Transformational Leadership Program

GENERAL INFORMATION

Below you will find important information regarding your preparation for the program. Please be sure to read it carefully and forward it to your assistant or secretary, if necessary.

Access to MyIMD and the learning portal will be sent to participants approximately 30 days before the immersion.

Message from IMD

Overview

The Transformational Leadership Program is a development experience designed for Vale Directors in partnership with IMD, one of the world's most recognized business schools.

Through a program comprising a four-day in-person immersion at the IMD campus in Lausanne and virtual sessions, participants will have the opportunity to broaden perspectives, strengthen leadership capabilities and deepen discussions on the strategic, organizational and human challenges that influence business transformation.

Beyond learning from IMD faculty, the program is designed to encourage the exchange of experiences among Vale leaders, fostering reflection, connection and alignment around the organization's challenges and opportunities.

The program includes an Onboarding Session, the in-person experience at IMD and three sustaining sessions after the immersion, contributing to the practical application of insights and tools discussed throughout the program.

Themes developed throughout the program

Strategy and systemic business view

Reading the value chain end to end and connecting strategy, execution and sustainable value creation for stakeholders.

Leadership and people management

IMD's three-stage methodology: Mindful, Resilient and Adaptive Leadership.

Executive positioning and communication

Presence, listening and narrative building to engage people and critical stakeholders.

Reputation as a strategic asset

Managing image and executive narrative with stakeholders.

Artificial intelligence

AI as a competitive advantage and leading digital transformations that deliver real business value.

Psychological safety

Environments of trust and high performance, grounded in the work of Timothy R. Clark.

The program

From October 2026 to March 2027

The program begins on 23 October 2026 with an Onboarding Session. The four-day immersion in Lausanne, from 10 to 13 November, will be the high point. After the trip, three sustaining sessions support the application of learning between January and March 2027. The IMD certificate will be awarded in a ceremony in Switzerland.

Onboarding Session

23 Oct · 9am BRT

Onboarding Session

Live online session · alignment and preparation

Immersion

10-13 Nov

IMD immersion

32h on campus in Lausanne

Sustaining

Jan 2027 · 2h

Sustaining I

Applying learning in practice

Sustaining

Feb 2027 · 2h

Sustaining II

Follow-up and experience exchange

Sustaining

Mar 2027 · 2h

Sustaining III

Formal closing of the program

Onboarding SessionImmersionSustaining

Immersion Schedule

The immersion runs from Tuesday 10 to Friday 13 November. Program days start at 8:30 am and end at 5:30 pm on the IMD campus — including the final day.

On the first day, please meet at 8:15 am at the hotel door; the group will walk together to the IMD campus for registration.

On the final day, part of the program takes place off campus. The specific logistics will be shared during the immersion.

Dinners are planned on the first and last evenings. The welcome dinner takes place at the IMD campus, and the closing dinner on Thursday will feature a special dynamic. The second evening is kept free, so participants can enjoy dinner on their own.

Block your calendar

We recommend avoiding meetings on all program days — not only during program hours, but also outside them.

About IMD

A school dedicated to executives

IMD (International Institute for Management Development) is a Swiss executive education school with a campus in Lausanne, recognized among the world's leading institutions for developing senior executives. Learn more at imd.org.

100% dedicated to executives

A methodology built for senior executives in active roles, not adapted from traditional academic programs.

A benchmark in custom programs

The program starts from Vale's strategic priorities, not from an off-the-shelf curriculum. Every day of the immersion was designed with the company.

Faculty at the frontier and in practice

Professors who combine leading-edge research with hands-on work alongside boards and global companies, on themes central to Vale: international competitiveness, geopolitics, digital transformation and leadership in capital-intensive industries.

Who leads the program

Salvatore Cantale

Professor of Finance · Director of the IMD Global Board Center

Salvatore Cantale combines deep expertise in corporate finance and governance with a senior-leadership perspective on how boards and top teams create sustainable value. His work helps directors connect capital allocation, strategic control and performance across business cycles.

