Responsible leadership means recognizing the moral standards, needs, and
expectations of different stakeholders during the decision-making process
and taking them into account appropriately. (Waldmann et.al, 2020).
Geopolitical tensions, technological upheavals, and the so-called “polycrisis” are leading to economic uncertainties that call for a new sovereignty of leadership.
The central question today is: How do you navigate complex challenges and lead your company to sustainable success for all with a clear, value-based compass?
This is what you can expect from the RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP – HSG seminar. We empower top and senior managers to initiate positive change and take responsibility for themselves, their organization, and the role of companies in society.
How you benefit: You gain orientation, confidence, and influence – and actively shape the future.
The core content:
Five reasons why responsible leadership is the key to sustainable business success:
1. Trust and credibility: Responsible leadership strengthens your company’s trust and credibility in a transparent world where ethical conduct is becoming increasingly important.
2. Attractiveness to Talent and Investors: Companies with responsible leadership attract highly qualified professionals and long-term investors seeking sustainable returns.
3. Innovation and Competitiveness: Responsible leadership enables value-based and trusting collaboration within your company, which produces “better,” future-proof solutions.
4. Risk Management and Resilience: Companies with responsible leadership are better able to anticipate technological, environmental, or geopolitical risks and respond to them wisely.
5. Long-Term Value Creation: Responsible leadership aims for long-term value creation by taking into account the needs of current and future generations and building robust, sustainable business operations.
| next session | The intensive seminar consists of two sessions: Session I: January 14–16, 2027, in Zurich; Session II: March 18–20, 2027, in Fischingen |
| Duration | 6 Tage |
Times & Schedule | Day 1 of each seminar block: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Day 2 of each seminar block: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Day 3 of each seminar block: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Please set aside these dates. A block of rooms has been pre-reserved at the seminar locations. Details regarding the seminar schedule will be provided with your registration confirmation. |
| Graduation | FAA-HSG Certificate of Participation, 7 ECTS credits |
| Execution | The course will be conducted in German (knowledge of English is recommended, as some seminar materials are written in English). Photos will be taken during the events and used for publication on LinkedIn, in brochures, and on the organizer’s website. |
| Fees | CHF 7,500, including course materials (subject to change), refreshments during breaks and lunch, and a team networking event; excludes travel, lodging, and meal expenses
Discounts: FAA-HSG alumni receive a 10% discount on the course fee. Employees of organizations belonging to the FAA-HSG Support Association receive a 15% discount on the course fee. These discounts cannot be combined. |
| Registration deadline | up to one week before the seminar begins, as long as space is available |
| Number of participants | A maximum of 24 people |
Target group | This continuing education program is designed for current and future decision-makers in senior and executive management. Their day-to-day work is characterized by particularly high pressure to make decisions, a focus on long-term thinking and action, and, consequently, a high level of responsibility for their employees and the entire company. We aim to attract a diverse group of participants from SMEs and large corporations, as well as from all sectors (for-profit/non-profit; private/public) and areas (e.g., corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and compliance). |
| Application | zur Seminaranmeldung |
Full Professor of Human Resource Management at the University of St. Gallen, Director of FAA-HSG
Innovation and Systemic Organizational Development | Consultant, Entrepreneur, and Lecturer at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (HWZ)
Researcher and Lecturer at the University of St. Gallen and Leibniz University Hannover – Ethics, Philosophy, Ergonomics
Political scientist, trainer, and process facilitator – freelancer
Coach, Organizational and Leadership Development Specialist @covolution | Theologian
Psychologist and systemic coach; lecturer in organizational and management studies at the University of St. Gallen (FAA-HSG; ES-HSG) and ZHAW
Lecturer at the University of St. Gallen, work researcher, consultant, philosopher
Seminar fee: CHF 7,500, including documentation, refreshments/lunch, team networking event, excluding travel, accommodation, and meal costs.
Alumni of the FAA-HSG receive a 10% discount on the course fee. Employees of organizations affiliated with the "Fördergesellschaft" FAA-HSG receive a 15% discount on the course fee. These discounts cannot be combined.
