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70 Years of Professional Development

Corporate Training & Custom Programs

St. Thomas Executive Education provides professional development and leadership training for Minnesota organizations seeking real-world impact. Our custom executive education programs help develop confident leaders, strengthen teams, and deliver practical tools that can be applied immediately on the job.

 

Hundreds of Experts at your Fingertips

For more than 70 years, St. Thomas Executive Education has partnered with Minnesota organizations to deliver practical, high‑quality corporate training that fits real schedules and real workplace needs. Choose from proven professional development programs or co‑create a custom learning experience tailored to your team’s goals, challenges, and culture.

Why Minnesota Organizations Partner With St. Thomas Executive Educationh

  • Ease - Simple, easy‑to‑implement training solutions that reduce complexity for HR and L&D teams.
  • Relevant, Real‑World Learning - Professional development across essential business and leadership topics that are always practical, and always ready to apply on the job the very next day.
  • Expert Instructors - Esteemed faculty and industry practitioners who bring human‑centered, experience‑rich teaching to every session.
  • Flexible Delivery - Programs delivered on-site at our Minneapolis campus, at your office, online, or in hybrid formats, built to fit your timeline and workforce.
  • Collaborative Partnership - We start with discovery, co‑design programs with you, and deliver learning that builds shared language, confidence, and measurable momentum across your teams.

Let’s connect to talk through your organization’s goals.

Contact

Andrew Claude

Director of Business Development
Andrew Claude Headshot.
Email
aclaude@stthomas.edu
Phone Number
(651) 962-4614

The Process:

Discover

We begin by getting to know your team, your culture, and the outcomes you’re working toward. Whether you have a well‑defined development plan or are simply noticing skills gaps, we’ll help you clarify where practical learning can move your organization forward.

Design

Using insights from discovery, we shape a program that’s tailored to your goals, drawing from proven courses, custom modules, hands‑on frameworks, and real‑world business examples. Every program is built to be actionable, engaging, and ready for participants to put to work immediately.

Deliver

We deliver your program in the format that works best for your team, whether that is on site at your workplace, on our Minneapolis campus, or online. Every session is led by instructors who bring real industry experience and practical teaching skill, creating an engaging environment where participants can apply new tools immediately.

We couldn't have gotten this anywhere else. Our decision to be here on campus in a [St. Thomas] class room for this experience, has probably been one of the most important decisions I’ve made as the C.E.O. of the company in the past 21 years. And I really think for those that are going to come behind me to lead this organization, I think there will be a day when they say ‘that was the best decision that you have ever made.’”

Phil Harrington, President and CEO, Kuder, Inc.

The St. Thomas Difference

St. Thomas Executive Education is rooted in advancing the common good and developing whole‑person leaders. These values guide how we design and deliver every program.
  • Programs build ethical, community‑minded leaders who lead with clarity and purpose.
  • Learning experiences strengthen skill, confidence, and character, not just knowledge.
  • As Minnesota’s largest private university, we offer a mission‑aligned approach that resonates with purpose‑driven organizations.

 

We work as partners, not vendors. Every engagement starts with listening and discovery, so the final program reflects your goals, culture, and challenges.
  • Choose from ready‑to‑go or fully custom programs that stay relevant and save time.
  • Our process begins with understanding your needs so content and delivery fit your context.
  • You gain a thought partner, not just a course provider, committed to your team’s success.

 

Development should translate directly to the workplace. Our programs balance academic credibility with real‑world application.
  • Instructors bring industry expertise and strong teaching skills to every session.
  • Sessions include simulations, coaching, peer discussion, and hands‑on exercises that deepen engagement.
  • Outcomes focus on actionable skills that teams can apply right away.

 

For over 70 years, St. Thomas Executive Education has been deeply connected to the Minnesota business community and regional workforce needs.
  • We serve organizations across industries, including healthcare, finance, manufacturing, technology, government, and nonprofits.
  • Our Minneapolis location and regional partnerships provide local insight and a strong professional network.
  • Our university's reputation adds credibility that resonates across sectors.



 

I heard multiple people say "no one ever taught us this stuff", or if they had been taught it was years ago.

Financial Acumen Custom Program Participant

Proven Programs

Our corporate training programs are built on practical tools, real‑world examples, and learning experiences that teams can apply immediately. These examples highlight how we partner with organizations across Minnesota to build confidence, improve communication, and strengthen leadership capability.

