Why Join?

Transformation is rarely straightforward. It is ambiguous, complex, and often, the failure rate is high. That is why we have created the MBS Leadership Experience: a space to pause, reflect, and reignite your leadership journey with clarity and purpose.

This exclusive retreat is part of our lifelong learning offer for MBS alumni. It is designed for senior leaders who want to take a step back from the daily grind, reconnect with their leadership identity, and move forward with renewed energy and insight.

In the serene surroundings of Der Bruderhof and the Black Forest, you will work on your own transformation challenge, whether it is leading through change, navigating AI disruption, or rebuilding momentum after setbacks. Through a powerful mix of peer exchange, coaching, and practical tools, you will leave with a clear way forward.

And because transformation also requires restoration, you will enjoy moments of deep connection with nature through guided forest bathing, and bond with peers during a hands-on cooking experience that nourishes both body and mind.

• From Pause to Progress: Step away from your daily routine to reflect and recharge.
• Bring your own case: Work on a real transformation challenge you are facing in your organization.
• Cross-industry exchange: Learn from diverse perspectives across sectors.
• World-class coaching: EMBA-level leadership coaching tailored to your context.
• Peer feedback: Honest, constructive input from experienced peers.
• Immersive setting: A historic venue with modern standards for deep learning.
• Certificate of participation: Likely tax-deductible in Germany.
• Pre-retreat online kickoff: Start the journey before you arrive.

How We Will Work - A Transformative Learning Experience

Still remember your MCT? That diverse, immersive experience where you tackled complex topics in a cross-functional environment? This leadership experience builds on that foundation.

You will not just learn about frameworks - you will work with them directly. You will apply the OODA Loop (Observe – Orient – Decide – Act), developed by U.S. Air Force Colonel John Boyd for fighter pilots, to real, pressing leadership challenges, sharpening your decision-making in fast-changing environments. You will also explore the difference between change and transformation, understanding why that distinction is crucial for senior leaders, and practice recognizing and releasing tensions proactively to keep your teams moving forward.

Through a rich mix of short lecturettes, reflective journaling, peer interviews, and consulting exercises, every session is designed to be engaging, thought-provoking, and immediately applicable. This is not just another leadership seminar. It is a leadership experience that starts with you and ends with real progress.

Leadership often demands constant action and quick decisions. Every stakeholder brings their own perspective to the transformation you are leading, and the surrounding voices can quickly become loud and chaotic. At this retreat, we invite you to step away from the noise and reclaim clarity. Through a guided forest bath, you will slow down, immerse yourself in nature, and rediscover the power of attentive presence. Later, in a shared cooking experience, you will engage all your senses, connect with peers in a relaxed, creative setting, and savor the joy of creating something together.

These moments are designed to help you pause, recharge, and return to your leadership challenges with fresh perspective and renewed energy. Sometimes, the most significant progress comes when we first stop and breathe.

Immerse yourself fully in the forest and let your mind breathe. Wander slowly, listen, feel, and pause. Inhale the calm of the woods and let relaxation reach every fiber of your being. Surrounded by the towering Black Forest pines, you will give your mind and body the space to unwind.

Forest bathing is the perfect counterbalance to intense thinking and seminar work, offering deep relaxation and a natural rhythm that creates fertile ground for fresh ideas and new perspectives. The session is led by Dr. Sandra Lass, a biologist and experienced forest bathing guide, and takes place in the serene Menzenschwand Forest. Lasting approximately 2.5 hours, all you need is weather-appropriate clothing and curiosity.

Originating in Japan as Shinrin-Yoku, forest bathing is now medically recommended for its positive effects on blood pressure and the immune system.

As part of your retreat, you will enjoy a guided cooking event in Der Bruderhof's fully equipped Cooking Workshop, featuring a large wooden table and, in colder months, a cozy fireplace. In the springtime, the weather might be just right to step outside from the worshop onto the spacious sun terrasse. Under the guidance of professional chefs, you will prepare a meal collaboratively, engaging all your senses and connecting with your peers.

The experience of course culminates in enjoying the meal and having a relaxed evening together.

Nestled in the heart of the Black Forest, Der Bruderhof is more than just a venue. It is a place of transformation. As the oldest house in Menzenschwand, lovingly restored with natural materials and regional craftsmanship, it blends historic charm with modern comfort to create an atmosphere that inspires clarity, creativity, and connection.

Originally built in 1679 and reimagined as a space for innovation and dialogue, Der Bruderhof offers a unique setting for deep reflection and meaningful exchange. Surrounded by breathtaking nature, it invites you to slow down, think differently, and reconnect with yourself, your peers, and your purpose.

Whether you are engaging in focused sessions, enjoying a forest bath under towering pines, or preparing a shared meal in the open kitchen, every moment at Der Bruderhof is designed to support your leadership journey. It is a place where tradition meets transformation, and where your next chapter begins.

Come earlier or stay a little bit longer and explore the beautiful St. Blasien with its rich hiking opportunities, soothing spas, and vibrant cultural heritage including the stunning Dom St. Blasien and charming local cafés nestled in the Black Forest landscape.

• Full leadership training "Transformation Starts With You" with the world-class leadership coach Lukas von Hörde
• Accommodation in a private room with bathroom, combining minimalist design and the charm of the old house
• All meals (breakfast on Fri, Sat & Sun, lunch on Fri & Sat and dinner on Thu, Fri & Sat)
• Guided forest bath in the Menzenschwand Forest with Dr. Sandra Lass
• Exclusive cooking event with a professional chef in Der Bruderhof's Cooking Workshop
• Full access to Der Bruderhof's relaxing sauna and lounge space

• The Leadership Experience fee is €2,675 (incl. 7% VAT). The same fee applies for MBS alumni and a Plus One. If you and your plus one share a bedroom, each of you will receive a € 100 discount on top
• A first installment of €500 (incl. 7% VAT) is required upon booking to secure your spot. The remaining balance will be payable after the registration deadline.
• Good to know: Tax offices usually recognize costs for your further education if they are job-related. Outside of Germany, please check details with a tax advisor in your country of residence.
• Double Room Option: When booking the Leadership Experience, you can enjoy a discount of 100 € per person by choosing to share adouble room instead of a single room. Please indicate the name of the person you will be sharing with in the respective field on the registration form. Please note that both guests must confirm their shared accommodation to qualify for the discount.
• Cancellation policy: Cancellations are possible up to 60 days before the event, with a full refund excluding the €500 (incl. 7%VAT) deposit. After that, a refund is only possible if the event is sold out and we are able to resell your spot. If the event is cancelled by MBS, the full amount including the deposit will be refunded. We will inform you until end of August, in case we have to cancel the event. 

If you have any questions about the Alumny Study Trip, our Alumni Relations & Career Development team will be happy to answer them.

Booking Process

1. Fill out the registration form and send it to alumnitrip@mannheim-business-school.com
2. after we confirmed your participation, please pay the first installment of €500 (incl. 7% VAT) via Flywire
3. we will inform you when the second installment needs to be paid (depending on how quickly we reach the minimum number of participants)

Laura Lehtola

Manager Career Development

Responsibilities: 

• Programs: ESSEC & Mannheim EMBA, Mannheim EMBA, Mannheim Master of Accounting & Taxation (both Tracks)
• Industries: Hospitality, Logistics, Manufacturing, Media/Entertainment, Real Estate
• Network Clubs: Diversity Club, Leaders of Tomorrow Club, Marketing & Sales Club, Pride Community and Women in Business Community
• Alumni Career Counselor
• Lifelong Learning Offers

Contact: alumnitrip@mannheim-business-school.com

Laura's LinkedIn