The Hidden Accelerator - Continuing Education as a Catalyst for Growth & Sustainability

Real Talk Episode 26-13: The Hidden Accelerator – Reimagining Continuing Education as a Catalyst for Growth and Sustainability

In this special episode of Real Talk, Michelle Budiwski shares an adapted recording of her presentation delivered at the 2026 Canadian Association for University Continuing Education (CAUCE) Conference in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience in business, entrepreneurship, leadership, management, adult education, and organizational development, as well as research conducted through her MBA in Human Resource Management (Organizational Learning and Development), Michelle explores the evolving role of Continuing Education within post-secondary institutions.

Traditionally viewed as a support service operating on the margins of academia, Continuing Education is uniquely positioned to become a strategic driver of institutional growth, innovation, workforce development, and financial sustainability. As colleges and universities face increasing pressures from declining public funding, changing labour market demands, and the need to diversify revenue streams, Continuing Education may hold untapped potential as an institutional accelerator.

In this episode, Michelle examines:

• How Continuing Education can unlock new revenue opportunities
• The role of CE in supporting organizational learning and professional development
• Balancing entrepreneurial initiatives with educational mission and values
• Strategies for aligning Continuing Education with broader institutional goals
• Practical approaches to building more resilient and sustainable post-secondary institutions

The views and opinions expressed in this episode are Michelle's own and are based on her personal experience, education, and research. They do not represent the official positions of any employer, educational institution, professional association, or organization with which she is affiliated.

Whether you work in Continuing Education, higher education leadership, workforce development, or organizational learning, this episode offers a fresh perspective on one of the most underutilized assets in post-secondary education.

Real Conversations. Real Ideas. Real Talk.