A quest for growth: Technology, data, and people

“This journey was transformative. Each of the programs not only provided me with specific skills but also broadened my knowledge and perspective on how to align technology, data, and people to achieve strategic goals. Integrating these learnings into my work has helped me bring greater value to my customers and contributed to my performance and achievement.”

Francois Furger began his career as an engineer more than 25 years ago but quickly moved into sales. Since 2018, his work has centered on driving peak performance and transformative success for large international enterprises through cutting-edge data analytics, AI, cloud technologies, and cybersecurity solutions.

Over the years, Francois’ curiosity, passion for innovation, and love of learning have led him to take numerous courses. While searching for a data analytics program that would equip him to bring more value to his customers, he discovered and joined IMD’s eight-week online Business Analytics for Leaders program. Little did he know that it would be the beginning a year-long journey.

Crunching numbers strategically 

“I wanted to develop my ability to make data-driven decisions and understand how to interpret and leverage data to contribute to setting strategic directions for my customers,” explained Francois. Business Analytics for Leaders was his first IMD learning experience and he was impressed. 

“The professor delivered engaging and insightful lectures backed by real-world examples – I really loved it,” he said. “The platform provided seamless access to resources and interactive tools, and the overall experience was well-organized and highly beneficial.”

Francois’ exchanges with his online classmates proved invaluable.

“I interacted on data analytics directly with heads of analytics departments from different multinationals.” he said. “The program really gave me the tools to approach the analytics challenges my customers are facing.” 

An opportunity to earn an internationally recognized credential

Motivated to explore other programs, Francois learned that IMD was now an accredited university institute and had created a range of Executive Certificates – internationally recognized Certificates in Advanced Studies (CAS). 

The chance to tailor a learning journey that would lead to a CAS sparked his enthusiasm further and he decided to aim for IMD’s Online Executive Certificate in Digital Acceleration. Each program on his certificate pathway represented a certain number of units, with a total of 90 or 100 required. At least 60 units had to be within his specialization; the rest could be earned in the areas of leadership or strategy. Having completed Business Analytics for Leaders, he was already a step ahead.

“My choice of programs was driven by a desire to build a well-rounded skill set that would bridge technical knowledge and leadership capabilities, especially in the context of digital transformation and cybersecurity, which are critical in today’s customer-centric business environment,” he explained. His second program was Inspirational Leadership.

Leadership skills for work and life

Working with sales cycles of up to 18 months, involving numerous interactions with customers and colleagues, Francois felt it was important to improve his leadership skills.

“Inspirational Leadership was a key choice, as I believe that technical and strategic expertise must be paired with strong leadership to help address customers’ unique challenges and drive meaningful business outcomes together,” he said. Sessions with his IMD executive coach and a webinar with Program Director George Kohlrieser, a former hostage negotiator, were particularly beneficial. 

Topics included emotional intelligence, influencing skills, and fostering a positive growth mindset, which Francois sees as a foundation for leading teams. 

“It’s really helped me to become a better leader and to communicate better,” he said, highlighting that he now attaches even more value to the ideas and initiatives of others. He also motivates his colleagues by creating the play-to-win atmosphere that is another focus of Inspirational Leadership. The tools and techniques he learned – including conflict management – are useful in his personal life too.

New perspectives on cybersecurity

Next up on Francois’ certificate pathway was Cybersecurity Risk and Strategy. Cybersecurity risk was a topic he knew well through his work, but he learned a lot about the practical aspects of cybersecurity implementation strategies, which has enriched his conversations with Chief Information Security Officers. 

“I can now not only speak their language, but also contribute to the success of their cybersecurity strategies.” he said.  

Delivering value through digital strategies

Francois chose his last program – Developing Digital Transformation Strategies – to better understand how organizations can adapt and thrive in a digital world.

“The program provided me with frameworks for assessing and implementing digital strategies that drive efficiency and innovation,” he said. He also learned how digital transformation impacts people and the cultural change it requires.

In-depth feedback and valuable networks

To obtain his certificate, Francois’ had to complete a three-part final assignment.

“The report I received on it was really thorough and helped me to challenge myself and grow further,” he said, emphasizing how the learning managers didn’t just content themselves with praising his work, but invited him to reflect more deeply on certain topics and provided multiple additional resources. 

Francois remains connected with his classmates via LinkedIn and values their insights into different regions and industries. Completion of the certificate also entitled him to join the IMD Alumni Community, comprising over 130,000 leaders from more than 180 countries.

Looking back at his learning experience, Francois reflected: “The programs were an opportunity for me to acquire a wide range of tools and insights that I could use immediately in my work. They provided me with technical expertise and strategic insights and I believe they have made me a more versatile and impactful leader.” 

Smiling, this insatiable learner added: “I’m looking forward to taking more.”