Developing Leadership Mindset: when leadership becomes awareness

18 December 2024

An intense reflection on the essence of contemporary leadership defined the Developing Leadership Mindset course, part of the Global MBA at Bologna Business School.

Ten hours of training, an interdisciplinary approach, and contributions from internationally renowned experts came together to create an experience that explored the boundaries of a fundamental concept: conscious leadership.

A Journey into Modern Leadership

Led by Sarah Bettman, Principal Consultant at Linkage Inc. and an expert in inclusive leadership, participants embarked on a journey that combined personal introspection, leadership theories, and practical applications. Bettman, whose career includes establishing the Office of Diversity & Inclusion at Constellation Brands, offered a profound and practical perspective on the role of leadership in complex contexts.

Alongside her, Marcello Russo, Full Professor of Organizational Behavior and Director of the Global MBA, enriched the experience with advanced academic insights, connecting theoretical concepts to the real-world challenges of global management.

Sessions that Inspire and Transform

The journey began with a session led by Joe Zadeh, former Head of Product at Airbnb and now an investor. His session explored the impact of personal identity on leadership style. Using the Social Identity Wheel, participants analyzed their own experiences, gaining a deeper understanding of how to effectively lead diverse teams. Zadeh also delved into the role of emotional intelligence and the critical balance between intentions and impact, helping participants become more conscious and authentic leaders.

In the second session, Maria Katharina Rauchenberger, Legal & Compliance Director EMEA at Ruffino, shared her experience managing international teams. Her session addressed the challenges of global leadership, introducing the concept of the success spiral and demonstrating how clearly defining one’s positions can enhance credibility and trust in multicultural environments.

From Theory to Practice

The program concluded with a focus on purposeful leadership, led by Sarah Bettman. Participants applied the principles they had learned to real-world case studies, exploring the concept of “leadership with purpose,” defined as value-driven and impact-oriented leadership.

Tools such as the X Model of Engagement by BlessingWhite and innovative theories of inclusive leadership enriched the dialogue. Additionally, each participant crafted a Leadership Manifesto: a personal document that encapsulated their vision and objectives as a leader.

Leadership for the Future

This experience demonstrated how managerial training can transcend the mere acquisition of technical skills, delving into the core of professional identity and personal values. The Global MBA students gained practical tools to tackle the challenges of global leadership, including contributing to the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, such as gender equality and inclusive economic growth.