As the new year begins, leaders across all sectors are reassessing priorities in a world shaped by uncertainty, rapid AI transformation, and climate urgency. There has never been a more important moment to step back, refresh your thinking, and invest in your leadership.

At LSE Executive Education, we help you reset and refocus. Through world-class faculty and real-world, interdisciplinary learning, you’ll gain the tools and confidence to lead with impact in the year ahead.

Explore our February programmes and start the year with purpose.

Explore our 2026 programmes

Negotiation

Five-day on-campus programme | 23 – 27 February 2026

A new year brings new challenges — and new negotiations. Today’s leaders must think beyond closing deals to navigate complexity, balance competing priorities, and create lasting value.

LSE’s Negotiation programme helps you reset your approach. Through immersive simulations and practical exercises, participants like Darcy Wells, Core Account Executive at Salesforce, move beyond theory into real-world negotiation scenarios.

Find out more

Secure your place today

Finance for Executives

Five-day on-campus programme | 23 – 27 February 2026

Speaking the language of finance is essential for today’s executives, enabling you to assess organisational financial health and drive strategic decision-making with confidence.

Watch the video to see how our expert faculty break down complex finance frameworks on this transformational course.

Gain the confidence to evaluate investments, improve strategic resource allocation and communicate more effectively with other stakeholders in your financial ecosystem.

Find out more

Secure your place today

Climate Change: Economics, Policy and Strategy in an Age of Uncertainty

Five-day on-campus programme | 23 – 27 February 2026

Turn climate risk into strategic advantage.

As the momentum of COP30 accelerates the transition to net zero, climate change is reshaping risk, competitiveness, and organisational strategy. Leaders across sectors are now required to navigate uncertainty while sustaining performance.

Adapted to these shifting conditions, our newly refreshed programme equips you to translate climate insight into resilient, actionable strategy – linking emissions with performance and mobilising change within your organisation and stakeholders.

Find out more

Secure your place today

Let’s plan your next step

If you’d like to discuss your professional development goals and how these programmes can support them, or simply have questions, please contact our Client Relations Manager to schedule a consultation.

Book a consultation

The post A New Year, A New Perspective on Leadership | LSE appeared first on The European Business Review.

Here’s what sets the Oxford Executive MBA apart:

Enriching

Learn alongside peers from over 35 nationalities and 30 industries. Engage in open, creative discussions that broaden your outlook.

Visionary

Become a leader who inspires change. Through immersive modules and personalised coaching, you’ll develop practical leadership skills grounded in vision and authenticity.

Global

Gain global perspective through international case studies and overseas modules that prepare you to make strategic decisions in complex global markets.

Entrepreneurial

Develop an agile, innovative mindset to drive success. Through practical projects and Oxford’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, you’ll challenge convention and bring ventures to life.

World-class

Ranked No.1 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2025, the Oxford Executive MBA combines academic excellence with the latest real-world insight from leading practitioners.

Take the next step toward transforming your career, download the brochure today.

Download our brochure

The post 5 Reasons to Choose the Oxford Executive MBA: Discover What Makes Oxford Saïd Unique appeared first on The European Business Review.

As the COP30 Climate Summit unfolds and the world accelerates toward the net-zero transition, organisations everywhere are focused on turning sustainability commitments into tangible, measurable results.

At Warwick Business School, our brand-new Leading Corporate Sustainability programme equips you with the strategic insight to embed sustainability initiatives across your organisation and successfully navigate the sustainability transition. Learning directly from WBS faculty and industry experts at the iconic Shard in London, the programme provides an immersive experience that will prepare you to lead a sustainable, future-ready operation, that meets the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Explore our cutting-edge programme below and secure your place today:

Leading Corporate Sustainability

The Leading Corporate Sustainability programme empowers senior leaders to:

• Integrate sustainability into core business strategy, decision-making and culture of your organisation.
• Effectively tackle financial challenges during the shift to sustainable operations.
• Collaborate across value chains to drive positive impact for customers, suppliers and employees.

Start date: 22 April 2026
Duration: 3 days
Location: London, The Shard

Drive growth that sustains both your business and the world around it.

Secure your place now

Other news from WBS

From conflict to progress: A blueprint for sustainability success

Researchers at WBS have developed a new framework, combining boundary infrastructures with dynamic coalitions to tackle the large-scale collective action problems that so often hinder progress in combating climate change.
Read more

Regulating AI use could stop its rampant energy demand

With data centres on track to consume as much electricity as all of Japan by 2030, Frederik Dahlmann and Shweta Singh ask the question: can we unleash AI’s power without driving environmental collapse?
Read more

Beyond the balance sheet: Accounting for sustainability

With sustainability rapidly reshaping the accounting landscape, Hendrik Vollmer reveals how modern accounting must move beyond the balance sheet to become a strategic tool for value creation and long-term impact.
Read more

Upcoming Events

Future-Ready Leadership: Navigating the New World of Work

Online

Join this interactive masterclass where you can preview the WBS Emerging Leaders programme and explore the seismic shifts reshaping the workplace, from talent scarcity and AI disruption, to new work models and rising employee expectations.

Register now

From Intent to Impact: The New Blueprint for Inclusion with Asif

The Shard, London 

Join Asif Sadiq MBE at Warwick Business School for an inspiring conversation on redefining inclusion and driving real change through leadership, innovation, and impact in today’s evolving global landscape.

Register now

The post Lead your Organisation Towards a Sustainable Future appeared first on The European Business Review.

Building on a legacy of 125 years of business education, OSB leverages its long-standing expertise to prepare graduates who can navigate complex business challenges, think strategically, and lead with impact in both local and global contexts.

An MBA Designed for the Modern World

Since its inception in the mid-1940s, OSB’s MBA program has continually evolved to reflect the realities of modern business.

At its core, OSB’s MBA program aims to prepare students with the skills, insights, and perspective needed to tackle tomorrow’s economic and social challenges.

Unlike traditional programs that emphasize theory over practice, OSB’s approach is immersive and experiential, combining rigorous academic foundations with real-world applications. Students acquire a strong knowledge base in essential business disciplines while also developing the critical thinking and analytical abilities required to navigate today’s complex business landscape. The program’s structure ensures that students learn, practice, and lead through a blend of functional, cross-functional, and skill-based courses, as well as opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

Designed for today’s dynamic learners, the MBA is offered in both on-campus and online formats, giving professionals the flexibility to pursue their degree without compromising their careers or personal commitments

“At the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business, our vision is no less than transforming business thinking. We are not mere suppliers of business education; we are providers of a total business experience. We aspire to graduate leaders whose acumen, professionalism, and wisdom empower them to make the world a better place. Our MBA program embodies this vision: a transformational journey designed for the modern world. Whether on campus or online, students don’t just study business, they live it, challenge it, and shape its future.”

Dr. Yusuf Sidani, Dean, Suliman S. Olayan School of Business.

Innovative Learning for Future Leaders

The MBA program at OSB emphasizes a learning model that is as forward-looking as the business world it prepares students to enter. Each course is designed to integrate analytical, quantitative, and behavioral approaches to decision-making, ensuring that graduates not only understand numbers but also people.

Students are trained to think holistically, evaluate complex organizational challenges, and design innovative solutions that balance profit with purpose. The curriculum includes a diverse set of courses such as Models for Decision Making, Strategy and Change Management,

Advanced Business Analysis and Pricing, Leadership and Behavior in Organizations, among others, ensuring a multidisciplinary perspective that mirrors how different areas of business work together in practice.

Global Exposure through the International Business Experience

Beyond the classroom, OSB encourages students to learn by doing. One of the defining features of OSB’s MBA program is the International student trip, a transformative learning journey that takes students beyond Lebanon to experience global business firsthand.

Each year, students embark on a week-long international business trip to various global destinations, such as France, Germany, China, or Spain, where they visit multinational companies, meet global executives, and collaborate with partner universities. This immersive experience provides a front-row seat to the complexities of international markets and cross-cultural management.

“The International Business trip is an eye-opening journey where our MBA students engage and interact with faculty and executives from diverse backgrounds. This exposure transforms perspectives, sharpens strategic thinking, and reinforces what it means to lead with agility in an interconnected world.” Sylvana Youssef, MBA Program Manager, Suliman S. Olayan School of Business

Global Recognition and Academic Excellence

OSB’s MBA is not only regionally respected, it’s globally recognized for its academic quality and leadership impact. The program is AACSB-accredited, a distinction held by less than 6% of business schools worldwide, reflecting the school’s dedication to the highest standards of excellence in business education.

Further strengthening its reputation, OSB holds the Business School Impact System (BSIS) label, which recognizes schools that deliver tangible impact on their communities, economies, and society.

These achievements are also reflected in the program’s global rankings. In the CEO Magazine Global MBA Rankings 2025, OSB’s MBA is ranked Tier One, It also secured the position of #1 in the Middle East and North Africa in the QS Global MBA Rankings 2025, and #2 in Eurasia and the Middle East in the Eduniversal Best Masters Rankings 2025.

Ethics, Leadership, and Impact

At a time when the business world is grappling with questions of sustainability, ethics, and purpose, the MBA program at OSB ensures that its graduates lead with integrity and vision. The program integrates ethical reasoning and social responsibility into every aspect of learning, encouraging students to evaluate decisions through both economic and moral lenses.

Graduates emerge equipped to apply leadership principles, build effective teams, and communicate with impact, all while navigating the challenges of operating in a global business environment.

This focus on ethical and responsible leadership is part of what makes OSB’s MBA graduates so valued across industries, they’re not just decision-makers, but change makers.

Personalized Learning and a Collaborative Community

What truly distinguishes OSB’s MBA degree is its personalized approach to learning. Recognizing that no two career paths are the same, the program offers customizable electives across multiple disciplines, allowing students to tailor their learning experience to their personal interests and professional ambitions.

From electives in strategic brand management, real estate, negotiation skills, social entrepreneurship, project management, AI in Business and many others, students are encouraged to build a curriculum that reflects their goals, whether that means climbing the corporate ladder, launching a startup, or transitioning into a new industry.