 

Several adult students learn about AI on a screen in a bright classroom 2 construction workers talking on site at sunset presentation happening in a conference room around a table 2 women talk while walking around in a government building

AI Readiness Program for Medical Supply Company

This company partnered with St. Thomas Executive Education to build a two‑day AI readiness program designed to help leaders understand how artificial intelligence is reshaping work and how to adopt it responsibly. The experience blended practical tools with real workplace examples so participants could build confidence, reduce uncertainty, and create a clear plan for using AI in their roles.
Key takeaways included:
  • Understanding how AI is changing work, decision‑making, and workflows
  • Building prompt engineering skills that help participants use AI tools effectively
  • Learning the risks and limitations of AI and how to mitigate them
  • Exploring AI tools and identifying use cases for their organization
  • Creating a plan to implement AI that supports strategy and culture
  • Gaining clarity on AI governance, responsible use, and emerging policy considerations

Leadership Program for a Construction Company

A Minnesota construction firm partnered with St. Thomas Executive Education to develop a focused leadership program that helped supervisors and project leaders navigate complexity and guide teams through change. The program combined practical tools with real job site scenarios and was designed in a format that fit demanding schedules.
Key takeaways included:
  • Improved readiness for promotion, with participants stepping into broader roles with clarity and confidence
  • Stronger collaboration across functions, supported by shared frameworks and peer learning
  • Increased leadership confidence in navigating uncertainty and supporting teams through change
  • Positive feedback from both participants and senior leaders on the relevance and impact of the program

Presentation Workshop for a CPG Company

In this two‑day, highly interactive workshop, a Minnesota‑based marketing and communications team strengthened its communication and influence skills using real conversations from its work. The experience was practical, relevant, and immediately useful.
Key takeaways included:
  • Structuring clear and persuasive messages for different audiences
  • Leading conversations with confidence and intention
  • Influencing decisions through credibility rather than authority
  • Building habits for active listening, framing, and follow‑up
    Participants left with a shared language for communication and the confidence to move ideas forward more effectively.

 

Certified Professional Project Management at a Government Entity

Participants in this CPPM program strengthened their ability to lead projects with clarity and confidence. By working through real challenges from their roles, they learned how to move from theory to practical action quickly and consistently.
Key takeaways included:
  • A shared project management framework that improved alignment across teams
  • Practical tools to plan, execute, and adjust projects with greater precision
  • More consistent communication and decision‑making throughout each project lifecycle
  • Increased confidence and accountability in the project leadership role

 

FAQs

  • Program Fit and Audience
  • Program Design and Customization
  • Logistics, Delivery, and Timeline
  • Outcomes, Pricing, and ROI

    • Program Fit and Audience

    Who should participate in a custom executive education program?
    Custom programs work for emerging leaders, mid level managers, senior leaders, and cross functional teams. We shape each program around your Minnesota organization’s goals so the content feels relevant to the people in the room.
    What group size works best for a custom cohort?
    Most cohorts work well when participants can discuss ideas, practice skills, and learn from one another. We recommend a group size based on your goals, audience, and preferred format.
    Will the program be tailored to our industry or team?
    Yes. We customize examples, scenarios, and activities so they reflect your industry, culture, and real workplace challenges. Additionally, we match our faculty and instructors based on industry expertise.
    Do you work with smaller organizations or nonprofits?
    Yes. We support teams of all sizes, including small businesses, nonprofits, and public sector organizations across Minnesota.

    Program Design and Customization

    What topics can be included in a custom program?
    Programs often focus on leadership development, communication, coaching, decision making, financial acumen, change management, and other core business skills. We also design programs on emerging areas such as AI readiness and digital transformation.
    Can custom programs align with our leadership competencies or strategic goals?
    Yes. Many organizations build programs around their leadership competencies, values, or strategic initiatives so learning connects directly to expected behaviors.
    Can you help us identify the right skills or focus areas?
    Yes. We start with discovery conversations to understand your goals and challenges, then recommend practical focus areas that will create the most momentum for your teams.
    Can we build a multi session pathway or leadership academy?
    Yes. We can design a longer development pathway or full leadership academy to build shared language and support consistent growth over time.

     

    Small group? We offer group discounts for our open enrollment courses.

