Empowering Leaders to Thrive | Executive coach & Vistage Chair | Former CEO, PhD | Serial Entrepreneur | Neurodiversity & ADHD Leadership
IESE Business School. Two MBA classrooms, same case, different conversations. This week I had the privilege of joining two MBA groups on Monday and Tuesday thanks to Thomas Maximilian Klueter's invitation, each discussing the same leadership case, yet the vibe couldn’t have been more distinct. Both reminded me that leadership is never one-size-fits-all. It is a living process shaped by the minds in the room. We spoke about neurodivergence, and how different brains contribute to high-performing teams when curiosity replaces judgment. We explored the tension between drive and self-regulation, between the search for stability and the desire for freedom. The discussion naturally moved toward purpose and decision-making: how clarity of “why” shapes every “how.” Whether leading within a corporation or launching something of your own, the real challenge remains the same: to create impact without losing yourself along the way. Awareness of our own wiring can make us not only better leaders but better collaborators, capable of building systems where diverse minds thrive together. Blind spots came up often. They’re not signs of weakness, but invitations to co-create. No one sees the whole picture alone. The most effective teams know how to see through each other’s eyes. What I always take away from these sessions is simple: leadership is not about perfection, but perception: of oneself, of others, and of what is emerging in between. Thank you to both cohorts for your openness and energy. I left with more questions than I arrived with, and that’s usually a good sign. To all MBA students, I wish you the courage and resilience to complete your demanding journey at IESE Business School... and the curiosity to keep learning long after the program ends! 👉 If you were in the room, I’d love to hear in the comments: • What’s the one key insight you’re taking away from the session? • What’s the one action you’re ready to start tomorrow? Pls tags your colleagues in the comments I could not reach so that we can connect or repost to get the full 2 classes :) #Leadership #SelfAwareness #TeamPerformance #Neurodiversity
Gabriela Pallicer, Runa Takizawa, Pablo Fernández Cañete, Enrique Barrios, Julia Müller, Rodrigo Tinoco Martinez, Luigi Siligato, Clara Carvalhal, Germán Alejandro Behrens, Nivea Virgolino, Paula Toledano, Fakid Hossain, Lasse Daene, Lewis Hall, Marcel Vinay, Lucas Oliveira Alvarenga, Guillem Argenté I Nordbeck, Lucio Girotti
Always great to interact Sven Dr. Mulfinger ... it really helps to get perspective on different ways to take decisions and actions. Thank you.
Thanks for sharing your story, Sven! Key takeaway: The easy or well-trodden path is not always the best one if it's not feeding you. Action: Seek out opportunities and a life that aligns with who I am, rather than what feels like a safe bet.
Hi Sven, thank you for coming to the section! It was such a great surprise to hear from the main character of the case in person. I really connected with you energy and passion for what you do, and I was impressed by your risk appetite. Thank you again for sharing your thoughts!
Thank you very much for the amazing speech. I was impressed by the naturalness and concreteness that you bring in the class. You are truly a strong example to follow. What I carry with me: even if we feel we have personal limits, turn them into strength! What I will do from tomorrow: focus on my goals even if crazy.. without following the crowd Really.. Thank you very much for the emotional support you gave me in this lesson!
That is what I love about case studies with MBA classes - each time leads to a different path. I get invited to Q&A sessions with executive MBA classes because my company was subject of a useful HBS case study.
Thank you for a great lecture Sven, super insightful. My greatest learning came from hearing about your persistence and determination over your career in entrepreneurship. What I'll be doing Monday onwards is find ways to challenge myself more into thinking bigger and find where I want to put my energy to use.
Sven, thank you again for yesterday's lecture! -Which takeaway did I get from the lecture? Don’t stop until you get what you want — whether it’s a job, a project, or a task. Don’t accept “no” as an answer. -What will I do differently starting from Monday? I will change my mindset regarding my job search. I’ll focus more on what I truly want and less on what I’m told to do.
Empowering Leaders to Thrive | Executive coach & Vistage Chair | Former CEO, PhD | Serial Entrepreneur | Neurodiversity & ADHD Leadership
2wThank you for your participation Annabelle Akintoye, Rodolfo Muñoz, Álvaro López Donoso, Joan Cattori Krähenbühl,Stephanie Felix Amaral, Marta Serrano Vázquez, Max Tian, Alasdair Kerr, Tim Lie, Meghana Kalla, Felipe Blanco Elordi, Alex Mills, Klaus Velten,Christine Long, Stefani Sagawa, Risun U., Nicolas Zauner, Alejandro Kindelan Moreno, Leonardo Martins Guzzo Tonicelli, Yvonne Narro