This flexibility is complemented by OSB’s close-knit and collaborative environment. Students are surrounded by peers who are driven, curious, and globally minded, as well as faculty who serve not just as instructors, but as mentors and thought partners.

– Mohamad Sabouneh, Co-Founder, Moodfit, MBA ‘14

– Nagham Faris, MD, Emergency Medicine Administration Fellow, AUBMC, MBA ‘19 

A Legacy of Leadership and a Vision for the Future

The Suliman S. Olayan School of Business at the American University of Beirut has built a strong network of graduates who continue to shape the business landscape across sectors and regions. Many alumni have advanced to senior executive positions, serving as CEOs, CFOs, entrepreneurs, consultants, and policymakers—while others have founded their own ventures or led major organizational transformations.

This diverse and accomplished community exemplifies the program’s lasting influence and its commitment to developing well-rounded leaders throughout various industries. 

The MBA for Tomorrow’s Leaders

As the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business celebrates 125 years of business education, its MBA program continues to evolve while staying true to its mission, preparing leaders who combine analytical thinking with ethical judgment and global perspective.

With its globally recognized accreditations, innovative learning approach, and strong ethical grounding, OSB’s MBA program offers more than a degree, it offers a transformative journey that empowers students to lead, inspire, and make an impact.

In a region known for its resilience and innovation, OSB continues to raise the bar for what a world-class business education can achieve.

The post Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders: Inside the AUB Suliman S. Olayan School of Business MBA Program appeared first on The European Business Review.

Even as tuition climbs and ROI questions persist, U.S. business schools continue to deliver—especially on compensation, alumni lift, and entrepreneurial outcomes. According to Bloomberg Businessweek’s 2025–26 Best B-Schools Ranking, Stanford Graduate School of Business (GSB) remains the #1 MBA in the United States for the seventh consecutive year anchored by unmatched performance in networking, entrepreneurship, and post-MBA career outcomes.

Still, change is in the air.

For Bloomberg’s US MBA rankings, The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania surged back into the Top 3 after several years of volatility. UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, meanwhile, has vaulted an impressive 11 places marking the biggest comeback of the year. Meanwhile, long-time stalwarts like Kellogg and Booth saw dips, signaling a possible rebalancing of strengths among America’s elite business schools. The result: a U.S. MBA landscape that is more competitive, more dynamic, and increasingly driven by data-backed outcomes.

The Top 10 U.S. MBA Programs

Stanford GSB continues to set the standard for holistic excellence. It ranked #1 in Networking and Entrepreneurship, #2 in Compensation, and #7 in Learning. Its ecosystem anchored in Silicon Valley remains unmatched for innovation and access to capital. However, Bloomberg’s data also showed that Stanford’s Inclusion score slipped to 32nd, down from 17th, highlighting diversity as a lingering challenge for top-tier U.S. programs.

Meanwhile, Wharton’s resurgence underscores how financial outcomes remain central to MBA value. Wharton produced the highest Compensation score among U.S. schools reflecting median salaries, signing bonuses, and long-term alumni earnings. Haas, however, delivered the year’s most balanced performance, ranking in the Top 10 across all five weighted metrics, a rare feat in 2025. Harvard’s modest gains (now 4th) stemmed from stronger recruiter satisfaction and improved salary metrics.

Major Movers and Surprises

Perhaps the most dramatic shifts occurred outside the top five. Cornell Johnson broke into the Top 10 for the first time in years, reflecting steady gains in compensation and recruiter satisfaction. Columbia Business School’s climb to #9 follows its move to a new Manhattanville campus, which has re-energized student life and industry partnerships.

On the other hand, Chicago Booth slipped to #7, largely due to declines in Learning and Compensation rankings. Further down, schools like MIT Sloan and Michigan Ross fell just outside the Top 10, while Carnegie Mellon Tepper dropped to 15th after ranking 9th the previous year.

What This Means For Applicants

If you’re targeting a U.S. MBA soon, the 2025–26 Bloomberg ranking reinforces that career ROI still defines the U.S. edge. Stanford, Wharton, and Haas dominate because of compensation and alumni outcomes. Schools ranking highly across multiple dimensions signal holistic development, and inclusion and adaptability are rising factors. Expect schools to place increasing emphasis on diversity, cross-disciplinary learning, and global relevance as competition from Asia and Europe intensifies.

The post Bloomberg US MBA Rankings 2025: Stanford Extends Its Reign, Haas and Wharton Rise appeared first on The European Business Review.

Johnny Gutierrez, a senior project manager at ADNOC with more than 20 years in the energy sector, has seen these changes from the inside. “Working for a leading oil and gas company that is strongly committed to the net zero vision, I felt the need to become a true sustainability ambassador. My goal is to go beyond compliance and deliver real impact for both my company and the UAE’s sustainability agenda.” His perspective reflects a growing reality. Technical knowledge is valuable, but the ability to translate sustainability into strategy and measurable results is what organisations are searching for.

The new rules of the game

Nowhere is the shift clearer than in regulation. In Europe, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) has taken effect, requiring nearly 50,000 companies to publish extensive ESG data. For many, this will be the first time they are held to such detailed disclosure standards. Boards that once treated sustainability as a matter for annual reports must now ensure that financial and non-financial performance are integrated and consistent.

The Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) expands this responsibility across global supply chains. European companies will be expected to track environmental and human rights practices of suppliers, contractors, and subsidiaries around the world. The implications are far-reaching. Large companies will be required to redesign procurement systems, monitor performance, and prove that they are addressing risks effectively.

The EU Taxonomy, meanwhile, defines which activities can be classified as sustainable. This is more than a label. It sets the parameters for access to financing. Activities that fall outside the definition may struggle to attract investors or qualify for preferential lending rates.

Finally, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) will soon attach a tangible cost to carbon-intensive imports. For industries such as steel, aluminium, and cement, this will reshape competitive dynamics overnight. Producers with cleaner processes will gain a clear advantage. Those without will see their costs rise.

Together, these measures represent a fundamental change in the way companies operate. Sustainability is no longer a matter of reputation. Non-compliance can mean financial penalties, legal liabilities, or exclusion from markets.

Stakeholder expectations rising

Regulation is only part of the story. Pressure is mounting from stakeholders on every side. Investors are treating climate risk as financial risk and pressing companies for credible transition plans. The days of broad pledges with little follow-through are over. Detailed roadmaps, with evidence of implementation, are now demanded.

Consumers are also becoming more discerning. In Europe, purchasing decisions are increasingly influenced by environmental credentials. From packaging materials to product footprints, customers are willing to switch brands when they see a difference in commitment. For industries ranging from food to fashion, this shift is reshaping competitive advantage.

Employees are another driving force. Younger generations in particular weigh purpose alongside pay. They want to work for organisations that align with their values, and they are prepared to leave when those values are not reflected. Surveys consistently show that employees expect their employers to take a clear stance on climate and social issues. Talent retention and recruitment now depend on credibility in sustainability.

The impact of climate change itself adds another layer of urgency. Extreme weather events are disrupting supply chains, damaging assets, and raising insurance costs. Rising carbon prices, whether through trading schemes or taxation, further increase the pressure on companies to reduce their footprint.

For leaders, the message is clear. Sustainability is no longer confined to one department. It cuts across strategy, finance, operations, and culture.

A gap in leadership capacity

Despite widespread recognition of the challenge, many organisations are not equipped to respond at the pace required. Most have technical specialists who understand carbon accounting, lifecycle assessment, or ESG reporting. These skills are vital, but they do not guarantee transformation.

The gap is leadership. Boards often approve ambitious targets for emissions reductions or circularity. Middle managers are often aware of the need for change. Yet the translation of those targets into everyday decision-making falters. Teams operate in silos. Functions compete for resources. Short-term priorities overshadow long-term commitments. The result is a pattern of ambition without delivery.

Recruiting leaders from outside the organisation has proven difficult. The global pool of executives who combine sustainability expertise with business transformation experience is still limited, and competition for them is fierce. Many companies conclude that the only viable solution is to develop leaders internally. This requires equipping experienced managers with new skills, broadening their perspective, and giving them the confidence to drive change across functions.

Preparing leaders for transformation

This was the motivation that led Gutierrez to IMD’s Executive Master in Sustainable Business Transformation. “I initially looked for a sustainability program, but what I found is much deeper and more relevant,” he explains. “The business transformation component, in addition to sustainability, makes it unique and directly aligned with my future career aspirations.”

The business transformation component, in addition to sustainability, makes it unique and directly aligned with my future career aspirations.

The program was designed to meet the leadership gap head-on. Its modular structure allows executives to balance study with demanding professional roles. Digital modules build deep expertise in sustainability, while transformation modules focus on cross-functional skills such as strategy execution, stakeholder engagement, and organisational change. Electives provide flexibility to tailor the experience to specific career goals.

At the centre is a capstone project that requires participants to apply their learning to a real challenge. Some use the project to tackle pressing issues within their current organisation, such as decarbonising operations or redesigning a supply chain. Others work with new partners, providing consulting-style support to demonstrate impact in a different context. In both cases, the outcome is tangible evidence of leadership capacity in action.

Gutierrez values this practical orientation. “Academically, I am gaining far more than I expected. The faculty are outstanding, my classmates bring unique global perspectives, and the dedicated coaches are an unexpected but highly valuable element. Personally, the program has reignited my passion for purpose-driven business transformation.”

Why peer learning matters

Another distinctive element is the diversity of the participants. Executives join from industries as varied as finance, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Each brings a different lens on the sustainability challenge. For example, a healthcare executive might focus on supply chain transparency, while a manufacturing leader explores energy efficiency. The exchange of perspectives enriches the learning experience and highlights the universal relevance of sustainability.

For Gutierrez, this was reassuring. With more than two decades of industry experience, he initially wondered whether he might be among the oldest in the cohort. Instead, he found that his experience was an asset. Sustainability is a relatively new field. No one arrives as a complete expert. This creates a learning environment where contributions from different backgrounds are valued.