    Logistics, Delivery, and Timeline

    What formats do you offer for custom programs?
    Programs can be delivered on site at your organization, on our Minneapolis campus, online, or in a hybrid format.
    Do you offer on site training at our organization?
    Yes. Many Minnesota employers choose on site delivery so more team members can participate.
    How long does it take to plan a custom program?
    Lead times are dependent on your program length, complexity, and curriculum. For the quickest delivery, choose from one of our existing open enrollment programs. 
    What do you need from us to get started?
    We begin with your goals, audience, and any competencies or initiatives you want to support. From there, we recommend format, length, and next steps.

     

    Schedule a Conversation

    Outcomes, Pricing, and ROI

    What outcomes can organizations expect from a custom program?
    Teams often see stronger leadership capability, better communication, and more consistent decision-making. Participants leave with practical tools they can apply right away.
    How do you measure success and impact?
    We use participant feedback, application activities, manager observations, and follow-up conversations. When helpful, we can define success indicators with you at the start.
    Do participants receive a certificate or credential?
    Participants receive a certificate of completion. Select programs may also be eligible for Professional Development Units (PDUs). We are happy to discuss eligibility during the discovery process.
    How is custom program pricing determined?
    Pricing depends on program length, delivery format, group size, and the level of customization. We provide clear options and help you choose a structure that fits your goals and budget.
    Do you offer follow-up or reinforcement after the program?
    Yes. We offer follow-up sessions, coaching options, and refreshers to help teams continue applying what they learn.

    Program Fit and Audience

    Who should participate in a custom executive education program?
    Custom programs work for emerging leaders, mid level managers, senior leaders, and cross functional teams. We shape each program around your Minnesota organization’s goals so the content feels relevant to the people in the room.
    What group size works best for a custom cohort?
    Most cohorts work well when participants can discuss ideas, practice skills, and learn from one another. We recommend a group size based on your goals, audience, and preferred format.
    Will the program be tailored to our industry or team?
    Yes. We customize examples, scenarios, and activities so they reflect your industry, culture, and real workplace challenges. Additionally, we match our faculty and instructors based on industry expertise.
    Do you work with smaller organizations or nonprofits?
    Yes. We support teams of all sizes, including small businesses, nonprofits, and public sector organizations across Minnesota.

    Program Design and Customization

    What topics can be included in a custom program?
    Programs often focus on leadership development, communication, coaching, decision making, financial acumen, change management, and other core business skills. We also design programs on emerging areas such as AI readiness and digital transformation.
    Can custom programs align with our leadership competencies or strategic goals?
    Yes. Many organizations build programs around their leadership competencies, values, or strategic initiatives so learning connects directly to expected behaviors.
    Can you help us identify the right skills or focus areas?
    Yes. We start with discovery conversations to understand your goals and challenges, then recommend practical focus areas that will create the most momentum for your teams.
    Can we build a multi session pathway or leadership academy?
    Yes. We can design a longer development pathway or full leadership academy to build shared language and support consistent growth over time.

     

    Small group? We offer group discounts for our open enrollment courses.

    Logistics, Delivery, and Timeline

    What formats do you offer for custom programs?
    Programs can be delivered on site at your organization, on our Minneapolis campus, online, or in a hybrid format.
    Do you offer on site training at our organization?
    Yes. Many Minnesota employers choose on site delivery so more team members can participate.
    How long does it take to plan a custom program?
    Lead times are dependent on your program length, complexity, and curriculum. For the quickest delivery, choose from one of our existing open enrollment programs. 
    What do you need from us to get started?
    We begin with your goals, audience, and any competencies or initiatives you want to support. From there, we recommend format, length, and next steps.

     

    Schedule a Conversation

    Outcomes, Pricing, and ROI

    What outcomes can organizations expect from a custom program?
    Teams often see stronger leadership capability, better communication, and more consistent decision-making. Participants leave with practical tools they can apply right away.
    How do you measure success and impact?
    We use participant feedback, application activities, manager observations, and follow-up conversations. When helpful, we can define success indicators with you at the start.
    Do participants receive a certificate or credential?
    Participants receive a certificate of completion. Select programs may also be eligible for Professional Development Units (PDUs). We are happy to discuss eligibility during the discovery process.
    How is custom program pricing determined?
    Pricing depends on program length, delivery format, group size, and the level of customization. We provide clear options and help you choose a structure that fits your goals and budget.
    Do you offer follow-up or reinforcement after the program?
    Yes. We offer follow-up sessions, coaching options, and refreshers to help teams continue applying what they learn.

    Learn More

    Find out how our Executive Education offerings can help your organization supplement your training and development capabilities
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