Be the Change

Dieser Kurs findet auf Englisch statt, weshalb nachfolgend auf eine Übersetzung verzichtet wird.

Leaders today stand at a historic crossroads. Humanity is facing increasingly complex and interconnected challenges — from climate change and biodiversity loss to rising social inequity. These grand challenges are reshaping what is expected of leaders and managers across all sectors, who must navigate short-term pressures while confronting long-term uncertainties.

At this critical juncture, it is clear that current coordination mechanisms, problem-solving approaches, and even dominant models of scientific inquiry, teaching, and learning are no longer sufficient to address the scale and urgency of these issues. Transformative change toward more sustainable and equitable futures calls for a new kind of leadership — one that integrates systems thinking, emotional intelligence, and inner transformation with strategic, collaborative, cross-sectoral action.
This seminar equips a new generation of leaders with the tools, skills, and mindset needed to drive transformation toward more desirable and sustainable futures — at individual, organizational, and global levels. Working on real-world systemic challenges in the St.Gallen region, and in collaboration with partners from business, government, and the non-profit sector, students will build systems leadership capabilities in three key dimensions:

• System level– by deepening their understanding of the root causes, dynamics, and patterns underlying global sustainability challenges, and by developing analytical skills to identify leverage points for change.
• Community level– through coalition-building, stakeholder engagement, and advocacy for collective impact.
• Individual level– by cultivating collaborative leadership, self-awareness, and the capacity for reflection and intentional action.

Together, these dimensions foster systemic problem-solving and empower students with the leadership competencies essential for advancing transformational change.

Eligibility

Open to bachelor’s students at the University of St. Gallen. This course is offered in Autumn semesters.