AMBA & BGA EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS
Esade Business School has taken proactive steps to broach the topic of inclusive leadership by opening up spaces for students to confront their privileges and better understand the lived experience of others. In this interview with Tim Banerjee Dhoul , dean Joan Rodón Mòdol recounts the institution’s journey towards establishing its award-winning MBA elective on race and discrimination
The Elephant Talks run by Esade Careers enabled students to start having these uncomfortable conversations among themselves by addressing the proverbial ‘elephant in the room’. “Besides a safe space for dialogue, our MBA students also indicated a need to interact with corporate leaders from underrepresented groups. The Talent Bites series was designed to instil a sense of purpose and belonging within students. It also boosted the visibility of role models who look like students from underrepresented groups and who are willing to talk openly about their struggles and successes.” Why was the shift made from extra-curricular activities to an elective within the curriculum? “Over time, it became apparent that the Esade Careers Elephant Talks and Talent Bites initiatives fell short in several aspects. They were too sporadic, failed to create synergies and did not reach all students effectively. In particular, some students questioned their significance because they were not integrated into the curriculum, leading to perceptions that they were peripheral to the programme. “The decision was therefore made to take a more impactful approach towards reaching students who had yet to confront their privileges and consequently struggled to empathise with others. This culminated in the transition of these discussions into the classroom environment and the development of an intensive elective entitled Racial (in) justice. ” How long did it take to put the finished elective together and what kind of stakeholder processes were involved? “It took approximately eight months to assemble it. Normally, there would have been a longer process, but we felt that it was important to put the pieces together and get the course ready and offered as soon as possible. Timing was important and we considered the course to be our responsibility as educators in an institution that prioritises certain values. In this regard, engaging with key stakeholders was critical. “Initially, we talked with several student associations within the school, particularly those focused on diversity issues. Notably, we collaborated with the recently formed ‘Black Lives Matter Coalition’ that was established in response to George Floyd’s murder. Furthermore, we joined forces with academics from across Esade and other institutions, as well as experts on racial discrimination and other forms of race-based injustice struggles. “This level of collaboration enabled us to adopt a comprehensive methodology, combining historical
How did it feel to win the Best Culture, Diversity and Inclusion Initiative at this year’s AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards? “Winning this award is an incredible honour and a moment of immense pride for our entire business school community. It’s a validation of our unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued, respected and empowered to thrive. “Personally, as the dean of Esade Business School, winning this award fills me with immense gratitude and satisfaction. It reaffirms our belief in the transformative power of education to drive positive change in society. It inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries, striving for excellence and leading by example in championing diversity and inclusion, not just within our institution but also in the broader business education community.” Esade won the award for its for MBA elective on racial (in)justice. How did the school discover that there was a need within its community to explore, understand and educate one another around this topic and related issues? “Following the tragic murder of George Floyd in the US in May 2020, Esade students from minority backgrounds expressed a need for a dedicated space where they could engage in thoughtful discussions and reflections on the nature of racism and its impact on individuals, communities and societies. Subsequent conversations highlighted that racial issues were not the sole focus; discrimination within the university environment emerged as a broader and pervasive concern, with gender discrimination standing out as particularly significant. “A wide spectrum of perspectives, both on and off campus, underscored the pressing need for mutual exploration, understanding and education. Recognising the discomfort that often accompanies discussions about privilege, particularly in relation to race, gender or socioeconomic status, it became imperative to take action.
Ambition | JUNE 2024 | 31
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