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IMD Leading Sustainable Change Program
Blended program
Leadership Skills for Sustainable Change

Build high-impact leadership capabilities for meaningful, long-term transformation

Blended program

Leadership Skills for Sustainable Change

Build high-impact leadership capabilities for meaningful, long-term transformation

Length
2.5 days on campus (Lausanne) plus 15 hours liVe virtual & online
Fee
CHF 5,900
Next program starts
07 April 2025

Lead sustainable transformation for inner and outer impact

Research suggests that 70% of business transformations fail, often due to a lack of organizational engagement and insufficient investment in building capabilities to sustain change. Sustainability transformations are no exception; they often stumble due to a focus on the “what” rather than the “how”

To effectively drive sustainability transformation, leaders must explore unique skills, mindsets, and leadership approaches that go beyond the conventional “business-as-usual” model. They need to craft a compelling vision and inspire collective commitment to long-term sustainability goals. They must excel in active listening and storytelling, adeptly navigating pressing environmental and social challenges. Impactful leaders engage diverse stakeholders and communicate a clear and persuasive narrative. Moreover, these leaders lead by example – they embody their values to establish credibility and inspire others. Given these pressures and challenges, leaders also need to find a way to lead that is sustainable on a personal level.

On IMD’s Leadership Skills for Sustainable Change program, you will embark on a transformative journey, experiencing a mindshift in your leadership approach. You will develop the skills to empower others and foster collective awareness, accountability, and action towards sustainable change. You will explore what it means to drive sustainable transformation at the individual, organizational, and societal level. Through immersive experiences in self-reflection, learning, and growth, you will emerge equipped to lead with courage and conviction, ignite change from within, and champion sustainable practices throughout the organization.

Deepen individual self-awareness

Reflect on your personal strengths and areas for development relevant to organizational and societal transformation.

Cultivate coaching skills

Gain insight into how coaching skills can effectively serve as a collaborative tool to create change.

Explore the concept of sustainable leadership

Discover approaches for creating conditions in which both yourself and those you lead can thrive.

Foster courageous conversations

Create inclusive spaces where difficult topics are openly and constructively discussed, translating courageous dialogue into actionable outcomes.

Lead organizational change

Explore how to constructively challenge existing frameworks and master innovative models for effective change leadership.

You and your class

You are an experienced team leader, senior executive, or seasoned sustainability specialist, seeking to elevate your leadership abilities to mobilize others towards sustainable transformation and explore the mindset shifts necessary to drive and sustain change effectively.

Join a diverse community of leaders and change-makers committed to steering sustainable transformations.   

Typical participant profiles include: Sustainability Director, CSR Manager, Business Unit Manager, HR & Talent Development Manager, Environmental, Health, and Safety Manager, Operations Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Change Management Consultant.

Information Session
Join us on 16 January 2025

Interested in an IMD sustainable business program? Don’t miss this opportunity to get all your questions answered by our Program Advisors at 12:00 (CET).

Information Session

Join us on 16 January 2025

Interested in an IMD sustainable business program? Don’t miss this opportunity to get all your questions answered by our Program Advisors at 12:00 (CET).

Connect, reflect, be inspired

This program is a step towards IMD’s Executive Certificate in Sustainable Business. If you choose to continue your journey and earn the certificate, you will join IMD’s TOGETHER community, a solid network of leaders committed to creating a sustainable future.

Your learning journey

From outer growth to inner development: Embark on an enriching learning experience that combines interactive group discussions, experiential exercises, stimulating dialogues and practical assignments for a holistic learning experience.

Module 1
LiVe virtual and online
Accelerating awareness
  • Begin your learning journey by introspecting and acknowledging your current state, using the Inner Development Goals (IDGs) framework.
  • Discover the power of leading from a growth mindset and engage in meaningful discussions with peers to address common challenges and possibilities for innovative solutions at an organizational level.
  • Understand the role of a ‘tempered radical’ and learn how to effectively influence both individuals and systems.
  • Explore how language shapes our relationship to the environment and the organizations in which we work.
Module 2
On campus, 2.5 days
Co-creating accountability and community
  • Dive into the narratives that shape our perceptions and actions and tap into the power of storytelling.
  • Explore opportunities for fostering resilience and well-being amidst ecological challenges.
  • Discover how to empower, coach, and mobilize others towards sustainable transformation.
  • Immerse yourself in real-world examples of sustainability initiatives during a visit to a company site.
  • Learn how to lead courageous conversations with stakeholders, communicating your sustainability vision with confidence and authenticity.
Module 3
LiVe virtual and online
Committing to action
  • Explore approaches for fostering agency and empowerment, both individually and collectively.
  • Discover powerful communication techniques for influencing stakeholders.
  • Facilitate ongoing learning, adaptation, and progress tracking.
  • Structure a network of support and collaboration to sustain momentum beyond the program.
Immersive experience

Your IMD learning experience will seamlessly combine real-time liVe virtual, on-demand online, and in-person engagement, designed to deliver maximum impact on your development. 

