IIM Calcutta
Advanced Programme in Strategic Leadership Communication
Batch No: 07
The Advanced Programme in Strategic Leadership Communication (APSLC) erstwhile known as Executive Programme in Communication Strategies for Corporate Leaders by IIM Calcutta is a pioneering initiative designed to redefine how communication operates at the strategic core of leadership. Moving far beyond traditional ideas of corporate communication or presentation skills, APSLC integrates frameworks from behavioural economics, digital transformation, AI, analytics, and performative communication to create a dynamic and future-ready leadership toolkit.
Through an interdisciplinary blend of conceptual learning, real-world case studies, and immersive workshops, the programme empowers professionals to craft narratives that inspire, influence, and drive strategic outcomes. Participants will explore how communication shapes leadership identity, builds credibility, resolves conflicts, leverages data stories, and transforms digital presence into leadership impact.
APSLC isn’t about mastering soft skills — it’s about mastering strategic expression: the ability to communicate vision, align teams, and engage diverse audiences with purpose and precision. Designed and delivered by IIM Calcutta’s distinguished faculty, this programme helps leaders discover the art and science of communication that moves organizations forward in an era of constant change.
Programme Highlights
Duration
6 months
Eligibility
Graduate (50%) with 5+ years’ experience.
Mode of Delivery
Live Online + 2 campus modules (total 7 days) at IIM Calcutta
Live Sessions
Live online sessions every Saturday (10 a.m to 1 p.m)
Programme Commences
Mar 2026 (Tentative)
Apply Before
March 20, 2026
Alumni Status
Post successful completion of the programme participants will receive Certificate of Completion form IIM Calcutta
Fees
INR 2,80,000/- + GST
Post successful completion of the programme participants will receive Certificate of Completion and Executive Alumni status form IIM Calcutta
Programme Overview
The Advanced Programme in Strategic Leadership Communication (APSLC) aims to equip participants with the strategic, analytical, and creative communication capabilities essential for effective leadership in today’s complex business landscape. The programme seeks to transform experienced professionals into visionary communicators who can influence stakeholders, drive organizational goals, and lead with clarity and impact.
It focuses on developing an advanced understanding of how communication functions as a leadership strategy — integrating insights from behavioural economics, data storytelling, intercultural communication, digital platforms, AI, and gamification. Participants will learn to design persuasive narratives, manage conflicts, communicate across diverse audiences, and build credible leadership identities in both traditional and digital ecosystems.
Ultimately, the objective of APSLC is to empower leaders to think strategically, communicate purposefully, and inspire transformational change within their organizations and industries.
Consult Our Academic Advisor
Programme Curriculum
Communication Strategies for Leaders
An Initiation into leadership Communication
Tools for Credibility Building
Packaging Audience Benefits
Sales Pitch through Impactful Argumentation
‘Behaviorconomics’ in Designing a Winning ArgumentNarratives: The Nudge Factor
Sales Pitch: Major trends in Narrative-Pitch
Public Speaking
Crafting a Contemporary Public Narrative
Persuasion and Influence
Fostering Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity through Communication: Gender, Sexuality, Neurodiversity, Inter-generationality
Public Narrative and Leadership Storytelling
Leveraging Digital Communication for Leaders
Preparing platform-oriented strategies for digital presence and impact
Understanding convergence cultures
Leveraging digital platforms
Role of social media in brand building and recognition
Inter-Cultural Communication
Communications Conforming to Cultural Dimensions
Conceptual Background
Understanding Cultural Dimensions
Persuasion Tactics
Data Presentations
Reorienting data through stories
Data Persuasion: Theories and Practice
Data Stories
Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
Interpersonal Communications for Productive Workplace Transactions
Understanding Conflict
Analyzing Various Negotiation Tactics as Bargain Moves
Storytelling in the Digital Era
Introducing concepts and frameworks of storytelling
Storytelling
Trans-medial Storytelling
Communication Analytics – Visual Communication Trends
Re-designing Decision Making for Competitive Market
Visual Communication as indicative of Market Trends
Understanding Visual-Market Systems
Communication With(out) AI
Understanding AI in the age of generative text and its effects on communication
Theories and Concepts of AI (LLM and Generative textuality)
Workshop on applications of AI in communications
Gamification
Applying game-like elements in non-game/business situations
Concepts and Octalysis Framework
Workshop to understand applications
Public Speaking and Presentation Examinations
Individual Examination on public speaking
Team presentation
Module Based Evaluations
After every Module, participants will be given group assignments
Programme Take-Aways
Redefine Leadership Through Strategic Communication
Go far beyond traditional communication training. Develop a sophisticated understanding of leadership communication as a strategic lever — one that shapes perception, drives alignment and influences outcomes at the highest levels.
Command High-Stakes Conversations
Build the capability to communicate with clarity and authority in boardrooms, investor discussions, crisis situations and transformation initiatives. Learn how to lead narratives — not just participate in them.
Acquire Game-Changing Strategic Manoeuvres
Master powerful frameworks and manoeuvres designed to create decisive advantage in complex business environments. Navigate ambiguity, resistance and competing interests with confidence and precision.
Integrate Cross-Disciplinary Intelligence
Draw insights from strategy, behavioural science, leadership theory and organizational dynamics to develop a multidimensional communication approach suited for modern enterprise leadership.
Lead Through Complexity and Change
Cultivate the ability to articulate vision during uncertainty, align diverse stakeholders and mobilize teams through transformation.
