Lead Beyond Finance. Influence Enterprise Strategy.
An immersive, in-person executive education program designed specifically for financial leaders who are ready to expand their strategic influence, executive presence, and enterprise-wide impact.
Developed by USC Marshall School of Business faculty in collaboration with Financial Executives International (FEI).
Built by trusted institutions. Designed for financial leaders.
- In-person, faculty-led executive education
- Small cohort to ensure meaningful peer engagement
This program reflects the leadership realities of today’s CFOs and financial executives – not generic executive training.
The Leadership Challenge Facing Finance Executives
Today’s financial leaders are expected to do more than manage numbers. They are increasingly called upon to:
- Shape enterprise strategy
- Influence CEOs, boards, and cross-functional leaders
- Lead organizational and technology-enabled transformation
- Communicate with confidence in high-stakes environments
Yet many leadership programs are not designed with the unique role of the finance executive in mind.
The USC + FEI Strategic Leadership Program was created to close that gap.
Who This Program Is For
Designed For:
- CFOs, VPs of Finance, Controllers, and senior-level financial leaders
- Executives preparing for broader enterprise or general management roles
- Leaders responsible for strategy, transformation, or cross-functional initiatives
- Finance professionals seeking to elevate their leadership impact beyond technical expertise
What You Will Gain
Executive-Level Outcomes
By the end of the program, participants will be able to:
- Operate as an enterprise leader, not solely a functional finance expert
- Influence strategic decisions at the C-suite and board level
- Communicate with clarity and confidence across internal and external stakeholders
- Lead complex change and transformation initiatives, including technology and innovation
- Strengthen executive presence and decision-making in ambiguous, high-pressure environments
The focus is practical, applied leadership – not abstract theory.
Program Experience
A Focused, Immersive Executive Learning Environment
This four-day, in-person experience is designed to maximize leadership development, reflection, and peer exchange.
Program elements include:
- Faculty-led, case-based discussions grounded in real organizational challenges
- Interactive sessions focused on leadership, influence, and enterprise strategy
- Structured peer dialogue with fellow financial leaders
- Dedicated time away from daily demands to focus on leadership growth
Across the week, participants will explore themes such as:
- The evolving role of the finance leader as enterprise strategist
- Executive communication, influence, and leadership presence
- Leading across functions, stakeholders, and external environments
- Strategy execution, innovation, and technology-enabled transformation
Each session is designed to connect leadership concepts directly to the real responsibilities of senior finance executives.
Featured Program Faculty
Learn From USC Marshall Faculty and Experienced Financial Leaders
Participants will learn from a distinguished group of USC Marshall School of Business faculty and senior-level practitioners including:
Johanna Nielsen — Vice President & Corporate Controller, Nike, Inc.
Global financial leader specializing in strategic transformation and enterprise systems.
Kevin McBride — EVP, Finance, Accounting and Corporate Services, ServiceNow, Inc.
Seasoned finance executive with deep corporate finance and reporting experience.
Mitch Feinman — Faculty, USC Marshall School of Business
Expert in strategic management and innovation with real-world executive teaching.
Why This Program Is Different
Purpose-Built for Financial Executives
Unlike general executive leadership programs, this experience is:
- Designed specifically for senior-level financial leaders, not adapted from a generic curriculum
- Informed by FEI’s executive finance community, reflecting real leadership challenges
- Focused on leadership transition and enterprise influence, not technical skills
- Delivered fully in person, recognizing the value of peer learning and discussion
This program is built for where financial leaders are going – not where they’ve been.
Organizational Value
A Strategic Investment in Leadership Capacity
Organizations increasingly rely on financial leaders to shape strategy, guide transformation, and influence enterprise outcomes.
This program supports that evolution – making it a strong candidate for employer-sponsored professional development and leadership pipeline investment.
📄 Download the Print-Ready Employer Investment Overview (PDF)
Participants return with:
- Broader leadership perspective
- Practical frameworks for executive influence
- A network of senior-level financial peers
Take the Next Step
Explore Whether This Program Is Right for You
You’ve seen how the USC + FEI Strategic Leadership Program is designed to support financial leaders as they expand their strategic influence and enterprise impact.
If this aligns with your professional goals – or those of a leader in your organization – the next step is to secure your place.
Enrollment is limited to preserve the executive learning experience.
Seeking employer approval?
📄 Download the Print-Ready Employer Investment Overview (PDF)
📄 Download the Program Brochure (PDF)
A detailed overview of the program experience, faculty, and learning journey.
Need help enrolling?
If you have questions about the enrollment process or need assistance registering, please contact us at [email protected] and our team will be happy to help.
About the Partners
Financial Executives International (FEI) is the premier professional association for senior-level financial leaders, supporting leadership development, career growth, and professional excellence.
USC Marshall School of Business is a globally recognized institution known for excellence in leadership, strategy, and executive education.