Implications for business and society

The implications extend beyond individual development. Companies with leaders who can connect sustainability with strategy will be better positioned to comply with regulation, secure investment, and attract talent. They will also be able to identify opportunities for innovation, from new business models to partnerships that create shared value.

Those without such leaders face growing risks. Failure to comply with regulation can close off markets. Weak sustainability performance can deter investors and lenders. Poor credibility on climate action can damage employer branding.

For society, the stakes are even higher. The transition to sustainable business is about more than competitiveness. It is about ensuring that economies remain viable within environmental limits while also addressing social expectations. Leaders who can guide this transition will shape not only the future of their organisations, but the resilience of communities and ecosystems.

The time to step up

The window for action is narrow. By 2026, CBAM enforcement will begin. By 2028, many of the new European directives will be fully operational. Stakeholders are already showing limited patience for incremental change.

Gutierrez captures this urgency clearly: “The world is at an inflection point where sustainability and transformation are no longer optional. Companies must rethink business models, embrace innovation, and deliver measurable impact. Leaders need the skills to bridge sustainability with strategy and execution.”

The transition will happen regardless of whether companies are ready. The pace and the outcome will depend on the leadership available.

The executives who step up now will be the ones who turn ambition into action, align purpose with profit, and deliver results that matter. For them, and for the companies they serve, the time to act is not tomorrow. It is now.

About the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) 

The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) has been a pioneering force in developing leaders and organizations that contribute to a more prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive world for more than 75 years. Led by an expert and diverse faculty, with campuses in Lausanne and Singapore, a Management Development Hub in Shenzhen and an Innovation Hub in Cape Town, IMD strives to be the trusted learning partner of choice for ambitious individuals and organizations worldwide. Our executive education and degree programs are consistently ranked among the world’s best. Through our research, programs, and advisory work, we enable business leaders to find new and better solutions, challenging what is and inspiring what could be. To learn more, visit www.imd.org.

The post Who Will Lead the Transition? Why the Future Belongs to Leaders Who Can Deliver Sustainability appeared first on The European Business Review.

To mark the week, we’ve curated a selection of thought-provoking insights from WBS experts and research. They explore lessons in leadership, company culture and practical strategies for building more inclusive organisations. Our transformational learning experiences at WBS take these ideas further, equipping leaders with practical strategies to inspire inclusive, high-performing teams. From fostering employee wellbeing and cultivating positive work cultures to applying behavioural science for people-centred decision-making, our courses empower you to lead inclusively and make an immediate impact.

Empower your leadership. Secure your place on one of our programmes today:

Inclusivity insights

Five strategies to change company culture, inspired by Maro Itoje

British Lions captain Maro Itoje’s leadership style illustrates how embedding inclusivity into everyday routines can foster belonging, spark creativity, strengthen retention and build resilient teams.

Read more

Unlocking the power of inclusive leadership

Inclusive leadership ensures everyone feels valued, respected, and included. But what qualities make a leader truly inclusive and how does this drive organisational success?

Read more

Culture of inclusion: Four lessons to embrace diversity

What can businesses learn from Coventry’s year as UK City of Culture? Its inclusive approach demonstrates how co-creation and tailored initiatives can build buy-in, foster social cohesion, and improve wellbeing.

Read more

Upcoming events

Executive Education Open Evening

The Shard, London: Reception area, 17th Floor

Join us for an inspiring event exploring executive development, strategic leadership, lifelong learning, and the impact of business education on career and organisational growth. Join immersive tasters, live Q&As with past participants, and connect at our networking reception.

Register now

The post Refining Leadership Through Inclusion appeared first on The European Business Review.

The Open Day will provide a wealth of information about SDA Bocconi’s MBA Programs through a mix of presentations and informative meetings with our Directors, Recruiting & Admissions Team, and Career Development Center, offering valuable insights and useful information to help you explore the MBA path that best fits your goals.

We look forward to welcoming you on campus or online.

Whether you are joining us on-campus in Milan or online, we’re excited to connect with you and support your MBA decision-making process.

And if you join us in person, you will also have the chance to explore our new Milan campus on a guided tour, and network with students, alumnae, and alumni from our MBA Programs.

Discover the event program and choose your option to participate:

Register

See you on campus or online!

The post On 20 September, Join SDA Bocconi’s MBAs Open Day in Milan and Online appeared first on The European Business Review.

Find out more about emba X

A Swiss-Made Alpine Journey

emba X is an 18-month, part-time leadership programme for experienced executives who want to grow personally and professionally.

The quality speaks for itself:

 ETH Zurich ranked #1 in the QS World University Rankings: Europe 2026

 University of St.Gallen’s IEMBA ranked #1 Executive MBA in Switzerland, QS EMBA Rankings 2025

Are you ready for a change in altitude?

Apply by 31 October 2025 and start an exciting personal and professional journey from February 2026.

Reach out at embax@unisg.ch, we’ll be glad to support you with the application.

Apply now

The post emba X: Europe’s Most Relevant Executive MBA appeared first on The European Business Review.

PhD or DBA? As the world of work evolves, this analysis explores how each degree measures up, thereby helping professionals make smarter, values-driven choices for lasting career impact.

This short article reflects the essence of individual choice while also highlighting the transformative potential of both degrees. It invites readers to consider their unique paths and aspirations in the context of business and Management education, encouraging them to explore the opportunities that await.

In today’s dynamic professional landscape, the pursuit of a doctoral degree in management/business is no longer confined to academia. Increasingly, experienced professionals are weighing the merits of two distinct paths: the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). While both are rigorous and prestigious, they serve different purposes and appeal to different aspirations. The choice between them is not merely academic; it reflects deeper questions about how individuals define success, what they value in their careers, and how they envision their future impact.

Drawing on the Dual Aspect Importance and Achievement Career Success Scale (DAIA-CSS) developed by Briscoe et al. (2021), it first examines how professionals experience subjective career success—the personal fulfilment derived from learning, impact, autonomy, and relationships. It then turns to objective career success, focusing on externally recognized indicators such as status and salary. By comparing how each degree aligns with these dimensions, the article offers a nuanced framework to help professionals make informed, meaningful doctoral choices.

Subjective Career Success: Values, Aspirations, and Doctoral Choices

Choosing between a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) demands thoughtful decision-making. It depends on what you value most in your career. Do you seek impact, autonomy, financial growth, or lifelong learning? According to Briscoe et al. (2021), subjective career success is shaped by seven distinct dimensions—each reflecting different aspirations and definitions of fulfillment. By understanding which of these dimensions matter most to you, you can make a more informed choice.

To make a meaningful choice between a DBA and a PhD, it is not enough to consider the nature of the program alone. One must also consider the career that follows.

Let us start by understanding what constitutes “success”. For sure, it has become more complex—and more personal. To address this, the (DAIA-CSS) scale was developed and validated involving 18,471 participants across 30 countries, representing all major cultural clusters. What makes the DAIA-CSS distinctive is its dual-response format: it measures not only how much individuals feel they have achieved in various aspects of their careers, but also how important each of those aspects is to them personally. This approach led to the identification of seven core dimensions of subjective career success that proved meaningful across national and occupational boundaries:

• Learning & Development,
• Work-Life Balance,
• Positive Impact,
• Entrepreneurship,
• Positive Work Relationships,
• Financial Security, and
• Financial Success.

To make a meaningful choice between a DBA and a PhD, it is not enough to consider the nature of the program alone. One must also consider the career that follows. Each of the seven dimensions of subjective career success can be examined across two phases: the experience during the doctorate and the trajectory after graduation. This dual-phase perspective reveals how each degree aligns with different definitions of success.

Learning & Development. For those who value intellectual challenge and the pursuit of knowledge, the PhD offers a deeply immersive experience. It is designed to cultivate original thinking, theoretical mastery, and academic independence. The DBA, while also rigorous, is more practice-oriented; it allows professionals to apply research to real-world business problems, often within their own organizations. After graduation, the PhD typically leads to academic careers where learning continues through teaching, publishing, and mentoring. The DBA, by contrast, is often a springboard for strategic leadership, innovation, or thought leadership in industry. In both cases, learning continues, but the context and purpose differ.

Work-Life Balance. The structure of the DBA is explicitly designed to accommodate the lives of working professionals. Programs are often modular or part-time, allowing candidates to maintain their careers and personal responsibilities. PhD programs, especially full-time ones, are more demanding and immersive, often requiring candidates to put other aspects of life on hold. Post-graduation, the picture is more nuanced. Academic careers can offer flexibility and autonomy, but they are also marked by high workloads, pressure to publish, and administrative responsibilities. DBA graduates, depending on their roles, may enjoy more predictable schedules or greater control over their time, particularly in consulting or entrepreneurial settings.

Positive Impact. PhD candidates often aspire to contribute to knowledge and society through research, teaching, and policy influence. The impact is typically long-term and indirect. DBA candidates, on the other hand, are often motivated by the desire to solve pressing organizational or societal problems. Their research is applied, and the impact is often immediate and visible. In the long run, PhDs may shape generations of students or influence academic discourse. DBAs may transform businesses, industries, or communities. Both paths offer the potential for impact—but through different mechanisms and timelines.

Entrepreneurship. The DBA is particularly well-suited to entrepreneurial ambitions. Many candidates are founders, consultants, or executives seeking to enhance their strategic capabilities and credibility. The program supports innovation, business development, and market positioning. PhDs are less directly aligned with entrepreneurship, though they can support academic spin-offs or innovation in research-intensive sectors. After graduation, DBA holders often leverage their degree to scale ventures or enter advisory roles. PhDs may contribute to innovation ecosystems, but the path is less commercially oriented.

Positive Work Relationships. The DBA experience is typically cohort-based, fostering peer learning and professional networking. Candidates often come from diverse industries and geographies, creating rich opportunities for collaboration and exchange. PhD programs, while collaborative in parts, are often solitary, especially during the dissertation phase. After graduation, DBA holders often operate in team-based environments or leadership roles where interpersonal dynamics are central. PhD holders may work in collegial academic settings, but also face competitive pressures related to funding, publishing, and tenure.

