Data as of Aug 25, 2026 · Based on 1,719 AI responses · See how Parse measures this
Online Leadership and Business Programs
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University of Pennsylvania leads, named in 51% of answers, ahead of at 42% and at 31%.
| # | Brand | What AI says | Mention rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Now leads the niche, cited for Wharton's specialized C-suite executive programs. | 51% | |
| 2 | 42% | ||
| 3 | A fast-riser, frequently recommended for its dedicated COO and CTO leadership programs. | 31% | |
| 4 | 26% | ||
| 5 | Saw a significant drop, shifting from a top recommendation to a secondary option. | 24% | |
| 6 | Emerged as a key provider for high-potential and senior executive leadership programs. | 21% | |
| 7 | 20% | ||
| 8 | Consistently cited for its international scope, especially its COO Executive Education program. | 18% | |
| 9 | 16% | ||
| 10 | A newly cited specialist for practical, hands-on CTO and technology leadership training. | 14% | |
| 11 | A primary recommendation for school superintendents, offering national certification and academies. | 13% | |
| 12 | 13% | ||
| 13 | 13% | ||
| 14 | 12% | ||
| 15 | 10% | ||
| 16 | 9% | ||
| 17 | 8% | ||
| 18 | 8% | ||
| 19 | 8% | ||
| 20 | 8% | ||
| 21 | 7% | ||
| 22 | 7% | ||
| 23 | 6% | ||
| 24 | 6% | ||
| 25 | 5% |
Who wins on each AI
The same market, seen by two models.
Sources AI cited
digitaldefynd.com is the page AI reaches for most here, cited in 34% of analyzed answers.
Rose from rank #6 in Oct 2025 to #1 in Mar 2026.
“One of several options for general online leadership certificates.” → “A top recommendation for its specific, role-dedicated Wharton COO and CTO programs.”
Climbed from rank #12 in Oct 2025 to #2 in Mar 2026.
Dropped from rank #1 in Oct 2025 to #9 in Mar 2026.
Fell from rank #9 in Oct 2025 to #13 in Mar 2026.
| Brand | ChatGPT Search | Google AI Mode | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21% | 30% | ||
| 26% | 21% | ||
| 23% | 10% | ||
| 23% | 16% | ||
| 0% | 18% |
The two models disagree most about INSEAD Executive Education (ChatGPT #9, Google #25).
Across 1,719 AI responses, University of Pennsylvania is mentioned most, named in 51% of them, followed by Massachusetts Institute of Technology (42%) and University of California, Berkeley (31%).
Parse measures each brand's mention rate — the share of answers naming it — across 1,719 AI responses to this market's buyer questions. Answers are collected daily and the ranking is published weekly.
Brands enter the ranking when AI answers mention them. Parse collects answers daily and publishes the re-measured set weekly, so new brands appear as AI starts recommending them.
The University of Pennsylvania, through its Wharton School, has become AI's top recommendation for online executive education. This rise reflects a broader shift in AI responses, which now favor universities offering specific, role-based C-suite programs over more general leadership training.
AI recommendations consistently center on university executive education programs designed for COOs. The University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) established itself as the top recommendation from December 2025 onward, with MIT (via xPRO) and
INSEAD also frequently cited for their focus on strategy and digital transformation.
Brands mentioned
What is the best executive leadership training for a Chief Operating Officer?
AI recommendations consistently center on university executive education programs designed for COOs. The University of Pennsylvania (Wharton) established itself as the top recommendation from December 2025 onward, with MIT (via xPRO) and
INSEAD also frequently cited for their focus on strategy and digital transformation.
Early responses through 2025 prominently featured Harvard Business School and MIT. Since January 2026, the (via Wharton's online certificates) has become the most consistent top recommendation for general online leadership programs, with also being frequently mentioned.
which online executive leadership programs are good for me?
Early responses through 2025 prominently featured Harvard Business School and MIT. Since January 2026, the
University of Pennsylvania (via Wharton's online certificates) has become the most consistent top recommendation for general online leadership programs, with
Coursera also being frequently mentioned.
The market map
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