Developing leadership skills is possible for anyone open to feedback, growth, and self-reflection. Professor Julia Milner of EDHEC Business School shares how her Global Leadership track empowers future leaders to learn by doing through focusing on self-awareness, and embracing mistakes as part of the journey.
Are leaders born or made? It’s a long-standing debate, but for Professor Julia Milner, the answer is clear: leaders are made. The leadership expert and professor at EDHEC Business School believes developing leadership skills is possible for anyone willing to grow. “[Leaders] are absolutely created,” she states. “For some people, it might be a bit easier than for others to learn certain skill sets such as empathy, but leaders can absolutely learn it”. (00:33)
It’s empowering to think of leadership development as something you can cultivate, rather than something innate or personality-dependent. However, that doesn’t mean it’s easy to obtain. As Professor Milner explains, “The great news is most people can learn it. The bad news is most people have to learn it”. (00:50)
Learning leadership takes time, consistent feedback, self-reflection, and above all, an open mindset. Julia’s leadership coaching experience across different industries backs up the conviction that leadership takes hard work.
Professor Milner highlights the key role of self-awareness in becoming a leader. She starts her courses with a simple question, “How do you want to lead others if you don’t do self-leadership?” (14:01)
This question addresses one of the biggest challenges aspiring leaders face: blind spots. When you’re unaware of your behavior, resistant to new trends, or oblivious to your mistakes, growth becomes almost impossible. That’s why Julia places such a strong emphasis on reflection.
It’s not about dwelling on mistakes, but reframing them as opportunities for learning. Instead of fearing failure, students are encouraged to see trial and error as part of the leadership journey.
Julia’s philosophy is on using errors to develop. “It’s very important that we turn around this whole notion of mistakes…and turn it into trial, learning, [and adaptation]”. She brings this mindset into an academic context in the EDHEC Global MBA Leadership Track. (02:21)
The MBA Global Leadership Track is one of four specialization options that EDHEC Global MBA students can choose from. The other specializations include Digital Innovation & AI, Intra & Entrepreneurship, and International Finance.
The track takes place in month eight of ten and allows participants to personalize their Global MBA journey. Rather than sitting in lectures and working on theories, Professor Milner’s Global Leadership track is all about learning through real-world experience.
Julia claims, “Leadership does not happen in a bubble. You actually have to apply it”. (03:06) Participants in the EDHEC Global MBA experience this philosophy firsthand. They travel to a strategically selected city for a one-week learning expedition where they meet with company executives, explore global business environments up close, and witness successful leadership practices in action.
Students learn about modern leadership through the lenses of innovation, digital transformation, the positive psychology of leadership, managing global projects, and design thinking. The goal isn’t to create perfect leaders. It’s to create self-aware professionals through action learning.
There is a fine line between hands-on leadership and counterproductive micromanagement. Julia’s philosophy is that “Leadership is not about giving advice or micromanaging other people. Leadership is about empowering others to come up with their own best solution.” (04:58)
Managers frequently fall into the trap of micromanagement, believing they’re helping when they’re actually stifling creativity, autonomy, and motivation. Julia explains that these interventions, while well-intentioned, often signal a lack of trust. “Micromanaging is also like giving advice and telling people how to do things, and it’s not very motivating for the leader nor for the person executing the job.” (05:47)
Instead, her teaching focuses on helping leaders shift their mindset. She helps students shift their thinking from problem-solver to facilitator. Professor Milner encourages leaders to guide others in finding their own solutions, drawing on their unique insights, context, and capabilities.
As remote and hybrid work models become the norm, leaders face new challenges in maintaining connection and clarity. For Julia Milner, leading effectively in these virtual spaces requires one crucial skill: empathy.
Understanding how your tone of voice, facial expressions, emotions, and timing affect others is critical, even through a screen. As she explains, “Leaders have to be very aware of their voice… and being very mindful that its not only what you say, but how you say it.” (10:26)
Beyond technology, cultural awareness also plays a critical role. Julia emphasizes that while leadership concepts like coaching and empowerment are universal, their application often needs adjustment.
While she accepts that national and organizational cultures play a role and are important, they shouldn’t become an excuse for poor leadership. She notes, “You have to take responsibility for your own area that they are operating in, and start making a difference within your own team.” (08:26)
In short, great leaders adapt. They tune into emotional dynamics, embrace cultural nuances, and lead with empathy.
We’ve all had experience of good leadership throughout our lives. Whether it’s an inspiring teacher, a motivational parent, or a great facilitator in a professional environment. These types of leaders help others thrive. On the other hand, having a manager with poor leadership can quickly demotivate you. As Julia puts it, “If you have a bad manager, [the] whole thing is derailed.” (07:02)
That’s why Julia teaches her students that leadership carries emotional responsibility. “Their emotions influence. They’re contagious. Their emotions and their mindset.” It’s not about faking toxic positivity but acknowledging the weight that leaders carry. (07:23) Leading with care, empathy, and responsibility can make people better managers and leaders.
Ultimately, Professor Milner believes great leadership is about impact. “How wonderful is that as a leader you can make a positive difference and impact so many people’s lives.” (07:46)
The Global Leadership Track in the EDHEC Global MBA is designed precisely for those students who want to make an impact. Learn leadership through service, mindset, and a continuous learning journey.
Do you want to specialize in something specific? Find out more about the Specializations in various MBA programs across the globe.
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