Events

2026 EFMD Executive Academy: Europe stream

Name: 2026 EFMD Executive Academy: Europe stream
Start: 2026-05-11T08:45:00+02:00
End: 2026-05-15T14:00:00+02:00
Location: Hotel Maximilian

Leading with impact

Face to Face

11 May

- 15 May

Prague,

Czech Republic

anna.jirova@efmdglobal.org

Event details

The EFMD Executive Academy (EA) is a state-of-the-art leadership development programme by EFMD, tailored specifically for academic leaders and managers in business schools. It offers an opportunity to enhance personal and institutional leadership capabilities in today’s higher education landscape.

The programme takes an integrated approach to leadership, structured around three core modules:

Leading oneself: The journey begins with introspection. Participants engage in self-assessment to uncover their personal leadership style, identify strengths, and discover areas for growth. This foundational module builds the self-awareness essential for effective leadership.
Leading others: This module focuses on strategic leadership, team inspiration, and driving innovation. Participants learn how to lead high-performing teams and foster a collaborative culture within their institutions.
Leading programmes and institutions: The final module addresses the real-world challenges facing higher education today. Special emphasis is placed on digital transformation, societal impact, and the shifting dynamics of management education.

Throughout the Executive Academy, participants gain access to advanced leadership tools, practical frameworks, and peer insights. They refine their leadership purpose, strengthen their ability to influence stakeholders, and align their strategies with institutional missions, all while building the confidence to lead transformational change.

The Executive Academy journey is divided into three phases:

Individual preparation: Online, self paced phase that includes targeted self-study and a 360° feedback assessment to set the scene for the learning journey.
Face-to-face week: Held in Prague, this high-impact week brings together a select group of no more than 20 international participants, encouraging knowledge exchange and deep learning.
Capstone activity & Executive coaching: Participants advance on their Capstone projects at their home institution, supported by feedback from peers and individual sessions with experienced coaches.

Target group

Programme Directors, Associate/Assistant Deans of Teaching & Learning, and Senior Program Managers with a complete overview of (though not necessarily direct responsibility for) the entire academic cycle: admissions, programme design & administration, career services, and alumni management.

For each stream intake, the EFMD Executive Academy also seeks to accept managers of corporate universities or executives of corporate talent management departments to cross-fertilise group learning. Corporate participants can improve their understanding of and their ability to interact with business schools.

Learning objectives

Demonstrate enhanced self-awareness and emotional intelligence through critical reflection, feedback analysis, and evidence-based leadership practices.
Apply theoretical and research-informed frameworks to improve decision-making, resilience, and adaptive leadership in complex organisational settings.
Critically evaluate approaches to leading and motivating others, fostering collaboration, trust, and innovation within academic and institutional teams.
Integrate strategic management, digital transformation, and change leadership concepts to design and implement effective institutional initiatives.
Understand and implement disruptive strategies in business education and map performance metrics to actions and milestones.
Engage in peer learning and cross-cultural exchange to broaden global perspectives and contribute to collective knowledge within the management education community.

Credentials

Upon successful completion of the Executive Academy, participants receive a digital Certificate of Completion issued by EFMD, fully verifiable and shareable online. The certificate recognises their commitment to professional growth and their contribution to advancing leadership excellence in management education.

Additional Information

Application process:

A rigorous and challenging admission process ensures that peer-to-peer interaction in the EFMD Executive Academy will be meaningful and ability-enhancing for all participants.

Please fill out and submit the application form below.
Your application will be reviewed by the EA Director.
You will be interviewed during a 30-minute call with the EA Director.
Upon completion of the steps above, the EA Director will submit the recommendation for your admission.
Upon admission, we will ask you to register for the event via a link to a registration form that we will email to you.

The EFMD Executive Academy journey overview

Unable to attend this year but interested in future editions? Select “Keep me informed” to stay updated.

Programme

08:45 – 09:00

Registration & welcome coffee

09:00 – 09:15

Welcome & Setting the Scene

Jordi Díaz, Director of the Executive Academy, Dean, EADA Business School

09:15 – 11:00

Leading oneself: Motivation, Vision, Purpose and Self-Leadership

Steven Poelmans, Professor of Neuromanagement & Strategic Leadership, Antwerp Management School

In the morning, participants will explore how socio-economic trends and evolving management models shape the context in which programme directors operate. The session examines first-, second-, and third-generation management paradigms, inviting participants to reflect on their own institutional realities and leadership environments. Drawing on insights from neuroscience, it highlights how vision can inspire and mobilise teams, foster collaboration across disciplines, and strengthen self-leadership. Participants will also interpret their KLIO-CS cognitive-style profile to better understand their thinking patterns, decision-making preferences, and communication styles, building a foundation for more adaptive and situational leadership.