Tailored to your busy schedule

The program is thoughtfully designed to accommodate your demanding schedule blending a  limited on-campus commitment (2.5 days) with engaging, technology-mediated interactions.

Community of peers

Forge connections with like-minded global peers tackling similar challenges and united in pursuing sustainability excellence. 

Detailed schedule | April 2025 session

  • Module 1 (liVe & online)
  • Module 2 (on campus)
  • Module 3 (liVe & online)
  • Accelerating awareness

    Dates: 7-25 April 2025 (liVe virtual & online)

    • 7 April 2025, 13:00-15:00 CEST (liVe)
    • 25 April 2025, 13:00-15:00 CET (liVe)
    • Coaching call (one-on-one)
    • Additional online engagement (self-paced)

    Co-creating accountability and community

    Dates: 30 April – 2 May 2025 (on campus, Lausanne)

    • Start time: 30 April 2025, 13:30 CEST
    • End time: 2 May 2025, 17:30 CEST

    Committing to action

    Dates: 5-16 May 2025 (live virtual & online)

    • 16 May 2025, 13:00-15:00 CEST (liVe)
    • Group coaching call
    • Coaching call (one-on-one)
    • Additional online engagement (self-paced)

    Detailed schedule | October 2025 session

  • Module 1 (liVe & online)
  • Module 2 (on campus)
  • Module 3 (liVe & online)
  • Accelerating awareness

    Dates: 27 October – 14 November 2025 (liVe virtual & online)

    • 27 October 2025, 13:00-15:00 CET (liVe)
    • 14 November 2025, 13:00-15:00 CET (liVe)
    • Coaching call (one-on-one)
    • Additional online engagement (self-paced)

    Co-creating accountability and community

    Dates: 17-19 November 2025 (on campus, Lausanne)

    • Start time: 17 November 2025, 08:30 CET
    • End time: 19 November 2025, 12:30 CET

    Committing to action

    Dates: 24 November – 8 December 2025 (live virtual & online)

    • 8 December 2025, 13:00-15:00 CET (liVe)
    • Group coaching call
    • Coaching call (one-on-one)
    • Additional online engagement (self-paced)
    Susan Goldsworthy, Program Director, Leading Sustainable Change

    Leadership today requires courage, responsibility, and connectivity. Our program is rooted in these principles, guiding leaders to navigate complexities, inspire change from within, and champion holistic success.

    Read more

    Susan Goldsworthy Program Director
    Faculty publications
    Next start & fee

    Length: 2.5 days on campus (Lausanne), 10 hours liVe virtual, 5 hours online.

    Dates
    7 Apr – 16 May 2025
    Location
    Blended
    Length
    2.5 days on campus (Lausanne) plus 15 hours liVe virtual & online
    Price
    CHF 5,900
    Dates
    27 Oct – 8 Dec 2025
    Location
    Blended
    Length
    2.5 days on campus (Lausanne) plus 15 hours liVe virtual & online
    Price
    CHF 5,900

    Tuition, teaching materials, and lunch are included.
    All fees quoted are exclusive of any value-added or other indirect taxes that may be due in any country.
    IMD reserves the right to modify the program dates, location, and fee at any time.

    One step closer to joining IMD alumni network

    Successful completion of this program takes you one step closer to joining IMD’s powerful alumni network.

    130k+ alumni

    Networking

    250+ events per year

    Communities

    50+ clubs worldwide

    Resources

    IMD Executive Certificate in Sustainable Business IMD Executive Certificate in Sustainable Business IMD Executive Certificate in Sustainable Business
    Executive Certificate in Sustainable Business

    Accelerate your impact and be recognized for your mastery of sustainable business practices.

    Executive Certificate in Sustainable Business

    Accelerate your impact and be recognized for your mastery of sustainable business practices.