Program Director · Leading from the top

Jennifer Jordan

Professor of Leadership and Organizational Behavior

A social psychologist by training, Jennifer Jordan studies how leaders build trust, influence and resilience in demanding environments. She brings practical frameworks for leading people with clarity, empathy and impact at the highest levels.

Professor · Leading people

Arnaud Chevallier

Professor of Strategy

Arnaud Chevallier draws on an engineering and management-science background to help executives make better decisions under complexity. He supports leaders in translating broad strategic intent into concrete, executable choices.

Program Co-Director · Turning strategy into execution

Michael Yaziji

Professor of Strategy and Leadership

Michael Yaziji's research and teaching focus on geopolitics, stakeholder dynamics and institutional change. He equips directors with practical tools to navigate external pressure, manage reputation and lead in volatile global markets.

Stakeholders, power & geopolitics

Niccolò Pisani

Professor of Strategy and International Business

Niccolò Pisani specializes in global competition, internationalization and sustainable business models. His sessions provide frameworks for competing and creating value across diverse, multi-market environments.

Winning in global markets

Amit Joshi

Professor of AI and Strategy

Amit Joshi works at the intersection of artificial intelligence, digital transformation and business strategy. He guides leaders in identifying where AI generates real competitive advantage and how to steer technology-driven change with discipline.

AI as a competitive advantage

Passports and Visa

Please check whether you need an entry visa for Switzerland. Participants holding a Brazilian passport do not require a visa for short stays in Switzerland for business, training or tourism purposes.

Passports must be valid for more than six months beyond the date of arrival in Switzerland. If the validity is shorter, travelers may be denied entry by the immigration authorities.

Flights

Each participant will be responsible for flight reservations and all related expenses in accordance with Vale's International Trip Instruction.

Regarding travel logistics, we recommend confirming your area's budget availability before purchasing air tickets. The choice of travel class should follow your area available budget, as should any other travel-related expenses.

Suggested arrival: Monday 9 November (hotel check-in day; the program starts Tuesday 10 November at 8:30 am on the IMD campus, meeting at 8:15 am at the hotel door). Suggested departure: Friday 13 November after 7:00 pm or on the weekend if you extend your hotel stay. Geneva Airport (GVA) is about 45 minutes from Lausanne by train.

Transportation from Geneva Airport (GVA) to Lausanne

The train is the most convenient and efficient way to travel from Geneva Airport to Lausanne. Genève-Aéroport railway station is located inside the airport and is clearly signposted from the arrivals area, making it easy to find after collecting your luggage.

Direct trains to Lausanne operate frequently throughout the day, typically every 10 to 15 minutes, with a travel time of approximately 40 to 45 minutes. Tickets can be purchased through the SBB Mobile app, from ticket machines or at the airport station ticket office.

Do I need to buy the train ticket in advance?

No. Standard tickets can be purchased when you arrive, and reservations are not required on this route. Buying at the airport is the most flexible option if your flight is delayed. If you prefer to buy in advance, use the official SBB website or app; please note that discounted Supersaver tickets are tied to a specific train and may offer less flexibility.

The train arrives at Lausanne Railway Station (Lausanne Gare), in the city center. From there, take the M2 metro towards Ouchy-Olympique and get off at the final stop; the Mövenpick Hotel Lausanne is next to the station and a short walk away.

Taxis are also readily available outside Lausanne Railway Station. The ride to the Mövenpick Hotel Lausanne usually takes around 10 minutes, depending on traffic, and may be more convenient if you are carrying several pieces of luggage.

Check schedules and tickets on the official SBB website

Hotel

Accommodation has been arranged at the Mövenpick Hotel Lausanne, the closest hotel to the IMD campus (about a 5-minute walk) and the one that best supports the program's logistics. IMD has secured a special rate for the cohort, and a room has already been pre-reserved in your name. You do not need to book anything yourself.

