James W. Burns Executive Education

About The James W. Burns Executive Education Centre

At the James W. Burns Executive Education Centre, part of the I.H. Asper School of Business, we work with individuals and organizations to build leadership capacity, address complex business and organizational challenges, and drive meaningful impact through learning. Our approach bridges leading research and real-world practice through engaging, interactive learning experiences that support growth, performance, and success.

Woman at the front of a classroom

About The James W. Burns Executive Education Centre

The Executive Education experience

Executive education is about more than acquiring new knowledge—it's about developing the capabilities needed to lead, adapt, and succeed in a changing environment. Our programs create opportunities for professionals to step away from day-to-day demands, gain fresh perspectives, challenge their thinking, and return to work with greater confidence and clarity. Whether you're pursuing individual growth or developing talent across your organization, the experience is designed to create meaningful and lasting value.

  • University-backed expertise

    As part of the I.H. Asper School of Business, our programs are grounded in leading business knowledge and research while remaining firmly focused on practical application. Participants benefit from the credibility, expertise, and academic excellence of a respected institution with a long history of developing leaders.

  • Faculty and industry leaders

    Our programs are delivered by a combination of top faculty and experienced industry practitioners. This blend of academic insight and real-world experience ensures learning is both relevant and actionable, connecting proven frameworks with the realities leaders face every day.

  • Experiential Learning

    Through case studies, simulations, facilitated discussions, coaching, reflection, and collaborative exercises, participants actively engage with concepts and apply them to real-world challenges, building confidence alongside capability.

  • Peer learning and networking

    Learning is enriched by the diverse perspectives participants bring to the classroom. Our programs create opportunities to exchange ideas, explore different approaches, and build meaningful connections with professionals from a wide range of sectors and industries.

  • Flexible learning solutions

    From focused one-day workshops to multi-day leadership development programs, we offer learning opportunities that meet professionals where they are. We also work closely with organizations to design customized programs aligned with their unique goals and challenges.

  • Practical impact

    Every program is designed with application in mind. Participants leave with tools, strategies, and insights they can put into practice immediately, helping them strengthen performance, address organizational challenges, and create lasting value.

Our facilities

The James W. Burns Executive Education Centre is located on the second floor of 177 Lombard Avenue in the heart of downtown Winnipeg. Officially opened in 1911 as the new head office for the Great-West Life Assurance Company, this architectural gem was designated a provincial heritage site in 1985. 

Today, the building provides a distinctive setting for learning and collaboration, combining historic character with a professional environment for executive education and leadership development.

James W Burns Executive Education Centre building exterior.
Building exterior - James W. Burns Executive Education Centre
James W. Burns Executive Education Common Area
Learning commons - James W. Burns Executive Education Centre
James W Burns Executive Education Centre Large Classroom.
Main classroom - James W. Burns Executive Education Centre
James W. Burns Executive Education Boardroom
Boardroom - James W. Burns Executive Education Centre

Our team

Impact stories

The Advanced Program in Management, Leadership and Strategy

"The Advanced Program in Management, Leadership and Strategy offers great value. Every bit of this program is directly applicable to my day-to-day work... All of the Instructors were excellent, extremely professional and knowledgeable, and created positive learning environments. The teaching approach was collaborative, helpful and interactive. It’s nice to spend time developing myself and my skills."

Elizabeth Ajibola
Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation

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Project Management

"I found this course extremely helpful. 

Although it was only two days, I left with a wealth of knowledge. The instructor was fantastic, he kept us engaged. I have more confidence in completing project management tasks, and was able to bring back tips to my organization that will help us streamline work."

Monika

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Speaking as a Leader®

"As someone who has feared public speaking my entire life, signing up for this course was a big step. That said, I found Ms. Huculak to be an excellent instructor. She quickly broke the ice with everyone and created a learning environment that felt safe and comfortable, making it easier to be vulnerable and open.

I picked up a lot of valuable tips, and the leadership script she taught will no doubt prove to be incredibly useful.

Very happy with the course. Overall, a great experience."

Robert Murray
CN Rail

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Custom, Corporate Training

"The James W. Burns Executive Education Centre’s Strategy and Execution Sprint was exactly what our team needed. Two and a half days of applied, facilitated learning built around our actual work, not hypothetical case studies. The instructor kept it relevant and rigorous throughout, and the real value came from doing it together as a staff. Our team left with shared frameworks, sharper strategic thinking, and a lot more alignment. Highly recommend for any organization that wants practical professional development that actually sticks." 

Rhéanne Marcoux
Winnipeg Sea Bears

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Business Leaders Discussing Ideas
Project manager discussing ideas for project
Businesswoman leading meeting
Two people using post it notes to develop strategy

For individuals

Looking for programs for individuals? Discover professional development opportunities designed to help you achieve your career and leadership goals.

Explore our programs for individuals

For organizations

Looking for programs for your team? Learn how we work with organizations to create customized learning solutions that align with your organization's priorities, objectives, and growth goals.

Explore our programs for organizations

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Contact us

James W. Burns Executive Education Centre
2nd floor
177 Lombard Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba  R3B 0W5

execedinfo@umanitoba.ca
204-946-0232
204-946-0262