This session includes half an hour coffee break

13:00–14:00

Lunch

14:00–16:00

Leading oneself: Self-Knowledge & Self-Leadership

Steven Poelmans, Professor of Neuromanagement & Strategic Leadership, Antwerp Management School

In the afternoon, the focus turns to personal wellbeing and sustainable performance. Through the “BrainBalance” framework, participants will examine the interplay between stress, energy, and effectiveness, identifying practical ways to harmonise professional, personal, and family life. They will learn evidence-based techniques for managing stress and maintaining focus, equipping them to lead with greater clarity, resilience, and balance in demanding environments and periods.

This session includes half an hour coffee break

19:30– 22:00

Welcome dinner

09:00– 13:00

Leading others: From self-understanding to systemic leadership

In the morning, participants will explore how personal values shape their leadership of others. Through reflective dialogue and small-group work, they will examine the connection between self-leadership and the ability to inspire and guide teams. The session introduces coaching and feedback as essential tools for effective leadership, helping participants move from individual expertise to influencing and empowering others across their institutions. Using insights from their 360° feedback preparation, participants will practise coaching conversations that promote growth, accountability, and trust.

This session includes half an hour coffee break

13:00– 14:00

Lunch

14:00– 18:00

Leading others: From self-understanding to systemic leadership

After lunch, the focus expands to broader leadership systems and contexts. Participants will engage with different leadership paradigms, with particular emphasis on systemic leadership and its practical applications. Through experiential exercises and the use of constellations, they will strengthen their awareness of team dynamics and organisational relationships. Drawing on the neuroscience-based SCARF model, the module concludes with strategies for navigating resistance, fostering collaboration, and developing a personal leadership statement and action plan, translating insight into purposeful action.

This session includes half an hour coffee break

19:30– 22:00

Special networking event

09:00–13:00

Leading Successful Programmes and Institutions: Disruptive Innovation in Higher Education

Jordi Díaz, Dean, Professor of Innovation, EADA Business School

In the first part of the module, participants will explore how disruptive innovation is reshaping business education. Through discussion and peer learning, they will analyse emerging trends, reflect on the future of the industry and their institutions, and consider how their own leadership must evolve within this shifting context. The focus is on expanding perspective, seeing beyond short-term adaptation to envision long-term, purposeful transformation.

This session includes half an hour coffee break

13:00– 14:00

Lunch

14:00–16:00

Leading Successful Programmes and Institutions: Disruptive Innovation in Higher Education

Jordi Díaz, Dean, Professor of Innovation, EADA Business School

After lunch, the session turns from reflection to application. Participants will step out of “survival mode” to design actionable innovation and growth strategies for their programmes. Using the “Jobs to Be Done” framework, they will identify new ways to enhance student experience and institutional value creation, translating bold ideas into concrete pathways toward excellence.

17:00– 19:30

Special networking event

09:00-13:00

Leading Successful Programmes and Institutions: Client and competitor – the new dynamics of school/business relationships

This session explores the evolving relationship between business schools and their corporate partners in a constantly evolving environment. Drawing on real-world experience and the creation of The Next MBA (a collaborative leadership initiative developed with global companies), participants will reflect on what truly defines value and innovation in management education today. Through interactive discussion, the session invites participants to examine how schools can position themselves as both trusted partners and bold challengers, shaping the future of management learning.

This session includes half an hour coffee break

13:00–14:00

Lunch

14:00–16:00

Leading Successful Careers

This session offers a structured opportunity to step back and reflect on own professional trajectory within the higher education ecosystem. Through guided exploration, peer dialogue, and the use of a personalised Career Plan Canvas, participants will examine their values, strengths, and aspirations to craft a coherent and purposeful career strategy. Combining reflective insight with forward-looking action, the session supports participants in drawing on the discussions throughout the programme, articulating meaningful goals and defining the steps needed to realise them, fostering renewed clarity, direction, and a deeper sense of professional purpose.

19:30-22:00

Closing Dinner

09:00-12:30

Leading Successful Programmes and Institutions: Strategic Change Challenge

In this concluding session, participants bring their learning journey full circle by presenting the strategic projects they have developed throughout the programme and that they will be working on in the next 4 weeks in the last phase of the programme. Each participant shares the core idea, objectives, and anticipated impact of their initiative, drawing on insights gained from the Executive Academy experience. The session aims to facilitate an exchange of perspectives, as participants discuss the challenges and opportunities of leading change within their own institutional contexts. It serves both as a moment of reflection and as a springboard for continued collaboration, reinforcing the Academy’s commitment to turning insight into action.

