This case demonstrates how a practice-based leadership program can create space for leaders to work through real-life leadership dilemmas while closely integrating theory, reflection, and peer learning. Over five years, more than 100 senior leaders strengthened their ability to navigate complexity and turn reflection into concrete action in their daily leadership practice.

The Challenge

The more complex an organization becomes, the more dilemmas leaders face every day: situations with no right answer, where culture and values often serve as the only reliable compass.

We saw an opportunity to strengthen how the organization supported senior leaders in dealing with this uncertainty, while also creating a unique forum for them to exchange experiences and develop professionally together.

The Program

A three-day development journey where theory and physical movement were woven together.

Each morning, participants were introduced to theories and methods related to values-based leadership, decision-making under uncertainty, and similar topics. The remainder of the day was spent hiking in pairs, using guided reflection questions that connected the morning’s theory to the participants’ own current leadership challenges.

Throughout the journey, participants alternated between coaching and questioning each other, and partners were changed several times during the day. Over the course of three days, in all types of weather and covering approximately 30-35 kilometers on foot, participants worked through real dilemmas from their own leadership contexts alongside colleagues facing similar challenges.

The program concluded with each participant defining concrete personal goals to continue working on in their daily leadership practice.

The Result

Over a five-year period, more than 100 leaders completed the program, and participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive.

The experience provided a rare opportunity to connect leadership theory directly to real leadership challenges through movement, reflection, and dialogue with peers navigating similar complexities. The program continues to run successfully today.

Participant Testimonial

“It was a different kind of leadership program because we didn't just talk about leadership, we worked with it. The combination of theory, movement, and honest conversations with other leaders enabled me to view my own dilemmas from new perspectives and translate those reflections into concrete actions.” - Kathrine, Team Leader