Course Syllabus

 

Course plan

Note that this class meets for more time than a regular 3-credit course. The time spent on the road goes beyond regular course contact hours. Below is an overview of class sessions and bike rides.

To participate in this course, you must be comfortable riding a regular bike and willing to bike in all weather conditions and learn/follow all rules of the road. 

Quotes from previous students (Spring 2025)

"I was scared to join a class about strategy, but I learned that strategy is not just a plan, but rather the art of seeing three moves ahead while adapting to the moment".	"Before this course, I had never ridden a racing bike, and after only 2 rides, I feel that my confidence on the roads has increased immensely. I also appreciate the opportunity to explore new locations around Copenhagen with wonderful views!"	“When I signed up for this course, I expected to learn about cycling, but every ride teaches me something new—not just about biking, but about myself and how I handle both success and challenges.”
"Every ride brings a new lesson - whether it's about endurance, strategy, or just remembering to double-check my gear before heading out."	"This course has been a rewarding way to not only strengthen my biking skills but also to push myself out of my comfort zone and become a better teammate."	“I was a little hesitant to sign up for this course because of its unique nature, but I’m really glad I took a chance because it has been so fun and educational. It’s my favorite class at DIS.”

Shifting Gears Instagram

Each semester, our class runs an Instagram account together as part of the course. It’s a fun and practical way for us to apply what we’re learning ... like planning, strategizing, communicating clearly as a team, and using social media as a professional tool.

View our Shifting Gears profile here

 

Course description

“Life is like riding a bicycle – in order to keep your balance, you need to keep moving.” -Albert Einstein

Cycling is more than physical activity; it’s a powerful way to learn. This course blends practical cycling with academic reflection, balancing on-the-bike teamwork and in-class leadership, strategy, and personal development. You will experience 16 double lectures total, split evenly between 8 on-the-bike sessions and 8 classroom sessions.  

On the bike you will practice cycling tactics, develop team dynamics, and experience the challenges and rewards of executing strategy on the road. You will learn how to plan a ride, communicate on the bike, ride in group formations, bike maintenance, and use click pedals. 

In class you will read and discuss selected articles on strategy, leadership, and organizational behavior, linking theory directly to your team's experience on the bike. You will also learn from former pro cyclists. 

The course is open to anyone who can ride a bike—no advanced skills needed! We encourage students from all majors to enroll, creating a varied learning environment in this business class. 

Cycling as part of a team fosters a sense of camaraderie and belonging, providing an engaging platform for personal growth while cultivating leadership abilities and effective teamwork. 

Topics covered

• Strategy: Developing and executing a strategy
• Team dynamics: Creating a cohesive team based on an understanding of team dynamics and organizational behavior principles
• Leadership: Taking on the role of leadership
• DiSC: Completing and interpreting your personal DiSC profile
• Road cycling: Learning how to ride a racing bike as a cohesive and collaborative team

Learning objectives

• Analyze the theory and methodology of strategy development and execution.
• Differentiate between strategy, tactics, and execution, and apply these concepts to managing a cycling team.
• Use organizational behavior theories to examine the cycling team's dynamics.
• Integrate insights and theories from strategic leaders into the cycling team experience.
• Evaluate DiSC styles and their contributions to team dynamics to enhance the cycling team's cohesion and performance.
• Become confident with riding a racing bike in a group and taking on the role as captain for the team.
• Become confident with how to prepare and maintain a racing bike.

"In this course, students are permitted to use AI tools for their academic tasks. We acknowledge these tools as beneficial resources. Please ensure academic integrity by disclosing all usage of these tools in your work."

Faculty

• Henriette Rald: Dedicated cyclist, strategy/leadership consultant, and author of "Strategy is Tangible – and Something We Do Together." MSc in Political Science, University of Copenhagen 1996. Since 2022, Henriette has worked with DIS facilitating leadership courses and retreats for various leadership groups like the Executive Team, Directors, and Supervisors. 

