#USA #Austin #TED #Abilitie #St. Edward's University

Abilitie, TED, and St. Edward's University Introduce a Transformative Mini-MBA Program

In an innovative partnership, Abilitie, TED, and St. Edward's University have unveiled a global 12-week Mini-MBA program aimed at equipping working professionals with essential business skills for the age of artificial intelligence. This online program, which totals a fee of $4,500, includes engaging real-time courses led by expert instructors and culminates in an immersive weekend experience at a global business hub.

Originally launched in 2019 under the name Invited MBA, the program combines curated TED content with immersive business simulations, guided discussions, and interactions within a diverse cohort of peers. Upon completion, participants will receive a professional education certificate from St. Edward's University.

Darby Coleman, Executive Director of TED@Work, emphasized the program’s focus: "The 12-week MBA course merges powerful TED ideas with real-world business challenges, helping leaders expand their thinking, tackle problems, and support their teams."

Addressing the Leadership Gap

Statistics reveal that more than 80% of managers globally lack formal education in business and management. This significant gap poses challenges for organizations aspiring to cultivate a portfolio of leadership skills in the competitive global marketplace. Short-term MBA programs, such as the 12-week program, are increasingly popular for leaders seeking to gain critical business acumen and people management skills.

Bjorn Billhardt, CEO of Abilitie, commented, "Tomorrow’s leaders need more than just knowledge; they need to practice business judgment. The dynamic, interactive nature of the 12-week MBA program helps professionals develop financial literacy, strategic thinking, and leadership skills."

An Interactive Learning Experience

Participants will engage in live online courses three times a week, collaborating in teams on business simulations modeled after real leadership challenges. The curriculum is designed to enhance understanding of business finance, foster strategic thinking, manage resources effectively, and make informed decisions in complex, rapidly changing business environments.

Marianne Ward-Peradoza, Vice Provost at St. Edward's University, proudly stated, "St. Edward's University is committed to academic excellence, and we are excited to be part of this thrilling partnership. We recognize that today’s professionals need flexible, high-impact opportunities to upskill, and this program exemplifies our efforts to create pathways for them to remain competitive."

To maintain an interactive atmosphere, class sizes are limited to 40 students and a total of 200 students per cohort. The program concludes with an in-person weekend meeting in notable cities like Berlin and Dubai, with accommodation and meals included in the tuition. Enrollment for the fall 2026 cohort is currently open, with scholarships available. More details can be found at 12weekmba.com. The program can also be tailored for corporate groups looking to upskill their employees.

About the Mini-MBA Program

The 12-week Mini-MBA initiative is a collaborative effort involving TED, Abilitie, and St. Edward's University. TED operates under the fundamental belief that ideas have the power to change everything. Well-presented strong ideas can inspire individuals to feel, think differently, and act. Abilitie is a global leader in leadership development, enabling professionals to cultivate critical business skills. St. Edward's University's Mundy Business School is a top-rated graduate school with AACSB accreditation, signifying the highest standard for business education.