Financial Security. Financial considerations during the doctorate differ starkly. PhD students often rely on stipends or scholarships, which vary widely and may be modest. DBA candidates usually remain employed, maintaining income and often receiving employer support. Post-doctorate PhD careers in academia offer stability but modest salaries. DBA graduates, by contrast, often command higher compensation in executive, consulting, or entrepreneurial roles. The financial risk is lower during the DBA, and the return on investment is often more immediate.

Financial Success. PhD students typically accept short-term financial constraints in exchange for long-term intellectual rewards. DBA candidates invest in tuition but rarely sacrifice income. The financial calculus is different. After graduation, PhDs may achieve financial success if they transition into industry or leadership roles, but academic salaries are generally modest. DBA holders are more likely to see a direct financial return, particularly in high-level business roles or entrepreneurial ventures.

Table 1 illustrates how the DBA and PhD align differently with each dimension of career success, both during the doctoral journey and in the careers that follow. It is important to remember, however, that these dimensions reflect subjective career success—how individuals personally define and experience fulfilment in their professional lives. Each person may weigh these dimensions differently, and what feels like success to one may not resonate with another. The value of the DAIA-CSS framework lies precisely in its ability to accommodate this diversity.

Table 1: Similarities and differences between PhD and DBA

Objective Indicators of Career Success: PhD vs. DBA

While the DAIA-CSS framework provides a robust lens for understanding how individuals define and pursue success on their own terms, it is important to recognize that this perspective captures only one side of the career equation. Career success is also evaluated through more externally visible and socially recognized indicators; this is the domain of objective career success, which includes measurable outcomes such as salary, job title, promotions, and institutional prestige. These markers reflect how success is acknowledged and rewarded by organizations, markets, and broader societal norms (for more support, see for example, Arthur et al., 2005; Gunz and Heslin, 2005).

For professionals weighing the DBA and PhD paths, understanding how each degree performs in terms of these objective outcomes is essential, particularly when considering return on investment, long-term financial security, and career visibility. In this context, indicators such as status and salary become especially salient, as they shape how doctoral qualifications are perceived and valued in professional environments. While subjective fulfillment remains vital, the external validation of one’s achievements often plays a decisive role in shaping career trajectories and opportunities.

Status and the Doctoral Title: A Cross-Cultural and Institutional Perspective

In many cultures, being addressed as “Doctor” carries a weight of authority, expertise, and social distinction that can significantly influence professional interactions and career trajectories.

The symbolic power of the doctoral title, whether PhD or DBA, extends far beyond its academic origins. In many cultures, being addressed as “Doctor” carries a weight of authority, expertise, and social distinction that can significantly influence professional interactions and career trajectories. In academic circles, the PhD remains the gold standard for scholarly legitimacy, often serving as a gatekeeper for tenure-track positions, research funding, and intellectual leadership. The title is not merely a credential but a marker of one’s contribution to the advancement of knowledge. In contrast, the DBA, while academically rigorous, is more closely aligned with applied research and executive practice. Its status is often contingent on the context: in business schools and corporate environments, the DBA is increasingly recognized as a prestigious qualification for senior leadership and strategic consultancy roles.

Cultural norms further shape how the doctoral title is perceived. In countries like Germany, Austria, parts of Eastern Europe, and many countries in Latam (America Latina), the title “Dr.” is used formally and frequently, even outside academic settings, reinforcing its social prestige. In Anglo-Saxon contexts, particularly in the UK and the US, the use of the title is more reserved, often confined to medical domains. Meanwhile, in Asia and the Middle East, doctoral degrees are highly revered, often symbolizing not just educational attainment but also social mobility and familial honor. These cultural variations influence how status is conferred and recognized, affecting everything from networking opportunities to boardroom credibility.

In the professional world, status derived from a doctoral degree can open doors to elite networks, speaking engagements, and advisory roles. However, the nature of that status depends on the degree’s alignment with the expectations of the field. A PhD may command respect in policy or research-driven sectors, while a DBA may be more valued in corporate strategy, entrepreneurship, or executive education. Understanding these nuances is crucial for professionals seeking to leverage their doctoral credentials not just for personal fulfilment, but for strategic positioning within their chosen ecosystems.

Salary as a Marker of Career Success in Business Doctorates

Salary remains one of the most tangible and universally recognized indicators of objective career success. It not only reflects an individual’s market value but also signals how institutions and industries reward expertise, leadership, and strategic impact. For professionals considering doctoral education, the financial implications of pursuing a PhD versus a DBA are far from trivial. Beyond the immediate costs of tuition and opportunity loss, the long-term earning potential associated with each degree can significantly influence career decisions, especially in sectors where compensation is closely tied to perceived authority and contribution.

In academic settings, PhD holders in business typically pursue careers in research and teaching, where salary structures are influenced by institutional prestige, geographic region, and scholarly output. In top-tier business schools—particularly in North America, the UK, and parts of Asia—PhD graduates can secure well-compensated positions, especially when they publish in high-impact journals and contribute to the school’s global reputation. However, outside these elite institutions, academic salaries may be more modest, and the path to financial stability can be prolonged by years of postdoctoral or adjunct roles.

By contrast, DBA graduates are usually experienced professionals who pursue a degree to enhance their strategic capabilities and leadership profile. Rather than entering academia, they often remain in or return to the corporate world, where the DBA can serve as a catalyst for career acceleration. In this context, salary gains are often more immediate and directly linked to the individual’s ability to apply research insights into complex business challenges. The DBA is particularly valued in executive education, consulting, and entrepreneurial ventures, where thought leadership and practical impact are rewarded with higher compensation.

Table 2: Side-by-Side (US Averages)

While both degrees can lead to financially rewarding careers, the nature and timing of those rewards differ. The PhD offers long-term academic capital, often with delayed financial returns, whereas the DBA provides a more immediate pathway to enhanced earning potential, particularly for professionals who can translate their research into visible organizational value.

Conclusion: Doctoral Education in the Future of Work

In the context of the rapidly changing world of work, characterized by digital transformation, evolving leadership models, and the rise of portfolio careers, the landscape of doctoral education in business must also evolve. The choice between a PhD and a DBA is no longer a binary decision between academia and practice; it reflects how individuals define success and how institutions respond to the shifting demands of professionals and organizations in a knowledge-driven economy.

For individuals, the pursuit of a doctorate is increasingly shaped by the need to remain relevant, credible, and impactful in a world where expertise is constantly being redefined. The DAIA-CSS framework reminds us that career success is not one-size-fits-all. Some professionals seek intellectual depth and academic contribution; others prioritize strategic influence, entrepreneurial impact, or financial growth. The PhD and DBA offer different pathways to fulfillment, and the key lies in alignment between the degree and the individual’s evolving definition of success in the future of work.

The choice between a PhD and a DBA is no longer a binary decision between academia and practice; it reflects how individuals define success and how institutions respond to the shifting demands of professionals and organizations in a knowledge-driven economy.

For institutions, this transformation presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Too many universities still hesitate to embrace the DBA, fearing it may dilute their academic brand. But this view is increasingly outdated. The DBA is not a lesser doctorate; it is a different one, designed for a different purpose. It belongs at the heart of executive education, offering experienced professionals a rigorous, research-based platform to address real-world challenges. In a world where business problems are complex, fast-moving, and interdisciplinary, the DBA equips leaders to generate actionable insights with academic integrity.

In this context, the DBA should be seen not as a competitor to the PhD, but as a natural progression from executive master’s programs—such as the Executive MBA or specialized master’s degrees in finance, marketing, human resource management or leadership. For many professionals, these programs provide the foundation for strategic thinking and advanced management skills. The DBA offers the next step: a structured opportunity to deepen expertise, generate original insights, and contribute to the broader business community through applied research. It transforms experienced practitioners into practitioner-scholars—individuals who not only lead but also shape the thinking behind leadership.

This is particularly relevant in the fields of human resource management, strategy, marketing, and finance where globalization, demographic shifts, and digital transformation are redefining the nature of work and talented professionals are now expected to navigate complex, multicultural environments while addressing issues such as remote collaboration, global mobility, and inclusive leadership. The rise of artificial intelligence further amplifies these challenges, raising critical questions about algorithmic bias, workforce reskilling, and the ethical use of data in people analytics (See: Dolan, Raich and Trevino, 2025). A DBA enables leaders to rigorously investigate these emerging dynamics and develop evidence-based strategies that align organizational goals with human potential. By bridging academic research and practical application, the DBA empowers management professionals to become strategic architects of the future workplace—globally aware, technologically fluent, and deeply attuned to the evolving expectations of a diverse workforce.

For business schools, this presents a strategic opportunity. The DBA can serve as a flagship offering within the executive education portfolio, reinforcing the institution’s commitment to lifelong learning, innovation, and societal impact. By integrating the DBA into their ecosystem, schools can build bridges between academic research and business practice, attract high-caliber professionals, and expand their influence beyond traditional academic boundaries. Far from diluting the brand, a well-designed DBA program can enhance it, by demonstrating that the institution is responsive to the evolving needs of the market and capable of delivering research that matters.

As the future of work continues to unfold—with careers becoming more fluid, interdisciplinary, and purpose-driven, the demand for flexible, relevant, and high-impact doctoral education will only grow. Institutions that embrace this shift will be better positioned to lead. And individuals who reflect deeply on their values, aspirations, and definitions of success will be better equipped to choose the path—PhD or DBA—that aligns with their vision of a meaningful and impactful career.

As a final note, let us insist that the future of doctoral education in management/business depends on a shared commitment to relevance, diversity, and the recognition that success comes in many forms. Institutions must evolve to support this diversity, and individuals must choose the path that best aligns with their purpose. The DBA and the PhD are not competitors, they are complementary responses to a world where knowledge, leadership, and impact are more interconnected than ever. In the future of work, both degrees have a vital role to play.

The images are original illustrations by Ishu Shrestha,
HEAD OF DIGITAL STORYTELLING & GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT, The Global Future of Work Foundation. 