This session includes half an hour coffee break

12:30-13:00

Final remarks by the Executive Academy Director

13:00-14:00

Lunch

Additional information

Online preparatory phase (13 April – 8 May)

An online, self-paced preparatory phase designed to set the stage for a meaningful learning journey. During this time, participants complete a series of guided self-assessments, including a 360 feedback, readings, and reflective exercises that help to clarify their leadership goals and understand their personal and institutional context.

Residential week (11 – 15 May; Prague, Czech Republic)

During this intensive module, participants engage with thought-provoking sessions led by experienced faculty and industry experts, exploring the latest ideas in leadership, innovation, and transformation within the context of management education. The residential setting also supports connections among participants, creating a community of peers who challenge, support, and inspire one another. By the end of the week, participants leave with renewed energy, practical insights, and a shared sense of purpose to drive meaningful change within their institutions.

Capstone project phase (15 May – 12 June)

The experience culminates in the Capstone Project phase, where participants apply their insights to a real strategic challenge within their institution. Over the course of four weeks after the residential module, participants design and prepare an implementation plan that translates learning into action, drawing on the tools, frameworks, and peer perspectives gained throughout the programme.

Executive coaching (until 12 June)

During the last phase, each participant also engages in an individual coaching session to address key themes and personal leadership challenges that emerged during the programme.

Speakers

Laurent Choain

Global Chief People & Culture Officer, Accor, FR & Director, Professional Development

EFMD Global

Jordi Diaz

Dean

EADA Business School

James Haigh

Coach

EADA Business School

Steven Poelmans

Professor of Neuromanagement & Strategic Leadership

Antwerp Management School, University of Antwerp

Raquel Rubio

Solutions Director, Coach

Mind Gym

Carolina Serrano-Archimi

Associate Professor of Leadership & OB, coach EFMD Executive Academy

Aix-Marseille Graduate School of Management

Mette Sjöberg Anthonsen

Coach (PCC), External Relations

University of Gothenburg, School of Business, Economics and Law

Accommodation

A room block with a group rate of 175 EUR, including breakfast and VAT, has been agreed on specifically for the participants of the Executive Academy in Hotel Maximilian, where the Academy takes place.

The agreed rate applies to reservations made by 28 February 2026.

To receive a code to book a room, please contact Anna Jirova.

Additional information

Beyond the formal sessions, the Executive Academy places strong emphasis on building meaningful professional relationships. Through shared informal experiences outside of the classroom, participants connect across disciplines, roles, and geographies. These interactions often spark enduring professional ties and collaborations that extend well beyond the programme itself. The resulting community of practice becomes a valuable source of support, insight, and inspiration for leading change within one’s own institution.

Those who register for the Executive Academy are invited to join dinners on Monday, 11 May and Thursday, 14 May 2026.

Participants will also be invited to join a special social programme on Tuesday 12 May and Wednesday 13 May 2026.

Registration fees

Early bird fee until 1 December 2025 included

3500€ (+ 21% VAT) members of EFMD
4000€ (+ 21% VAT) non-members of EFMD

Registration fee as of 2 December 2025

4000€ (+ 21% VAT) members of EFMD
4500€ (+ 21% VAT) non-members of EFMD

Late fee as of 6 April 2026

4500€ (+ 21% VAT) members of EFMD
5000€ (+ 21% VAT) non-members of EFMD

Discounts are available for:

New members of EFMD
EDAF institutions
Institutions cooperating with EFMD through International projects

For more information, please contact Anna Jirova.

Cancellation policy

Cancellations must be confirmed in writing. If EFMD is notified of your withdrawal by 30 March 2026, an administrative cancellation fee of 100€ + 21% VAT will apply. After this date, we regret that no refunds can be issued. However, substitutions are allowed at no additional cost, provided EFMD is informed of the substitute’s name, title, and address. Event fees are not transferable to other EFMD events.

Please note that if payment (or proof of payment) is not received by 4 May 2026, your name will not be included in the participants’ list.

Want to join this event?

Participants' testimonials

The EFMD Executive Academy is a rare and powerful space where inspiration meets reflection. It challenged my thinking, expanded my perspective, and connected me with a community of brilliant, like-minded professionals. A transformative experience I would recommend to any academic leader.

David Kalisz

Paris School of Business

France

It isn't easy to find a truly valuable development program for people with extensive experience. The EFMD Executive Academy was unique in this sense, providing intelectual stimulation, valuable inspiration and deep reflection and amazing exchange among accomplished professionals who share the same mission and purspose. It was truly transformational and empowering for me and so much fun I need to add!

Agnieszka Żur

Krakow School of Business

Poland