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Course Description

Every executive faces problems that seem impossible to solve, in which every option leads to failure and conventional solutions only make things worse. In this course, you will examine the value of stepping back and questioning whether you're solving the right problem at all. Through the famous Kobayashi Maru scenario, you'll explore how the most persistent leadership challenges often stem from flawed assumptions, inherited mental models, and systems designed to produce the very problems leaders are trying to fix.

Professor Isaiah Wilson demonstrates how systems thinking enables leaders to reframe difficulties by challenging the premises that create them. You will apply specialized diagnostic frameworks to distinguish symptoms from root causes, audit your assumptions, and redesign problem definitions that open new pathways for action. Your assignments focus on a real-world "no-win" challenge, culminating in a comprehensive scenario assessment that transforms how you approach persistent organizational dilemmas.

You are required to have completed the following courses or have equivalent experience before taking this course:

  • Seeing Beyond Symptoms: Identifying System Drivers
  • Mapping Feedback Loops and Cascading Risks

Faculty Author

Isaiah Wilson

Benefits to the Learner

  • Distinguish between problems and symptoms within and between systems
  • Map system relationships and constraints that create leadership challenges
  • Audit assumptions and mental models that limit your range of strategic options
  • Reframe persistent challenges and redesign system structures to eliminate recurring dilemmas

Target Audience

  • Senior executives and C-suite leaders managing complexity across industries
  • Program managers and mid-level leaders overseeing large-scale initiatives
  • Strategy, risk, and transformation leaders driving organizational change
  • Public sector professionals working in national security and public affairs
  • Leaders navigating significant disruption, systemic change, or organizational uncertainty
  • Consultants and strategy advisors guiding organizations through complex challenges

Applies Towards the Following Certificates

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Enroll Now - Select a section to enroll in

Type
2 week
Dates
Nov 11, 2026 to Nov 24, 2026
Total Number of Hours
12.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00

Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION:

This certificate includes two years of free access to Symposium! These events feature live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Dec 09, 2026 to Dec 22, 2026
Total Number of Hours
12.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00

Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION:

This certificate includes two years of free access to Symposium! These events feature live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Jan 06, 2027 to Jan 19, 2027
Total Number of Hours
12.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00

Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION:

This certificate includes two years of free access to Symposium! These events feature live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Feb 03, 2027 to Feb 16, 2027
Total Number of Hours
12.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00

Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION:

This certificate includes two years of free access to Symposium! These events feature live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Jul 21, 2027 to Aug 03, 2027
Total Number of Hours
12.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00

Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION:

This certificate includes two years of free access to Symposium! These events feature live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Aug 18, 2027 to Aug 31, 2027
Total Number of Hours
12.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00

Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION:

This certificate includes two years of free access to Symposium! These events feature live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Sep 15, 2027 to Sep 28, 2027
Total Number of Hours
12.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00

Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION:

This certificate includes two years of free access to Symposium! These events feature live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Oct 13, 2027 to Oct 26, 2027
Total Number of Hours
12.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00

Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION:

This certificate includes two years of free access to Symposium! These events feature live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Nov 10, 2027 to Nov 23, 2027
Total Number of Hours
12.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00

Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION:

This certificate includes two years of free access to Symposium! These events feature live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

Type
2 week
Dates
Dec 08, 2027 to Dec 21, 2027
Total Number of Hours
12.0
Course Fee(s)
Regular Price $999.00

Section Notes

IMPORTANT COURSE INFORMATION:

This certificate includes two years of free access to Symposium! These events feature live, highly participatory virtual Zoom sessions with Cornell faculty and experts to explore today’s most pressing topics. Throughout the year, you may participate in as many sessions as you wish. Attending a Symposium is not required to successfully complete the certificate program.

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