Where Do Top Managers Learn?

By Bianca Schmitz and Olaf Plötner, ESMT Berlin

In today’s fast-moving world, markets are more dynamic than ever, geopolitical shifts grow more complex, and technological innovation continues to redefine competition. For companies striving to stay ahead, reacting to change isn’t enough – they must anticipate it. This is especially true for top managers, who face increasing pressure to adapt. These executives need access to solid insights to implement meaningful change and practical tools for avoiding approaches that are less likely to succeed.

But where can senior executives turn to build these critical skills? The landscape of executive education is vast: conferences, in-house seminars, trade journals, social media, and countless books. Coaches, trainers, and consultants offer a dizzying array of programs. Despite this abundance, executives often find them too superficial and lacking in practical, evidence-based strategies. Genuine peer-to-peer exchanges are rare, as many discussions lean more toward networking than meaningful dialogue. Safe spaces for open, honest conversations about sensitive issues are still hard to come by.

The challenge is clear: how can executives cut through the noise to find learning opportunities that truly sharpen their leadership and deliver lasting impact?

Our experience with senior leaders

In our work at ESMT Berlin with senior leaders from global companies, we’ve learned that executive development requires more than lectures and theory – it demands practical, relevant solutions. We’ve seen how powerful it can be when leaders come together to share ideas and confront common challenges.

For instance, our “Bringing Technology to Market” (BTM) program has offered managers a platform to collaborate on real-world issues, from integrating digital solutions into traditional products to adapting global sales structures in the face of geopolitical challenges. While this program has been effective for many, it’s just one example of how executive learning can be designed to drive meaningful outcomes.

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Winning with consortial programs

Topic-focused collaborative programs at leading international business schools offer a unique and effective learning environment. These consortial programs carefully select leaders from similar industries facing comparable challenges, fostering collaboration without the tension of direct competition. Companies with shared industry challenges send managers to learn together and co-develop solutions, creating opportunities for participants to gain insights beyond their own organizations while engaging in open, trustworthy discussions. (Our BTM program, for example, is designed for managers in companies that market technology-based products in international B2B markets.) This structure encourages meaningful dialogue and empowers participants to develop practical, innovative strategies.

Diverse international perspectives further enrich these exchanges. When senior leaders from different regions and sectors collaborate, they gain fresh perspectives and actionable solutions. Many of these programs are intentionally designed to include participants from diverse backgrounds, with sessions often held in major international hubs in China, Europe, and the U.S. to deepen cross-cultural understanding.

Another key strength of consortial programs is their hands-on approach. Participants are encouraged to bring concrete, live projects from their organizations, which are then actively discussed and refined throughout the program. This approach not only facilitates direct knowledge transfer but also provides real-time feedback and peer support that can turn concepts into actionable strategies.

Where academia meets practice

What sets these programs apart is the balance between academic rigor and practical application. Led by faculty with both scholarly expertise and industry experience, participants gain insights grounded in research but immediately relevant to their leadership challenges.

Moreover, the confidential and trusted environment these programs foster allows executives to openly discuss their challenges. For many participants, this peer-to-peer exchange is one of the most valuable elements. It not only offers fresh perspectives but also helps to build long-term networks that extend beyond the program.

Investing in future leadership

For senior leaders, consortial programs represent more than just professional development – they are a strategic investment in long-term success. These programs offer not only fresh ideas and new knowledge but also a structured environment for meaningful dialogue and practical solutions.

The world of top management is characterized by complexity and high expectations. Continuous development in this context is not an option but a necessity. Consortial programs provide a sustainable, effective pathway for managers to stay ahead, benefiting both their personal leadership growth and their organizations.