Executive Challenge

The Executive Challenge is Stanford GSB’s signature full-day leadership simulation, where first-year MBAs step into executive roles to practice decision-making, teamwork, and influence under real-world pressure.

Guided by alumni executives, MBA students engage in immersive scenarios that bridge classroom concepts with hands-on leadership and real-time feedback.

Become an Alumni Judge

Learn About MBA

Learn About Leadership Labs

How the Challenge Works

The Executive Challenge follows a structured progression from
preparation through celebration.

1. Preparation

Students build core leadership skills in Leadership Labs during
Fall Quarter.

2. Simulation Day

Teams tackle three real-world executive dilemmas — negotiations, team conflict,
strategic decisions — presented to alumni and faculty judges.

3. Feedback & Reflection

Judges provide actionable leadership feedback in real-time.

4. Celebration

Tops teams are recognized during a final awards ceremony.

At-a-Glance

When
Early December
Culmination of Leadership Labs

Participants
400+ MBA1 students
100+ alumni judges

Format
3 leadership simulations
In 1 day

Focus
Executive presence, decision-making, influence, feedback

Founded
2007

Who’s Involved

The Executive Challenge brings together students, alumni, and faculty in a collaborative learning environment.

MBA Students

Step into executive roles and learn to lead through ambiguity in a realistic, high-stakes business environment.

400+ first-year students

Judge at Executive Challenge 2025 Speaking to Students

Alumni Judges

Return to campus to mentor, coach, and evaluate student teams, sharing their real-world leadership experience.

100+ executives and leaders

Faculty and Staff

Bridge academic concepts with applied leadership practice, ensuring alignment with curriculum goals.

Leadership Labs faculty team

Stories from the Challenge

Hear directly from students and alumni about their experiences with the Executive Challenge and Leadership Labs.

The energy on campus during Executive Challenge is unique and invigorating. The dedication of our alumni to return to campus...to promote excellence and support the growth of our first-year students is really remarkable. It leaves a lasting impression.

— Derrick Bolton, Associate Dean for External Relations

Get Involved

Interested in joining the challenge? Learn more about the Stanford GSB MBA Program.

Stanford MBA Program