Latin America Leadership Program

The Global Business Executive Leadership Program (GBEL) is a cutting-edge and regionally-focused academic initiative, exclusively designed to equip business executives working in Latin America and the Caribbean with the knowledge, skills, and strategic insights needed to navigate the complex global business landscape. 

Designed by Georgetown University's Latin America Leadership Program (LALP), especially for business leaders working in the Latin American and Caribbean regions, this hybrid program includes two in-person modules in Panama City (Panama) and at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C. (U.S.A), along with an 8-week virtual module in between. 

Based on the long-standing success of its Global Competitiveness Leadership (GCL) and Innovation and Leadership in Government (ILG) annual programs, LALP's new flagship program is a comprehensive business executive program that integrates key themes of global operations management, strategic leadership, adaptability and innovation, and business sustainability to empower business leaders make informed decisions that drive organizational success in today's dynamic and interconnected world.​

GBEL goes beyond a traditional academic program, providing an innovative model to promote experiential learning. The curriculum combines academic courses offering theoretical frameworks along with practical tools, knowledge, and applications facilitated through group discussions, case simulations, and peer-to-peer exercises. There is a strong emphasis on open dialogue, class engagement, and peer learning. As part of the program, participants will develop an applied business project proposal where they will identify a challenge or an opportunity they currently face in their company and propose a comprehensive strategy to address it. Participants must be able to get their organization's approval to develop and potentially implement their business project proposal.

Upon completing this program, business executives will be equipped with a holistic understanding of global business dynamics and the ability to drive strategic initiatives in their organizations, positioning them as influential leaders in today's rapidly evolving business environment. Furthermore, after the program ends, GBEL participants join the LALP Alumni network, which currently includes 900 private, social, public, and multilateral sector leaders collaborating to share knowledge and advance projects that positively impact the Americas and beyond.

The program accepts applications from both individuals and corporations interested in sponsoring their business executives.

You can find below all the general program information. For specific questions about your particular case, please email us at lalp@georgetown.edu

Program Objectives

• •Global Operations Management: Explore advanced end-to-end supply chain management concepts and analyze strategies for optimizing supply chain efficiency, resilience, and responsiveness to enhance overall business performance, including nearshoring opportunities.
• •Strategic Leadership: Develop strategic thinking and decision-making skills to equip executives with the mindset, skills, and strategies necessary to lead organizations through an era of constant change.
• •Adaptability & Innovation: Develop the ability to navigate and adapt to the rapidly changing global business landscape, including geopolitical shifts, market fluctuations, and technological advancements, while exploring the role of emerging technologies in transforming business operations and creating a competitive edge.
• •Sustainability in Business: Understand the importance of integrating sustainability into the innovation process, ensuring that technological advancements align with environmental, social, and ethical considerations.
  

Program Dates

• GBEL 2025 Program Duration: From April 23 to July 11, 2025
• •April 23-25, 2025: a three-day intensive in-person module in Panama City, Panama (classes, site visits, lectures, and teambuilding activities), from 9 am to 5 pm 
• •May - June , 2025: live synchronous classes and activities via Zoom, one morning per week.
• •July 7-11, 2025: a one-week intensive in-person module at Georgetown University, Washington D.C. (classes, site visits, lectures, and teambuilding activities), from 9 am to 5 pm.

Applied Learning 

• •​Format: Sessions combine professor teaching, interactive discussions with expert guest speakers, case studies, and dynamic exercises and simulations to facilitate global business leadership and project development.
• •Applied Project: Participants will develop an applied business project proposal throughout the program, where they will identify a challenge or an opportunity they currently face in their company and propose a comprehensive strategy to address it. Participants must be able to get their organization's approval to develop and potentially implement their business project proposal. The project encourages participants to apply a holistic approach, considering not only the optimization of supply chain processes but also the integration of sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology to drive positive change within their respective companies.
• •Peer Coaching: Peer coaching sessions will provide a space to give and receive feedback on participants' projects and provide mentoring from expert professors on specific topics of interest in the program.

Sample Courses

• •Globalization, Competitiveness, and Governability
• •Data-Driven Decision-Making and Forecast Models
• •Global Supply Chains and Nearshoring Opportunities: Demand Management, Procurement Management, and Fulfillment Management.
• •Financial Analysis
• •Marketing and Branding
• •Technology and Business Innovation
• •Ethical Issues in Supply Chain Management
• •ESG and Business Sustainability
• •Legal Implications of Global Business
• •Emotional Intelligence and Adaptive Leadership
  
• •Leading Teams and Communications
  

Requirements

• •Have at least 5-7 years of work experience related to business in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• •At least 30 years of age.
• •Proven leadership capability and potential for growth in global business.
  
• •English fluency (the program will be taught in English without simultaneous translation).
• •Receive their organization's support to develop and potentially implement their business project idea.
• •Currently living in a Latin American or Caribbean country. Non-residents may apply if their current job impacts the region. Before applying, please email lalp@georgetown.edu to explain your case and confirm that you may apply.
  
• •Possess a valid passport and the necessary tourist visa, if applicable, to legally enter Panama to participate in the first in-person module. Requirements vary according to your nationality. Check https://www.embassyofpanama.org/visas-1 for more information and country requirements.
• •Possess a B1/B2 visa or other documentation that grants you legal entry into the United States (passport, visa waiver) to participate in the final in-person module. Passports must be valid for at least six (6) months after the date of entry.

Program Costs

• The program cost is USD 15,000.  GBEL applicants are encouraged to seek employer sponsorship to cover the program's cost for their participation.
• The program tuition covers:
• • Academic tuition for the two in-person modules in Panama City, Panama, and Washington D.C., U.S.A., and the 8-week virtual module
• • Academic materials
• • Continuous support throughout the program
• • Lodging in hotel rooms for the in-person modules in Panama City, Panama, and in Washington D.C., U.S.A. (room plus tax only, incidentals not included)
• • Coffee breaks and lunches during the two in-person modules
• • Local transportation to program activities in Panama City, Panama, and Washington, D.C., U.S.A.
• • Basic medical insurance for the in-person modules in Panama City, Panama, and Washington D.C., U.S.A.
• • Certification of program participation (this is NOT an official degree/certificate, so it does not lead to Georgetown alumni status)
• *All participants must cover their airfare and any other costs and incidentals they incur during the program.
• A limited number of partial scholarships may be available exclusively for participants with demonstrated financial need. A scholarship request form is included in the program application.