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This talk explores what it means to lead effectively when the stakes are high, information is incomplete, and decisions must often be made under intense pressure. Drawing on Military Leadership in Extreme Situations: An International Perspective, the talk brings together insights from military leadership across sixteen countries. Through examples from combat operations, peacekeeping, disaster response, and emerging security challenges, the talk examines how different armed forces prepare leaders to navigate uncertainty, maintain cohesion, communicate effectively, and make difficult ethical decisions. Particular attention is given to adaptability, resilience, and the often-overlooked role of followership. By looking across national and military traditions, the talk identifies both important differences and striking commonalities in how leadership is understood and practiced in extreme situations. It concludes by considering what these international perspectives can teach us about leadership more broadly—and how leaders can be better prepared for situations in which there may be little time, limited information, and significant consequences.

*A light lunch will be provided for those attending in person.

Bio:

Sarah von Felten holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in History and English from the University of Basel and is currently pursuing her PhD at the University of Bern. She completed Erasmus+ study periods at Humboldt University of Berlin and Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. At the Military Academy at ETH Zurich (MILAC), she works as a scientific assistant at the Chair of Leadership and Communication, with a research focus on leadership, followership, and communication. She serves as a Board Member of ERGOMAS, is a Stream Lead within the ILA Military and Uniformed Services Leadership Community, and is a member of the Academic Committee of IFPSP.