Why Join?

Transformation is rarely straightforward. It’s ambiguous, complex, and often, the failure rate is high. That’s why we’ve 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’s 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’ll work on your own transformation challenge, whether it’s leading through change, navigating AI disruption, or rebuilding momentum after setbacks. Through a powerful mix of peer exchange, coaching, and practical tools, you’ll leave with a clear way forward.

And because transformation also requires restoration, you’ll 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're 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’ll 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 won’t just learn about frameworks - you’ll work with them directly. You’ll 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’ll 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 isn’t just another leadership seminar. It’s 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’re 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’ll slow down, immerse yourself in nature, and rediscover the power of attentive presence. Later, in a shared cooking experience, you’ll 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’ll 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’ll 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’ll 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’s 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're 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’s 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

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