Elevate Your Executive Presence
Transition from being an effective communicator to becoming a strategic influencer — someone whose voice carries weight, credibility and direction.
Earn a Distinguished Credential
Receive Executive Certification from IIM Calcutta — reinforcing your leadership credibility and signalling advanced strategic capability.
Deliver Immediate Strategic Impact
Apply advanced communication frameworks directly to real-world leadership challenges — from strategy articulation to stakeholder influence and enterprise alignment.
Alumni Status Benefits
- LDP participants who complete the programme successfully become the Alumni of IIMC Executive Education, which currently has over 33,000 members.
- LDP Alumni are given an email-id in the IIM Calcutta domain.
- LDP Alumni can register in the IIM Calcutta Alumni portal either with this email-id or with their personal email-ids. The IIM Calcutta Alumni portal is a common platform for Alumni of all programmes of the Institute to interact with each other and stay connected with the Institute.
- The Institute shares newsletters, important news and articles about the Institute and its activities, the achievements of the Institute’s faculty, staff, students and alumni, upcoming events and programmes etc., on the portal.
- Alumni can post their achievements, write about jobs or LIVE project opportunities for other alumni to see.
- The IIM Calcutta alumni network can also be accessed on mobile phones through the mobile app.
- Executive Education Alumni are entitled to a discount of 5% on the programme fee if they opt to do another LDP.
- By using the different features of the IIM Calcutta portal, alumni across programmes can engage with each other in many meaningful ways. It is up to the alumni themselves to leverage the platform
On successful completion of the programme participants will receive their certificate of completion from IIM Calcutta. They will also be accorded the prestigious IIM Calcutta Executive Education Alumni status.
Important dates
Apply Before
March 20, 2026Prog. Commences
Mar 2026 (Tentative)Online sessions on
SaturdaySessions timing
10a.m. – 1p.m.
Fee Plan
| FEE TOWARDS | AMOUNT |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | INR 2,500 + GST |
| (Installment I) Within 7 days of receiving the offer letter | INR 94,000 + GST |
| (Installment II) 10 May 2026 | INR 94,000 + GST |
| (Installment III) 10 July 2026 | INR 92,000 + GST |
| Total Fees Exclusive of Application Fee | INR 2,80,000/- + GST |
Pay in 3 Easy installments
Consult Our Academic Advisor
Programme Director
Prof. Nandita Roy
Dr. Roy obtained her Ph.D. in English Literature from Jadavpur University, Kolkata. Her research focuses on the intersection of philosophy, technology, gender studies, storytelling and new media. Her teaching style is to promote curiosity and use elements of game-based learning.
Prof. Nandita Roy
Prof. Pragyan Rath
Associate Professor in the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta Dr. Rath has completed her Ph.D. in English from the Humanities and Social Sciences Department at IIT Mumbai. She has written extensively on innovative methods of communication analytics and seeks to contribute further to the multi-disciplinary field of corporate communication.
Prof. Pragyan Rath
FAQs
What is the Advanced Programme in Strategic Leadership Communication (APSLC)?
The APSLC erstwhile known as Executive Programme in Communication Strategies for Corporate Leaders is a six-month executive education programme by IIM Calcutta that helps professionals develop strategic leadership communication skills through an interdisciplinary blend of behavioural economics, digital technologies, data storytelling, AI, and performative communication.
Who is this programme designed for?
The programme is ideal for senior managers, mid-level executives, and team leaders with at least five years of professional experience who aspire to move into leadership roles or strengthen their strategic communication abilities.
How is APSLC different from traditional communication or soft skills courses?
Unlike conventional programmes focusing on language proficiency or etiquette, APSLC emphasizes strategic communication as a leadership tool — integrating analytical reasoning, digital storytelling, intercultural communication, and AI-driven engagement frameworks.
What are the key learning outcomes of the programme?
Participants will learn to:
- Communicate with clarity, confidence, and strategic intent
- Design persuasive narratives and data-driven presentations
- Manage conflicts and negotiations effectively
- Leverage digital and AI tools for leadership communication
- Build authentic and credible leadership identities
What teaching methods are used in the programme?
The pedagogy includes interactive lectures, case studies, workshops, video-graphed presentations, and personalized feedback sessions. Participants will also engage in team projects, AI and gamification exercises, and data storytelling sessions for experiential learning.
What is the duration and schedule of the programme?
The programme spans six months with weekly classes held every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. It includes a total of 96 hours of learning, along with two campus modules at IIM Calcutta
Are there any campus visits involved?
Yes. The programme includes two campus immersion modules at IIM Calcutta — a 3-day session at the beginning and a 4-day session at the end, which includes the certification ceremony.
How will participants be evaluated?
Evaluation will be continuous and include module-wise assignments, mid-term and final project presentations, online exams, and public speaking assessments. Attendance of at least 75% and completion of all examinations are mandatory for certification.
What certification will participants receive upon completion?
Participants who successfully meet all academic and attendance requirements will be awarded the “Advanced Programme in Strategic Leadership Communication” certificate from IIM Calcutta, and will gain IIMC Executive Education Alumni status.
What is the total programme fee and how is it structured?
The total programme fee is INR 2,80,000 + GST, payable in three instalments. This includes campus visit fees and study material costs. Fees are to be paid directly to UCS LLP (VCNow), the official delivery partner for the programme.
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