3 Unexpected Leadership Lessons You’ll Get During Your EMBA
What unexpected leadership skills can you pick up on an EMBA?
Find out the unique ways a Swiss bank director and busy mom leveled up her leadership skills by taking bimonthly EMBA classes at one of Europe’s top business schools
If you’re applying to an Executive MBA program, the chances are you’ve already tackled your fair share of leadership challenges.
But what happens when obstacles arise that you’re not prepared for? In an ever-globalizing workplace, where employees have increasingly divided views on issues such as hybrid work and corporate activism, it can be difficult to know the best way to lead.
For Daria Matusevich (pictured right), director of business development at the major Swiss banking firm, Julius Baer, developing the skills necessary to deal with these kinds of unpredictable problems was one of the key reasons for enrolling in an EMBA program.
After several years spent working in an intellectually demanding position, managing relationships with some of Julius Baer’s wealthiest clients, Daria felt a desire to transition to a more strategic position.
“I wanted to be able to not only directly impact the client I was working with, but also the whole structure of the bank,” she says.
However, she knew a more senior leadership role would require experience in overcoming issues that were more varied than what she was used to. She decided an EMBA–a degree designed to teach executive-level skills–would be the best way to upskill and enhance her knowledge.
As a mom with a full-time job, one of Daria’s main criteria in searching for the right program was that she needed a course that allowed her the flexibility to balance all aspects of her busy lifestyle.
This led her to choose the HEC Paris EMBA program, a world-renowned degree offering multiple starting dates and a variety of flexible timetable formats—including the opportunity to take bimonthly in-person classes on the Paris campus.
This meant that Daria could remain home in Moscow, while periodically flying over to pursue her studies.
After beginning her EMBA journey, Daria quickly began developing a diverse range of leadership skills. BusinessBecause caught up with her to find out about some of the unexpected leadership lessons she picked up along the way.
Leadership Lesson 1: How do you overcome experience gaps in a workforce?
In 2024, the age demographics of workplaces are shifting dramatically.
For example, in the US there has been a shrinkage in the ‘working age population’ (those aged 16-65). This is largely because Gen Z, the newest generation to enter the workforce, has roughly three million fewer people in it than previous generations.
It’s not a phenomenon unique to the US, either. Europe has experienced a population decline over the past couple of decades, and Asia is beginning to follow suit. Coupled with an aging population and rising retirement ages, what’s being left globally are offices with increasingly large generational divides.
That’s why it’s important to learn how to work with people of all levels of experience in the classroom. In the HEC Paris EMBA, students study core courses such as Competitive Strategy and Corporate Finance alongside other students from a range of career backgrounds. This exposure reinforces the necessity for leaders to respect everyone’s opinion—regardless of age.
“It gave me a lot of confidence to see that irrespective of the level of experience and irrespective of the age and the country and background, we are all humans,” Daria says. “People you expect to be grownups can behave like children, and people you expect to be less mature can behave very maturely. So, it's important to not take any prejudice, and to stick to your values.”
Leadership Lesson 2: How do you communicate across cultural barriers?
Cross-cultural communication was recently cited by over a thousand corporate recruiters, including those hiring for Fortune 500 firms, as one of the most important future business skills for new business employees.
The HEC Paris EMBA cohort consists of over 50 nationalities, creating a diverse in-class experience that encourages students to reckon with cultural differences that can otherwise lead to miscommunication in the workplace.
In Daria’s experience, as someone who had spent most of her life living and working in Russia and Europe, it was important to learn how to marry cultures that are typically more outspoken with ones that aren’t.
For example, there are some cultures that need to be prompted to speak, versus ones that are naturally comfortable doing so, she explains.
“It was a learning curve, hearing every voice, even if the voices are not loud.”
Leadership Lesson 3: How do you take accountability in high-pressure situations?
An unfortunate aspect of leadership is that not everyone is going to respect your authority straight away. Particularly when we talk about workplaces which are increasing in age, nationality, and ideological diversity, it is important to know how to guide your employees respectfully, but firmly.
At HEC Paris, EMBA students are able to take part in a two-day Outdoor Leadership Seminar, which pushes them to engage in intense teambuilding tasks such as boat-crafting and ravine crossing.
