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What can we help you find?
Popular Search
mba programs undergraduate majors faculty ghr fellows schulze scholarship
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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 helped organizations develop the leaders and skills needed to succeed in a changing workplace.

  • Who we serve: HR leaders, managers, executives, and organizations investing in their people.
  • What we provide: Practical professional development, team training, and customized learning experiences.
  • When organizations partner with us: To develop leaders, strengthen teams, prepare for growth, and address emerging skill needs.
  • Where learning happens: Online, on-site, at St. Thomas, or through hybrid delivery.
  • Why it matters: Better-equipped employees, stronger leadership pipelines, and skills that translate directly to workplace performance.

See how St. Thomas Executive Education helps organizations turn professional development into stronger leaders, more capable teams, and measurable results.

Contact

Andrew Claude

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

Why St. Thomas:

Access to Experts

Our suite of experts don't just study business challenges, they've navigated them. Drawing from their leadership experience in corporations, nonprofits, and public organizations, they bring practical insights your team can apply immediately.

Insight to Action

Learning becomes more meaningful when participants can apply it to real challenges. Our programs incorporate workplace projects, team discussions, and practical exercises that make development immediately relevant.

Custom by Design

Professional development is most effective when it's connected to the work already happening across your organization. We customize content, faculty, format, and delivery around your team's goals, workflows, and initiatives so learning becomes part of the work, not a break from it.

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

 

Real Learning from Real Leaders

When you partner with St. Thomas Executive Education, you gain access to a broad network of instructors with experience leading organizations, driving strategy, managing projects, and developing talent. We draw from this deep bench of expertise to create learning experiences that are relevant, practical, and aligned with your goals.

Industries Represented

  • Healthcare
  • Manufacturing
  • Technology
  • Financial Services
  • Government
  • Nonprofit
  • Professional Services

Leadership Experience

  • Executives
  • Team Leaders
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Consultants
  • Change Leaders

Subject Matter Expertise

  • Leadership
  • AI
  • Project Management
  • Business Acumen
  • Analytics
  • Strategy
  • Communication
  • Marketing

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.

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 I have several different instructors in my program? 
    Yes, you can include multiple instructors in your program. One of the advantages of partnering with St. Thomas Executive Education is access to a diverse network of experienced faculty and industry leaders. This allows your program to incorporate a range of perspectives and expertise, creating a richer and more dynamic learning experience.
    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 I have several different instructors in my program? 
    Yes, you can include multiple instructors in your program. One of the advantages of partnering with St. Thomas Executive Education is access to a diverse network of experienced faculty and industry leaders. This allows your program to incorporate a range of perspectives and expertise, creating a richer and more dynamic learning experience.
    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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