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On campus program
Foundations for Business Leadership

Lead through complexity

On campus program

Foundations for Business Leadership

Lead through complexity

Location
Lausanne
Length
3 weeks
Fee
CHF 25,000
Next program starts
10 November 2024

NEW CONTENT: AI, data value creation, digital ecosystems, geopolitics, macroeconomics

How do you stay ahead in an increasingly complex world? What should you prioritize to effectively deliver the most value to your business? Mastery and integration of core functional skills are essential for general managers. But to make the right critical decisions, you need to have a strong understanding of your changing business environment, including the latest topics such as AI, ESG, non-market strategy and more. See full content.

Foundations for Business Leadership prepares you to confidently lead through complexity in three progressive steps: mastery of core functional skills and key trends, application of the learnings, followed by integration to your unique context. You will leave the program with the expanded skillset, knowledge, and confidence to successfully lead your business through complexity and into the future.

Build cross-functional abilities

Expand your skillset and integrate knowledge across functions to deliver lasting value for your organization.

Master complexity

Apply your boosted capabilities to complex business issues and build agility to successfully manage uncertainty and disruption.

Develop an entrepreneurial mindset

Address your corporate challenges with the mindset of an entrepreneur, creating the conditions to capitalize effectively on opportunities.

Become a better strategic decision-maker

Understand the consequences of your decisions on company performance. Hone your decision-making skills to identify sources of competitive advantage.

Lead and perform as a powerful, coherent team

Develop your effectiveness in the role of leader and team member for powerful results.

Participant profiles

Are you an experienced manager who wants to develop cross-functional business skills to become an effective general manager or business leader? Typical profiles include Country Manager, Regional Manager, Business Lead, Functional Manager, or Department Manager.

Then join other highly motivated professionals from widely different functions, cultures, industries, and nationalities. They will broaden your perspectives and enrich your learning greatly. Some participants join from big-name companies and others come from exciting start-up ventures and family businesses. This diversity creates a bonded learning journey. Read more about the admission criteria.

2023 class profile (average data)

18

years of experience

79%

mid to senior level

21%

C-level

19

nationalities

Information Session
22 October 2024

Interested in an IMD general management program? Don’t miss this opportunity to get all your questions answered by our Program Advisors at 09:00 (CEST).

Information Session

22 October 2024

Interested in an IMD general management program? Don’t miss this opportunity to get all your questions answered by our Program Advisors at 09:00 (CEST).

 

“I already see the impact. There are so many takeaways for my company.”

Find out why participants chose this program.

More participant reviews
Pascal Tea

CEO, Downtown Studio, Switzerland

The entire program was incredibly valuable. With my background in marketing & communication, I significantly expanded my knowledge in finance, strategy, and supply chain, while also developing a broader, helicopter view of business operations. The opportunity to share insights was enriching, and teamwork allowed us to learn quickly and efficiently. This collaborative environment greatly enhanced my leadership skills and overall effectiveness.

Rafael Contador

Vice President LATAM, Corbion, Brazil

My top takeaways are 1) gaining a deep understanding of data and AI technology and its application; 2) re-visiting financial concepts and applying to the simulations; 3) networking with brilliant executives from different cultures and industries.

Dagmar Fässler-Zumstein

Head of Corporate Communications, Berner Kantonalbank, Switzerland

59 brilliant professionals from 27 countries has become an incredible journey among friends. 20 days of broadening cross-functional knowledge and insights on dynamic business strategies, corporate finance, creating value through operations and investments, global supply chain management, creating new value for customers, navigating market shifts and designing the business system for sustainable development, and more. We were challenged and encouraged by numerous case studies and exciting simulations. We scrutinized our ideas and concepts and thoroughly tested our assumptions. It was an incredible journey!

Marcos Agulleiro Canosa

Head of Financial Planning & Analysis , Ferroglobe, Spain

The team reflection was a very powerful tool for me, understanding where I belong within the corporate world. The professors were excellent, but I also learned a lot from my classmates. Great people, I couldn’t be happier with my experience!

Pedro Pessoa

Business Developer & Strategist, Investment FP&A, GFH, Portugal

Truly exceptional caliber of instructors – their passion and expertise bringing every session to life, inspiring my journey. Sharing insights, debating ideas, and learning from each other’s unique perspectives has been nothing short of inspiring.  I carry with me not just newfound knowledge, but a network of incredible individuals I’m proud to call friends.

Barbara Schmidt-Ley

CEO and Board Member, Dima Service, Switzerland

I’ve attended courses and training on most of these topics before. However, covering all the topics in 20 consecutive days made me understand the general management approach much better (rather than learning separately over a longer time period). The simulation and integrative exercises allowed me for the first time to be able to really use them because I understood the natural flow and direction.

Ahmed Rashad Riad

Senior Director, Strategy and Industry Development, Huawei, Switzerland

It’s a profound transformational journey. My key takeaways are 1) Global insights with a diverse cohort: engaging with 59 brilliant executives and business leaders from 27 countries has been a privilege. The diversity and depth of perspectives enriched every discussion, making the learning experience truly global. 2) Intense and comprehensive learning: 360-degree view of business leadership in a remarkably short timeframe: strategy, finance, marketing, digital transformation, supply chain, entrepreneurship, private equity, sustainability, AI, and operations. 3) Self-discovery and leadership growth: challenging my perspectives, pushing me to grow not just as a professional but as an individual, and a leader.

Nurani Nimpuno

Head of Global Engagement, LINX (The London Internet Exchange), Sweden

My financial knowledge expanded significantly. I discovered my capacity to quickly develop new skills, and recognized the value of my experience and critical thinking when applying what I had learned. The feedback from my peers was also immensely beneficial.

Philomena Tan

Business Manager, Nestlé Products Sdn Bhd, Malaysia

Foundations for Business Leadership has given me a new perspective in my quest to build on my business acumen. It opened my eyes to the true spirit of entrepreneurship using effectuation versus causal thinking. I believe this will benefit big FMCG organizations to be more effective and efficient.

Véronique Athané Ryser

Executive Director, SIG, Switzerland

Foundations for Business Leadership is a mind-opener, which relentlessly forces you to question the way you think about your business. The program is an opportunity to strengthen your business knowledge while living a memorable multicultural experience.

We prepare you to be a future-ready general manager with the ability to select what is truly relevant from each function and integrate these inputs in ways that add strategic value to your business.

Read more

 

Mohan Subramaniam Program Co-Director, Professor of Strategy and Digital Transformation

Together we develop your critical thinking, so you are best equipped to implement your learning directly to your own complex business issues.

Leif Sjöblom Program Co-Director, Professor of Financial Management
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Next start & fee

Length: 3 weeks (20 intensive days including weekends). Offered four times a year.

Dates
10 Nov – 29 Nov 2024
Location
Lausanne
Length
3 weeks
Price
CHF 25,000
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26 Jan – 14 Feb 2025
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27 Apr – 16 May 2025
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17 Aug – 5 Sep 2025
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Dates
9 Nov – 28 Nov 2025
Location
Lausanne
Length
3 weeks
Price
CHF 25,000