steelManagement-26: Strategic Leadership in Action

Earlier this month, steeluniversity welcomed a group of rising and established professionals from around the world to Brussels for a new edition of steelManagement, the flagship leadership development programme for the global steel industry.

Held from 4 to 9 May 2025, steelManagement-26 offered an immersive and collaborative environment designed to equip participants with the skills to think strategically, take action, and lead with influence in a transforming industry.

A Real-World Strategic Challenge

At the heart of this year’s edition was a real-world case study provided by Gerdau, one of the world’s leading steel producers. The scenario challenged participants to develop a strategic roadmap for decarbonising operations. Working in teams, they analysed the scenario and presented solutions—supported by expert guidance and mentorship from industry high executives like Rafael Gambôa Lopes, Industrial Director at Gerdau, and renowned professors.

This hands-on format reflects the spirit of the steelManagement programme: bringing real industry challenges into the classroom and preparing participants to lead them in practice.

Prof. Martin Kupp delivering his insights in front of the class

Insight from Industry and Academic Leaders

Throughout the week, participants took part in targeted sessions from respected leaders in both industry and academia. Each session added a critical dimension to their leadership development.

• Edwin Basson (Director General, worldsteel) – Global Industry Context

Dr. Basson provided a strategic overview of the global steel industry and the megatrends shaping its future. Participants explored the impact of energy, policy, technology, and urbanisation on steel demand, and how worldsteel supports industry transformation through sustainability, data transparency, and education.

• Thomas Buergler (CEO, K1-MET / Voestalpine) – Technology as Strategy

Buergler’s session examined the central role of technology in steel’s sustainability journey. Participants explored current and emerging innovations, and how strategic choices around technology affect competitiveness, cost, and regulatory alignment.

• Matthew Mulford (Affiliated Professor, HEC Paris) – Decision-Making Under Pressure

Mulford’s interactive workshop helped participants uncover behavioural biases in decision-making. Through case examples and reflection, they learned how to reduce groupthink, introduce divergent thinking, and design decision-making processes for better outcomes.

• Martin Kupp (Associate Professor, ESCP Europe) – Strategic Tools for Market Analysis

Kupp guided participants through key strategic models including PESTEL, Porter’s Five Forces, and the Congruence Model. The session provided tools to assess market trends, internal alignment, and competitive positioning.

• Andrew Barker & Liz McOmish (steeluniversity Faculty) – Leading Change and Managing Complexity

Participants were introduced to polarity thinking and change leadership tools. Through discussion and exercises, they learned how to balance competing organisational needs—such as stability and innovation—while building lasting transformation strategies.

Prof. Martin Kupp delivering his insights in front of the class

steelBusiness – steeluniversity’s multiplayer business strategy game in action.

Learning by Doing: steelBusiness Simulation

In addition to lectures and case work, participants took part in steelBusiness, steeluniversity’s strategic management simulation. Acting as executive teams, they made investment and operational decisions in a fast-changing market environment. The simulation helped translate strategic theory into action and sparked energetic team-based learning.

A Framework for Leading with Vision

The steelManagement programme is structured around three essential leadership pillars:

Think Strategically: Understand industry dynamics, assess risks, and define long-term vision.
Act Strategically: Implement strategies, manage change, and drive execution.
Influence Strategically: Communicate with impact, lead teams, and align stakeholders.

These pillars are the foundation for leading with vision—steeluniversity’s core mission for the next generation of industry leadership.

“The worldsteel and steeluniversity teams were incredibly helpful. And all the speakers made a real difference. I left with a lot to reflect on.

“The case study tied in perfectly with the content. The venue was excellent, and the energy from presenters kept us all engaged.”

“It was great to have separate spaces for team work, and the networking over dinner made the experience even richer. I really appreciated connecting with peers and picking their brains.