INTERVIEW INTERVIEW
bodies instils trust among students and stakeholders, signifying the school’s commitment to excellence.”
opportunities, catering to professionals seeking to update their skills throughout their careers. “In summary, AI developments, adaptability, sustainability, global collaboration, reskilling, entrepreneurship, diversity and lifelong learning all shape the optimistic outlook for management education in the coming years. Business schools have a vital role to play in preparing future leaders to address these global challenges.” During your time at AMBA & BGA, you have been closely involved in the accreditation process. In your experience, what does being awarded accreditation mean to a business school? “Being accredited, particularly by renowned bodies like AMBA & BGA, holds immense significance for a business school. Accreditation validates the institution’s quality and adherence to rigorous standards through a comprehensive external peer-review process, evaluating faculty qualifications, curriculum, student outcomes and resources. “Accreditation serves two key purposes: first, quality assurance, which verifies that the business school meets established standards by evaluating various aspects, such as faculty qualifications, curriculum, student outcomes, support services and resources. Second, quality enhancement, which helps institutions improve beyond their current standing. The peer-review panel, typically composed of deans and directors from other accredited institutions, provides feedback and recommendations for growth and enhancement. “In contrast to rankings, which are primarily quantitative and competitive, accreditations such as that offered by AMBA & BGA focus on comprehensive evaluation, providing a deeper understanding of the institution’s overall quality and educational processes. Recognition by esteemed accreditation
INTERVIEW “Visionary thinking is crucial, enabling leaders to look beyond immediate challenges and envision the long-term direction of their organisations. Emotional intelligence, empathy and strong interpersonal skills will help build cohesive and supportive teams. Turning now to MBA alumni: what characteristics do you believe that the leaders of the future will need to have to succeed in these uncertain times? “Future leaders will need to possess a unique set of characteristics to succeed and navigate the challenges ahead. The dynamic and rapidly changing business landscape demands leaders who can adapt, innovate and lead with resilience. “They should be adaptable, capable of embracing change quickly and of adjusting strategies in response to unforeseen circumstances. They must also demonstrate resilience and composure in the face of adversity, inspiring confidence in their team members. “Innovation will be essential, fostering a culture of creative problem-solving. Leaders should promote collaboration and inclusivity, valuing diverse perspectives and harnessing the collective strengths of their teams. “Ethical leadership becomes even more critical in uncertain times, with leaders making principled decisions while maintaining integrity and transparency. Additionally, digital literacy and a global mindset, plus a commitment to lifelong learning, will be vital for informed decision-making and international success. “Leaders who embody these characteristics can e ectively guide their organisations through uncertain times and seize opportunities for growth and success.” Lastly, on a personal note, what are your plans for the future once you step down from the role as AMBA & BGA chair? “I plan to continue developing research papers and potentially update one of my textbooks on global marketing strategy. For me, research and teaching are more of a hobby than a job – and one does not need to retire from a hobby. “Additionally, I plan to devote time to serving on university and business school advisory boards in di erent parts of the world, utilising my expertise to provide insights and guidance. In line with my dedication to the MBA community, I am currently also developing a book entitled, The MBA Compass ; it will be published by Springer and co-authored by my AMBA & BGA colleague George Iliev. As accreditation director, he is extremely knowledgeable about the MBA market and we hope this book will assist prospective students in optimising their business education experiences. “In my personal life, I love travelling and intend to spend the winters in Asia, particularly in Thailand, and the summers in Europe, particularly Austria. I’m also fairly keen about the idea of enhancing my sailing skills.”
“Business schools have demonstrated adaptability and resilience, embracing digital transformation and technology”
Ambition SEPTEMBER 2023 | 19
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