Programs & Training

Leading Innovation for Systems Change

the gist

Today’s systems often fall short in addressing our most pressing challenges. Forge partners with New York University and the Institute for Impact and Intrapreneurship to offer the Leading Innovation for Systems Change Certificate to give changemakers the tools, frameworks, and inspiration to create real, lasting impact.

Leading Innovation for Systems Change combines entrepreneurship and social impact education for the mental health and social sectors. Through case studies, lectures, and group discussions, it introduces key innovation concepts and equips participants with practical tools to drive meaningful change in organizations and communities.

Who's it for?

If you’re committed to leading with creativity and purpose, this program is made for you—bold leaders ready to embrace complexity and drive innovation:

  • Practitioners driving relational or systemic change
  • Senior Leaders navigating organizational transformation
  • Program & Service Managers seeking innovative solutions
  • Business Leaders shaping high-impact investments
  • Civil Society Executives addressing social challenges
Our Origins

Through working together, we’ll help you answer the big questions facing leaders today:

Learning in Action

Real learning happens through experience, collaboration, and practical application – our approach combines innovative thinking, real-world insights, and hands-on tools for maximum impact.

Systemic Thinking & Innovation

Approach challenges holistically and design creative, forward-thinking solutions.

Real-World Application

Learn from case studies, experiments, and proven models of success to inspire action.

Collaboration & Peer Learning

Engage with fellow changemakers to exchange ideas, gain new perspectives, and build lasting networks.

Practical Tools for Impact

Access actionable strategies to drive change within your organization or community.

 How It’s delivered

We offer 3 options for delivery so you can choose the workshop length that suits you and your team best.

workshop
0.5 days

Engaging Innovation

Sensitize Half Day

A half-day introduction to innovation in social impact, this session explores creative tools and real-world examples for driving change in nonprofits and government. Through collaborative exercises and case studies, participants will discover new approaches to tackling complex challenges.

Workshop
1 day

Embracing Innovation

Experiential 1 Day Workshop

A hands-on workshop for a deeper dive into innovation, this session equips participants with practical tools and strategies to drive meaningful change in nonprofits and government. Through interactive sessions, case studies, and exercises, they’ll learn to navigate complexity and build lasting solutions.

certificate
3 days

Leading Innovation for Systems Change

Transformational 3-Day Certificate Program

For mid-to-senior leaders ready to rethink how change happens. This program explores entrepreneurship, innovation, and adaptive leadership—equipping participants with the tools to create real impact.

Key topics include:
Adaptive Innovation in Times of Disruption
The Art of Experimentation
Intrapreneurship in Action
Innovation for Systems Change
Building Adaptive Capacity with Deliberately Developmental Teams
Harnessing Complexity & Working with Emergence
Social Chemistry & Catalyzing Your Social Network
Innovation and Complexity in Government & Public Service lds

Adaptive Innovation in Times of Disruption

The Art of Experimentation

Intrapreneurship in Action

Innovation for Systems Change

Building Adaptive Capacity with Deliberately Developmental Teams

Harnessing Complexity & Working with Emergence

Social Chemistry & Catalyzing Your Social Network

Innovation and Complexity in Government & Public Service lds

Kind words

Participating in the Forge x NYU Bronfman Institute for Impact and Intrapreneurship training was nothing short of transformational. This 21-hour certificate program goes far beyond traditional leadership development—it's a strategic reset. Rooted in systems thinking, complexity approaches, and real-world social innovation, the experience pushed me to reimagine how I show up as a leader in my community. What stood out most was the depth and intentionality of the content. This wasn’t just theory—it was hands-on, practical, and deeply grounded in lived experience. From interactive case studies to design-based learning, every session offered tools I could immediately apply to my work. The program created a rare space for reflection, re-orientation, and re-commitment to purpose-driven leadership. I’m walking away with more than a certificate from NYU—I'm leaving with a sharpened strategic lens, a vibrant peer network, and a renewed sense of clarity and courage to lead through complexity. Special thanks to Jeff, Nir, and all the incredible guest facilitators who challenged my thinking and expanded my perspective on what’s truly possible when we lead collaboratively and with care. If you're a professional in the public, nonprofit, or social enterprise sector looking to create lasting change, this program is an investment in your leadership—and in the future of your community.

Wanda McGinnis
Big Hill Haven
Kind words

Jeff St. John brings clarity and depth to his teaching about complexity and innovation. He and Nir connected theory to community practice in a real way. The NYU certificate program was an elevated learning experience for everyone involved.

Karen Kadatz
A Safe Place
Kind words

The Leading Innovation for Systems Change certificate through Forge was a dynamic and impactful learning experience. The program brought together a thoughtful, curious cohort of leaders and created space for real, honest conversations about complexity, power, and systems change. It gave me the confidence and practical tools to lead in spaces that feel messy, uncertain, and deeply human.

David Sannes
Fear Is Not Love
Kind words

Attending this course was a transformative experience for me. It provided a perfect blend of theoretical frameworks and practical examples, making it highly relevant for leaders in complex environments. The focus on intrapreneurship, illustrated with real-world examples and case studies, was particularly helpful for me. For someone like me, working in the field of research in the non-profit sector addressing domestic violence, learning from experts who successfully introduced innovation in high-stakes environments was invaluable. The guest speakers from extremely relevant fields, including government, offered critical insights into navigating barriers in these areas while driving change. These guest sessions were also very helpful in helping me digest the theoretical concepts. Additionally, the interactive activities allowed to actively engage with the material and connect with other participants, creating valuable networking opportunities. Overall, this course equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to innovate and navigate complexity within my sector, making it an essential experience for any leader seeking to drive meaningful change!

Komal Jafri
Fear Is Not Love
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