how it works

Partner organizations identify and propose a business challenge they care about. 

The d.leadership teaching team works with the organization to narrow the scope of the project. 

Org applications are evaluated and based on student interest, a small cohort (typically 10) are selected to participate. 

Admitted orgs are assigned a d.leader duo to work with them over the course of the winter quarter.  

Orgs commit a small, in-tact team of 3-7 people for approximately 10 hours of work each week.

d.leaders guide the small team through a rigorous set of milestones culminating in a beta launch of a new product or service.

Each organization will meet twice a week with their d.leaders for a work session (Friday morning and one other agreed time that week) for approximately 5 hours of guided work. In addition, each team will also reserve approximately 5 hours each week for related work without their d.leaders. 

Organizations and d.leaders attend two design reviews throughout the quarter where teams will share their work and receive feedback from the teaching team.

benefits

  • Learn the d.school’s design thinking creative problem solving methodology

  • Breakthrough customer insights and innovations

  • Develop a dedicated team that has a common understanding of the design thinking tools and methodologies

  • Receive process leadership and project management assistance for the duration of the partnership

  • Play a meaningful role in and influence early leader development

get started

If you still have questions, please email: dleadership@dschool.stanford.edu 

If you're ready to partner with us, fill out this quick form and we'll get back to you shortly with feedback. 

First, a few notes:

d.leadership is approximately 8 weeks long. Partner organizations must commit to the weekly time engagements to participate. 

A partner fee applies; discounted fee is provided for non-profits.

Each year we accept ~10 diverse partner organizations for the class. Admission decisions will be made approximately 1 month before the partnership begins. The partnership will begin in early April of 2023 and run through early June of 2023.