In his address on Saturday at a celebratory EMBA Graduation Ceremony in Lausanne, IMD President David Bach told the gathered graduates that although there are many challenges in the world, it is the human connection and their leadership that can help guide the world forward.
“Challenging what is and inspiring what could be”
“Recognizing that despite our differences, we are one human race inhabiting this small planet, and that we are better off when we work together. More than anything else, what has been central to our progress is leadership. Leadership not as a noun but leadership as a verb. People stepping up, making a difference, moving us forward … At IMD, our theory of change is simple. We believe that change happens because of leaders,” said the Nestlé Professor of Strategy and Political Economy.
“I won’t sugarcoat it – the world into which you are graduating is challenging. It is easy to feel overwhelmed. And yet, if you take a step back, you can see all the progress that we have made, working together, challenging what is and inspiring what could be. I know that is what you will be doing in your organizations, in your communities, in your country. And in doing so, you will be doing your part in moving us toward a more prosperous, a more sustainable, and a more inclusive world!”
Joy as a force
Professor Vanina Farber, Dean of Executive MBA and IMD elea Chair on Social Innovation, picked up the theme with an even greater emphasis on the connection and inspiration that can help the world find its way. Quoting from a song by the rock band Queen and Jack Kerouac’s novel On the Road, she focused her remarks on finding joy in the face of uncertain times.
“In a world shaped by GenAI, rapid change, and rising divisions, your ability to learn fast, stay purposeful, and collaborate effectively are a leader’s most valuable skills. It’s not about static knowledge and frameworks anymore. And much less about cruelty, hate, or dominance. It’s about leadership that builds, not destroys. That is why you are ahead of the curve.
“You have become so much more together … You’ve embraced each other’s differences and turned them into a superpower: the power of JOY. Joy is not just an emotion. It is a force.
“Precisely when the world feels more uncertain and polarized—that’s when joy matters most. Not joy as an escape, but joy as rebellion. Joy as defiance against cynicism and isolation. Joy as an insistence on staying engaged when the world pushes us toward numbness, overload or selfishness.
“You arrived as individuals. Joy made you a community, and you leave as one.”
What the world needs
Reacting to the feelings of cynicism with values continued to echo in the other speeches. An IMD EMBA Alumni from 20 years ago, Remco Steenbergen, was the Graduation Speaker, and he stressed expanding one’s perspective and empathy.
“The world needs leaders who know how to listen, to build bridges, who can create strong and diverse teams, and who find opportunities for mutual advancement,” said the Chief Financial Officer at Sandoz. “Also, leaders who remain strongly rooted in their principles and are ethical in their core. That is how I believe that you can build lasting value for your family, your company, and our society. The world needs you, now more than ever.”
The two “EMBAssadors” for the cohort, who named themselves the “EMBrAcers,” hit similar inspirational notes with care directed outward toward nature and the world.
The power to create something different
“In a world where you can dominate, while leaving people behind, building fast as if there is no tomorrow and be celebrated by society, let’s not forget that there are alternatives. We have the power to create something different. We can build win-win ecosystems for all. We can lift each other up and shape a better world, for us and the generations to come,” said graduate Marybelle Barras. “In a world where we can be everything, let’s not forget to be human.”
Simon Studer, Audit Partner, Head of Regional Market Bern-Mittelland at KPMG Switzerland, dived deeper into diversity and connection of the group, saying: “For each person, there is so much more beneath the surface, so much we couldn’t know unless they chose to share with us, so much that is not apparent just from how we look or what passport we carry.
“The world out there may still try and put people into buckets and groups, perhaps even try and pit one group against the other. But we ‘EMBrAcers,’ we have learned to respect and value our diversity, and our different perspectives, skills, and experiences. We don’t agree on everything, and that is good.”
