Success as a business leader extends beyond technical expertise—soft skills like empathy, self-awareness, and active listening are becoming more essential. As the workforce evolves, leadership abilities that promote collaboration and adaptability are increasingly critical.
In a feature on BusinessBecause, Nicolas Gaillot, GEM MBA graduate and leadership trainer, shared how his MBA experience helped him grow as a leader and professional.
1. Leading Across Cultures
With over 20 years in HR and business transformation, Nicolas pursued an MBA at GEM to strengthen his intercultural communication skills. “Courses like Intercultural Management gave me tools to work effectively with diverse teams and fine-tune communication,” he explains.
Collaboration with classmates from various backgrounds provided valuable perspectives. “Working with talented people who think differently taught me humility and the value of collective intelligence,” says Nicolas.
Networking during the MBA also proved invaluable. “It’s about building relationships that may open doors in unexpected ways,” he adds.
2. Negotiation and Ethical Leadership
The GEM MBA sharpened Nicolas’s negotiation skills and reinforced the importance of ethical leadership, especially in today’s business landscape where ESG (environmental, social, and governance) is a priority.
“Negotiation isn’t just strategy—it’s about listening and understanding,” he notes. GEM also prepared him for the growing focus on ethical business practices. “It became more and more obvious to me that ethical leadership was central to the business world,” says Nicolas. “In the years after my MBA, I saw how businesses were evolving, and having that foundation turned out to be very useful.”
3. Self-Awareness as a Leadership Tool
For Nicolas, the MBA was a turning point in building self-awareness. “Leadership today is less about control and more about understanding yourself and your team,” he says. The program pushed him to reflect on his leadership style and refine his approach.
“After the MBA, you’ll not only be a better manager but also a better person,” Nicolas concludes.
Learn more about Nicolas’s journey and the transformative power of soft skills in the full article on BusinessBecause.
About the GEM MBA Programs
Discover GEM’s top-ranked MBA, Executive MBA, and Tech EMBA programs, designed to develop leadership, innovation, and global expertise. With flexible formats, international study trips, and strong industry connections—GEM prepares you to fast track your career in the heart of the French Alps.
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