Directors and assistants or secretaries can confirm the reservation, accept the no-show policy, and provide stay dates and dietary requirements.

Please submit your confirmation by Thursday, 1 October 2026.

Hotel Confirmation

HotelMövenpick Hotel Lausanne — Avenue de Rhodanie 4, 1007 Lausanne

Reserved nights4 nights — check-in Monday 9 November, check-out Friday 13 November

Check-in / Check-outCheck-in from 3:00 pm, check-out by 12:00 noon. If you arrive before your room is ready, the hotel will store your luggage at reception.

RateCHF 235 per room per night (special IMD rate), breakfast included

City taxCHF 6.50 per person per night, charged by the hotel

Estimated totalApproximately CHF 966 for the four nights (single occupancy), before extras

PaymentSettled by you at check-out, directly at the hotel, with your corporate credit card

Date changesAccepted until 10 October, through the IMD contact you will receive in the week of 21 September

From the hotel to IMD

Hotel: Avenue de Rhodanie 4, 1007 Lausanne · IMD: Chemin de Bellerive 23, 1003 Lausanne

Open walking directions in Google Maps

How it works

1
Pre-reservation
IMD books the rooms directly from the participant list. A room is pre-reserved in your name at the special rate. By being on the list, you commit to using it.
Complete the Hotel Confirmation
2
Your stay
Check in on Monday 9 November (check-in at the hotel opens at 3:00 pm; if you arrive in the morning, the hotel will store your luggage until your room is ready). On Tuesday 10 November, meet at 8:15 am at the hotel door to walk together to the IMD campus, where the program starts at 8:30 am. Breakfast is included every morning.
3
Payment
At check-out (Friday 13 November, or later if you extended your stay), pay directly at the hotel reception with your corporate credit card.

Arriving earlier or leaving later?

The reserved period is Monday 9 to Friday 13 November. The program ends on Friday at 5:30 pm, so you can fly out on Friday evening or extend your stay to Saturday 14 November. To arrive earlier or leave later, request the change through the IMD contact you will receive in the week of 21 September. Requests are accepted until 10 October. Extra nights are charged at the same special rate (CHF 235 per night, breakfast included, plus city tax), subject to availability, and are paid with your stay.

No-show and late cancellation

Your pre-reservation is a firm commitment. Cancellations after 10 October, no-shows and early departures not communicated in advance are charged in full — the four reserved nights — to the participant. Participants who do not attend receive a payment link afterwards.

Date-change requests: through the IMD contact sent in the week of 21 September. Any other questions: contact Vera at vera.rodrigues.ferreira@vale.com.

Meals

Lunch, coffee breaks and some dinners will be provided during the week of the program. Participants will be responsible for any additional meals (please use your corporate credit card).

If you have any special dietary requirements (vegetarian, no red meat, etc.), please .

Dress Code

Dress for the week is business casual (including jeans), as well as for dinners and evening events. There is no need for formal business attire.

Mid-November in Lausanne is late autumn. Daytime temperatures typically range from 7 to 10°C, dropping to 2 to 5°C in the early morning and evening, and the proximity of Lake Geneva adds humidity and wind that can make it feel colder than the thermometer suggests. Overcast skies and occasional rain are common at this time of year, and daylight hours are short, with sunset around 5 pm.

We therefore recommend a warm jacket or coat, layers that work both indoors and outdoors, waterproof footwear, and an umbrella for commuting between locations and any outdoor activities.

Frequently asked questions

Find your answers

From “Why IMD?” to the full dynamics of the program — use the search to find your question.

41 questions in 7 sections

The program

What is the Transformational Leadership Program?

It is Vale's flagship development initiative for Directors in 2026, delivered in partnership with IMD. The program runs from October 2026 to March 2027 and combines live online sessions with IMD faculty and a four-day immersion on the school's campus in Lausanne, Switzerland, in a cohort made up exclusively of Vale Directors.

Why has Vale created this program now?

