Maximize your leadership potential
Inspirational Leadership
Maximize your leadership potential
Build leadership capabilities that inspire high performance
IMD’s Inspirational Leadership program is built around one idea: people follow leaders they trust. Guided by George Kohlrieser, former hostage negotiator and Distinguished Professor of Leadership and Organizational Behavior, you’ll learn how to earn that trust, forge stronger human connections, and inspire people to perform at their best.
Your journey begins with a 360° feedback report, based on input from people you work with. With the executive coach who supports you throughout the program, you’ll turn that clear picture of how you show up as a leader into effective action.
Drawing on the principles of secure base leadership and leader as coach, you’ll strengthen your ability to engage and develop teams and lead conversations that drive results. By combining caring and daring, you’ll motivate teams to achieve more than they thought possible.
Insights from Professor Kohlrieser’s hostage negotiation experience will help you understand why conflict arises and manage it before it escalates by preparing for and leading difficult conversations. You’ll build the resilience to lead under pressure and develop strategies for dealing with your own stress before it affects your team.
On completion of your learning journey, you’ll be eligible to apply for IMD’s Advanced High Performance Leadership program, designed exclusively for Inspirational Leadership and High Performance Leadership alumni.
Do you need more information?
Check our FAQ or schedule a call with an IMD Program Advisor to find the right program fit for you.
Participants and faculty talk about the impact and experience of IMD’s Inspirational Leadership online program.
Head of Corporate Relations, NOVA School of Science and Technology, Portugal
The program was a truly transformative journey of self-discovery and growth. I was challenged to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what really matters in leadership: presence, authenticity, and emotional intelligence. It was not just about learning new models, it was about learning more about myself. I left this journey more self-aware, inspired, and ready to lead with heart.
Accounting Manager, Super Bock Group, Portugal
The Inspirational Leadership program challenged me to reflect deeply on my leadership behaviours. Through coaching, peer exchange and practical tools, I gained clarity, confidence and new ways to empower others, foster trust and lead with greater empathy and authenticity.
When we say “real impact”, we mean it. In 2025, IMD online participants reported their programs helped them:
Achieve a positive career impact
Earn a promotion
Increase their salary
Make a career change
Designed for impact and delivered for you, IMD’s online programs help you achieve your aspirations wherever you are in your career or the world. Here’s what makes the IMD online program experience exceptional.
Length: 8 weeks (4-6 hours per week)
Application deadline closes 10 days before the session starts.
