Leadership and Transformation: Lessons from Medellín's Resilience and Innovation

The Swiss Course in Business Management (Schweizer Kurs für Unternehmensführung – SKU) is a prestigious executive education programme founded in 1953 by professors from ETH Zurich and the Universities of St. Gallen and Zurich. Originally conceived as a German-language alternative to the Harvard management programme, SKU has grown into a comprehensive leadership development course for experienced managers.

Since 2019, the University of St. Gallen has run it as "CAS-HSG SKU Executive Management Programme" with a Certificate of Advanced Studies (20 ECTS). The programme focuses on entrepreneurial leadership, innovation, digitalisation, and value creation while incorporating participants' management projects and coaching. It fosters leadership skills, business acumen, and intercultural competence through a structured, systemic approach.

One module of this programme took place in Medellín, Colombia, from 14 to 18 October 2024. Prof. Dr. Thomas Schumacher , Head of the Programme at the HBM School of Entrepreneurship, led this session supported by the Institute of Management in Latin America.

The expedition was academically planned with the cooperation of Vanessa Boanada Fuchs , head of the Institute, Juan Fernando Palacio, PhD. , Coordinator of Internationalization of the Faculty of Economics and Management of the University of Antioquia and Martin J. Eppler , professor of the University of St Gallen.

This module offered participants a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of business, innovation, and intercultural challenges within a rapidly evolving economy. Over the week, participants engaged in activities, including lectures and site visits to prominent public companies such as Ruta N, Metro de Medellín, and EPM, alongside Grupo Éxito, one of the largest retail companies in Latin America.

With its dynamic and expanding economy, Colombia is an ideal environment for applying key management principles such as entrepreneurial leadership, effective change management, and digitalisation — all crucial for driving innovation in today’s global business landscape. The exposure to local business dynamics provided insights into how innovation can be tailored to diverse market conditions and cultural contexts, offering a real-world perspective on leadership and change management.

Engaging with local managers and businesses broadened their understanding of Latin American markets, also enhanced their intercultural sensitivity — a vital skill for success in international and multicultural management settings. Understanding how local values, communication styles, and business practices differ from those in other regions is essential for global leadership.

Intercultural sensitivity and ethnorelativism are increasingly important for management professionals in the context of globalisation, diverse workforces, and cross-cultural interactions. Intercultural sensitivity enables managers to recognise, respect, and adapt to cultural differences, fostering empathy, reducing miscommunication, and preventing conflicts. This skill helps create inclusive work environments, boosting employee satisfaction and overall performance. This mindset shift, allows managers to view cultural differences as opportunities for growth and creativity, rather than barriers.

Colombia has emerged as one of Latin America's most dynamic and promising markets, becoming a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship with global impact. Its economy has grown significantly over the last two decades, driven by foreign policies for modernization, sector diversification and internationalization of businesses. In addition to being a scenario of economic expansion, Colombia offers a vibrant ecosystem of startups, sustainability initiatives and technological innovations, creating an ideal environment for exploring new ideas and fostering strategic partnerships.

The Medellín module challenged participants to step out of their comfort zones and confront the complexities of a rapidly shifting global economy. In the vibrant landscape of Colombia, they didn’t just learn about innovation and leadership — they lived it, navigating the pulse of a nation reshaping its future through entrepreneurship and resilience. This immersive experience pushed them to rethink conventional approaches, empowering them to lead with greater agility and cultural intelligence. As they return to their respective organisations, they carry new strategies but beyond that, a deeper, more nuanced understanding of what it means to drive change in an interconnected world.

Monday marked a powerful beginning to the "Business and Innovation in Colombia" immersion week. The day was filled with valuable insights that gave us a deeper understanding of Colombia’s resilience and growth, particularly in the city of Medellín.

Professor Juan Fernando Palacio introduced us to the layered nature of Colombia’s challenges. He highlighted its complex history, from political instability and armed conflict to the nation’s resilience and pursuit of peace. This understanding of Colombia’s transformation journey mirrors SKU’s dedication to fostering leaders who can navigate complex, dynamic environments.

One of the most compelling parts of the session, led by Professor Dr Sandra Lillian Johansson , discussed the intricate disarmament, demobilization, and reincorporation processes, which have played a central role in Colombia's path to peace. Her insights uncovered the profound impact of these programs in helping former combatants reintegrate into civilian life and work toward building sustainable peace.

After understanding the country's historical background, it has become clearer that this disarmament process is complex, beyond merely disarming individuals; they need comprehensive social and economic inclusion strategies, helping former combatants adapt to civilian life through education, employment, and community engagement— a powerful reminder of the importance of balanced, people-centred approaches in management and leadership.

These efforts are critical for the individuals involved, fostering trust within communities that have experienced trauma and loss. Medellín, in particular, stands as a testament to the success and challenges of these processes, transforming from a city once plagued by violence into a beacon of innovation, resilience, and community-led change.