• Hanne Malmberg: Former pro cyclist (Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, The Olympics), now a social worker. Combines athletic expertise with insights into teamwork and resilience. 

Both Hanne and Henriette are cycling moms. Their sons competed against each other in their teens. In 2018 the two women founded Team Change, a biking club for women, inspiring cyclists of all levels to embrace teamwork, leadership, and the joy of riding. 

Readings

• Richard Rumelt, "Good Strategy/Bad Strategy" (2011)
• Stephen R. Covey, "7 Habits of Highly Effective People" (1989)
• Stephen Bungay, "Strategy as Intent", “The Art of Action” (2010)
• Fred Pelard, "How to be Strategic" (2020)
• Roger L. Martin, “A New Way to Think” (2022)
• Patrick Lencioni, “The Five Dysfunctions of a Team” (2002)
• Henriette Rald & Sanne Markwall, "Strategy is Tangible" (2025)
• Thomas Erikson, "Sourrounded by Idiots" (2022)
• Amy Edmondson, "Building a psychologically safe workplace" (2014)
• Frederic Laloux, "The future of management is TEAL" (2016)

Field studies + additional bike rides

You will participate in two field studies with this course. 

On Sunday, August 23, and Sunday, September 20, you are expected to participate in a half-day and a whole day bike rides with your class. 

Additional seasoned cyclist(s) will participate in all bike rides in order for the group to be able to ride in smaller groups of no more than 10 people. Each bike ride will include a learning and training element. 

Approach to teaching

I like to work with simple models and structure. Strategy has a tendency to become very complicated, and leadership overwhelming, but together, we'll break it down into small steps and simple exercises to ensure steady progress. 

I also believe that teaching is one of the best ways to learn. In this class, students will actively engage by preparing and presenting to one another throughout the semester. Whether it’s recapping readings, sharing insights, or taking turns leading as team captain, every student will have the opportunity to contribute and grow through hands-on experiences.

DIS accommodations statement 

Your learning experience in this class is important to me. If you have approved academic accommodations with DIS, please make sure I receive your DIS accommodations letter within two weeks from the start of class. If you can think of other ways I can support your learning, please don't hesitate to talk to me. If you have any further questions about your academic accommodations, contact Academic Support acadsupp@dis.dk. 

Expectations of the students

It is very important in this class that you are prepared to challenge yourself and jump on the bike in all kinds of weather. Things won’t always go as planned, but that’s part of the journey. You are expected to support one another, work as a team, and most importantly, have fun along the way.

Safety is a top priority and is integrated throughout the course. You are expected to follow all rules of the road, ride predictably and respectfully in traffic, use proper hand/verbal signals, and maintain good group riding etiquette. Notify me promptly of any mechanical issues so they can be fixed before your bike becomes unsafe to ride. Bike leaders will model safe riding practices, guide the group, and respond quickly to any accidents or incidents on the road. 

Strategy and leadership can feel abstract, while cycling is concrete. This course is about bridging that gap. I expect you to dive into difficult conversations, engage fully, and find the connections between the theoretical and the practical. Together, we’ll have a fantastic semester!

Evaluation

This course will include two types of sessions: traditional classroom sessions and outdoor cycling sessions. Active and engaged participation is expected in both formats. Your ideas and feedback will be valuable as we work together to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

Grading

Grading

Assignment	Percent
Participation	20%
Reflections	20%
Midterm reflection (Individual assignment)	30%
Final reflection paper (Group assignment)	30%

Late assignment policy

Late assignments will be accepted, but your grade for the assignment will be reduced.

Laptop and phone policy

Laptops may be used during class when appropriate for activities or note-taking. Phones should remain put away unless specifically needed for a class activity. Stay engaged and focused to make the most of our time together.

It is totally forbidden to use the phone while riding your bike. But you should however always bring your phone for photos and safety.