A special feature of the GSB is its fireside chats. Participants are given the opportunity to meet high-ranking leaders from the business world or public life several times during their program of study. The afternoon of the course is followed by a guest lecture by a representative from business, society or politics. Participants then have the opportunity to talk to the guest speaker and discuss the topic. In some cases, individual cohorts are also invited to the company or public institution represented by the guest speaker.

The cross-year dialog with the fireside chat creates a network of beneficial relationships that works and grows. In addition to the regular networking events for the specialization and maintenance of the bond between participants and alumni and GSB Mainz, further opportunities for exchange are created. For example, all alumni have the opportunity to take part in study visits to the international partner universities, and regular get-togethers are held with alumni, participants from the current academic year and the GSB management.

The fireside chats round off the management training on a very personal level in addition to the professional one, in which the participants of the GSB have the unique opportunity to experience different leadership personalities and individual leadership styles during the fireside chats. This format thus offers an important approach to self-reflection and inspiration. By also inviting the GSB ambassadors to the fireside chats, they are also used specifically for networking.