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 - IMD Business School  - IMD Business School  - IMD Business School

Rethinking growth: What we get wrong about developing leaders

Masterclass
When
25 November 2025
Time
6pm CET (3:30 hours)
Where
Zurich / Switzerland
Open to

Public

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.


Following the masterclass, you are invited to join an information session on either the Executive MBA program. Here, you will have the chance to connect directly with our Program Advisors and Alumni to gain: 

  • Details about the program
  • Insights on how learning at IMD can align with your career goals and strategic business objectives 


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

 - IMD Business School
About the event

When:  25 November 2025 at 18:00 (CET)

Where: Zurich, Switzerland  –  Exact location will be confirmed closer to the date

Agenda:

  • 18:00– 18:30: Registration & welcome
  • 18:30– 19:15:  Masterclass with Professor Alyson Meister
  • 19:15– 19:45: Presentation of the Executive MBA + Q&A
  • 19:45– 21:30: Networking cocktail with EMBA staff, alumni & potential applicants


Register
: Registration is required. Limited seats available

Experience IMD learning

Enjoy a stimulating hour of teaching with our top faculty, discover new frameworks to apply to your own business, and experience IMD’s learning techniques.

Get your questions answered

Join an EMBA or MBA information session to get personalized insights into admissions options and career impact from alumni and Program Advisors.

Maximize your event experience

Explore the structure and content of our full-time MBA and/or the Executive MBA ahead of time to understand which program best fits your profile and goals.

Register for this event

After submitting your registration, please check your emails to confirm your attendance and secure your seat.

We look forward to meeting you and answering any questions you may have.