The Global Leaders Program 2025: A Week of Dialogue, Insight and Transformation

The second edition of the Global Leaders Program concluded on Friday, bringing to a close an intense and inspiring week dedicated to rethinking leadership in the face of today’s most complex global challenges.

Designed for senior executives from around the world, the program offered a unique opportunity to step back from day-to-day responsibilities and reflect on the macro and organizational forces shaping business and society. Over the course of five days, participants engaged in high-level conversations with world-class experts, faculty, and peers, addressing the critical issues at the core of leadership today.

The discussion was structured around two complementary pillars:

Macro Scenarios

In the first part of the week, participants explored the broader dynamics reshaping the global environment. Topics included geopolitical resilience in a fragmented world order, the policy implications of demographic shifts, and the structural challenges facing financial institutions. Sessions also focused on the role of trade and economic growth in a post-globalized economy, and the urgent need to navigate the net-zero transition in a way that balances sustainability with competitiveness. These discussions provided essential context for understanding the systemic forces that influence strategic decision-making at the highest levels.

Organizational Challenges

The second half of the program turned the spotlight inward, addressing how companies and leaders must evolve in response to these external pressures. Participants examined how to shape effective technology and innovation strategies, how to leverage AI and machine learning for strategic business decisions, and how to elevate customer engagement in an increasingly omnichannel and data-driven world. Other key themes included sustainability as a driver of long-term value creation, and how to embed diversity and inclusion within leadership models and organizational culture.

Throughout the week, participants not only attended thought-provoking sessions, but also took part in experiential activities that showcased Italian excellence in business, culture, and design. These immersive moments contributed to the creation of a vibrant learning environment, fostering both personal growth and a global perspective.

The program featured contributions from prominent SDA Bocconi and Bocconi University faculty and institutional leaders, including Stefano Caselli, Dean of SDA Bocconi School of Management, Andrea Sironi, President of Bocconi University, and Francesco Billari, Rector of Bocconi University, ensuring a unique blend of academic rigor and strategic insight.

“This program is a catalyst for leadership transformation. It’s about connecting the dots between business, society, and long-term impact,” said Emanuela Prandelli, Program Director and Associate Dean for Open Programs at SDA Bocconi.

The value of the program emerged also through the voices of its participants, who highlighted the quality of dialogue, the diversity of perspectives, and the opportunity to rethink how they lead in an increasingly uncertain world.

The Global Leaders Program continues to affirm SDA Bocconi’s commitment to shaping the future of leadership — with purpose, clarity, and impact.

SDA Bocconi School of Management

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