The program inaugurates the Senior Leadership Development Ecosystem, launched on 21 August 2026, and responds to the company's dual challenge: performing in the organization we have today while transforming it into the company we want for the future. After a long period without structured initiatives dedicated to this leadership level, Vale is now investing consistently in developing the executives who drive strategy execution.

What is the objective of the program?

By the end of the program you will have experienced a four-day immersion at a world-class institution, IMD, building a new leadership architecture to run the business in highly complex contexts. The program strengthens your ability to think strategically with a systemic view of the business, build psychological safety in high-performing teams, protect reputation as a strategic asset, elevate executive positioning and communication with critical stakeholders, and reinvent the way you lead and manage people — consolidating a transformational leader prepared to impact the business, its people and society.

How does it connect to the Senior Leadership Development Ecosystem?

The Transformational Leadership Program is part of the Vale Directors' development portfolio and was designed in alignment with the four leadership drivers: Value People, Act with Innovation, Lead by Example and Execute with Excellence.

The program also reflects Vale's development approach, based on the 70/20/10 model, where learning happens through experience, peer exchange and formal development actions.

By addressing strategic, organizational and human leadership challenges, the program connects with the other initiatives planned for the coming years, contributing to a continuous development path.

Who can participate?

Those who hold a Director position. The cohort is exclusive and made up only of company employees.

Will there be new cohorts?

The program is part of the multi-year vision of the Senior Leadership Development Ecosystem, with a portfolio mapped out over the coming years. New cycles and cohorts will be announced through official channels in upcoming registration periods.

Beyond the content, what does the experience offer?

Three assets that last beyond the program: a peer network across different areas of the company, built through an intense shared experience; exposure to the IMD campus and the Swiss ecosystem, including a company visit; and IMD certification, awarded in a ceremony at the close of the immersion.

How is the program organized?

In three moments. Onboarding Session: the program begins on 23 October 2026 with a live online alignment and preparation session for the immersion. Immersion: four days on the IMD campus in Lausanne, the high point of the program, with 32 hours of in-person programming. Sustaining: three virtual sessions after the trip, between January and March 2027, to support the application of learning and formally close the program.

What are the immersion dates?

10, 11, 12 and 13 November 2026, Tuesday to Friday, on the IMD campus in Lausanne, Switzerland.

What happens during the four days in Lausanne?

An intensive 32-hour agenda with international faculty, combining classes, simulations and case discussions applied to Vale's context. The week includes a company visit and the certification ceremony at the close. A detailed agenda will be shared with confirmed participants in the coming weeks.

What are the virtual sessions?

They are live online sessions led by the program team and IMD faculty. The first is the Onboarding Session on 23 October, dedicated to aligning expectations, presenting the program and preparing the cohort for the immersion. After the trip, three sustaining sessions, held between January and March 2027, support the application of learning through to the closing of the program.

When does the program end?

The third sustaining session, in March 2027, marks the formal conclusion of the program, with participants presenting their results and key learnings. The certificate, however, is awarded earlier during the ceremony in Lausanne.

How much time do I need to dedicate?

The program includes 32 in-person hours concentrated in the four immersion days, plus the Onboarding Session and three online sustaining sessions after the immersion (around two hours each). Add international travel and a lean amount of prior preparation, designed for a Director's agenda. The full program runs from October 2026 to March 2027.

Do I need to attend the whole agenda?

The program was designed as a single, continuous experience, from the Onboarding Session in October to the closing in March, and full participation is expected, including the Onboarding Session, the sustaining sessions and the four immersion days. Exceptional situations should be discussed directly with the program team.

Why IMD

What is IMD?

Why was IMD the school of choice?

