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Lead in complexity. Master transformation. Shape futures.

The strategic reality

We live in an era defined by a polycrisis; a constellation of interconnected disruptions that amplify one another in unpredictable ways.

Pandemics, planetary boundaries, geopolitical tensions, technological acceleration, and social fragmentation create shocks that no single discipline or sector can solve alone. Traditional leadership models, built for stability and predictability, are no longer fit for purpose.

For organisations, this is not abstract theory; it is already reshaping boards, operations, and strategy:

  • Climate mandates are reengineering value chains and finance
     
  • Digitalisation is transforming operating models faster than leadership capacity can adapt
     
  • Work and talent dynamics are flattening hierarchies and redrawing cultures
     
  • Geopolitical shocks are fragmenting supply chains and markets
     
  • Regulatory and societal pressures are forcing businesses to deliver purpose and profit in tandem

Against this backdrop, senior leaders require a different calibre of intellectual, personal, and professional development. One that combines intellectual depth, systemic insight, and strategic impact.

An Executive Doctoral programme built for the age of the polycrisis and disruption

The Kemmy Business School Executive DBA is a Level 10 specialist doctoral programme for senior leaders who seek to create original, actionable knowledge and shape systemic futures. It is a global first, explicitly integrating systems thinking with an underlying philosophy of inquiry, deep reflexivity, and praxis into its design and delivery. 

This is coupled with cutting-edge research on sustainability meta-competencies, and a decisive move toward both new modes of knowledge production and bridging knowledge systems. 

At its heart lies Relational Engaged Scholarship: knowledge co-created with practice, for practice, and in context together to address complex organisational and societal problems.

The image features a circular design on the left side with concentric circles in blue and teal around a central white circle. Inside the white circle, the text "Contemporary Leadership Paradoxes" is in bold black font. To the right, there are two circular icons with text beside them. The top icon, a blue circle containing white gears, is labeled "Systems Thinking" in blue text. Below, the second icon, a teal circle with a white lightbulb inside, is labeled "Sustainability Meta-Competencies" in blue text. Each label has an accompanying colored line underneath, matching the respective icon color.

DBA overview
AwardExecutive DBA (Leadership, Sustainability and Systemic Transformation)
LevelLevel 10 (Specialist qualification)
DurationFour years (part time)
DeliveryBlended
Fees

Year one and two (EU-€11,500, Non-EU €15,000)

Year three and four (EU €7,500, Non-EU €11,000)

Campus days

Year one and two: 12 days on campus (then online)

Year three: Two days on campus

Year four: Viva (may be remote or f2f)

Start dateNext start is September 2026

Contact Us

General Enquiries/Application Support: Rebecca Gachet |  email: dba@ul.ie

Academic Director: Dr. Catriona Burke  |  email: catriona.burke@ul.ie