificate of completion. This program also counts toward a Certificate of Business Excellence.
Successful completion of this program fulfills 12 curriculum days (minimum requirement of 17 curriculum days) toward the Berkeley Certificate of Business Excellence (COBE) under either the Leadership and Communication or Strategy and Management pillars.
Learn more about how it works.
Note: This program results in a digital certificate of completion and is not eligible for degree credit/CEUs. After successful completion of the program, your verified digital certificate will be emailed to you in the name you used when registering for the program. All certificate images are for illustrative purposes only and may be subject to change at the discretion of UC Berkeley Executive Education.
This program counts toward the Berkeley Certificate of Business Excellence
Curriculum days: 12 days
Pillars: Strategy and Management or Leadership and Communication
A Berkeley Certificate of Business Excellence gives individuals the opportunity to create a personal plan of study structured by our four academic pillars. Participants will earn a mark of distinction with certification from a world-class university and enjoy the flexibility of completing the program in up to three years.
FAQs
Connect with a Program Advisor for a 1:1 Session
Our program advisors have helped senior executives across the world choose the right program for their career goals. Schedule a 1:1 to gain a deeper understanding of why the Berkeley Chief Operating Officer Program is the right fit for you. Email: berkeley_coo@emeritus.org
Phone: +1 567 485 3613 (U.S.) / +44 1313 812082 (U.K.) / +971 80 0035703815 (U.A.E.) / +52 55682 69035 (LATAM)
Early applications are encouraged. Admissions are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Flexible payment options are available.
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