For this reason, our afternoon took us deeper into Medellín’s cultural and historical landscape, offering a firsthand view of this journey. Our visit to the Casa de la Memoria Museum was a poignant reminder of the essential role that collective memory plays in the healing and transformation of societies that have endured prolonged conflict.

More than just a repository of Colombia’s history, this museum is a living tribute to the resilience of those who suffered and a testament to the country’s commitment to peace and reconciliation. Each exhibit holds layers of personal and collective memory, conveying the profound toll that decades of violence have taken on communities across Colombia.

Viewing these powerful displays made evident that remembering past suffering is not about reopening old wounds, but acknowledging the reality of what has been endured. This process of remembrance serves several critical purposes.

• First, it ensures that the experiences of those affected are not forgotten or dismissed. It fosters a sense of dignity and recognition for the survivors and families who lived through the conflict. It creates a space where their voices can be heard, respected, and validated.
• Additionally, it serves as a vital educational tool, particularly for those who may not fully grasp the weight of this history. By creating an immersive experience, the museum enables visitors to connect emotionally with Colombia’s past. In this way, the museum nurtures a collective consciousness that recognises the costs of violence.
• Perhaps most importantly, remembering the suffering reinforces a commitment to building a different future and fosters collective empathy—essential qualities for leaders devoted to impactful, socially-conscious business practices.

In Medellín’s case, the stories held within Casa de la Memoria underscore the city’s extraordinary journey from a place once synonymous with violence to one that symbolises resilience and innovation. By facing its history honestly, Medellín has been able to transform itself.

Our immersion continued as we crossed the city meeting the “Metro Culture”. The city’s metro system is celebrated as one of the world's cleanest. It is a community pride and a unifying symbol of hope and advancement—it represents a renewed identity for the city, with order, respect, and shared responsibility. The sense of pride Medellín’s residents feel for their city’s achievements became even more palpable as we moved through these spaces.

After riding the metro and cable car, we reached La Sierra, one of Medellín’s many resilient communities. This visit offered an intimate perspective on what it means to live in Medellín’s post-conflict era. It’s remarkable to see how infrastructure projects have reached places that once felt disconnected, opening up new horizons for residents and fostering a sense of connection and pride.

One of the most uplifting moments was meeting local children and hearing them share their dreams of becoming engineers, philosophers, and chemists. Despite the area’s economic challenges, these young minds brimmed with optimism feel empowered to pursue careers that once might have seemed out of reach. A large school lies in the heart of La Sierra, equipped with science and computer labs, a beacon of opportunity that nurtures students’ talents and fuels their aspirations.

The spirit of community-led progress extended to our interactions with local entrepreneurs in La Sierra’s budding tourism industry. One such entrepreneur shared how he reinvests part of his profits into a local clinic which supports people struggling with addiction, underscoring the power of socially responsible business. Showcasing sustainable value creation and the importance of business as a force for good.

Our experience in La Sierra highlighted the profound impact of accessible infrastructure, education, and community-focused business on uplifting an entire community. As we concluded our first day, it became clear that Medellín’s transformative journey offers profound insights for leaders and innovators alike.

Experiencing the city’s resilience, the aspirations of La Sierra’s young minds, and the impact of community-driven projects set the stage for our immersion. These moments inspired us to reflect on the values of connection, inclusion, and sustainable growth.

Tuesday began with a reflective debriefing session at the University of Antioquia, where participants had the chance to process their experiences, to deepen the group’s collective understanding and align perspectives on Medellín’s transformation.

We were warmly welcomed by Juan Fernando Rivera Gomez , Deputy Director of International Relations, who offered a detailed contextualization of the University’s role in Medellín. He shared key demographic data and practical examples, highlighting how the University of Antioquia contributes to the city's development. Particularly compelling was his discussion of the University’s involvement in helping to foster social cohesion, where branches of the university have played an instrumental role in supporting the peace agreements.

The morning session featured Sergio Escobar, Executive Director of the Center for Strategic International Studies Medellín Global. He offered an insightful look into Colombia's unique business culture, illustrating how the country has skillfully blended tradition and innovation to cultivate a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem. Escobar's perspectives showed how Colombian businesses balance local resilience with global trends, forging long-term success and competitive advantage. His session underscored the importance of innovation as a driving force behind Colombia’s entrepreneurial growth, positioning the country as a key player in Latin America's evolving business landscape.

In the afternoon, we turned our attention to Ruta N, where Alejandro Hincapié Baena , Associate Director of Global Connections, took us deeper into Medellín’s transformation into a knowledge-driven economy. Ruta N is at the heart of this transformation, and Hincapié Baena elaborated on the agency's pivotal role in connecting the various players of Medellín’s innovation ecosystem. Ruta N serves as a dynamic hub that brings together entrepreneurs, universities, venture capitalists, and government entities to foster sustainable growth through collaboration.

