When I entered the MBA building on the first day, there was a genuinely international atmosphere. A mosaic of faces, 46 in number, representing an exciting blend of cultures from 6 continents and 22 nationalities, were engaged in cheerful chatting and introductions.

Our MBA Director, Amanda Shantz, and her team greeted us warmly. Her motivational speech and an overview of the upcoming days set a tone of openness, authenticity and intimacy. This open environment soon led us to our first group exercise: a scavenger hunt through beautiful St. Gallen. Contrary to my initial expectations, the week took on a deeply introspective journey of self-reflection. Guided by two seasoned coaches, a series of reviews around Hogan Assessments started. In peer discussions, we were encouraged to discover how we fit into social dynamics and how classmates from other cultures perceive their results. Exchanging these insights wasn't just informative - it was the bedrock of the trust we began to forge.

Working for the C-level management of an international Technology Consulting firm, I've always found value in the nuances of diverse teams. This appreciation partly motivated me to apply for the full-time MBA program, renowned for its emphasis on collaborative learning and academic ambition. Many studies suggest the superior performance of diverse teams but with a caveat: the presence of psychological safety within a trust-driven environment. My appreciation deepened as the program underscored the collaborative advantage from its inception.

During an off-site event, we were introduced to fundamental theories, frameworks and phases of team building. While the theoretical part provided clarity, the real team-building process got very tangible during several icebreaker challenges, as some of them could only be solved if the whole class acted together as one team. It was truly fascinating to see at which speed the group formed a team working towards a joint goal. However, working in such a culturally rich and diverse environment also presents several challenges. Recognising that diversity goes beyond visible differences and extends to thinking, experience, and background is important. For this reason, a dedicated session on Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DE&I) was introduced.

It was a powerful reminder that despite our best intentions, missteps are inevitable. However, as was emphasised in the session, it is about more than just getting everything right all the time but about continuous learning, being receptive to feedback and creating an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued. This DE&I grounding has enriched our academic journey and provided valuable insights that we will take with us into our professional future.

I look back on a week full of new insights, inspiring conversations and, above all, a lot of fun. Embarking on this MBA journey and being part of such a diverse group is an honour and a tremendous privilege. I am excited about the myriad of experiences and lessons this journey will offer.