Three weeks have already passed since we kicked off our IMD MBA. I still remember the mix of gratitude, excitement, and curiosity I felt on day one as I stepped into this adventure. While I was prepared for an intense experience, I didn’t anticipate how quickly it would push me to reflect on and redefine my own leadership style. Throughout these weeks, I have uncovered that this journey is not just about mastering business frameworks or solving complex cases; it’s just as much about exploring and shaping who I am as a leader.

Unsurprisingly, the first days were a whirlwind of introductions and challenged my capacity to remember every single name. But beyond the icebreakers, team-building activities and buzz-group discussions served as an interesting way to explore the diversity of our cohort, not just in terms of nationalities and professional backgrounds, but also in the unique perspectives and communication styles each of us brings.

What makes this program so outstanding is its ability to place us in situations that force deep reflection: How do I communicate under pressure? Am I truly an active listener? How do I enhance collaborative work? These questions have become part of my daily experience, shaping the way I engage with my peers and approach leadership challenges.
These past weeks have been a masterclass in learning, adaptability, humility, and self-awareness. Whether through individual essays, group assignments, or peer feedback, I find myself constantly reflecting and evolving. One particularly eye-opening moment came during a one-on-one conversation with a classmate, where I finally connected the dots and gained a clearer understanding of my leadership style. At times, I naturally step forward to lead, while at other times I find myself observing, supporting, and learning from those around me. My biggest takeaway so far? That leadership isn’t about having all the answers or being the smartest person in the room. It’s about creating a safe space for collective success.

As I am going through this intensive journey, I am learning hands-on tools to navigate complex business challenges but also identifying opportunities to step out of my comfort zone and grow. I know that the months ahead will keep pushing me, testing me, and helping me to become the leader I want to be, and that to fully enjoy the experience, I have to stay open-minded and enthusiastic – and let myself be guided and surprised.