Led by leadership expert Gunnar Ekman from River Jump, MDA students together with selected ICA store owners explored the nuances of leadership, gaining practical tools to enhance their leadership capabilities. The program emphasizes achieving results through others, a crucial skill both in business and sports. Participants engaged in deep self-reflection through personality tests, aimed at increasing self-awareness of their leadership profiles, including drivers, values, strengths, and development areas. 

The first sessions sparked dynamic discussions on key leadership themes, including: 

• Stepping outside comfort zones for personal and professional growth
• Comparing leadership dynamics in ICA and sports environments
• The leader's role in motivation, expectation-setting, and norm establishment
• Balancing autonomy with accountability in decision-making
• Addressing conflict resolution and understanding different personality types in leadership 

These thought-provoking sessions provided new insights and perspectives, setting the stage for further enriching discussions in the program's next phases. 

The Management Diploma for Athletes at the Center for Sports & Business is an annual program that helps elite athletes transition into new careers. By strengthening core competencies and offering a broad understanding of both Swedish and global business landscapes, the program equips participants with the tools needed for future success.