The GW Catalyst Program — Innovation Starts Here is a four-day journey in entrepreneurial leadership, unfolding in the heart of Washington, D.C., where global decisions are made and ideas move the world. Surrounded by the World Bank, the U.S. Federal Government, and leading think tanks, Catalyst cohort members engage in expert conversations, rare site visits, and lasting connections with the GW School of Business’s extraordinary alumni, faculty, and staff, an experience that can happen only here, and only at GWSB.
At the heart of the program is the Catalyst 3S Model — System · Skills · Self — a powerful framework that integrates strategic thinking, practical execution, and personal leadership development. Participants don’t just learn about innovation. They become the leaders who drive it.
Why Catalyst?
The future demands leaders who can think holistically, act decisively, and adapt continuously.
The Catalyst Program is a flexible learning journey for senior business leaders, combining online and interactive sessions, fireside chats, and guest lectures led by expert faculty and global industry leaders. Through a practical mix of modern curriculum, real-world case studies, hands-on activities, and a capstone project, Catalyst helps you sharpen business strategy, build future-ready skills, and elevate your leadership impact.
The Catalyst Program is a flexible learning journey for senior business leaders, combining online and interactive sessions, fireside chats, and guest lectures led by expert faculty and global industry leaders. Through a practical mix of modern curriculum, real-world case studies, hands-on activities, and a capstone project, Catalyst helps you sharpen business strategy, build future-ready skills, and elevate your leadership impact.
The Catalyst Program is a flexible learning journey for senior business leaders, combining online and interactive sessions, fireside chats, and guest lectures led by expert faculty and global industry leaders. Through a practical mix of modern curriculum, real-world case studies, hands-on activities, and a capstone project, Catalyst helps you sharpen business strategy, build future-ready skills, and elevate your leadership impact.
The Catalyst Program is a flexible learning journey for senior business leaders, combining online and interactive sessions, fireside chats, and guest lectures led by expert faculty and global industry leaders. Through a practical mix of modern curriculum, real-world case studies, hands-on activities, and a capstone project, Catalyst helps you sharpen business strategy, build future-ready skills, and elevate your leadership impact.
The Catalyst Program is a flexible learning journey for senior business leaders, combining online and interactive sessions, fireside chats, and guest lectures led by expert faculty and global industry leaders. Through a practical mix of modern curriculum, real-world case studies, hands-on activities, and a capstone project, Catalyst helps you sharpen business strategy, build future-ready skills, and elevate your leadership impact.
SYSTEM
Understanding complex global ecosystems — markets, technologies, institutions, geopolitics, and industries.
SKILLS
Mastering the tools of leadership — strategy, finance, innovation, AI, teamwork, and execution.
SELF
Cultivating the leader within — purpose, ethics, resilience, emotional intelligence, and growth.
