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Periods between roles—commonly referred to as being “on the bench”—can feel uncertain, but they also offer a unique opportunity. For senior technology leaders, this downtime is the perfect moment to sharpen skills, expand knowledge, and position yourself for the next big role.
Here’s a curated list of training and courses to help you stay ahead of the curve while showing future employers you’re proactive about growth.
1. Strengthen Your Strategic Leadership Skills
As a senior technology leader, your value lies in more than just technical expertise—it’s in your ability to lead teams, drive strategy, and deliver business outcomes. Focus on courses that enhance your leadership toolkit:
Harvard Business School Online – Leadership Principles (link)
Build on your ability to inspire and influence teams effectively.
MIT Sloan Executive Education – Leading Organisations in Disruptive Times (link)
Learn strategies for navigating and driving change in volatile environments.
2. Get Ahead in Emerging Technologies
Staying informed about the latest technology trends is essential for leaders shaping their organisations' future. Dive into fields that are transforming industries:
Coursera – AI for Everyone (Andrew Ng) (link)
A beginner-friendly course for understanding the business impact of artificial intelligence.
edX – Blockchain Technologies: Business Innovation and Application (MIT) (link)
Gain insight into how blockchain is reshaping industries and business models.
Udemy – Cloud Architecture with Google Cloud or AWS Certified Solutions Architect (link)
Solidify your knowledge of cloud platforms, critical for modern tech leadership.
3. Master Data-Driven Decision Making
As organisations increasingly rely on data to inform strategy, senior leaders must know how to interpret and leverage data effectively. Consider:
Wharton Online – Business Analytics: From Data to Insights (link)
Understand how to translate complex data into actionable business strategies.
DataCamp – Data Science for Business Leaders (link)
Designed for non-technical leaders, this course focuses on extracting value from data science projects.
4. Deepen Your Knowledge of Cybersecurity
With cybersecurity threats on the rise, senior technology leaders are expected to have a robust understanding of risk management. Explore:
Stanford Advanced Cybersecurity Program (link)
A comprehensive course covering critical security concepts and practices.
ISACA – Certified Information Security Manager (CISM) (link)
A globally recognised certification for professionals managing enterprise-level security systems.
5. Stay Current on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Tech leaders are expected to create inclusive cultures and champion diversity. Expand your perspective with:
Cornell University – Diversity and Inclusion Certificate (link)
Practical strategies for fostering an equitable workplace.
LinkedIn Learning – Inclusive Leadership (link)
Bite-sized lessons on leading diverse teams effectively.
6. Build Your Personal Brand and Thought Leadership
While on the bench, there’s no better time to solidify your reputation as a thought leader. Consider:
LinkedIn Learning – Building Your Personal Brand (link)
Learn how to craft and communicate your unique value proposition.
Coursera – Writing and Editing: Word Choice and Word Order (University of Michigan) (link)
Sharpen your communication skills to deliver impactful messages.
Additionally, use your downtime to:
Share insights and expertise on LinkedIn or industry blogs.
Speak at webinars, tech meetups, or virtual conferences.
7. Explore Executive Coaching Programmes
A coach can help you identify blind spots, refine your leadership style, and prepare for your next role. Look into:
The Centre for Creative Leadership (CCL) – Leadership Development Programme (link)
8. Upskill in Project Management
Even at senior levels, having certifications in methodologies like Agile or Scrum can be a differentiator. Consider:
Scrum Alliance – Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) (link)
Project Management Institute – Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) (link)
9. Learn Something Outside of Your Industry
Expand your horizons with training in adjacent fields that could inspire fresh ideas for your leadership approach:
IDEO U – Design Thinking for Innovation (link)
Apply creative problem-solving techniques to complex business challenges.
Turn Downtime Into Opportunity
The time you spend on the bench isn’t a setback—it’s an opportunity to elevate your career. By investing in the right training and courses, you’ll position yourself as a forward-thinking, well-rounded leader ready to tackle the challenges of your next role. There are plenty of cost effective courses out there at the moment that we haven't listed. Linkedin learning, Coursera and Udemy have plenty of options. You might even get a deal today, being Black Friday and all!
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash
