Leadership has always been an evolving concept responding to the needs and challenges of society. With the modern society going through industrial and technological revolutions, one right after the other, the world has become incredibly fast and unpredictable, but also more diverse, connected and full of opportunities. No doubt, however, that at times overwhelming.

What does this mean for the concept of leadership? What are the skills and capabilities needed from leaders these days, and what does it mean to be a good leader in modern management education?

For almost a decade, the EFMD Executive Academy has been bringing together and supporting management education leaders. The idea at the heart of the programme, since the very first editions, and that we see is no less relevant today, is simple but powerful: leadership is deeply human.

Even more than in the technical skills and understanding strategies, market signals or emerging technologies, impactful leadership lies in the ability to quiet the constant noise, reflect, adapt, communicate, collaborate, and connect. It lies in the ability to understand oneself well, and to create (and protect), environments where others can grow and thrive.

In a time of artificial intelligence, these human capabilities have become even more essential. While technology can improve many aspects of education, some things, such as meaningful connections, shared experiences, trust, and the strength of a community, cannot be replaced or outsourced.

During the 11th edition of the EFMD Executive Academy, in Prague in May 2026, yet another international group of leaders from EFMD institutions came together for a week of exchange, reflection, and shared learning, looking at leadership from different perspectives: starting with themselves. They reflected on their own leadership identity, the paradoxes and challenges leaders face, the industry trends and challenges and the values that guide them, as they navigate complexity and empower others through change.

EFMD Executive Academy, 11th Edition

Among them was Silvia Didier, Adjunct Professor at iaelyon School of Management, who reflected on the experience and the lessons she will bring back to her own institution:

“I had the opportunity to be a participant in the 11th edition of the EFMD Executive Academy in May 2026 in Prague. This week of learning and sharing has been, in my view, remarkably complete.

It combined individual reflection and development, high-quality expert input, and, perhaps most importantly, deep learning from and with peers. This balance created a powerful learning environment—one that I personally strive to replicate in my own teaching and in the learning journeys I design for my students.

What is also striking is how relevant this programme remains. Designed more than a decade ago and long before the full impact of artificial intelligence on higher education, it addresses the core competencies and mindsets that leaders in Higher Education—present and future—truly need. This speaks volumes about the vision behind the programme.

Finally, what I will carry with me most is this community. Knowing that there are people—across countries, cultures, and institutions—who share the same commitment to excellence in higher education is both reassuring and inspiring.

I am convinced that all participants of my cohort share a common ambition: to continue learning, to remain relevant, and to serve the generations who will pass through our institutions.

I highly recommend this learning and development journey proposed by EFMD to all those—current and future leaders, from public and private institutions—who want to contribute to the development of Higher Education in Management, today and in the future.”

As higher education continues to evolve, the EFMD Executive Academy remains a space where leaders can connect with the community, step back, reflect, exchange perspectives, and strengthen the capabilities needed to take care of themselves and to positively influence their teams and institutions.

For information on the upcoming edition, please visit the event’s page or apply to join the next cohort.

For other valuable insights, topics and trends about professional development and additional reflections from previous executive academies, follow the conversation here.