Dates and location: 6 (3+3) days:
2025/26: Block 1 of the seminar (3 days): November 27-29, 2025 in Zurich, Block 2 (3 days): January 15-17, 2026 in Fischingen
2026/27: Block 1 of the seminar (3 days): November 19-21, 2026 in Zurich, Block 2 (3 days): January 14-16, 2027 in Fischingen
Teaching hours:
Day 1 of each seminar block: 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Day 2 of each seminar block: 8:15 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Day 3 of each seminar block: 8:15 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Details of the seminar schedule will be provided with the registration confirmation.
Language: The seminar is conducted in German language.
The preparatory reading and handouts are in German and English, so a good knowledge of English is required.
Recognition: 7 ECTS credits, certificate of attendance FAA-HSG
This executive program is aimed at current and future decision-makers in senior and executive management. Your everyday work is characterized by particularly high pressure to make decisions, long-term thinking and action, and thus a high level of responsibility for your employees and the entire company.
We aim to attract a broad range of participants from SMEs and large companies as well as all sectors (profit/non-profit; private/public) and areas (e.g., corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and compliance).
Would you like to become certified as a responsible manager?
You can book the CAS Responsible Leadership HWZ course, which includes the RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP – HSG seminar, with our partner, the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (HWZ).
Alternatively, you can first complete the RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP – HSG seminar with us at FAA-HSG and then add a module and two final days to the CAS Responsible Leadership at HWZ at a later date.
Further information & registration for the CAS Responsible Leadership HWZ:
CAS Responsible Leadership HWZ (fh-hwz.ch)
– Scientific perspectives from philosophy, business ethics, psychology, and organizational and management research
– Case studies from pioneers and peers
– Coaching and workshop formats as well as creative, unconventional learning methods
– Professional network
Together with our proven experts, you will develop solutions tailored to your company and your leadership challenges. In addition, our evening networking events offer you an exclusive opportunity to exchange ideas and network with experienced decision-makers from other companies outside the course environment.
Five reasons why responsible leadership is the key to sustainable business success:
1. Trust and credibility: Responsible leadership strengthens your company's trust and credibility in a transparent world where ethical behavior is becoming increasingly important.
2. Attractiveness to talent and investors: Companies with responsible leadership attract highly qualified professionals and long-term investors who are looking for sustainable returns.
3. Innovation and competitiveness: Responsible leadership enables value-based and trusting collaboration within your company, which produces “better,” sustainable solutions.
4. Risk management and resilience: Companies with responsible leadership are better able to anticipate technological, environmental, or geopolitical risks and respond to them wisely.
5. Long-term value creation: Responsible leadership aims to create long-term value by taking into account the needs of current and future generations and building robust, sustainable business practices.
Seminar leader:
Prof. Dr. Antoinette Weibel is one of the world's leading trust and organizational researchers. She is a professor of human resources management at the University of St. Gallen, director of the Institute for Work and Employment Research (FAA-HSG), a member of the executive committee of numerous associations, and a speaker, coach, and sparring partner for top management and C-suites.
Dr. Meike Wiemann-Hügler, Program director, researcher, and lecturer in organizational and management studies @University of St. Gallen
Your lecturers and speakers:
Dr. Barbara Bleisch, philosopher
Almut Jehle, Board Member and Head of Business Transformation P&C @AXA
Martin Kägi, Innovation and systemic organizational development | Consultant, entrepreneur, and lecturer @Zurich University of Applied Sciences (HWZ)
Dr. Nadine Meidert, Political scientist, trainer, and process facilitator – freelancer
Michael J. Müller, Theater producer | Organizational developer & coach @covolution
Dr. Bettina Palazzo, Business ethicist @Palazzo Ethics Advisory
Hans Rusinek, PhD Researcher @University of St. Gallen, Work Researcher, Consultant, Philosopher
You can download our course brochure here: Download
General information: The attached terms and conditions apply to FAA-HSG continuing education courses: AGB.
“The HSG RESPONSIBLE LEADERSHIP seminar helped me rethink leadership and develop an inner compass for responsible action. If you view leadership not just as a role but as a mindset, this is the right place for you.”
“The seminar has sharpened my perspective on responsible leadership. I found the practical insights on how to specifically integrate values, sustainability, and stakeholder interests into leadership practices and HR tools to be particularly valuable.”