About the Authors

Dr. Jean Luc Cerdin is a full professor at ESSEC Business School (France). He specializes in international management of human resources, careers, and mobility. He obtained his doctorate (PhD) at the University of Toulouse and a master’s degree at London School of Economics. Dr. Cerdin has authored and co-authored many publications in his field of expertise, as well as several best-selling books. 

Dr. Simon L. Dolan is the President and Co-founder of GFWF. He was the former director of the ESADE Future of Work Chair, and holds a PhD in People Management and Work Psychology from the University of Minnesota. He is the co-founder of E-merit Academy, creator of the concept, methodology and tools of “Managing, Leading and Coaching by Values” (www.learningaboutvalues.com), and creator of the STRESS MAP and the online digital diagnosis of stress (www.stress2resilience.com), He is the founder of Gestion M.D.S. management consulting (Canada). He is a former full professor at the Universities of Montreal, McGill, Boston, and others. Dr. Dolan has published over 85 books (in different languages), and over 180 articles in journals destined for business and the academia. He is a paradigm breaker and highly solicited speaker on issues of work in Tomorrowland, culture reengineering, innovative executive coaching, stress management and health enhancement, and new leadership.

Dr. Michel Kalika, emeritus Professor, is the president of the Business Science Institute, an international academic network providing an Executive Doctorate in Business Administration (AMBA accredited) in face-to-face (10 locations) and online formats, in French, English, German,  and Spanish. In 2025, the Business Science Institute DBA program included 200+ doctoral manager-researchers from 60 countries, 200+ faculty members, 220 graduates, and a collection of 60+ books dedicated to DBA studies. He has co-coordinated a book on the DBA written by authors from eight leading DBA programs in six countries. Previously, Michel Kalika was professor at Lyon School of Management, University Jean Moulin, at Paris Dauphine University, where he created DBA and MBA programs, and dean of EM Strasbourg Business School. Michel is the author or co-author of more than 25 books and approximately 100 various other publications in the fields of strategy and information technology.

References

Arthur, M. B., Khapova, S. N., and Wilderom, C. P. M. (2005). Career Success in a Boundaryless Career World. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 26(2), p. 177–202. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.290

Briscoe, J. P., Kaše, R., Dries, N., Dysvik, A., Unite, J. A., Adeleye, I., Andresen, M., ……, & Zikic, J. (2021). Here, There, and everywhere: Development and Validation of a cross-culturally Representative Measure of Subjective Career Success. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 130, 103612. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvb.2021.103612

Dolan S.L. Raich M., Trivino (2025). Equipping for Tomorrow: Unlocking New Skills for the Future of Work in 2033, The European Business Review, July-August

Gunz, H. P., and Heslin, P. A. (2005). Reconceptualizing Career Success. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 26(2), 105–111. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.300

^[1]The authors are members of the international faculty that comprise our DBA program, which was established over a decade ago by Professor Michel Kalika through the Business Science Institute (BSI) in Luxembourg. Recently, we have strengthened our program with the exciting addition of the Global Future of Work Foundation, which now offers a virtual, multilingual DBA. This innovative program explores a variety of themes and perspectives related to the Future of Work, ensuring that our students are at the forefront of this vital area. Our international faculty represents a distinguished “who’s who” in the field, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience that inspires and empowers our participants. For more info, check DBA in the Future of Work – Global Future of Work Foundation

The post Choosing Your Path: DBA vs. PhD – Empowering Your Future in Management Education appeared first on The European Business Review.

At 6 a.m., while most of his IMD MBA classmates were still asleep, Connor Lewis clipped into his bike and rode out around Lake Geneva. “It’s silent, you’re alone, and the whole country’s beautiful,” he says. A former competitive cyclist, Connor still trains most mornings before class. Not for medals anymore, but because the discipline clears his head and sets the tone for the day. 

He’s not the only one in the IMD MBA program with an athletic background. This year’s class includes several Olympians and world-class competitors. But this isn’t a story about sports. It’s a story about what sport reveals – and how the same mindsets that help athletes perform under pressure now shape how these students learn, lead, and grow. 

Because whether you’re lining up at a starting line or leading business under pressure, the same principles apply. 

Training a winning mindset: what athletes learn about discipline, consistency, and resilience. 

1. Discipline drives performance

When Olympic skier Fabian Wilkens Solheim talks about his racing career, he doesn’t focus on the thrill of competition. He talks about discipline, training day after day, often with no immediate results. 

This mindset – consistency over perfection – is one of the most transferable traits to business and leadership. Whether you’re managing people, building a company, or making tough calls, showing up and doing the work, especially when it’s uncomfortable, matters more than momentary success. 

2. Teamwork: leading together

Winning is not just about personal performance. It’s about how you bring others along with you and set them up to thrive long after you’re off the field. Aundria “Auni” Mirabrishami, a cricket player, captain, and coach, reflects on a recent match: 

Leadership is a primary focus of the IMD MBA program, and this includes emotional intelligence, shared ownership, and the ability to create space for others. “True leadership is about legacy,” says Aundria, “not spotlight.” 

3. Resilience: playing the long game

Oliver Zeidler, an Olympic gold medallist in rowing, puts it clearly:

That ability to bounce back – to learn, recalibrate, and return stronger – is what sets high performers apart. 

In the IMD MBA, resilience shows up in multiple ways: navigating difficult feedback, adapting to new cultures, or confronting the limits of your own expertise. Everyone in the program knows what it feels like to be challenged – and to keep going.  

4. Strategy in motion

In sport, strategy is essential – but so is adaptability. You start with a plan, but when the environment changes, you need to read the moment and pivot fast. In business, that same agility is critical. Georg Lauritsen, a competitive sailor turned consultant, says it well: “Most skills are trained, not gifted.” Whether he’s racing or solving complex problems in class, his approach is the same: prepare deeply, respect the team, and stay focused when things get tough.

5. Performance under pressure

Whether it’s a race against the clock or a crucial client pitch, business and sport both demand clarity and focus when the stakes are high. That’s why IMD’s approach to learning isn’t just academic; experiential, hands-on projects create the kind of stretch moments where performance under pressure becomes real. 

The habit of staying composed, staying grounded, and executing under stress is one that athletes know well. As Konstantin Dreyer, former captain of the Austrian Rugby 7s team says:

That skill isn’t just useful in the game, it’s essential in leadership.

6. Goal setting and continuous improvement

In sport, every action is measured: progress tracked, weaknesses identified, plans refined. Fabian remarks, “I think goal setting and the ability to work toward that goal is a skill that I’ve learned through sports.” IMD takes the same approach in the MBA program. Whether it’s evaluating functional knowledge, assessing transversal skills or reviewing leadership competencies, students bring a performance mindset and faculty serve as the coach. 

Underpinning this is the principle of Kaizen, continuous improvement through incremental progress. Just as in sport, success at IMD is defined by the commitment to regularly refine, adapt, and grow. Connor sums it up:

This mindset fuels both personal and professional growth throughout the journey. 

Why these mindsets matter – athlete or not 

The truth is, not everyone in the IMD MBA has stood on a podium. But almost everyone has experienced pressure, self-doubt, and the challenge of stepping outside their comfort zone. That’s why the lessons from sport resonate so widely – not because of competition, but because of what it teaches. 

At IMD, the setting may be different, but the inner work remains the same. Whether you’re on the field, in the classroom, or in the boardroom, success is a combination of habits, mindsets, and values that take shape under pressure. 

So while this may not be a story about sport, it is a story about performance, resilience, and growth – which are central to the IMD MBA experience, and one of the many reasons why Bloomberg Business week ranked the IMD MBA #1 in Europe.

To find out more about the program, visit imd.org/degree/mba/.

About the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) 

The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) has been a pioneering force in developing leaders and organizations that contribute to a more prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive world for more than 75 years. Led by an expert and diverse faculty, with campuses in Lausanne and Singapore, a Management Development Hub in Shenzhen, and an Innovation Hub in Cape Town, IMD strives to be the trusted learning partner of choice for ambitious individuals and organizations worldwide. Our executive education and degree programs are consistently ranked among the world’s best. Through our research, programs, and advisory work, we enable business leaders to find new and better solutions, challenging what is, and inspiring what could be. To learn more, visit www.imd.org.

The post From the Sports Field to the Boardroom appeared first on The European Business Review.

Strategy is the key to clarity, direction, and competitive advantage. It’s what empowers leaders to anticipate change and align decisions with purpose; defining long-term success.

Whether you’re navigating uncertainty, driving growth within your organisation, or leading high-stakes transformations, our strategy-focused programmes at Warwick Business School will equip you with the tools to lead with strategic confidence. Delivered at our iconic hub at The Shard in the heart of London, you’ll learn from world-class faculty and industry experts, with continuous opportunities to network, collaborate and apply your learning.

Turn strategy into impact.

Explore our programmes below and secure your place today:

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Racial bias may not always be overt. Indeed, individuals may not even be aware of such bias in their own behaviour. Redzo Mujcic of Warwick Business School collaborated on an illuminating piece of research into racial bias in an everyday context. 

It is 70 years since Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus for a White passenger. 

Her act of defiance became a symbolic moment in the civil rights movement and inspired a year-long bus boycott by Black passengers in Montgomery, Alabama. 

Today, we don’t expect the colour of a person’s skin to affect everyday marketplace interactions, such as their ability to travel on a bus or the price of their fare. But is that really the case? 

When a Free Ride Isn’t Free for Everyone

My research with Paul Frijters, from the London School of Economics, examined whether some passengers still enjoy preferential treatment based on their appearance. 

Our field experiment in Brisbane, Australia, saw “test customers” board public buses more than 1,500 times. In each instance, they had no money on their pre-paid travel card to cover the fare. They then asked the driver if they could travel to a particular stop without paying. 

Company rules oblige bus drivers to ensure that all passengers have a valid ticket before travelling, just as shop workers are not allowed to hand out goods free of charge. 

Yet we found that nearly two-thirds of bus drivers did waive the fee – predominantly for lighter-skinned customers. 

