Can I do this course with colleagues?

Absolutely. We encourage you to consider doing the course alongside colleagues, where logistics and approval allows. There are opportunities to work collaboratively on a project of interest for the assessment. Learning is always better together!

How much time will I need to commit?

Time Commitment: 30 hours of learning across the duration of the programme. You can complete this micro-credential in 5 weeks. Delivery is flexible and blended, combining self-directed learning with facilitated sessions.

What is a micro-credential?

A micro-credential certifies achievement of a specific and coherent set of skills and/or knowledge. Micro-credentials are created through strong evidence of need by industry, employers, iwi and/or the community. Think of them like a ‘crash course’ on the future – bringing you up to speed on what matters today but also what’s critical for a thriving future. They are designed to be done alongside your busy work and personal life, so you don’t have to take time off to study. Our Micro-credentials give you a recognised NZQA qualification. Delivered through a flexible, blended model (self-directed learning plus facilitated sessions), you’ll practise and apply the knowledge and skills you learn through practical assessments. This micro-credential equips you with the Cynefin framework and tools for leading inclusively, ethically, and effectively in complex environments.

What qualification will I get?

Upon successful completion of the programme and assessment, you’ll be awarded a 3-credit NZQA Level 7 micro-credential, recognising learning at the same level as that found in a Bachelor’s degree.

What sort of assessments will I complete?

There is one assessment in this micro-credential - collaborative group work evidencing your ability to use the Cynefin framework for decision-making in complex contexts and to reflect critically on your leadership practice. Assessment details will be provided at the start of the course and are designed to support practical, workplace-relevant application.

What support is available if I need it?

Support is available from academyEX. Please make sure you reach out for help at any stage.

Who is this programme for?

This course is ideal for: Currently in leadership roles and want to strengthen their adaptive capacity. Stepping into leadership positions and need frameworks for navigating change and disruption. Driving inclusive change initiatives within their organisations. Working in sectors such as healthcare, education, local government, technology, social services, and creative industries where disruption is frequent and adaptive leadership is in demand.

What times are the online sessions?

Available course start dates and session times are listed in the Fees & Start dates section .

Do I have to attend all the workshops?

Attendance is strongly recommended to get full value from the programme.

Do I have to sit an exam?

There are no exams. You’ll complete a summative assessment, and once you pass, you’ll receive your microcredential.

Can I study and work full time at the same time?

Yes, academyEX micro-credentials are designed to fit around full-time work or family commitments. The workload and assessments are practical and immediately applicable.

What is the time requirement for this programme?

Time Commitment: 30 hours of learning in total. Delivery is blended, with self-directed and facilitated components designed for flexible study.

When are the next intakes?

All open intakes for this micro-credential are available in the Fees & Start dates section on this page.

When do registrations close?

Applications for the November Intake being hosted at AcademyEX in Auckland close on 5th November. Registrations may be accepted on a case-by-case basis after the registration close date at the discretion of academyEX. Please contact us if registrations for a specific intake are closed and you would like to register.

Can I change my cohort start date after registering?

Please contact academyEX if you wish to change the intake you are enrolled in. Changes may be possible before or shortly after the start date, subject to availability and programme guidelines.

Domestic Student Fees: $450. International Student Fees: Not available for this micro-credential. Get in touch to learn more.

What are the entry requirements?

What are the entry requirements? To be eligible to enrol in this micro-credential, learners/ākonga must have: A level 6 qualification or equivalent in a relevant field and be currently employed in a leadership position or have at least 1 year of relevant professional experience OR At least 2 years of relevant professional and leadership experience

You’ll be able to register by clicking the Apply Now now button on this page. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria before registering.

What recognition will I get?

You’ll receive a digital badge and your learning record will be updated. This credential can be shared in any professional context.

LEADERSHIP IN THE AGE OF DISRUPTION MICRO-CREDENTIAL

Disruption demands a new kind of leadership

Over five weeks of online or in-person sessions, depending on your preference, you'll work directly with Dr Peter Blyde, one of Australasia's most experienced adaptive leadership practitioners. Every session is built around the decisions you're actually facing, with AI thinking applied to your real context and peer challenge from a cohort of senior practitioners that sharpens your instincts immediately.

Good leaders get skilled at naming what they don't know, making the best decision available to them, and staying in motion while the picture continues to sharpen.

Apply now

Three professionals gathered around a laptop, focused and working through something together, in a colourful workspace.

