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Develop a Consultant’s Mindset

In today’s dynamic business environment, every professional can benefit from thinking like a consultant. This executive education program empowers participants to adopt a consultant’s mindset—applying strategic frameworks, analytical tools and problem-solving techniques that drive measurable results. Through this program, professionals will gain the core concepts and practical skills needed to elevate their effectiveness, enhance decision-making, and achieve greater success in any industry.

Program Features

  • Certificate Earned - Executive Certificate in "Thinking Like a Consultant" by Florida International University’s College of Business
  • Location – FIU Main Campus
  • Total Instruction - 20 hours of live instruction (2.5 days)
  • Group Size - 40-50 participants (space is limited)
  • Modality - Highly interactive, in-person program, structured into five 4-hour modular units

Who Will Benefit

The program is ideal for forward-thinking professionals ready to elevate their impact by mastering the mindset of a consultant. It is designed for professionals who lead teams, drive strategy, or solve complex problems and wish to sharpen their ability to think critically, influence effectively, and drive change, including:

  • Mid- to senior-level professionals across industries.
  • High-potential talent identified for leadership development.
  • Managers and directors leading cross-functional strategic initiatives.
  • Internal consultants and project leads involved in change and transformation.
  • Subject-matter experts (SMEs) stepping into advisory or strategic roles.
  • Entrepreneurs and business owners who want to expand their strategic and innovation toolkit.
  • Would-be entrepreneurs seeking to launch successful digital startups.
Professor Pappacena has crafted a wonderful seminar that truly exemplifies the mental frameworks, based on Ned Herrmann's "Whole Brain" model, that modern day executives should strive to emulate. By shifting ourselves into the consultant mindset, we're able to position ourselves in the business partner perspective and truly assess the best approach for our clients’ open needs, ongoing initiatives, and future plans.

Raul Duarte, Managing Partner, RTD Talent Solutions

Topics

Throughout the program, topics are explored under the framework of developing a consulting mindset:

  • The Consulting Mindset
  • What is a consultant? Are all consultants trusted advisors?
  • Modes of consulting and required consulting skills
  • Critical Thinking: The essential foundation of a consulting mindset, including foes and friends of critical thinking
  • Strategic Mindset: Understanding the client's business, including business strategy and business models with a primary focus on strategy in the digital era
  • Analytical Mindset: Structured analytical techniques
  • Structured problem solving and hypothesis-driven consulting
  • Design thinking: how to use process consulting to innovate the business model
  • Presenting like a consultant
  • Interpersonal Mindset: Enabling change in the organizations

General Information/Custom Programs: FIU Business Executive Education can create custom training programs specific to the needs of your organization. Please connect with us by submitting the inquiry form below or contact us 305.348.4217 or fiuExecEd@fiu.edu.

Enhance decision-making, and achieve greater success in any industry

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Use this form to request more information about the executive education training we provide and to let us know about your unique needs. A team member will respond shortly.

Program Faculty & Experts

This program is led by Edgardo Pappacena, a seasoned consultant with more than 40 years of experience and is an adjunct professor at Florida International University. He brings invaluable insights and encourages participants to view this program as a steppingstone in their lifelong learning journey.

Financial Assistance & Discounts

FIU Executive Education programs are designed to enhance your management skills and boost your career success. Because our certificate programs are non-credit and do not lead to a degree, they do not qualify for traditional student financial aid. However, financial assistance is available in a variety of methods:

  • Private student loans are available for our programs through SallieMae. We strongly recommend participants submit their loan application at least eight (8) weeks prior to the start of the program to ensure completion of the loan. 

    To apply for a SallieMae loan, please follow the steps below:

    • Notify us via email at fiuexeced@fiu.edu – Please provide your full name, telephone number and the course you wish to take.
    • Visit SallieMae SMART Option Loan to finalize your loan application process:
      • From the home page, choose “Career training student loan”
      • Under “Degree/certificate of study” choose “Certificate”
      • Under “Major/specialty” choose “Continuing Education”
    • Apply for the loan to match the exact program fee.
    • Once your loan is approved and certified, we will notify you with next steps.

  • FIU Executive Education offers a variety of discounts to help make professional development more accessible:

    • Stay in the Know
      • We periodically offer exclusive promotions through our newsletter.
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    • FIU Alumni – 20% Off
      • As a valued member of the FIU alumni community, you’re eligible for a 20% discount on our programs. Please email fiuexeced@fiu.edu before registering to receive your promo code. For audit purposes, you will be required to provide your major and graduation year on the registration form.
    • FIU Students & Employees – 10% Off
      • Current students and staff receive a 10% discount. Email fiuexeced@fiu.edu with your @fiu.edu email to request your code prior to registration.
    • Group Discounts – 20% Off
      • Organizations enrolling three (3) or more employees qualify for a 20% group discount.
        Contact us at         fiuexeced@fiu.edu and we’ll walk you through the registration process.

  • Employer Education Benefits: Ask your employer if it provides education benefits to employees. In many cases and under certain conditions, employers may offer up to $5,250 in tuition/fee assistance to employees tax-free. For more information and latest updates, visit or ask your employer to visit this IRS web site.

    Training Grants for Employers: Employers may qualify for employee training grants from the state of Florida. These grants are used to help employers pay the cost of training and re-skilling employees. For more information, visit CareerSource Florida.

  • Check this section regularly for updates on scholarships and grants available to FIU Executive Education learners.

    PEO Program for Continuing Education: Grant of up to $3,000 to women whose education was interrupted and who now seek a degree or certificate that leads to employment.

    Scholly Scholarships: Easily find and sort through thousands of college scholarships.

  • For general information regarding Financial Aid (FAFSA) or the Veterans GI Bill, please contact FIU Financial Aid at onestop.fiu.edu or Veterans Affairs at veterans@fiu.edu.

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