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Inspiring Leadership: Isabel Tufet on Self-Reflection and Humanity
On June 3, 2025, WHU celebrated impressive graduations and honored outstanding achievements in leadership and stakeholder management.
Inspiring Leadership: Isabel Tufet on Self-Reflection and Humanity
On June 3, 2025, a remarkable event took place at WHU - Otto Beisheim School of Management, where graduates were celebrated and inspiring keynotes were given. The event, attended by numerous people including academics and professionals, provided a deep insight into the topic of leadership and personal challenges.
The keynote was given by Isabel Tufet, Chief Transformation Officer at Santander Germany. Tufet, who faces challenges as both a leader and a mother, emphasized the importance of self-reflection and humanity in leadership. Her central message was: “Positive leadership begins with self-reflection, humanity and the conscious decision to see three positive things in every situation.” These insights are not only crucial for managers, but also offer perspectives for dealing with personal challenges.
Intercultural perspectives and leadership skills
Another important aspect of the event was the reflection on the intercultural study modules at renowned partner universities such as the Kellogg School of Management and Columbia Business School. Speakers from all programs emphasized the sense of community and exchange on equal terms that were fostered by these international experiences. Christian Schüsseler, graduate of the PTMBA 2024, reported on his experiences in France and emphasized how the knowledge acquired at WHU prepared him for his new challenge.
In addition, the importance of intercultural leadership skills was emphasized. Qualities of an empathetic leader, such as the ability to bring together and inspire employees from different cultures, were considered crucial to the success of teams. Companies that promote intercultural leadership development not only benefit from diverse management skills, but also strengthen their teams in a multicultural environment. Communication and empathy are indispensable success factors that should be specifically promoted in order to meet the challenges of leadership in an international context. These aspects are part of Dr. Maike Albers-Malkus, who teaches stakeholder management and relation management and gives participants practical tips.
Awards and insights
A highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the “Best Teacher Award” to the professors Dr. Stefan Spinler, Prof. Garen Markarian and Dr. Martin Fassnacht. These awards recognize the faculty's outstanding teaching achievements and their contribution to training tomorrow's leaders. In addition, David Jaramillo, FTMBA 2024 graduate, received the In Praxi MBA Outstanding Thesis Award for his thesis on the application of artificial intelligence in fraud prevention.
The event concluded with the ceremonial presentation of certificates and a traditional “hat throwing”. The graduates can now officially call themselves WHU Graduates and carry the values and lessons of their time at WHU into their future careers.
Overall, the day provided a platform for the exchange of ideas and experiences that are both academically and practically significant. The topics of leadership, intercultural skills and personal development will continue to be the focus of discussions at WHU.