Driving High Performance in the Banking Sector: MSM’s Customised Leadership Programme
From 12 to 16 May 2025, Maastricht School of Management (MSM) was pleased to welcome a distinguished delegation of senior banking professionals from Sri Lanka for a customised training programme titled Driving High Performance: Strategic Leadership for Banking Executives. Delivered in collaboration with the Postgraduate Institute of Management (PIM), this programme was designed to equip leaders in the financial services sector with advanced tools in strategic leadership, performance management, and innovation.
Strategic Leadership in a Rapidly Evolving Sector
The core of the programme focused on strengthening participants’ strategic leadership capabilities through interactive lectures, group assignments, and simulations. Participants gained deeper insight into strategic performance management principles and the evaluation of measurement tools. They also reflected on the role of leadership and organisational culture using various proven models. These frameworks provided practical guidance on aligning team dynamics and leadership approaches with strategic business goals.
In addition, the programme encouraged participants to work in diverse teams, using interactive tools and workshops to apply theoretical models to their own leadership contexts.
According to Mrs. Fernando, the programme was organised in a highly effective manner, maximising exposure for participants: “All the theories have been explained in very descriptive manner together with practical approaches. Even though it was done in a University of a European country they taught us how those theories are applied for our business environment. So that the entire programme is very effective. In house lecturers and all the visiting lectures did a tremendous job to give us a maximum exposure through out the entire programme.”
Mr Indumini Rathnayake fully agrees: “This programme was very well organised. We gained a great deal of knowledge, exposure, and many experiences across different cultures, people, and subject matters. In addition, we learned about the strategies and best management practices of highly developed banks. Thank you very much for this golden opportunity.”
Bridging theory with practice: field visits to leading institutions
A key component of the programme was the series of immersive field visits to leading European financial institutions, including KBC Bank (Belgium), the European Investment Bank (Luxembourg), Rabobank (The Netherlands), and Tech Mahindra (The Hague).
Reflecting on these visits, Mrs. Fernando, commented: “We were able to gather a vast exposure through the field visits to different banks. Their concepts and how they have adopted the latest technology, mainly AI, were impressive. It was insightful to see how strategic management concepts are put into practice in a European context.”
Mr. Lakshitha Ariyaratne was equally enthusiastic: “One of the unique aspects of the programme was the inclusion of field visits. These visits offered practical exposure to real-world scenarios and provided an opportunity to observe and learn from best practices directly. The visits done to KBC Bank in Belgium and to the European Investment Banking Group in Luxembourg were my personal favourites.”
Valuable insights and main takeaways
Participants concluded the programme with fresh perspectives and practical tools to implement change within their organisations. Mr. Ariyaratne noted: “The programme was exceptionally well-structured, combining theoretical sessions with practical insights. The curriculum covered a comprehensive range of topics, ensuring that participants gained valuable knowledge and skills relevant to the field as well as use of new technology trends such as AI. The expertise and engagement of the facilitators were particularly commendable, as they provided clear, insightful, and thought-provoking discussions.”
For Mr. P.M. Withana Arachchi, the international exposure stood out:
“The programme was beyond my expectations and groomed me with the latest knowledge to upgrade my performance. It was a valuable, tailor-made experience for senior banking professionals.”
Mr. Ariyaratne also reflected on the broader impact of the programme: “The exposure to international practices (such as use of AI in day-to-day banking) and approaches has broadened my perspective, and I am confident that the lessons learned will have a lasting impact not only on my professional growth but on personal development as well. Also, being able to interact with fellow bankers from Sri Lanka (from BOC and Peoples Bank) and the networking made was very valuable.”
Mrs. Fernando summarised her main takeaway as follows:
“Among most of the concepts learnt, my main takeaway is the way of building a high performing team. As a service organization we are not in a position to achieve the Corporate goals with out a high performing team. The strategies to identify each and every team player and how to convert them as high performers was very well taken.”
MSM extends its sincere appreciation to PIM Sri Lanka for the fruitful collaboration, and to Dr. Dilhan Goonetilleke for his dedication in supporting participants throughout the programme.
About MSM’s Global Customised Programmes
MSM’s Global Custom Programmes are developed to help shape or transform your organisation and to develop your people. Tailored to the specific training needs and objectives of your organisation, the custom-made programmes are the perfect tool to strengthen the leadership skills and expertise of your professionals. MSM’s Global Custom Programmes are specifically designed to effectively address your organizational challenges in the areas of: Leadership and Management, Partnerships and Value Chains, Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development, Entrepreneurship and Employability , Education and training. Click here for more info
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