How top performers are getting better at getting better

In a world shaped by geopolitical and economic disruption, artificial Intelligence, and accelerated change cycles, effective and innovative leadership has become key competency for future success.

The Beyond Winning program equips experienced leaders with proven principles, frameworks, and practical tools drawn from the world of high-performance sports translated into the realities of business.

Over three interactive days at WHU Campus Düsseldorf, participants explore the core elements of sustainable success in both high-performance sports and business. They discover five actionable leadership mindsets, demonstrated through case studies of top athletes such as Dirk Nowitzki, Thomas Müller, and Xabi Alonso, and engage in peer feedback sessions as well as team exercises designed to turn insight into impact.

Personal Leadership Advanced Management Organizational Leadership

Suitable for participants with at least:

10YearsLeadership

Program Faculty

Leadership today requires both short-term wins and sustainable performance culture. Beyond Winning bridges pragmatic leadership with long-term high performance by enabling leaders to experience continuous growth personally, within teams, and across organizations.

Content of program:

3 days, interactive, on campus (Düsseldorf)
Based on the 1M-Model (Success = Talent × Training × Mindset)
Five actionable leadership mindsets, inspired by Olympic champions and validated through recent business case studies across industries as well as Harvard Business School cases.
Strengthening resilience and adaptability in high-pressure situations
Vision-setting and personal leadership identity
Creating future-ready leadership models in the Future Leadership Lab

Methods: lectures, case studies, peer feedback, mindset stories, simulations, and guest contributions.

Guest speakers: Renowned athletes, entrepreneurs, and executives complement the program with practical insights.

Gain a deep understanding of the core elements of sustainable high-performance leadership
Learn five proven mindsets to thrive in demanding contexts
Reflect on your leadership style and strengthen authenticity
Enhance resilience by learning to manage setbacks and pressure
Develop future-proof strategies based on megatrends and elite sports principles
Expand your peer network across industries and functions

Upon completion, you will be awarded a WHU Executive Education Certificate, a recognized mark of your commitment to growth, leadership, and lifelong learning, issued by one of Europe’s top business schools.

Experienced leaders (C-1) responsible for cross-functional and/or international teams
Senior managers preparing for C-level roles
Executives seeking to enhance leadership impact in high-performance contexts
Leaders with around 10 years of leadership experience, ready to expand their mindset toolkit

This 3-day program runs at WHU Campus Düsseldorf.

Day 1: Talent & Vision – self-assessment, leadership identity, vision building
Day 2: Training & Mindsets – resilience, learning from setbacks, using pressure as a driver
Day 3: Impact & Future – amplifying impact, creating future-proof leadership approaches in the Future Leadership Lab

Beyond Winning: The Leadership Mindset

Jun 29, 2026 - Jul 01, 2026,

Curious to learn more?

Join Prof. Sascha L. Schmidt, Dr. Michael Ilgner, and Kerstin Forword for a live look inside WHU’s new executive program, Beyond Winning: The Leadership Mindset.

What to expect:

Hear how the program connects high-performance sports and leadership development
Get an overview of the 3-day learning journey and the key topics explored
Ask your questions directly during a live Q&A

Speakers:

Dr. Michael Ilgner – Founder & CEO, One May Group
Prof. Sascha L. Schmidt – Chair Holder and Director, WHU Center for Sports and Management
Kerstin Forword – Project Manager, WHU Center for Sports and Management

Spots are limited; secure yours now.

Other customers signed up for

Beyond Winning: The Leadership Mindset

How top performers are getting better at getting better

Program Content

Program Benefits

Participant Profile

Program Format and Module Dates