Education

Skills people use on real decisions. Not lectures.

Masterclasses for executives. MBA Cohorts for universities. Built on research-backed, road-tested frameworks, methods and tools.

PhD, Cranfield · Teaching at Cambridge Judge · 25+ years · 30+ countries

For executives

Masterclasses

Masterclasses and executive programmes for leaders and teams.

See executive options

For universities

MBA Cohorts

Hands-on sessions that supplement MBA and Masters programmes in innovation and entrepreneurship. Full modules are also available.

See MBA Cohort options

Need a plan your organisation will act on? See Workshops

What participants gain

Skills people use on real work, straight away.

Judgement.

See where value is created and where it is lost.

Methods that connect.

Link AI, business models and ecosystems in one way of working.

A shared language.

Everyone in the room uses the same terms.

Tools to keep.

Cards, canvases and worksheets people use again.

How the learning works

Try it, test it, decide, reflect.

Talk is kept short. Most of the time goes to hands-on work with the tools.

  1. See the idea.

    A short framing, not a long lecture.

  2. Try it on a case.

    Teams use the tools on a worked example.

  3. Apply it to a real situation.

    Their own organisation, or a live case.

  4. Reflect and compare.

    Teams test their choices against each other.

The methods

From strategy to a solution you can test.

Every method comes as tools to pick up and use.

AI and Data Innovation

Shows where AI and data create value in the work.

Helps teams decide which opportunities to test first.

AI and Innovation Toolkit8 tools across Map, Design and Launch
See the tools

MapFriction Cards, AI Value Loop Canvas

DesignAI Spark Cards, Data Cards, Data Combination Canvas, AI Value Mapping Canvas

LaunchBarrier Cards, Roadmap and Test Plan

Platform Ecosystems

Shows how platforms connect producers and users.

Helps teams decide whether to build, join or partner.

Platform Ecosystem Toolkit11 tools across Map, Design and Launch
See the tools

MapPlatform Ecosystem Map, Arenas and Jobs Map, Value Flow Map

DesignPlatform Business Model, Transaction Matrix, Incentives Matrix, Alignment Canvas, Platform Innovation Cards

LaunchCritical Mass and Seeding Plan, Minimum Viable Platform Ecosystem, Launch Plan

Business Ecosystems

Shows how value flows between partners, customers and suppliers.

Helps teams choose their role and where to commit.

Business Ecosystem Toolkit10 tools across Map, Design and Launch
See the tools

MapBusiness Ecosystem Map, Opportunity Map, Value Map

DesignBusiness Model, Capability Matrix, Roles and Alignment Canvas, Interactions Matrix, Governance Matrix

LaunchMinimum Viable Business Ecosystem, Launch Plan

Every method is backed by research and tested with leaders or students before it is taught.

For executives

Leaders practise on live cases, not slides.

For leadership teams, innovation and strategy groups, and in-house academies.

Length is agreed to fit your group and goals.

Masterclass

What participants can do after
Use one method on real decisions.
You take away
The method’s cards and canvases, plus worked examples.

Executive Programme

What participants can do after
Use several methods across a strategic question.
You take away
Toolkits for each method, worksheets and a certificate.

Facilitator Certification

What participants can do after
Run a method with their own teams.
You take away
Facilitator pack, certificate and a licence to run the method.

Talk about executive education →

For universities

MBA Cohorts. Students build skills employers ask for, by doing the work.

Hands-on sessions that supplement MBA and Masters programmes in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Single session

What students can do after
Use one method on a real case.
Students and faculty take away
Student handouts and card decks.

Full day

What students can do after
Work through a method in teams, ending in a pitch.
Students and faculty take away
Card decks, canvases and a case pack.

Full module

What students can do after
Apply several methods across a term.
Students and faculty take away
Full toolkits, case packs and assessment materials.

Faculty toolkit

What faculty can do after
Teach the methods without me in the room.
Faculty take away
Facilitator pack, cases, slides and faculty training.

For programme directors and faculty

  • Supplements MBA and Masters programmes in innovation and entrepreneurship.
  • Fits into an existing module, or runs as a full module.
  • Designed around your learning outcomes.
  • Students work in teams toward a pitch or assessed output.

Talk about MBA Cohorts →

Who teaches

Dr Gary Fox

These methods come from research, not opinion. My PhD studied business ecosystems and drew on more than 100 interviews. Every tool was then road-tested in workshops with corporate leaders. It was taught to more than 600 MBA students before it reached this page.

  • PhD in business ecosystems, Cranfield
  • 100+ research interviews
  • Teaching at Cambridge Judge Business School
  • 600+ MBA students taught
  • Workshops road-tested with corporate leaders
  • 25+ years of practice across 30+ countries
  • Founder, Business Design Labs

Choose the right service

Education, workshops or advisory?

Want your people to learn the methods?

Choose education.

Need to decide what your organisation should pursue?

Choose a workshop

Need to test a decision you already have?

Choose advisory

Want to join other leaders on an open date?

See Public Workshops

Questions

Before you enquire.

For everyone

Is it lecture-based?

No. Talk is kept short. Most of every session is hands-on work with cards, canvases and cases.

Which methods can we choose?

Any of the three. Choose one, or combine them around a single question.

Can it run online?

[Confirm which formats run online.]

For executives

Which format fits us?

It depends on what your people need to do afterwards. One method needs a Masterclass. Several methods need an Executive Programme. Teaching the method to others needs Facilitator Certification. We agree the right format in a short call.

How large are groups?

[Confirm group sizes.]

Can we apply it to our own business?

Yes, as practice. For a plan your organisation will act on, see Workshops.

Is there a certificate?

Yes, for the Executive Programme and Facilitator Certification.

For universities

Which programmes do you teach?

MBA and other Masters programmes, mainly in innovation and entrepreneurship.

Can it fit our module and assessment?

Yes. Sessions are designed around your learning outcomes. Team outputs can form part of an assessment.

Can you run a full module?

Yes. Most programmes add a single session or a full day. A full module is designed with faculty.

Do you provide materials for faculty?

Yes. The faculty toolkit includes a facilitator pack, cases, slides and faculty training.

How far ahead do we book?

[Confirm booking lead time.]

Who needs these skills: your leaders or your students?

Whether you lead a business or run a Masters programme, get in touch. We will find the right format together.

Start a conversation →