In today’s fast-moving technology and higher education landscape, strong people leadership is as critical as technical expertise. Whether you’re leading teams, driving projects or shaping strategy, strong people leadership requires continuous personal growth, deep self-reflection, and adaptive strategies.
UC Berkeley’s Berkeley People Management (BPM): Executive Coaching Program offers a unique opportunity for UC staff and faculty to strengthen these leadership capabilities through a highly personalized, cohort-based growth experience.
A Leadership Program Designed for Real-World Impact
Instead of traditional training, the BPM Executive Coaching Program is a 9-month experiential leadership development journey centered on reflection, feedback and personalized growth. Participants join a cohort of leaders and engage in a structured program that combines workshops, 360 feedback, coaching and peer learning to actively navigate your own challenges and growth opportunities.
Core Program Elements:
- Korn Ferry 360 leadership assessment: Gather valuable insights from your professional sphere, which allows you to reflect deeply on your core strengths and identify critical opportunities for leadership growth.
- Personalized Development Planning: Partner directly with certified coaches from UC Berkeley’s People & Organization Development team to analyze your 360 feedback report and translate those insights into a structured leadership roadmap.
- 6 Months of 1:1 Executive Coaching: Select and meet virtually with rigorously vetted, ICF-certified executive and specialist coaches from our vendor partner, BetterUp, to actively work through your self-driven development goals.
- A Collaborative Cohort Experience: Build your UC network by participating in structured peer coaching circles and key workshops alongside a dedicated cohort of fellow UC leaders.
This self-driven, personalized learning approach allows leaders to apply insights directly to their day-to-day roles, whether that’s managing technical teams, leading cross-functional initiatives or navigating organizational change.
Nominate a Colleague by July 10, and/or Apply by July 31
Why the Program Matters for the UC Tech Community
For UC tech professionals, leadership often evolves organically, moving from individual contributor to team lead, project manager or organizational leader. The BPM Executive Coaching Program is designed to support that transition by focusing on the human side of leadership.
Participants develop skills in:
- Coaching and developing others
- Giving and receiving actionable feedback
- Building inclusive, high-performing teams
- Navigating complexity with confidence
These capabilities align with the broader Berkeley People Management framework, which emphasizes inclusive leadership, consistent management practices and professional growth across all stages of a leadership career.
A Personalized and Flexible Development Experience
One of the program’s strengths is its flexibility and focus on the individual. Delivered entirely virtually, this nine months program is designed to fit into a busy professional schedule. While there are a few fixed, scheduled workshops and cohort check-ins to build community, participants have the autonomy to personalize their development by scheduling their coaching sessions based on their own availability, cadence, and timeline. This self-driven engagement model helps participants move beyond theory and build lasting habits that improve team and organizational outcomes.
Build Your Network and Your Future
In addition to skill development, the program also strengthens connections across our UC community. Participants join a network of leaders from diverse departments, roles and UC locations, creating opportunities to share insights, collaborate and grow professionally.
By the end of the program, participants report increased confidence, stronger leadership effectiveness and greater readiness for future career advancement.
Program Fee
UC Berkeley Staff and Faculty: $1,000
While the majority of the program costs for UC Berkeley attendees are covered by Berkeley People & Culture, to participate in the program, you must secure $1,000 sponsorship from your department paid to Berkeley People & Culture via chartstring transfer; UC Staff and Faculty from all other locations: $5,000.
Upcoming Cohorts & Timeline
Applications are currently open (until 7/31) for the next two enrollment cycles:
- Cohort #13: September 2026 – July 2027
- Cohort #14: April 2027 – January 2028
Take the Next Step
If you’re a staff or faculty member currently leading people in the UC system, or if you are preparing to step into a leadership role, the BPM Executive Coaching Program offers a meaningful way to invest in your growth.
Cohorts are offered on a rolling basis, with application and nomination opportunities available throughout the year.
Learn More and Apply
View the Berkeley People Management: Executive Coaching Program website.
Nominate a Colleague by July 10, and/or Apply by July 31
