Rethinking growth: What we get wrong about developing leaders

An IMD masterclass on rethinking leadership, and unlocking growth

Everyone says leadership is about developing others — but what if much of what we believe about how growth happens is wrong?

In this masterclass, Professor Alyson Meister will challenge the conventional wisdom that quietly undermines leadership development. She’ll bust four widespread myths, like the idea that growth follows a neat, upward trajectory or that simply working harder guarantees progress. These myths shape not just how leaders think about their own growth, but also how they invest in developing their people.

This session offers a fresh, research-backed perspective on what growth actually looks like: rarely linear, sometimes uncomfortable, and deeply personal. You’ll discover how development shifts across career stages, how identity and mindset evolve, and how leaders can create the conditions for others to thrive: not by doing more, but by growing better.

What we’ll explore:

• How to foster growth and unlock potential in others: Gain practical strategies to foster growth through feedback, stretch experiences, peer learning, and intentional use of time – making development more inclusive, relational, and embedded in everyday work.
• How to challenge limiting assumptions about growth: Explore why common beliefs like “hard work equals growth” or “growth is linear” can stall progress, and what a more realistic, dynamic development journey looks like.
• How growth evolves from skills to mindset and identity across career stages: Learn how to support reinvention, especially at senior levels.

Whether you’re an HR leader responsible for developing employees or an individual looking to grow (or help others grow), you’ll walk away with actionable insights to rethink what growth really looks like – and how to make it happen.

Following the masterclass, you will have the chance to engage directly with our Program Advisors, who will offer:

• A comprehensive overview of IMD’s business management & strategy program portfolio, plus insight into our renowned Orchestrating Winning Performance program (OWP)
• Guidance on how our offerings can align with your career goals
• Answers to your questions about our programs and approach to learning

Agenda

• 12:00 – 12:45: Masterclass “Rethinking growth: What we get wrong about developing leaders” with Professor Alyson Meister
• 12:45 – 13:00: Introduction to our business management, strategy & OWP programs with our Program Advisors, followed by a Q&A

Please note, this event will not be recorded. This is a unique opportunity to experience the IMD learning journey live. 

Discover our portfolio of business management & strategy programs