IIM Raipur, XLRI unveil Nature-Inspired Executive Leadership Programme

The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur and XLRI – Xavier School of Management, Jamshedpur, have introduced a distinctive executive education program titled "Strategy and Leadership Insights from Nature." The residential course lasting three days is scheduled for November 7 to 10, 2025, at the Tadoba Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra. Nominations for admission are available until June 10, 2025.

Created for C-suite executives and high-level leaders, the program aims to motivate enduring business strategies through insights gained from nature's ecosystems. The curriculum is structured to include classroom instruction, guided wildlife excursions, reflective exercises, and comprehensive leadership discussions led by esteemed scholars, strategy advisors, and wildlife specialists.

During the launch, Prof Ram Kumar Kakani, Director of IIM Raipur, remarked, "Nature remains the ultimate strategist, innovator, and caretaker." This program encourages business leaders to step outside their traditional workplaces and reflect on adaptive, sustainable leadership. It's an opportunity to draw lessons from nature's strategies and embed ecological consciousness into planning.

The program offers a practical leadership framework rooted in the ideas of biomimicry, adaptability, circular economy principles, and innovation driven by ethics. Participants will observe how these traits appear in nature and how they can be aligned with effective leadership through the 'FINER' framework—Flexible, Intuitive, Non-linear, Excitable, and Responsible.

Additionally, the course explores the Wilderness Leadership Framework, encompassing ten vital leadership traits: Wisdom, Innovation, Leadership, Diversity, Endurance, Resourcefulness, Nurturing, Equilibrium, Stealth, and Synergy. Leaders will additionally examine the 'LEG' model (Laziness, Ego, Greed), reflecting on how these traits—whether in balance or imbalance—can impact natural ecosystems and business settings.