It’s not only a test in stamina, but also a trial by fire in leadership capabilities.
Daria found there were situations where she acted as team leader, and yet certain team members did not carry out her instructions. Ultimately, she had to accept that she could not blame her team, but that instead needed to have more confidence—and, in some cases, be more dogmatic—in her own judgements.
“If you take the responsibility to be the leader, you are responsible for the end result. You need to make sure that whatever decision you take, it's implemented,” Daria says.
An EMBA program can prepare even the most experienced leaders for the challenges of the future, such as improving cross-cultural communication and your ability to lead under pressure.
I have met the most competent and diverse batch in this school. These people not only thrive on their own but also makes sure that you are doing it with them. The professors will take your had and walk you through all milestones and make sure you are not left behind. I have found their extracurriculars extremely engaging. There was always a room to have social life after academic life. The only hindrance is the location of the school, it is slightly outside city and living in city is expensive.
Sarah
Verified
18/03/2022
On Campus
Internationality and diversity of opportunities
About my programme I would say it is very international and flexible: we have the opportunity to choose exactly the courses we want. But at the same time, the frame of the campus is crucial in students' life and enable us to create friendships.
Student
Verified
29/10/2021
On Campus
Great selection of people
While HEC's MBA is highly selective, I really enjoy the type of people HEC's selects to make sure everybody gets the best out of their MBA experience and networking opportunities. Not only it's an incredibly diverse pool of people (~60 nationalities) but most importantly they make sure to let in friendly empathic and curious people.
Veronique
Verified
28/10/2021
Blended
Best in France for Grande ecole
A prestigious business school. Languages are important. It is better to have a scientific baccalaureate with excellent grades in high school and good assessments.
The courses are well designed as per the latest trends and practicality of learning in stressed upon. Overall, a very good experience.
Ghadi
Verified
11/06/2022
On Campus
Diversity and quality of fellow students
Very international and interesting place to be and opens a lot of opportunities, however the administration is very french and facilities are subpar (gym, classrooms) meaning the academic affairs is pretty much useless and lastly we are graded on a curve which can create a toxic environment because of the competition. With that being said the pros outweighs the cons by far.
Student
Verified
27/03/2022
On Campus
The quality of the teachers, the campus, the clubs
The school is very international indeed, we have courses with international students and share things with them within the extra academic life (in the social clubs especially). We have great career prospects if we prepare ourselves well - however, the global curriculum is still very finance-oriented, which is a pity for other interesting domains of the company world, which does not rely on finance only. The social clubs are good practice for the management and for now, are quite independent.
Lb
Verified
26/03/2022
On Campus
HEC Paris awaits you
HEC Paris is really a nice place to do a master's in business. Many classes are useful and interesting (corporate finance, financial accounting, contract law…), some are less - but the curriculum is to be reviewed in the year to come. Regarding the student life, it is incredible, with about 130 clubs, lots of great parties with even greater people. The Jouy campus offers a lot of opportunities to do sports, and you can breathe fresh air every day. HEC also helps a great deal to find an internship or a job.
Rajarshi
Verified
28/10/2021
Blended
A dream institute
Enrolling in the HEC MBA was by far the best decision I made for myself. The people and faculty are great, with lots of opportunities to meet people and expand your horizons. Very nice campus where I have had some good running sessions.
The alumni network is superb and very helpful. It also has a good support system for entrepreneurs. Would definitely recommend it!
Student
Verified
19/10/2021
On Campus
Good choice for a career boost
The classes were extremely practical and relevant to the current challenges that businesses are facing. You have access to a wide range of professionals and good career prospects once you leave the university.
Student
Verified
7/07/2022
On Campus
Cultural experience
I have met the most competent and diverse batch in this school. These people not only thrive on their own but also makes sure that you are doing it with them. The professors will take your had and walk you through all milestones and make sure you are not left behind. I have found their extracurriculars extremely engaging. There was always a room to have social life after academic life. The only hindrance is the location of the school, it is slightly outside city and living in city is expensive.
Sarah
Verified
18/03/2022
On Campus
Internationality and diversity of opportunities
About my programme I would say it is very international and flexible: we have the opportunity to choose exactly the courses we want. But at the same time, the frame of the campus is crucial in students' life and enable us to create friendships.