Course duration

Complete in 5 weeks

Time commitment

A total of 30 hours of learning (inc. self-directed)

Study options

Monday 10am - 12pm, online

Accredited

NZQA accredited, Level 7 (3 credits)

LEARNING OUTCOMES

What you’ll gain

This micro-credential puts you in the room with senior leaders who are actively navigating the same disruption you are, learning from research-grounded expertise and a facilitation style consistently described as supportive, stimulating, and practical. You will build adaptive leadership approaches that hold under real pressure, develop practical AI skills that accelerate the value you can deliver in your organisation, and leave with clearer frameworks for making sense of any situation and knowing which tools to apply. Senior leaders consistently describe the two hours a week as some of the most useful time they protect.

Transformative Leadership

Transform your leadership capabilities for the future. Move past outdated command-and-control models to shift your mindset. You will learn to diagnose the nature of disruption and to select the precise, effective adaptive action needed.

Adaptive Capacity & Frameworks

Develop Adaptive Leadership as your core competency, using the Cynefin framework to categorise contexts and apply the right strategy, mastering the ability to mobilise others on difficult issues.

Future-Focused Leadership

Engage with human-centred leadership to develop resilience and long-term sustainability as we navigate the disruption of AI, climate change, demographic shifts and new ways of working.

This course is ideal for:

Disruptive Technologies students and academyEX alumni who've valued our approach and want more: dive into applied AI thinking, deepen your adaptive leadership practice, and keep learning with the kind of rigorous, collaborative cohort that pushes you forward.
Leaders who are leading through disruption, not waiting for it to pass. You need frameworks that work under pressure, trusted guidance, and peers who are doing the same hard work.
Anyone driving inclusive change initiatives within their organisations.
Anyone working in sectors such as our creative industries, journalism, healthcare, education, local government, and technology where disruption is frequent and adaptive leadership is in demand.

PATHWAYS

Where this could take you

Lead where you are

Apply your skills immediately to current leadership roles.

Expand your influence

Step into greater leadership responsibility across projects, teams, and organisations.

Further study

Continue into postgraduate study, including the Master of Change and Organisational Resilience or Master of Technological Futures.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

What you need to register

Proof of identity

You will need to provide a copy of your passport or birth certificate to confirm your personal details.

Qualifications & work experience

You need to provide proof of previous study and work experience e.g. an academic transcript, graduating certificate, or CV.

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of English language competence e.g. academic IELTS or PTE.
Learn more

HOW TO APPLY

Application and admissions

Step-by-step process to apply for this course:

Apply online

Choose a micro-credential that aligns with your goals and complete an application form. Make sure to submit all the required documentation so your application can be processed as quickly as possible.

Enrolment confirmed

Once your documents and application has been reviewed and approved by our team, you will be enrolled in your course and advised of next steps.

Welcome to the whānau!

You are ready to start your learning journey and join a group of like-minded, life-long learners.

FEES & START DATES

Let’s get started!

Domestic Student Fees:

$450

International Student Fees:

Not available.

Available course start dates and session times:

09 Nov 2026 - Part Time - Monday 10am-12pm (for Spark employees only)

Apply now

MEET THE TEAM

Your course facilitator

Browse all people

Frances Valintine (CNZM)Founder & Board Director

Dr. Allanah JohnstonIndustry Advisor

TESTIMONIALS

Hear from our EXceptional students

I took the leap - MCOR gave me the confidence to work for myself, doing what I do best. It’s been a total life-changer.

Katie Desai

Master of Change and Organisational Resilience

For Māori and Pasifika wanting to change careers or up-skill, academyEX offers a supportive environment for your journey.

Rio Hemopo-Hunuki

Master of Technological Futures

Being future-ready is simple: hop on, or get left behind! I believe everyone has a responsibility to embrace and prepare for the future.

Lynne Miller

Master of Technological Futures

If you love ideas and you want to engage in an exciting community of people who are creating change give it a go because you have nothing to lose.

Lara Nettle

Master of Change and Organisational Resilience

academyEX is for you if you have an idea, and if you are passionate about it, and if you want the tools and network around you to actually put it together.

Simon Young

Master of Technological Futures

This was the only place where they were providing the kind of context and the information that I wanted to be really future-focused.

Dianne Rafter

Master of Technological Futures

My project focused on harnessing the power of technology through a blended learning model, aiming to transform education delivery.

Kate Lewis

Master of Contemporary Education

If you think you're too busy or tied up with work, academyEX is the place to start—no better way to expand your horizons.