White passengers in casual clothes were allowed to ride for free 72 per cent of the time. That was twice as often as similarly dressed Black passengers. 

Indian testers were allowed to travel for free approximately half the time, while those from other Asian ethnicities were treated similarly to white passengers. 

We found that nearly two-thirds of bus drivers did waive the fee – predominantly for lighter-skinned customers. 

Interestingly, there was no evidence of drivers favouring passengers from their own ethnic group. White passengers were more likely to receive preferential treatment, regardless of the ethnicity of the driver. Why is this the case? 

Bus drivers only had a few seconds to decide how to treat a passenger. Faced with a snap decision and limited information about the passenger, they used a customer’s skin colour as a proxy for other characteristics that could not be seen with the naked eye. 

Despite discriminating against Black passengers, they did not appear to resort to racist stereotypes about these customers being more aggressive. 

If that was the case, we would expect female passengers or more elderly customers to be treated differently from young men. Yet the evidence of racial bias against Black passengers remained after we controlled for variables such as age and gender. 

It is more likely that bus drivers were using race to gauge the likelihood that customers are telling the truth, viewing Black customers as less honest than their White counterparts. 

That would be consistent with the idea that drivers used other visual clues when deciding whether to grant a customer a free ride. We found that racial bias was reduced – but not eradicated – when test passengers wore business attire or army uniforms. 

Bus drivers may have concluded that these smartly dressed passengers had a higher income or were more honourable and patriotic, and were therefore more likely to be telling the truth about accidentally running out of credit on their pre-paid travel card. 

Alternatively, the bus drivers may have viewed them as a different category of Black passenger to those in more casual clothes and treated them differently as a result. 

From Casual Bias to Structural Costs

Whatever the reason behind the drivers’ decisions, our findings suggest that White privilege has an even greater impact than many people realise. 

Previous studies on discrimination in business transactions have focused on more heavily regulated sectors, such as public services, recruitment, and the property rental market. 

We found significantly higher levels of racial bias in discretionary favours than had been documented in these more formal business dealings. 

And because the favours we studied are informal arrangements – with no record that it took place – it is more difficult for customers who are discriminated against to complain about missing out on what others receive. 

It also makes it more challenging to establish the full cost of that racial bias. However, our findings indicate that the impact is considerable. 

Our crude calculations suggest that White passengers in Brisbane could collectively lose as much as 2.5 million Australian dollars’ worth of free bus travel each year if they were treated the same as Black customers. 

This does not include the psychological and social cost of discrimination. Many scholars have argued that this can be at least as great as the economic cost. 

As a society, we need to think about ways to eliminate this hidden bias from unregulated business transactions. 

Many scholars have argued that this can be at least as great as the economic cost. 

One option would be to introduce widespread controls that deny individuals the opportunity to make discriminatory decisions, such as prohibiting bus drivers from granting a free ride to any passenger, regardless of their skin colour. This would be a heavy-handed approach. 

Many scholars have argued that this can be at least as great as the economic cost. 

An alternative would be for organisations to perform regular audits of their operations, similar to the field experiment we conducted. This could be an effective tool for detecting discriminatory gifts and favours, allowing managers to address the issue. 

Taking this one step further, policymakers could establish a national audit office to monitor and even publicise cases of racial bias. The situations studied in these audits could even be replicated in training sessions for workers and school children to demonstrate that biases exist and to encourage individuals to behave in a more socially desirable way. 

Sharing this information would be a powerful tool to raise awareness about racial bias and drive behavioural change. Previous studies show that discrimination is more likely to arise in situations where consumers are not fully aware of how others are being treated. 

Research also demonstrates that raising awareness about racial bias leads to greater public scrutiny of those in positions of authority. This can help to eliminate discrimination from the decisions they make. 

Public pressure can also play a vital role in challenging racial bias in everyday interactions. 

Members of both minority and majority groups can contribute by speaking out when they witness incidents of racial bias. Individuals can also avoid asking for preferential treatment and refuse to accept favours that might not be granted to others. 

We all have a role to play in the journey towards fairer business transactions that do not discriminate against customers based on their skin colour. 

Discover more on decision-making, analytics, and behavioural science by applying for our Behavioural Science in Practice programme at Warwick Business School. 

About the Author 

Redzo Mujcic is an Associate Professor of Behavioural Science at Warwick Business School. His research is primarily in applied economics and quantitative social science. In his work, he uses large longitudinal surveys and natural field experiments to test theories of economic and social behaviour in everyday life. 

The post Exposing the Racial Bias that Influences Day to Day Business Transactions appeared first on The European Business Review.

More than just machine learning: A human approach to tech-driven innovation

LSE’s new programme isn’t another technical bootcamp or buzzword parade taught by people outside the industry. Instead, we get to the heart of what matters: how leaders can integrate AI responsibly and effectively in their organisations. Participants explore how AI shapes decision-making, creativity, productivity, and how culture – and how to lead through that change.

As the top university in the country, LSE’s programme (one of the first of its kind) combines the tech aspect of AI with corporate culture, psychology and behavioural science. You’re not going to get theoretical discussions in ivory towers. You’re going to get real world case studies, practical experience, and guest speakers from companies on the AI frontier – OpenAI, Google DeepMind, Faculty AI, Korn Ferry, and Electric Twin, executives leave with practical tools to deploy AI in a way that’s safe, ethical, and strategically sound. 

The possibilities of AI technology are huge. As are the potential pitfalls.

A little bit of knowledge is a dangerous thing. Already, many big businesses are falling foul and paying the price of not taking the time to really understand how AI can work effectively for their organisation. Just ask Air Canada, which was ordered to pay compensation after its chatbot gave false information. Mistakes like these aren’t just embarrassing, they’re expensive. And they often stem from a failure to understand not just how AI works, but how it behaves.

– Professor Michael Muthukrishna

LSE are offering C-suites and other senior leaders knowledge and skills through an intense, immersive week that will enhance existing leadership skills with new tools and strategies, as well as aid the cultural adaptation of workforces to a new technological reality – effectively helping leaders to futureproof their businesses. 

An elite teaching team with real-world edge

This hands-on, applied programme is taught by Professor Michael Muthukrishna and Dr Dario Krpan, both with deep industry experience, alongside leading industry expert guest speakers, such as Joel Liebo (Senior Research Scientist, Google DeepMind), Marc Warner (CEO of Faculty AI), Jayna Devani (International Education Lead, OpenAI), Ben Warner (CEO of Electric Twin, former UK government Chief Data Scientist, and LSE Senior Visiting Fellow), and Vinay Menon (Senior Partner and Global AI Lead at Korn Ferry). It’s a rare opportunity to engage directly with thinkers and practitioners shaping the future of AI — and business.

A future-focused portfolio for an ever-changing world.

AI is just one of the many complex challenges that LSE is helping business leaders and executives to navigate, understand and overcome. Their broad portfolio of contemporary topics is designed to stretch, challenge and empower participants to think critically and analytically about the bigger picture. To interrogate what the issues of today mean to the future of businesses and gain an increased awareness of the intricate interconnectedness of global business, geopolitics and socioeconomics and how vital this is to navigating change with confidence.

Rated the number one university in the UK and University of the Year by the Times and Sunday Times, each programme is delivered by a world-class faculty and informed by cutting-edge research. It’s no wonder LSE has been equipping leaders for success for 130 years and will continue to do so for many more to come.

This new LSE Executive Education programme AI and the Future of Organisations: Insights for Business is taking place at LSE’s campus in London this September.

The post How LSE is Equipping C-suite Executives with the Skills to Successfully Navigate and Integrate AI into the World of Work appeared first on The European Business Review.

Master the science of human behaviour at WBS

At Warwick Business School, our immersive three-day Behavioural Science in Practice programme blends cutting-edge theory with real-world application. Delivered in the iconic Shard, it brings together leading WBS academics and practitioners from CogCo to explore what drives human behaviour, and how we can shape it. You’ll learn how to design and refine impactful interventions to tackle live business problems and discover how tools like AI are reshaping the way we address behavioural challenges.

• Application deadline: 5 November 2025
• Start date: 26 November 2025
• Duration: 3 days
• Venue: London – The Shard

Secure your place now

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Why great leaders think like behavioural scientists

Online

Discover the science behind human behaviour in this dynamic session featuring a 15-minute lightning talk from Edward Gardiner, Managing Director at CogCo. Stay for a live Q&A panel with past participants on the Behavioural Science in Practice programme, as they share how the experience has shaped their work and thinking.

Register now

CORE Presents: The Strategic Mindset of Leadership

 Online

In an era defined by volatility, complexity, and geopolitical disruption, how can leaders cultivate a mindset that not only anticipates change but thrives in it?

Join a dynamic 30-minute webinar exploring the Strategic Mindset of Leadership, hosted by Warren Manger, Editor of CORE Insights.

Register now

Empowering your Leadership Journey Through Careers Coaching

University of Warwick Campus

Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, this insightful event will explore the invaluable role of careers coaching in your leadership journey. Gain powerful strategies for career transitions, self-discovery, and skill development and explore our new Executive and Emerging Leaders programmes.

Register now

The post Master the Science of Human Behaviour at WBS appeared first on The European Business Review.

Here’s the issue: most leaders have either subject-matter depth or general management skills. Few have both. And that’s exactly the gap IMD is helping to close with two new Executive Master’s degrees:

→ AI & Digital Business Transformation
→ Sustainable Business Transformation

They’re designed for experienced professionals who want to build on their subject-matter expertise to lead enterprise-wide change.

Here’s what stands out:

• Hard-edge strategy meets hands-on execution: You’ll sharpen your expertise, then learn how to connect it to core business goals to influence decisions, shape strategy, and create business value.
• A format that flexes with you: Modular and paced to fit around your work and life. Mix online and in-person learning, global electives, and immersive programs.
• Career acceleration with direct ROI: Through targeted workshops, expert guidance, and peer exchange, you’ll be prepared to step into senior roles with confidence.
• A network that multiplies your opportunities: You’ll collaborate with professionals across industries, work with IMD faculty, and connect with corporate partners. These are relationships that open doors to new roles, markets, and opportunities.
• Credibility you can demonstrate: You’ll complete a Capstone Project or Thesis; either solving a real business challenge or exploring new areas of research. It’s a way to prove your expertise and show the impact you can make.

