Leading with Confidence in an Era of Global Uncertainty

Jan 12, 2026 - Jan 15, 2026

Course Description

In an increasingly uncertain global landscape marked by rapid technological advancements, political instability, and economic volatility, strong and ethical leadership has never been more critical. This dynamic course is designed to equip participants with the skills and techniques necessary to lead with confidence—whether in times of crisis or opportunity. Drawing on a combination of real-world case studies, simulations, and immersive exercises, the course prepares leaders to navigate crises, communicate with clarity and conviction, and make thoughtful and informed decisions in the face of ambiguity.

Participants will learn how to craft compelling narratives and create visionary strategies that inspire teams, stakeholders, and organizations. Through interactive case studies and real-world applications, the course will provide essential tools for understanding global dynamics and risk factors, delivering high-stakes briefings, performing in-depth analysis, and leading in the context of new global technologies.

Case studies are reviewed for currency and impact and their ability to reinforce the critical foundations of effective leadership. Cases may include:

The geopolitical impact of AI, including its role in global power dynamics, ethical and social risks, and strategies for managing opportunities and challenges in AI adoption responsibly.
The challenge of integrating highly technical medical data with forecasted public-health outcomes and economic risks and benefits of healthcare-policy decision-making.
The economic, political and ethical considerations of the global energy transition, emerging clean energy technologies, policy frameworks, and business strategies to drive sustainable growth in a low-carbon economy.
The global power dynamics of economic decoupling, government intervention, supply chain resilience, and public and private strategies for navigating deglobalization.

Learning Outcomes

Gain critical thinking tools and decision-making frameworks to lead with authority, purpose, and impact in a world of rapid technological and geopolitical change.
Develop the skills to craft and communicate a compelling vision with confidence, even in the face of global uncertainty.
Master the art of storytelling and briefing to inspire and lead teams, stakeholders, and organizations effectively.
Learn strategies for building trust and credibility with diverse teams and stakeholders in complex environments.

Visit the New Executive Education Programs page for additional information.

This course does not convey academic credit and is not included on a JHU Academic Transcript. This course is intended for personal and professional skills enrichment. Any certificate earned for the successful completion of this course is intended for proof of completion only.

Location, Date and Time

Format: In-Person
Location: Hopkins Bloomberg Center, 555 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington DC
Date: Monday, January 12 – Thursday, January 15, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (ET)

NOTE: Enrollment closes Friday, January 2 at 11:55 PM.

Program Schedule

DAY 1 | The Foundations of Confident Leadership in Times of Uncertainty

The Nature of Global Uncertainty
Leading with Confidence: Core Principles
Storytelling for Leadership
Case Study

DAY 2 | Crafting and Communicating a Vision with Confidence

Building a Vision for the Future
Communicating with Clarity and Conviction
Practical Application: Visioning Exercise
Case Study

DAY 3 | Leading Teams and Stakeholders with Confidence in Complex Environments

Building Trust and Credibility
Stakeholder Management: Building Consensus
Building Organizational Resilience and Agility
Case Study

Day 4 | Application of Leadership Skills: Briefing, Analysis, and Decision-Making

Critical Thinking and Strategic Analysis
Delivering High-Stakes Briefings
Practical Application: Crisis Simulation and Briefing
Program Completion and Certificate Ceremony

Course Faculty

Adam J. Szubin, JD, Distinguished Practitioner-in-Residence

Faculty Leader for "Leading with Confidence in an Era of Global Uncertainty"
Formerly Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence at the Treasury Department, and Formerly Acting Secretary of the Treasury
Contact & Biography

Mara Karlin, PhD, Professor of Practice

Faculty co-lead for the Security, Strategy, and Statecraft Focus Area
Formerly Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
leading a wide range of regional and functional national security, foreign policy, and defense issues, and Formerly Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Affairs
leading DOD relations with NATO and nearly 150 countries in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Russia, Eurasia, and the Western Hemisphere.
Contact & Biography

Deborah Wituski, PhD, SAIS Adjunct Lecturer

Vice President for Global Intelligence at Google
Formerly served as Chief of Staff to the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency; Chief of Staff to the Deputy Director of CIA; Associate Executive Assistant Director of the National Security Branch of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Deputy Assistant Director of CIA for Counterterrorism.
Contact & Biography

Course Policies

JHU ALUMNI ENROLLMENT

JHU Alumni are eligible for a 50% registration discount for SAIS executive education courses. If you are a JHU alum, please contact ExecEdSAIS@jh.edu* prior to enrollment for verification and to receive your unique promo code. NOTE: Non-SAIS alumni may be waitlisted if a course exceeds the registration cap.

Upon receipt, you will return to the course registration page to enter your promo code and complete the registration process.

Please do not use your JHU Alumni email to register for courses (this email account will not work with the registration platform). We recommend you register using a non-JHU email such as Gmail or Outlook.

LEARNING PREREQUISITES

None

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

Hardware: laptop computer; webcam; microphone and speakers or headset. Software: current web browser; Canvas; Zoom web conferencing; Microsoft Office or similar; Email; course specific software

COURSE LIFECYCLE

After registering you will receive an email confirming your registration. You will be given access to a Canvas course that includes complete course information. You will have access to the Canvas course for the duration of the course.

PARTICIPANT CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY

In the event a participant can no longer attend a program, a withdrawal request must be emailed to ExecEdSAIS@jhu.edu*. A full refund will be provided if the request is submitted at least 21 days prior to the program start. Withdrawal requests submitted outside of this deadline will not be eligible for a refund and are therefore obligated to pay the full program tuition.

COURSE CANCELLATION POLICY

Program dates, fees, and faculty may be subject to change. If a course must be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, SAIS Executive Education will refund the full program tuition. However, SAIS is not liable for travel, accommodation, or any other expenses incurred by the participant. Changes to the program or schedule will be communicated via email, and alternative program dates will be provided once available.

ACCESSIBILITY

JHU SAIS is committed to providing all participants with the opportunity to pursue excellence in their academic endeavors. This includes providing disability related accommodations and services in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and our goal of delivering accessible, inclusive experiences. If you require accommodations to complete this course, please reach out to EDT@jhu.edu*.

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Direct all technical support requests to the SAIS Educational Design and Technology office email: EDT@jhu.edu*. We will respond to requests within 24-48 hours. Requests received on weekends, overnights and holidays will be responded to on the next business day.

ACCREDITATION

JHU is not approved by Middle States for direct assessment credentials for academic credit. This course results in a certificate of completion. It will not show on any JHU transcripts and does not count toward an academic record.

*Do not share any personal identifiable information (PII) such as social security number or grades in any messages to EDT@jhu.edu or ExecEdSAIS@jh.edu.  

Full course description