Furman University’s Center for Innovative Leadership (CIL) and BMW Performance Driving Schools are launching a new partnership to offer Driving Strategic Performance, an experiential leadership program designed for business leaders and executive teams across South Carolina.
The partnership brings together BMW’s driving experience with Furman’s expertise in applied leadership development, filling a niche in the state for dynamic, high-impact executive experiences. After piloting several sessions together, the program's impact was apparent to both parties. BMW Performance Driving Schools approached the CIL to make the collaboration permanent.
"At the CIL, we believe that leadership development shouldn’t feel like sitting in a lecture hall," said Garrett Stern, executive director of the Center for Innovative Leadership. "BMW had been looking for the right partner to build something truly experiential. By combining track time with applied executive strategy, we create memorable moments that stick with leaders long after the day is done.”
“The BMW Performance Driving Schools is excited to begin this partnership with the Furman program, and I look forward to exploring how our incredible on-track drives help develop the next generation of business leaders,” said Dan Gubitosa, director of BMW Performance Centers.
At the heart of the program is the BMW Performance Center’s hands-on approach to learning. Guided by professional driving instructors, participants explore focus, precision, and adaptability behind the wheel, then connect those experiences to real leadership challenges through facilitated sessions with Furman’s Center for Innovative Leadership.
The program is built around two delivery formats:
Custom Executive Team Retreats: Tailored full-day or multi-day sessions designed for intact leadership teams to tackle live strategic challenges, align priorities, and build stronger team dynamics.
Open Enrollment Cohorts: Sessions open to individual leaders across the state, offering opportunities to expand strategic thinking while networking with peers from other industries.
While the program features the thrill of on-track driving, the focus remains squarely on business outcomes. Participants address real organizational problems, learning how to balance rapid execution with day-to-day leadership, and knowing when to accelerate, hold, or course-correct on key initiatives.
“The partnership with BMW is a significant step toward Furman’s goal of making South Carolina the place where the world’s most innovative leaders are built," Stern said.
To learn more about Driving Strategic Performance or to schedule a session, visit https://innovationlab.furman.edu/driving-strategic-performance/.
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