Curious to see if one of these degrees fits your next career move?
Take a look at the brochure that speaks to your path:

→ Download the AI & Digital Business Transformation brochure
→ Download the Sustainable Business Transformation brochure

Ready to take the next step? We’re here to help.

The post Grow Your Career Where Business Needs it Most – IMD appeared first on The European Business Review.

With today’s geopolitical uncertainty, economic volatility, and the fast-moving integration of AI into nearly every aspect of business, executives are navigating intense complexity with less time than ever to pause and reflect about their own learning and development.

At the International Institute of Management Development (IMD), the learning innovation team has been exploring how AI can help participants in the Executive MBA program. What if AI could make learning more integrated, personal, and aligned with your goals, even between modules? Not by replacing the deeply human aspects of leadership development, but by supporting them.

Here’s how IMD is putting that into practice. 

AI that helps you connect the dots as you learn 

One of the first ways IMD began integrating AI into its degree programs was also one of the simplest: helping participants make better sense of what they were learning, as they were learning it. 

IMD AI+ is a generative AI tool trained on the school’s own program content, faculty insights, and real case material. It’s available to learners during their studies as a kind of always-available thinking partner. It is ready to explain a tricky concept, revisit a lecture topic, or connect dots between different modules. 

What’s interesting is how participants are actually using it. Not to cut corners, but to stay curious. To unpack ideas in the moment, or revisit something days later when it finally starts to click. 

It’s not designed to replace teaching, it just makes it easier to keep learning, even when the classroom session ends. 

And that’s exactly what set IMD’s learning innovation team down a new path: if a tool like this could help learners stay engaged during the program, what else might be possible between sessions? Or even beyond them? 

That question led to something much more personal. 

Stay focused and on track with the right nudge 

When you’re doing an EMBA, you’re balancing the demands of work, life, and an intensive program. It can be a challenge to keep your development front of mind. Sometimes what you need isn’t more content or information. You need clarity. A gentle reminder. A nudge in the right direction, right when it matters. 

That’s where IMD’s new AI-powered nudging tool comes in. It’s designed to support learners in a quiet but meaningful way: prompting reflection, reinforcing goals, and connecting them to the right insights at the right moment. 

It can serve as a valuable partner in between coaching sessions, or for learners who aren’t currently working with one. The goal isn’t to replace the human element, but to work alongside it. 

As Sarah Grant, Director of Learning Innovation at IMD, puts it:

Here’s how it works: 

• It helps learners think more clearly by posing questions and prompts that encourage self-awareness and reflection.
• It supports accountability by reminding you of the goals you’ve set and nudging you gently back toward them.
• It draws from tested frameworks aligned with IMD’s personalized learning journeys.
• It stays in its lane, fully transparent about being AI and careful not to overstep.
• It evolves over time by learning from interactions and adapting to your rhythm, with governance in place to keep it aligned and responsible.

Behind the scenes, the nudger draws from diagnostics and insights already embedded in the IMD EMBA experience. As participants move through the modular, flexible program, it offers a steady, low-friction way to keep personal development on the radar. Whether you’re focused on inclusive leadership, decision-making, or communication, the system is designed to surface your goals when it matters most. 

In a program as dynamic and self-directed as the EMBA, growth can’t just happen during the modules. It has to stretch into the in-between. This tool is designed to help participants turn everyday moments into meaningful steps forward. 

Make confident choices in a flexible program 

One of the most exciting things about IMD’s Executive MBA is the flexibility. You can shape your own path, choose your focus, and decide what kind of global experience you want to build.

One of the most exciting things about IMD’s Executive MBA is the flexibility. You can shape your own path, choose your focus, and decide what kind of global experience you want to build.

But sometimes choice can be overwhelming. With so many possibilities, how do you know what comes next? What aligns with your growth, your goals, or even just your curiosity? 

That’s why IMD is developing new ways to help learners make more intentional choices. With the help of AI, they’re exploring how to map out the different “what ifs” that come with every possible path and turn that into a thoughtful, immersive experience. 

Something that invites you to pause and ask: 

• Where do I want to grow next? 
• What would challenge me in the right way, right now? 
• What might I miss if I don’t choose this path?

The idea isn’t to automate your decisions. It’s to create space for reflection. To offer a clear, human way of thinking through your options that draws on faculty insight, behavioral science, and smart use of AI. 

It’s one more way IMD is rethinking what it means to learn. Not just by offering more choice, but by helping you navigate it with clarity and purpose. That’s the kind of experience IMD is working to build. Real. Reflective. Integrated into your life, not separate from it. 

And with AI, it’s now possible to bring that level of support to each EMBA participant in ways that are faster, more personal, and designed to stretch far beyond the classroom. 

Learning that keeps pace with your life 

You don’t need to be convinced that learning matters. You already know it’s part of staying sharp, staying relevant, staying ahead. Making it happen, in the thick of everything else you’re balancing, that’s something else entirely.  

The IMD EMBA approach is unique. Yes, it’s rigorous. It’s global. You’ll step into high-impact modules like the Global Immersion Weeks, where you’re tackling live business challenges in unfamiliar markets. You’ll build new capabilities and expand your leadership range. 

However, the program doesn’t treat those moments as the only ones that matter. In fact, the time between them matters just as much. The strategy offsites. The conversations that give you something to mull over. The unexpected moments when something you learned weeks ago suddenly comes into play. 

That’s why IMD is designing a learning experience that doesn’t stop when the module ends. One that meets you where you are, adapts to how you think and lead, and stretches with you as your goals evolve. 

AI is part of that equation. So is the team of coaches, faculty, and learning designers behind the scenes. Together, they create a framework that helps you reflect with structure, make decisions with clarity, and keep developing even when life is at full tilt. 

Explore how the IMD EMBA is evolving to meet the way you learn: IMD Executive MBA  

About the International Institute for Management Development (IMD)   

The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) has been a pioneering force in developing leaders and organizations that contribute to a more prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive world for more than 75 years. Led by an expert and diverse faculty, with campuses in Lausanne and Singapore, a Management Development Hub in Shenzhen and an Innovation Hub in Cape Town, IMD strives to be the trusted learning partner of choice for ambitious individuals and organizations worldwide. Our executive education and degree programs are consistently ranked among the world’s best. Through our research, programs, and advisory work, we enable business leaders to find new and better solutions, challenging what is and inspiring what could be. To learn more, visit www.imd.org 

The post How IMD is Using AI to Make Executive Learning More Human appeared first on The European Business Review.

Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics® (SCCE®) is bringing its highly sought-after Basic Compliance & Ethics Academy to Spain! Don’t miss this unparalleled combination of applied compliance education, comprehensive information, and valuable professional connections, as well as the chance to sit for a professional certification exam.

More than 9,000 compliance professionals worldwide have turned to an SCCE Academy for foundational compliance education—register now to find out why!

Through instruction by experienced faculty, small group discussion, and problem-solving exercises, you’ll practice applying core compliance principles to real-world scenarios for practical understanding of compliance fundamentals.

The comprehensive agenda covers key topics including:

View the full agenda

In addition to advancing your knowledge, the Academy experience facilitates networking among participants and often leads to the formation of career-long professional bonds.

Class sizes are limited: reserve your spot today!

Register now

Enhance your credentials! Academy participants earn the live continuing education units needed to sit for the optional Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional-International (CCEP-I)® certification exam offered on the last day of the event (separate application and fee required).

The post Applied Compliance Education, Networking & Certification in Barcelona – SCCE appeared first on The European Business Review.

In today’s fast-paced and complex business landscape, effective leadership isn’t just important; it’s essential. Rapid technological advances, economic volatility, and evolving workforce dynamics demand that leaders build organisations that can not only respond to change but also anticipate and thrive in it. Leaders who demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and innovation can inspire their teams, fostering a culture that drives lasting impact, even in the face of uncertainty.

At Warwick Business School, our transformational learning experiences are designed to meet the demands of this evolving landscape. Rooted in real-world application, every programme is practically oriented – enabling you to implement what you learn from day one. You’ll gain the tools to elevate your leadership approach and lead with innovation, purpose, and a future-focused mindset. Through embracing experimentation and cultivating a strategic and resilient mindset, you’ll come away empowered to drive sustained growth for your organisation.

Secure your place on one of our leadership programmes and start shaping the future today:

The Strategic Mindset of Leadership

Cultivate a strategic mindset so you can navigate disruption with clarity, agility, and vision.

• Start date: 22 October 2025
• Duration: 4 days
• Location: The Shard, London
• Book your place

Leadership for a Complex World

Lead your organisation to innovate, adapt and thrive in a fast-paced and complex world.

• Start date: 4 November 2025
• Duration: 2 x 3 day workshops
• Location: The Shard, London
• Book your place

WBS Executive Leadership programme

Lead with renewed purpose, resilience, and adaptability.

• Start date: 16 November 2025
• Duration: 5.5 days
• Location: Warwick Campus
• Book your place

Other news from WBS

From smoke signals to strategy: Leadership lessons from the Papal Conclave

Can the papal conclave offer valuable leadership lessons? Dimitrios Spyridonidis believes it can provide a rare masterclass in trust, strategic decision-making, and long-term organisational vision.

Read more

Walk the talk: Former John Lewis boss talks trust, integrity and leadership

Former John Lewis CEO and West Midlands Mayor, Andy Street, joins Warwick Business School’s Lead Out Loud podcast to discuss how leadership across public and private sectors is shaped by emotion, integrity, and culture.

Read more

How are CEOs influenced by their spouse?

Compelling new research by Dr Constantinos Antoniou reveals the powerful influence of spouses’ perspectives and risk-taking preferences on those in leadership positions.