Student
Verified
29/10/2021
On Campus
Great selection of people
While HEC's MBA is highly selective, I really enjoy the type of people HEC's selects to make sure everybody gets the best out of their MBA experience and networking opportunities. Not only it's an incredibly diverse pool of people (~60 nationalities) but most importantly they make sure to let in friendly empathic and curious people.
Veronique
Verified
28/10/2021
Blended
Best in France for Grande ecole
A prestigious business school. Languages are important. It is better to have a scientific baccalaureate with excellent grades in high school and good assessments.
The courses are well designed as per the latest trends and practicality of learning in stressed upon. Overall, a very good experience.
Ghadi
Verified
11/06/2022
On Campus
Diversity and quality of fellow students
Very international and interesting place to be and opens a lot of opportunities, however the administration is very french and facilities are subpar (gym, classrooms) meaning the academic affairs is pretty much useless and lastly we are graded on a curve which can create a toxic environment because of the competition. With that being said the pros outweighs the cons by far.
Student
Verified
27/03/2022
On Campus
The quality of the teachers, the campus, the clubs
The school is very international indeed, we have courses with international students and share things with them within the extra academic life (in the social clubs especially). We have great career prospects if we prepare ourselves well - however, the global curriculum is still very finance-oriented, which is a pity for other interesting domains of the company world, which does not rely on finance only. The social clubs are good practice for the management and for now, are quite independent.
Lb
Verified
26/03/2022
On Campus
HEC Paris awaits you
HEC Paris is really a nice place to do a master's in business. Many classes are useful and interesting (corporate finance, financial accounting, contract law…), some are less - but the curriculum is to be reviewed in the year to come. Regarding the student life, it is incredible, with about 130 clubs, lots of great parties with even greater people. The Jouy campus offers a lot of opportunities to do sports, and you can breathe fresh air every day. HEC also helps a great deal to find an internship or a job.
Rajarshi
Verified
28/10/2021
Blended
A dream institute
Enrolling in the HEC MBA was by far the best decision I made for myself. The people and faculty are great, with lots of opportunities to meet people and expand your horizons. Very nice campus where I have had some good running sessions.
The alumni network is superb and very helpful. It also has a good support system for entrepreneurs. Would definitely recommend it!
Student
Verified
19/10/2021
On Campus
Good choice for a career boost
The classes were extremely practical and relevant to the current challenges that businesses are facing. You have access to a wide range of professionals and good career prospects once you leave the university.
Student
Verified
1/06/2024
On Campus
Diverse
HEC, as an academic institution, serves as a launching pad for students to excel in their pursuits and careers. The diversity among students and professors is truly remarkable. The chance to attend seminars across five major continents is unparalleled. The exposure and relationships it fosters are invaluable.
Student
Verified
31/05/2024
On Campus
Super diverse
It's a super diverse and fascinating environment with tons of chances, but the management is very French, and the facilities like the gym and classrooms are not great. This makes the academic side quite ineffective. Plus, we're graded on a curve, leading to a competitive and sometimes toxic atmosphere. Despite all that, the benefits definitely overshadow the drawbacks.
John
Verified
10/06/2024
On Campus
Surreal academic experience
What stood out to me about HEC was the direction and insight it offered on coding approaches. Prior to joining the program, I attempted self-learning, but I felt disoriented and lacked a starting point.HEC enabled me to grasp the basics of programming and provided support when I encountered obstacles. Without that guidance, I doubt I would have achieved the progress I have made to date.
John
Verified
10/06/2024
On Campus
Good security
HEC boasts a dedicated team of security personnel who undergo rigorous training to ensure the perpetual maintenance of tranquility and orderliness within the institution. Their unwavering efforts are directed towards fostering a sense of security among the student body, thereby enabling them to channel their energies predominantly towards their academic pursuits.
Student
Verified
17/07/2024
On Campus
Innovative teaching method
I am thoroughly enjoying my time at HEC, from the innovative teaching methods to the welcoming campus environment, which is particularly supportive of international students. The extracurricular opportunities, such as sports and associations, are incredibly valuable. Additionally, the career services offered are exceptional. Overall, I find my experience at HEC to be truly enriching.