Full dedication to executive education. A school devoted entirely to senior executives in active roles, with a methodology built for that audience.
Global benchmark in custom programs. Ranked #1 in the Financial Times Executive Education Custom 2025 ranking, which made it possible to design the program around Vale's strategic priorities, fully aligned with the company's strategy and culture.
Excellence in this year's core themes. International competitiveness, geopolitics, digital transformation and leadership in capital-intensive industries, under the academic direction of Salvatore Cantale and Arnaud Chevallier.
Proximity to and deep knowledge of Vale's strategic axes worldwide. Based in Europe and connected to the company's main hubs in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
A constructivist view of leadership and management. A more integrative, connective approach than the tradition of American schools, with participants as protagonists of their own learning.
Inclusive culture. An environment marked by diversity, inclusion and respect for others, in tune with the company's leadership drivers.
A partnership built to last. Highly successful programs delivered in the past, with a focus on a long-term relationship and the ability to run the program again in the coming years.

Is this an off-the-shelf IMD course?

No. The program was designed jointly by Vale and IMD specifically for this cohort. The modules, cases and discussions start from Vale's business context, and every day of the immersion was built with the company. The academic rigor and the certification are IMD's; the content agenda is driven by Vale's challenges.

Who leads the program?

Academic direction is led by professors Salvatore Cantale, Director of the IMD Global Board Center (Program Director), and Arnaud Chevallier, Professor of Strategy (Program Co-Director), who accompany the cohort from the opening of the program to its close. The confirmed faculty also includes Jennifer Jordan (Leadership and Organizational Behavior), Michael Yaziji (Stakeholder Management), Niccolò Pisani (Strategy and International Business) and Amit Joshi (AI and Strategy).

Will I receive a certificate?

Yes. Participants who complete the program receive the IMD certificate, awarded in a ceremony at the close of the immersion in Lausanne.

Content and methodology

Which capabilities will I develop?

The program works on six fronts:

Strategy and systemic business view. Reading the value chain end to end and connecting strategy, execution and sustainable value creation for stakeholders.
Leadership and people management. IMD's three-stage methodology: Mindful, Resilient and Adaptive Leadership.
Executive positioning and communication. Presence, listening and narrative building to engage people and critical stakeholders.
Reputation as a strategic asset. Managing image and executive narrative with stakeholders.
Artificial intelligence. AI as a competitive advantage and leading digital transformations that deliver real business value.
Psychological safety. Environments of trust and high performance, grounded in the work of Timothy R. Clark.

Is the content tailored to Vale's reality?

Yes, that is one of the pillars of the design. The cases, examples and simulations start from Vale's context: mining, global presence, the transformation agenda and relationships with critical stakeholders. The detailed design of each day was built jointly by Vale and IMD.

Will there be preparation before the immersion?

Yes. The Onboarding Session on 23 October is the alignment, program presentation and logistics preparation moment for the immersion. There will be no content sessions before the trip; the sustaining sessions will take place after November.

How does the learning connect to my day-to-day work?

The program was designed for application. The individual commitments made in Lausanne are followed up in the three sustaining sessions, with short application pulses between meetings, and the March closing is dedicated to the business results generated by the participants themselves.

Language

Is the program delivered in English?

Yes. All content is in English, both in the virtual sessions and during the immersion.

What level of English is required?

You need to be able to hold a clear conversation in English. The environment involves intense discussion among peers and with faculty, so that level of comprehension is essential to get the full value of the program.

Investment and logistics

What is the investment and who covers it?

The investment ranges from BRL 125,000.00 to BRL 140,000.00 per participant, depending on cohort occupancy, allocated to the participant's cost center. The amount does not cover travel, airfare, accommodation and meals, which should also be budgeted in the participant's area cost center.

What is included in the program fee?

The fee covers the full academic program: the virtual sessions, the four immersion days on campus, the materials and the IMD certification.

Regarding meals during the immersion, all lunches and coffee breaks on program days are included, as well as the welcome dinner and the closing dinner. Not included are the open dinner on the second program day and lunch on the last immersion day, which will be a visit and benchmarking day off campus. Travel, airfare and accommodation are not included and should be budgeted in the participant's area cost center. The hotel has been pre-booked by IMD at a special rate (CHF 235 per night, breakfast included, plus 6,50 city tax) and is paid by each participant directly at the hotel — see the Hotel section.

