I had often heard people describe their MBA as a “transformative journey.” It always sounded a bit like a cliché to me, something everyone says but few can explain. But now, just four months into the program, I can confidently say that it’s true. You only really understand it once you live it.
These past months have stretched me far beyond what I imagined. I’ve faced a relentless flow of information, the frustration of never having enough time in a day, and the physical and emotional fatigue that naturally comes with such an intense environment. To some extent, these four months feel like four years. Yet, it’s also a time rich with learning, not only about business but about ourselves.
Change is inevitable
One of the biggest revelations so far has been learning how to deal with uncertainty, not just conceptually, but emotionally. Most of us here are used to controlling our environments, planning ahead, and executing with precision. But this MBA journey quickly reminds you that even the best-laid plans are subject to change. The reality is: no matter how solid your career strategy looks on paper, factors like timing, luck, and adaptation still play a role. This lack of control is uncomfortable, and that is exactly the point.
Leadership isn’t about eliminating uncertainty; it’s about navigating through it. It’s about offering direction without knowing every outcome, adapting without losing vision, and staying calm while surfing chaos. Learning to sit with uncertainty and still move forward is one of the most valuable lessons this experience is teaching me.
Leadership is not about authority
Another powerful insight? Leadership isn’t just about expertise or authority, it’s also about influence. In my previous roles, I was often the expert in the room. People listened because of what I knew. But here at IMD, in a cohort full of accomplished peers with no formal hierarchy, influence becomes key. To make things move forward, persuasion, empathy, and active listening matter far more than titles or technical mastery.
Now, as we begin turning our attention to what comes after the MBA, I feel a shift happening. Many of us are deep in reflection, exploring options, building networks, and sketching the next steps. But this time, we’re doing it with a deeper awareness of who we are, where we need to grow, and the kind of leaders we aspire to become.
This journey is far from over. But if the past four months are any indication, I know the transformation has already begun, in ways I couldn’t have imagined when I first arrived.
