MBA DIRECTOR INTERVIEWS
“I’m excited about creating a Northern Ireland version where our business community can come together in an inspiring, creative setting.” Where do you see the MBA qualification heading in the next decade in terms of embracing the trends that will fundamentally reshape business education? “Management and leadership skills will always sit at the core of the MBA. Strategic thinking, decision-making, people management and ethical leadership remain timeless capabilities that students need. “At the same time, business is evolving at pace. Digital transformation, AI, data‑driven decision-making and sustainability are reshaping organisations, requiring MBA programmes to respond more quickly. “How we deliver is changing too. With the growth of YouTube, on-demand learning platforms and short courses, learners expect knowledge to be accessible and convenient; the experience of learning often matters as much as the qualification itself.” Beyond managing the programme, what do you believe is the most critical function of an MBA director in moulding the next generation of business leaders? “It’s our role to nurture potential in students, creating a space where they can grow, experiment and find their own voice. For me, it’s about mentoring, inspiring and guiding them. We also need to stretch their thinking, connecting them with ideas, people and experiences that challenge assumptions, spark curiosity and open doors to new perspectives.” To find out more about the MBA Directors’ Club, contact AMBA’s director of business school engagement, Debbie Kemp at d.kemp@amba-bga.com
“Emerging topics such as AI and sustainability run through all our core modules. How we bring the educational experience to life is through experiential learning. Live projects, industry-led workshops, real business challenges and international study trips are fully integrated, giving students confidence and practical experience.” How have the expectations of MBA students evolved and how are you adapting? “In recent years, I’ve seen a shift in what MBA students want from their careers. While progression and money still matter, many are now far more motivated by purpose. They want roles that align with their values and let them make a meaningful contribution, not just to business, but to their communities and society. “Career paths are also far less linear. Many students join the MBA already experienced in juggling multiple commitments: a full- time role alongside a side venture, a passion project, or an entrepreneurial idea. What stands out is their attitude to business; they are comfortable taking risks, trying new approaches and experimenting with ideas – something that is very exciting to see.” Looking at the global landscape of business education, what is a ‘best practice’ or new approach you’ve seen another institution adopt that has particularly impressed you? “At last year’s AMBA & BGA Programme Excellence Conference, the Vivaldi Forum by Mokrogorska Business School really caught my eye. Set in the mountains of Serbia, it’s not your typical business event, it’s a magical mix of inspirational speakers and informal sessions in a relaxed, immersive atmosphere, where companies, entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers share ideas and spark new collaborations.
JULIE MCCANDLESS Institution: Queen’s Business School, Belfast, Northern Ireland What is the most unexpected challenge you’ve had to navigate in your role as an MBA director and what lessons did you learn from it? “One of the most significant challenges hasn’t been a single moment of crisis, but rather having to navigate a period of constant change. The pace of transformation in business education, driven by shifts in the global economy, evolving employer needs and changing learner expectations has required us to continually reassess what students and organisations truly need from an MBA. “The biggest lesson for me has been the importance of pausing to reflect, then acting with intent and continually revisiting and refining as we go. “Throughout it all, I’ve been guided by a clear anchor: protecting academic integrity and staying true to Queen’s MBA purpose, developing principled and effective leaders who can navigate an increasingly complex and uncertain world with confidence.” How are you innovating your curriculum to ensure it remains relevant in a rapidly changing business world, particularly with the rise of new specialisations such as generative AI and sustainability? “We’re constantly listening and learning, working with faculty, students, alumni and industry to ensure the programme remains relevant. It’s not just about what we teach, but how we bring learning to life.
Ambition • ISSUE 1 • 2026 27
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