Generali Group has stood the test of time in the always-evolving insurance marketplace since its founding in 1831. Today, as a global leader in the insurance and asset management sector, Generali faces the challenges of navigating major industry disruptions while expanding its footprint into Eastern Europe, Asia, and South America.
The industry is at a pivotal juncture
Fast-paced technological advancements, regulatory shifts, and fluctuating economic conditions demand from companies greater agility, business innovation, and a new, future-oriented mindset. Generali’s response to these challenges is a strategic overhaul aimed at refining core business practices, optimizing asset management, and enhancing governance transparency. Central to realizing Generali's vision is the empowerment of its leadership with the skills and insights necessary to steer the organization forward.
Philippe Donnet, Generali Group CEO, said: “With both our industry and our Group currently going through significant transformations, we felt we needed to define and embrace a new style of leadership to be fully prepared for any challenge awaiting us today and in the future. This is why we decided to leverage the unparalleled knowledge and culture of MIT.”
The leadership of the program charged us with creating a “positive shock,” said Renée Gosline, Senior Lecturer and Research Scientist in the marketing group at MIT Sloan, noting that for our faculty it was exciting because, at MIT, we encourage people to get comfortable with the uncomfortable, to tackle big issues. She described Generali as “courageous,” commending a legacy company for embracing a shifting world.
A strategic education experience
In pursuit of this goal, Generali has partnered with MIT Sloan Executive Education to develop "Inspired Minds, Sustainable Futures," a custom-designed educational program for its top executives. This initiative underscores Generali’s commitment to leadership excellence, equipping its leaders with cutting-edge strategies and perspectives to address the complexities of the modern business landscape.
The program is meticulously tailored to meet the leadership development needs of Generali’s senior executives, fostering an environment of innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration essential for impactful decision-making.
"We have our expertise, we have some of the greatest thinkers in the world in their domains. But MIT's culture is characterizes by tremendous humility. We're always looking to partner and listen and learn, and then bring our expertise to bear. A collaborative spirit characterizes this program."
The program is meticulously tailored to meet the leadership development needs of Generali’s senior executives, fostering an environment of innovation and cross-disciplinary collaboration essential for impactful decision-making.
Delivered in phases to the organization's top leadership, including CEO-level executives and senior vice presidents, the curriculum covers a wide array of contemporary topics such as artificial intelligence, sustainability, and diversity. The program is enriched by direct exposure to MIT’s ecosystem, offering participants a blend of academic and practical insights from innovators like Amazon and Google, MIT IBM Watson AI Lab, the Broad Institute and Akamai–who all have offices within walking distance of MIT Sloan.
"Our design process is critical in achieving the desired outcome for companies."
Lasting impact
The impact of this initiative on Generali's culture has been immediate and tangible. A notable shift towards greater openness and a focus on key strategic themes has emerged, marking the beginnings of a transformative cultural shift within the organization. This is a testament to the program’s effectiveness in fostering a mindset geared towards openness, innovation, and adaptability among Generali’s leadership.
Being a globally dispersed company, Generali executives don’t often have a chance to be in the same room discussing topics and brainstorming ideas. This program provided a rare opportunity for team building and camaraderie among members of the most senior leadership of the organization.
Monica Alessandra Possa, Group Chief HR & Organization Officer, said: “We have ideas and alignment on how to make this inspiration transform into an impact for the success of our organization and its people. The toolkit that we have and the inspiration to make things happen. That makes me happy.”
Designed for two cohorts, the program is on track to be offered to multiple cohorts of high-potential executives at the company who will make today’s long-term vision a future reality.
“The program truly exceeded our expectations,” said Donnet, the Group CEO. “More than a learning experience, it turned out to be an amazing journey both on a personal level and collectively, as it allowed us to broaden our views, challenge our decision-making processes, gain exposure to innovative ideas and ultimately develop key skills and a different mindset that will help us leave an even greater mark as we keep steering Generali forward.”
Learn more about Generali’s learning experience at MIT Sloan Executive Education.
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