Leadership and Lessons from the Mountains (Liderazgo y Aprendizajes de Montaña)

Our MBA’s innovative program is not a classroom-based course; it’s a weeklong hiking trip in Bariloche, Argentina’s Patagonia region, that combines the power of nature with experiential learning and expert guidance to develop exceptional leadership skills.

Call to Action

We firmly believe that the capacities for emotional intelligence and mental well-being will be essential for humans in the coming decades. Professions that can be practiced for a lifetime without changing no longer exist, and companies need professionals with the ability to adapt and revise their skills. To lead in the business environment, it will be crucial for individuals to participate in and contribute to digital transformation while also strengthening the capacities that technology will not replace.

To meet these needs, Universidad Torcuato Di Tella’s MBA program created an elective course aimed at developing leadership skills in an off-campus, natural environment called “Leadership and Lessons from the Mountains” (Liderazgo y Aprendizajes de Montaña). Students travel for a weeklong hiking trip to the mountains in Bariloche, Patagonia, accompanied by two MBA professors and several mountain guides. The activity strengthens communication skills and enhances interpersonal skills, helping students learn to make better decisions under uncertain conditions. Students also work on building resilience and self-knowledge while following a zero-waste mandate that encourages conscious respect for the environment.

Innovation Description

The elective leadership course demonstrates the special attention our programs place on developing interpersonal skills and shows how the programs impact students’ personal and professional growth.

First, our program stands out by providing students with a hands-on learning experience in the heart of nature. The students’ immersion in an awe-inspiring environment of ancient forests, snow-capped mountains, and crystal-clear lakes stimulates their creativity, introspection, and personal growth.

Second, students learn to navigate challenging terrains, make critical decisions in uncertain situations, and communicate effectively in a diverse and dynamic environment. They are led by two MBA professors who are specialists in leadership, negotiation, conflict management, and communication. All participants are assisted by a team of mountain guides.

Third, the mountains offer the perfect backdrop for fostering resilience and self-awareness. Through meeting physical challenges and completing team-building activities, students push their limits, learn to adapt to unforeseen circumstances, and cultivate a deep understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses. These transformative experiences shape leaders who can thrive in any professional setting.

Last, the program highlights our commitment to promoting sustainable practices and environmental consciousness. Adhering to a zero-waste policy and instilling conscious respect for the environment, we empower our students to become responsible leaders who are aware of the impact their actions have on the world.

Innovation Impact

By presenting a one-of-a-kind experiential learning opportunity that combines leadership development with an immersive natural environment, the initiative demonstrates the school’s commitment to innovative and forward-thinking education. This offering makes our MBA program unique, attracting attention and generating positive feedback in academic and business communities.

The program showcases the school’s commitment to holistic education by incorporating elements beyond traditional classroom learning. Through its emphasis on personal growth, resilience, self-awareness, and environmental consciousness, the project demonstrates that the school values the development of well-rounded individuals and socially responsible leaders.

The initiative’s focus on developing leadership, negotiation, and communication skills in a real-world context resonates with employers and industry leaders. By equipping MBA students with practical skills that can be applied in dynamic and uncertain business environments, the program positions its graduates as valuable assets to organizations.

Also, the project’s commitment to a zero-waste policy and to promoting conscious respect for the environment aligns with the growing importance of sustainability in the business world. By incorporating environmental consciousness into leadership development, the program positions the school as an institution that values and prioritizes sustainability, enhancing its reputation among environmentally conscious individuals and organizations.

Finally, the program’s emphasis on teamwork and collaboration fosters the formation of a strong alumni network. Our alumni continue to engage with and support each other while contributing to the broader business community. A vibrant and connected alumni network reflects positively on the institution and attracts prospective students seeking a supportive and influential network.

Reference Link

• “Expedition to the Heights With Our MBA Students, 2023 Edition,” Universidad Torcuato Di Tella