Leading under pressure: The science of staying sharp

Why do even great leaders lose their edge under pressure?

Even the best leaders are only as good as their next decision, and fatigue, distraction, and overload are quietly working against every one of them. Attention, cognitive ability, and energy – the very capacities that drive sound decision-making – are increasingly under threat from constant connectivity, relentless task-switching, and mental fatigue.

In this masterclass, Alyson Meister, Dean of Degree Programs and Hilti Professor of Leadership, draws on the science of cognitive load, multi-tasking, and decision fatigue to explain why even leading executives can lose their edge under pressure, and what to do about it.

You’ll leave with practical, evidence-based strategies to manage your finite cognitive resources, recover mental sharpness, and lead with greater clarity and consistency. The goal: better decisions, sustained energy, and peak performance when the stakes are highest.

It’s also a glimpse into the kind of leadership learning you’ll experience throughout the EMBA: grounded in science, built for real executive life. 

After the masterclass, you are invited to join an information session about the Executive MBA program. You will have the opportunity to connect directly with our Program Advisors to gain:

• Details about the program structure and learning journey
• Insights into how the IMD Executive MBA can accelerate your leadership impact and align with your career ambitions
• A clearer understanding of how IMD’s distinctive approach develops leaders who can connect the dots when it matters most

Agenda:

• 18:30 – 19:00: Registration & welcome
• 19:00 – 20:00:  Masterclass with Dean of Degree Programs, Professor Alyson Meister: “Leading under pressure: The science of staying sharp”
• 20:00 – 20:45: Presentation of the Executive MBA + Q&A
• 20:45 – 21:45: Networking cocktail with EMBA staff, alumni and potential applicants

Please be advised, this event will not be recorded. Take this unique occasion to immerse yourself in IMD’s enriching learning journey in real-time.

IMD Executive MBA overview

At IMD, we develop leaders who can navigate complexity and drive meaningful impact.

Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, our programs are designed for professionals who want to accelerate their careers and expand their global perspective. With a network of over 130,000 alumni across industries and continents, you’ll gain lifelong connections that support your growth.

The IMD Executive MBA is a flexible program designed for experienced professionals balancing career growth with leadership development. Structured around a convenient three-stage learning journey – Foundation, Application, and Electives – the program enables you to build core business and leadership capabilities, apply them to real-world challenges, and tailor your learning to your personal and professional ambitions. Through AI-augmented learning, global immersion experiences, and crisis management training with the Swiss Armed Forces, you will develop the strategic mindset, adaptability, and practical skills needed to lead with impact in a rapidly changing world.

Your profile: You are an internationally experienced professional with at least 10 years of work experience, including managerial responsibilities. You have a strong career trajectory and are looking for a program that allows you to enhance your leadership skills while continuing to work. You seek flexible, action-based learning that challenges you to think globally, lead with confidence, and drive strategic change within your organization.