Facebook Skip to main content

Center for Leadership and Strategic Thinking

Center for Leadership and Strategic Thinking

Elevating leadership to maximize human potential

We seek to continually advance innovative research and its application to generating transformative development

The Center for Leadership and Strategic Thinking (CLST) at the Foster School of Business works with individuals across a wide range of audiences, including students, individuals, teams, and organizations. We partner with colleagues across the globe and through research and different forms of coaching, training, and addressing practical applications and challenges, we support the development of expertise required to navigate new, emerging, and complex challenges. We intend to create a ripple effect that maximizes the understanding that individuals, groups, organizations, and communities need to support and sustain positive change.

29+

Seattle Fire Service Executive Leadership Academy projects

88

out of 100 average effectiveness rating (Fritzky Leadership Fellows)

400+

students receive leadership training yearly

The CLST provides transformational experiences and resources for leaders of all levels from emerging leaders to established leaders. We believe leadership development is a dynamic journey of self-discovery, supported by thoughtful assessment and feedback. We emphasize the connection between practice and theory, using real-world experiences to shape leadership strategies while allowing research to define new possibilities.

Our programs are rooted in actionable learning, equipping participants with skills to think strategically, lead authentically, and drive meaningful change. Our research is centered around topics related to how leadership emerges and develops, how to accelerate development of leaders, the impact of leadership. A few of our primary initiatives include:

  • Leadership Academies for organizations foster high-impact leadership, team collaboration, and strategic thinking
  • Peer Coaching Programs build leadership and coaching skills through structured peer group coaching sessions, fostering collaboration, self-development, and inclusive leadership within the Foster community and beyond
  • Groundbreaking research drives industry standards, from financial analyst evaluations of firm leadership to authentic leadership’s positive effects on productivity and environmental impact
  • Fritzky Leadership Fellows mentors first-year MBA students, developing leadership skills and strategic thinking through guided peer coaching

Start your leadership journey

For Students

Build strategic, adaptive leadership skills through mentorship, peer coaching, and hands-on learning.
Learn more

For Organizations

Enhance team leadership with our tailored academies and strategic development programs.
Learn more

For Coaches

Join our Coaching Collaborative to advance your skills within a professional, research-based community.
Learn more