Spring is finally here! The sun is warmer, the skies are brighter, and flowers are blooming everywhere. With this new season also comes a feeling of energy – and so many exciting things to do on the weekends.
As the annual MBAT (MBA Tournament) in France approaches, some of us are deep into training for our respective sports or games. Personally, I’ve been enjoying something a bit different – practicing mahjong. There’s something about the mix of tradition, focus, and strategy that I enjoy. It’s been fun playing and learning more about the game with friends.
This past weekend was packed with choices. Some classmates went to Watches and Wonders to admire the latest in fine watchmaking, while others explored nearby chocolate festivals and happily tasted their way through rows of handcrafted sweets. Among these activities, one of the more meaningful moments for me was the Personal Development Elective (PDE), which tied into our leadership class.
The PDE sessions helped me dive deeper into understanding myself – not just what I do as a leader, but why I act, react, and feel the way I do. While coaching helps with identifying patterns and adjusting behaviors, PDE goes further. It’s about exploring what’s happening beneath the surface, often shaped by unconscious motivations. The process involves working with a trained psychoanalyst, and although it’s a long commitment, I’m genuinely glad I chose it.
Some alumni had warned us that it would be a lot of work, and they weren’t wrong. It started with a bit of a “dating phase,” where we each had to find the coach that felt like the right fit. Then came the deeper sessions, week after week. One thing that fascinated me was when Janet Hewetson, our facilitator, mentioned that dreams could offer insights if we’re willing to reflect on them. I’ve had a recurring dream – probably seven times already – and while my coach didn’t give me a direct interpretation, the conversations helped me unpack it. Strangely enough, I had the same dream again recently, but this time with a completely different emotion. That shift was powerful – it gave me clarity on something I hadn’t fully realized about myself.
Another highlight of the weekend was attending the Cully Jazz Festival. Just a short train ride from Lausanne, the festival had a cozy, intimate vibe that reminded me why I fell in love with jazz in the first place. I still remember the first time I heard Ella Fitzgerald – that voice full of soul and honesty. At Cully, I had the chance to watch Grammy-nominated Stacey Kent perform live. Her performance was stunning – effortless vocals, and beautifully arranged music.
The PDE challenged me to slow down and look inward; to ask myself questions I don’t usually have time – or courage – to ask. At the same time, spring in Lausanne offers so many ways to recharge and reconnect with others, whether it’s through jazz by the lake, playing games, or simply walking through gardens in bloom.
Some weekends are for rest, others for fun – but sometimes, when you’re lucky, you get both insight and joy in the same few days.
By Abdul Malik
