VIEW FROM THE TOP
IDEAS WITH IMPACT
AMBA & BGA CEO Andrew Main Wilson explores the thought-provoking talking points covered at this year’s global deans & directors conference, from leadership in complex environments and growing trends in specialised MBA programmes to new ways to evaluate citizen satisfaction
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• Building the future-ready institution – a breakout session with Professor Martin Bean • Specialised MBA programmes – a panel session discussing this growing trend As the challenges of running a business school in an uncertain economic and geopolitical world grow increasingly complicated, it is more valuable than ever to investigate ideas from the world’s most successful multinationals. In that vein, IKEA demonstrated how it leads while facing similar global challenges to an ambitious business school. Dasho Rinzin offered delegates a fascinating insight into Bhutan’s values-led approach to measuring national progress. Appointed by the King of Bhutan two years ago, he described a more inclusive system that places balanced life satisfaction at its centre, rather than focusing too heavily on financial or material measures. Gedu College of Business Studies, which is part of the Royal University of Bhutan, is a member of the Business Graduates Association; its involvement reflects the growing international reach of the BGA and the increasingly diverse perspectives now represented across our network. Such diversity enriches the learning experience for the entire AMBA & BGA community, creating more opportunities
have been reflecting on the key issues discussed at this year’s AMBA & BGA Global Deans & Directors Conference, held in Madrid in May. We attracted a record number of delegates, something
to share ideas, compare approaches and learn from different cultural and institutional contexts. Although AI applications in the business school sector are still, relatively speaking, in their infancy, schools clearly appreciated the AI sessions that presented actual implementation solutions, rather than theoretical discussions. A particular highlight in this regard was Peter Todd’s experiences as dean of Imperial Business School, one of the most forward- thinking implementers of AI. Finally, as we do every year, we invested substantially in two different five-star networking dinner venues: the Presidential Suite at Real Madrid’s iconic Bernabéu football stadium and the stylish Castillo de Viñuelas. The good-natured atmosphere and sense of passion for our industry were much in evidence at both dinners, as delegates built positive relationships and relaxed – a world away from the stresses of global uncertainties. We will build even further on the successes of our conference in Madrid at next year’s Global Deans & Directors Conference, which will be held from Monday 17th-Wednesday 19th May 2027 at the Marriott Rive Gauche in the heart of Paris. For further information, please visit www.amba-bga.com/events/global-conference-2027
that I feel reinforces the importance of face-to-face business school discussions and relationship building. We always ask delegates to complete a questionnaire rating the key elements of the conference and we were delighted that this year they gave an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. There was a carefully curated wide range of topics and several different session formats, including keynote presentations, panel discussions and smaller breakout sessions. The following presentation topics were rated particularly highly: • Leading teams in complex environments – a keynote presentation given by captain of industry Belén Frau, global head of communication at IKEA • Gross national happiness – another keynote, this time highlighting Bhutan’s unique way of measuring its citizens’ life satisfaction, presented by Dasho Chewang Rinzin, vice-chancellor of the Royal University of Bhutan • Artificial intelligence: human-led, AI-enabled – a Q&A session with Imperial Business School dean Peter Todd
38 Ambition • ISSUE 3 • 2026
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