Who organizes the travel?

As a confirmed participant, you receive from the program team the complete guidance on agenda, travel and preparation. Accommodation is handled for all participants: IMD books your room at the Mövenpick Hotel Lausanne. Access to MyIMD and the learning portal is sent to participants approximately 30 days before the immersion. Flights remain your responsibility, in accordance with Vale's International Trip Instruction. During the week in Switzerland, the cohort has dedicated logistics support and a single point of contact.

Do I need to buy the train ticket from Geneva Airport in advance?

No. Standard train tickets can be purchased when you arrive at Genève-Aéroport station, and reservations are not required on this route. Buying at the airport gives you more flexibility if your flight is delayed. Tickets are available through the SBB Mobile app, ticket machines and the station ticket office. If you buy online in advance, note that discounted Supersaver tickets are tied to a specific train and may be less flexible.

Where will I stay?

At the Mövenpick Hotel Lausanne (Avenue de Rhodanie 4), the closest hotel to the IMD campus, about a 5-minute walk away. Rooms have been pre-reserved for the whole cohort from 9 to 13 November at IMD's special rate.

Do I need to book the hotel myself?

No. IMD books the rooms directly from the participant list, and a room is already pre-reserved in your name. Please do not make a separate booking. To confirm your reservation, accept the no-show policy and inform your stay dates and dietary requirements, use the Hotel Confirmation page linked in the Hotel section.

What are the hotel check-in and check-out times?

Standard times at the Mövenpick Hotel Lausanne: check-in from 3:00 pm and check-out by 12:00 noon. If you arrive in the morning of Monday 9 November, before your room is ready, the hotel will store your luggage at reception — a short walk along the lakefront to the IMD campus takes about 5 minutes.

How much does the hotel cost and how do I pay?

CHF 235 per room per night, breakfast included, plus a city tax of CHF 6.50 per person per night — approximately CHF 966 for the four nights. You pay directly at the hotel at check-out, with your corporate credit card, and the amount goes to your area's cost center.

Can I arrive earlier or leave later?

Yes. The reserved period is 9 to 13 November. The program ends at 5:30 pm on Friday 13 November: you can fly out that evening or extend your stay to Saturday 14 November. Request any change through the IMD contact you will receive in the week of 21 September, by 10 October. Extra nights have the same special rate, subject to availability, and are paid with your stay.

What happens if I don't show up or leave early?

The pre-reservation is a firm commitment. Cancellations after 10 October, no-shows and early departures not communicated in advance are charged in full (four nights) to the participant. Those who do not attend receive a payment link afterwards.

How do I get from the hotel to IMD?

On foot: about 5 minutes along the lakefront in Ouchy — see the map in the Hotel section. The M2 metro station Ouchy-Olympique is next to the hotel if you arrive by train from Geneva Airport.

Do I need a visa or any special documents?

For short stays in Switzerland, Brazilian citizens do not need a visa. Passports must be valid for more than six months beyond the date of arrival in Switzerland; with shorter validity, entry may be denied by the immigration authorities. The program team monitors Schengen entry rules and will advise confirmed participants of any additional requirements.

Does participation count as working time?

Yes. The program is a corporate development initiative and is part of your working agenda. We recommend arranging coverage of your responsibilities well in advance of the immersion period.

After the program

What happens after Lausanne?

The program continues with three sustaining sessions between January and March 2027, which support the application of learning and close the program with a focus on results.

How will the program's impact be tracked?

Impact will be tracked by monitoring the commitments made by Directors throughout the three sustaining sessions and at the closing in March 2027. These commitments are revisited in the sessions, connecting the learning to concrete results for the business and for the company.

Support

Who do I talk to if I have other questions?

Contact Vera directly at vera.rodrigues.ferreira@vale.com. Questions, suggestions and improvement opportunities are welcome.

Still have questions?

Questions, suggestions or improvement opportunities: contact Vera directly at vera.rodrigues.ferreira@vale.com.