The key challenge Ruta N faces is to maximize the potential of innovation by connecting all parts of the ecosystem in a way that fosters mutual benefit and drives economic dynamism. By creating partnerships and offering business intelligence, Ruta N is helping businesses navigate Medellín’s ecosystem, it facilitates access to the right people and information to ensure that companies can thrive and contribute to the city’s ongoing development, ensuring that the city’s innovation ecosystem remains at the cutting edge.

Through engagements with pioneering institutions like the University of Antioquia and Ruta N, participants gained first-hand insights into the strategies that drive sustainable transformation in complex environments. These sessions underscored the power of collaborative ecosystems and social impact. By understanding how Medellín has leveraged these factors, SKU participants were able to renew perspectives on fostering similar ecosystems within their organisations.

Wednesday began at the Agency for Cooperation and Investment (ACI Medellín), where the Director of Investment Nicolás Rodríguez Aristizábal and the Director of International Cooperation Miguel Angel Betancur shared invaluable insights into the collaborative frameworks that have fuelled Medellín’s remarkable urban and economic transformation. Rodríguez Aristizábal highlighted how Medellín has strategically aligned institutions such as ACI, Ruta N, local universities, and leading corporations to drive sustainable growth and advance the common good.

Rodríguez Aristizábal’s insights were eye-opening for participants, particularly as he discussed the city’s strategy for competing with global hubs to attract top companies and skilled professionals. He emphasised how Medellín’s investment approach is rooted in a long-term vision of shared prosperity and resilience.

Participants left this session with a deeper understanding of how cities can align public and private sector initiatives to create environments where businesses and communities flourish together—a powerful model of collaborative leadership that speaks directly to SKU’s value creation and entrepreneurial innovation goals.

The afternoon shifted to Grupo Éxito, one of Colombia’s largest and most influential retail chains. The group was welcomed by Carlos Mario Giraldo Moreno, General Manager of Colombia, who discussed the company’s mission to nourish the nation through a blend of commercial success and social impact initiatives led by their foundation.

Our main speaker at the company, Pablo Montoya Dávila , Retail Corporate Manager, shared an in-depth account of how Grupo Éxito turned an external challenge into a strategic opportunity. This innovative approach allowed the company to expand its market share and strengthen its position in the industry. His narrative underscored the importance of adaptability in navigating complex business landscapes, offering participants a vivid example of resilience in action.

The day’s experiences highlighted Medellín’s ability to foster innovation and resilience through collaboration and adaptability. From ACI Medellín’s investment strategies to Grupo Éxito’s capacity to turn challenges into growth opportunities, these stories demonstrated the city’s unique approach to overcoming adversity and creating impact. Medellín continues to inspire by showing how partnerships and creativity can redefine what’s possible.

Thursday was another opportunity to shed light on technology's pivotal role in the country's transformation and growth.

The day began with a session led by Christian Lochmueller , a professor at EIA University. Drawing on his extensive experience as a German professional living in Colombia for a long time, Christian provided a unique perspective on Colombia's evolving economic and social frameworks. His insights set the tone for understanding how international viewpoints can enrich local business practices.

We were then honoured to meet Jose Manuel Restrepo DBA , Rector of EIA University. In his comprehensive address, he charted Colombia's institutional journey and underscored the academics' critical role in cultivating innovative leaders committed to sustainable development. His message highlighted how universities like EIA act as incubators for the nation's future changemakers.

The afternoon shifted focus to one of Medellín's most celebrated success stories—Metro Medellín. We explored the company’s innovative approach to urban transport and long-term planning. We learned that the concept of Metro Culture, which fostered a sense of civic pride and responsibility was designed and built well before the system's operations began.

Additionally, the innovative idea and development of a process to refurbish trains is now an opportunity to advance technical expertise while maintaining functionality and cutting costs. This process which once was viewed as not viable, now inspires companies even in developed countries.

Thursday reinforced the centrality of innovation, education, and strategic planning in shaping Colombia’s business environment. Medellín's story exemplifies how collaboration and foresight can drive meaningful progress—a lesson with global relevance.

Friday marked the final day of the "Business and Innovation in Colombia" immersion week, concluding an inspiring journey on a high note.

In our visit to Empresas Públicas de Medellín (EPM), we were warmly welcomed by Mónica Osorio Múnera, External Relations Manager, and Leandro Restrepo, External Relations Professional. They provided a comprehensive overview of EPM’s mission and achievements.

Adriana Maria Londoño Carvajal , Sustainability Manager, offered valuable insights into how EPM integrates sustainability, entrepreneurship, and resilience into its operations in the utilities sector. Víctor Hernán Giraldo, Cooperation Director, shared his perspective on navigating the challenges and opportunities of aligning goals among partners in international projects—a critical aspect of impactful collaboration.

We closed the week with a final debriefing session, reflecting on the invaluable lessons learned and the meaningful connections forged throughout this immersive experience.

This week has been a profound reminder of how creativity, sustainability, and innovation can drive progress and shape a brighter future. A heartfelt thank you to all the organisers, speakers, and participants who made this journey truly unforgettable!

Text written by João Pedro S Landim