Upcoming Sessions
Making the first transition to leadership
The move from being a successful individual contributor to becoming a first-time leader is one of the most pivotal early career milestones — and one of the easiest to get wrong. Research shows that more than half of new managers struggle with this transition, often receiving lower performance ratings than in their previous roles.
While many assume leadership is about control and direction, those stepping up quickly realise the reality is far more complex. Today’s emerging leaders are expected to enable others, set a clear vision, and inspire performance in fast-changing environments. The good news? When managed well, this first leadership transition can unlock positive career outcomes that extend far into the future and strengthen organisational impact across teams and broader business contexts.
Learning to Lead equips new and emerging managers with the mindset, practical tools, and confidence to make this transition successfully. Participants develop a strong foundation for long-term career growth while building skills that benefit their teams and organisations immediately. Through hands-on exercises, peer discussions, and reflective practice, they learn to apply leadership concepts in real-world scenarios.
Our Participant Profile
Learning to Lead is designed for professionals transitioning into their first management role or in the early years of leading a team. Participants come from varied backgrounds, industries, and regions, but share a common need: to strengthen their people-management skills as they take on responsibility for direct reports for the first time.
The programme also provides HR and talent leaders with a trusted pathway to support high-potential employees through this critical transition.
Skills you will develop
- Self-awareness
- Executive Presence
- Leading Teams
- Developing People
- Communication
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How You Benefit
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Assess your leadership strengths
Gain insight into your unique capabilities and areas for development to lead your team more effectively.
Build confidence as a team leader
Shift from an individual contributor mindset to that of a capable leader who inspires and enables others.
Align team goals with organisational strategy
Learn to connect your team’s objectives with broader organisational priorities to achieve meaningful results.
Coach and motivate high-performing teams
Develop skills to provide constructive feedback, support growth, and unlock your team’s potential.
Develop qualities organisations value in leaders
Master leadership skills valued across organisations and cultures, positioning yourself for longer-term career growth.
This programme qualifies for the INSEAD Certificate in Global Management.
The certificate is a formal recognition in areas of global management and leadership. Please refer to the certification requirements here.
Programme Directors
Professor of Entrepreneurship
IN Focus
Adetutu Laditan
Senior Product Marketing Manager, Google
Success in any organisation transcends mere technical prowess; it hinges on how one presents oneself.
Clara Geerts
Industry Manager, Google
Honestly, the programme was one of the best I've taken; it gave me the building blocks in my current role and also a grounding base for future roles.
Amara Barnes
Indigenous Careers Consultant at Westpac Group, Australia
The biggest take home for me was the realisation that a good leader does not have all the answers. A good leader asks the right questions.
We live in a world characterized by uncertainty and rapid change; adaptive leadership is more important than ever. This is especially important when you are making your first transition from a great individual contributor to being a leader of others, where more than 50% of first-time managers get lower performance evaluations as leaders than they did as individual contributors.
Hear from Professor Vibha Gaba as she shares insights on how to thrive in your first leadership role using the four key roles of being a manager, as well as answer questions about her specially designed programme, INSEAD's Learning to Lead.
Dates and Fees
Investing in a Lifelong Learning Journey at INSEAD
Preferential Rates and Financing
Up to 30% Off
For the INSEAD alumni communityFinancial Aid
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