Are you ready to discover the leader you were meant to become? The Master of Business Leadership & Innovation (MBLI) is a program designed to take you on a profound journey of personal transformation, fundamentally changing how you lead, innovate, and create lasting impact.
Today's world demands leaders across all sectors who can navigate diverse teams, embrace innovation, and thrive in a rapidly changing world. Whether you're in corporate boardrooms, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, healthcare systems, educational institutions, or community initiatives, the leaders who succeed are those who understand themselves deeply, connect authentically with others, and can navigate complexity with confidence. This exclusive 2-year program is designed for ambitious professionals from every domain of leadership ready to take the next step in their journey.
Today's most pressing challenges require leaders who can bridge sectors, collaborate across industries, and apply innovative thinking whether they're running a multinational corporation, a community nonprofit, a government department, or launching the next groundbreaking social enterprise. In our MBLI program we recognize that Leadership transcends traditional business boundaries. Invest in your leadership and join the MBLI.
This exclusive program goes beyond the traditional MBA to develop the 360° leader today's organizations desperately need. Through deep personal transformation and cutting-edge business strategy, you'll unlock your authentic leadership style and gain the skills to drive real change.
Lead at the Cutting Edge
Master advanced leadership and innovation strategies that define successful executives. Develop the skills to drive change and inspire high-performing teams in any industry.
Go Global (Included in Tuition)
Experience leadership on a global scale with our 10-day international immersion—fully included in your tuition. This transformative experience will expand your worldview and develop cross-cultural leadership capabilities to prepare you to lead in our interconnected world.
Create Real Impact
Apply your learning through hands-on consulting projects with partner organizations. Build your portfolio while solving actual business challenges—not just theoretical case studies.
Deep Personal Transformation Through Self-Discovery
Through comprehensive assessments in personality, collaboration style, conflict resolution, learning preferences, and global competency, you'll gain unprecedented insight into your leadership DNA. This isn't surface-level learning—it's transformational growth that reshapes how you see yourself and your potential.
Exclusive Cohort Experience
Join a close-knit community of just 25 high-caliber professionals. This carefully curated cohort becomes your leadership laboratory, challenge network, and lifelong professional family. You'll learn as much from each other as from our world-class faculty.
Perfect Work-Life Integration
Our innovative hybrid format gives you the best of both worlds: deep, meaningful connections through monthly Saturday sessions, plus flexible online learning that fits your demanding schedule. Complete your master's in two years through one online course and one Saturday session per month. No need to pause your career to accelerate it.
Develop 360° Leadership: Build exceptional leadership skills at every level—from leading yourself to guiding global organizations.
Integrate Innovation: Learn skills and mindsets to build comfort and ease with innovation and change, becoming the leader who thrives in uncertainty.
Master Essential Skills: Excel in crucial areas employers demand: strategic communication, emotional intelligence, and team dynamics.
Transform Your Future: Discover your authentic leadership style and unlock your potential to create lasting impact in your organization and community.
✓ Ready to Transform? Seek more than just a degree—you want a profound leadership journey that reshapes how you think and lead.
✓ Aspire to Grow? Want to discover who you are while developing the strategic skills to advance your career.
✓ Ready to Drive Innovation? Love being at the forefront of change and want to lead organizations into the future.
✓ Value Building Strong Connections? Value meaningful relationships and collaborative learning with a network of other ambitious professionals.
“For me… the MBLI program pushed me to confront what was holding me back, break past it, and step fully into my purpose as a leader.”
—Antonio Jones, Class of '24
"The Master of Business Leadership & Innovation program at NKU helped open the doors to my career change. I wanted a career that better aligned with my values and strengths, and this program gave that to me... I shifted from Restaurant Management to Human Resources, and now that I have my degree, I am applying for higher-level HR jobs."
—Ciara Flotka, Class of '22
"Soft skills and emotional intelligence are fundamental in creating successful opportunities, professionally and personally. Don't hold back or give enough effort just to get by; you will see a significant transformation in yourself and what you are capable of when you allow yourself to dive in."
—Jordan Mize, Class of '23
"Going into this program, I expected to learn techniques and approaches to management and leadership. I never expected to gain a deeper understanding of who I am and what I want for my future—but that is exactly what my experience this semester has granted me."
—Jacqueline Kremer, Class of '24
"This is more than just a program to attain a master's degree. This is an experience with caring individuals who share a common goal of getting better and helping you become the best version of yourself... There is a great sense of belonging and collaboration when you don't have the fear of failure or being left behind lingering over you."
—Daniel Bell, Class of '24
Year 1: Foundation & Self-Discovery
Year 2: Advanced Application & Global Impact
Face-to-face courses meet one Saturday per month
Everything Included:
Scholarship Opportunities: Up to four $6,000 scholarships available annually for qualified candidates.
We're looking for future leaders, not just students. With only 25 spots available, we seek professionals who demonstrate:
Required:
No GMAT Required – We value real-world experience and leadership potential over test scores.
If you're ready to apply to the Master of Business Leadership & Innovation program now, click the button below to start your application.
Have questions about the MBLI program?
Kari Wright Perkins | Assistant Director | wrightk11@nku.edu | 859.572.6657
Dr. Sandra Spataro | Program Director | spataros1@nku.edu | 859.572.7908