Read more

Empowering Women in Leadership: My Executive Education Journey at WBS

“What I found at WBS was a collaborative, intellectually stimulating environment that not only challenged my thinking but also equipped me with the tools to navigate leadership with confidence. ”

Elizabeth Pearson
Executive Education participant
     Read more

Upcoming events

In Search of High Performance: Creative Insights from the Arts

Online

Join an unique session offering senior executives a truly unique perspective on leadership, collaboration and innovation, by drawing on lessons from the dynamic world of theatre production.

Register now

M&A Demystified: Effective M&A Driven Strategies for Growth

Online

Join Professor John Colley for an online session unravelling the complexities of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and exploring effective strategies to drive growth through successful M&A activities.

Register now

Empowering your Leadership Journey Through Careers Coaching

University of Warwick campus

Whether you’re an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, this insightful event will explore the invaluable role of careers coaching in your leadership journey. Gain powerful strategies for career transitions, self-discovery, and skill development and explore our new Executive and Emerging Leaders programmes.

Register now

The post Lead with Confidence – Explore WBS Leadership Programmes appeared first on The European Business Review.

You have ambition. We want you to succeed.

At the University of Bath School of Management, we believe the strength of the Bath MBA lies in the brilliance of you. Your background, your ideas and the unique perspective you bring.

We have a small number of final scholarships available for strategic investment in future-ready leaders who will help drive innovation, challenge assumptions and contribute meaningfully to our globally diverse cohort.

Submit your application before 30 June and we’ll respond within 5 days to confirm if you’ve been selected for one of these final, competitive scholarships. We’ll also waive your application fee to make sure there are no barriers to your success.

This is your opportunity to join a transformative MBA experience. One that recognises your value from day one and helps unlock the next stage of your career. Start your application today.

> Start your Bath MBA application

Give your career the boost it deserves

The Bath MBA is a globally-ranked programme with an outstanding reputation built on six decades of excellence in business education. Our programme combines rigorous academic foundations with practical business application, preparing you for leadership in today’s dynamic global environment.

Your career-focused MBA

Whether you know your desired path or are exploring options, we know you want to grow as a leader. Our Business Career Accelerator module is so essential we’ve made it a core part of the Bath MBA. You’ll enhance crucial business skills while working with expert coaches and mentors to define your career strategy.

A global network for life

As a leading business school, Bath offers access to a powerful global community. Our 25,000+ alumni span more than 150 countries and work across virtually every industry imaginable. This extensive network, combined with our connections to over 400 organisations, creates unparalleled opportunities for collaboration, mentorship and career advancement.

Experience the Bath MBA

Our free, online webinars are a great way to get the information you need to start your MBA journey at Bath. Join us online to discover the sort of teaching you could enjoy on the Bath MBA; meet our team, hear from alumni and current students, to find out more about the Bath MBA.

> Register now to book your place

Get in touch!

Contact us to ask a question, find out if you meet our entry requirements, or arrange a one-to-one consultation. We are here to help.

Email: mbaapps@bath.ac.uk

The post Transformative Bath MBA Scholarships Available for 2025 Entry appeared first on The European Business Review.

With the September 2025 intake approaching, we invite you to take the next step toward a future defined by strategic thinking, innovation, and global leadership.

Global Career Journeys

Our alumni are making their mark in companies across Europe, North America, and beyond — from tech to consulting and industry.

Powerful Business Network

Acquire access to leading companies through career events, mentoring, and consulting projects with real-world impact.

Recognized & Accredited

Backed by AMBA, AACSB, EFMD, and BGA accreditations, and ranked by FT and QS, the International MBA meets the highest global standards.

Live and Learn in Porto

Immerse yourself in one of Europe’s most vibrant innovation hubs — a city known for its quality of life and dynamic business scene.

Join us online for the
MBA Open Day
May 22 at 6:00 PM (WEST)

to experience what it’s like to be part of one of the leading business schools in Europe.

Register now

Join us online for the next the next
Information Session
June 6 at 5:00 PM (WEST)

to learn more about the program and scholarship options.

Register now

For personal guidance, reach out to:

António Santos
Admissions Advisor asantos@pbs.up.pt
+351 932 004 784

Schedule a meeting

The post Reimagine Your Career with the International MBA in Europe’s Rising Innovation Hub – Porto Business School appeared first on The European Business Review.

Far from being another EMBA, the University of St.Gallen’s IEMBA (International EMBA) is a distinctively crafted programme, merging rigorous academics, global immersion, and peer exchange to develop deliberate, globally attuned leaders with the contextual intelligence to meet complex challenges and lead with depth, range, and purpose.

In a world where certainty is no longer a given, what does it take to lead with clarity, conviction, and care?

It is indeed a daily reality for senior professionals operating in fast-moving global markets that ambiguity, disruption, and transformation are the norm. Effective leadership today requires more than confidence or competence, it calls for contextual awareness, strategic adaptability, and the discipline to think beyond immediate results.

At the University of St.Gallen—Switzerland’s top-ranked business school and consistently among Europe’s best (FT European Business School Rankings 2024)—this evolving definition of leadership shapes every aspect of its International Executive MBA (IEMBA) programme. Delivered part-time over 18 months, the IEMBA combines immersive study across four continents with rigorous and up to date academic content and a strong focus on personal development.

For those enrolled, it’s not only about what they learn—it’s about how they apply it, who they become through it, and the lasting professional growth
it enables.

Leadership as Strategic Presence

For Nawar Belshalat, a current IEMBA Student due to graduate in May 2025, the programme came at the right time, after years of consideration. “I’d been accepted into another EMBA years ago, but it never felt quite right,” she recalls. “Post-COVID, I was ready to commit—but I wanted something international, thoughtfully structured, and realistic for my work at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. St.Gallen stood out.”

One of the key shifts for her was learning to lead with more intention. “There’s so much pressure to react quickly and fix things. But the programme taught me the value of slowing down, creating space, and becoming more deliberate. That presence—how you carry yourself, how you listen—has become a core part of how I lead.”

Thanks to the modular structure—14 in-person weeks delivered across 18 months—she has been able to bring new thinking directly into her leadership practice. “You return from each module with something real to work through. It’s not abstract. It’s lived.”

Learning Through a Cohort of Equals

This real-time application is by design. According to Prof. Dr. Reto Hofstetter, Academic Director of the IEMBA, transformation happens when experienced professionals are immersed in environments that challenge, stretch, and support them. “We curate every cohort with intention,” he explains. “Senior leaders from across industries, functions and geographies. The learning comes not just from the faculty, but from the depth of exchange between peers.”

That design resonated deeply with Agnes Lonska, Head of Global Procurement Engineering at Roche and IEMBA HSG Alumna. “Before the programme, I often felt I had to navigate complexity alone,” she says. “Through the coursework, conversations, and informal discussions with peers, I realised the value of having a diverse, experienced network to lean on.”

The immersive format was key to that sense of community. “It’s not like attending weekend lectures. You’re removed from daily pressures, present with your cohort, and fully engaged. That builds trust very quickly. Some of those relationships have become long-term friendships—and professional connections,” says Agnes.

From Departmental Focus to Organisational Strategy

One of the most significant shifts for Agnes was her move from a narrowly defined operational lens to a broader, systemic view. “Before, I focused on what my department needed to deliver. But after the strategy modules—especially the frameworks taught in the Business Model Innovation course—I began thinking about how our work fits into the long-term vision of the company.”

“We help participants develop integrative thinking—so they can connect the dots, recognise interdependencies, and lead beyond the boundaries of their function.”

This shift changed the way she leads. “Now, when I set objectives, I tie each one clearly to our broader organisational strategy—and explain why it matters. That context has dramatically increased team engagement. They can see their part in the whole.”

This reflects one of the programme’s core intentions. “We don’t just teach strategy,” says Prof. Dr. Hofstetter. “We help participants develop integrative thinking—so they can connect the dots, recognise interdependencies, and lead beyond the boundaries of their function.”

Developing Contextual Intelligence Through Global Exposure

Another standout of the IEMBA is its international scope. The Programme Courses take place, not only in Switzerland, but also Singapore, Beijing, California, Cape Town and various other European countries. This format exposes participants to multiple business environments, regulatory landscapes, and strategic cultures.

“The China module was an eye-opener,” says Nawar. “It wasn’t just about doing business differently—it was seeing how deeply context shapes leadership, communication, and even how success is defined. That module shifted the way I approach global challenges.”

Prof. Dr. Hofstetter calls this “contextual intelligence”—the ability to adjust leadership approaches to different settings. “It’s no longer enough to be competent in one market or one culture. Today’s leaders must be agile, observant, and capable of leading across systems and styles.”

Transformation Grounded in Purpose

The IEMBA curriculum includes 10 Fundamentals and four Electives that students can select from a list of various topics, as well as a final thesis project. It spans topics such as AI, Management Accounting, Conflict Management and Leading the Sustainability Transition. What makes the programme distinctive is how these are delivered—with the full integration of theory and real-world application, supported by industry-respected faculty.

In parallel, the Personal Development Programme (PDP) runs across the entire IEMBA journey, enabling participants to reflect on their own leadership behaviours and development. “We don’t prescribe a formula,” says Prof. Dr. Hofstetter. “We offer a framework that encourages participants to ask difficult questions about their leadership style, their purpose, and their impact.”

For Agnes, this blend of intellectual challenge and personal reflection was key. “You’re not just learning models—you’re applying them, testing them, questioning them. And over time, you notice that your decision-making sharpens. Your confidence grows.”

Conclusion: Leadership for a World in Flux

If uncertainty is now the defining feature of modern business, then leadership must evolve with it. The University of St.Gallen’s International EMBA doesn’t teach leadership as a fixed formula. Rather, it creates the conditions in which leaders can interrogate their own assumptions, expand their perspectives through diversity, and practise new ways of thinking—and being—in a global context.

It is not about becoming someone different, but becoming more fully oneself, with greater range and responsibility.

This is not leadership for stability, but for flux. Not for commanding, but for connecting. And in a world where clarity, conviction and care can no longer be taken for granted, that may be what matters most.

Want to know more about the IEMBA programme or join the 2025 cohort – get in touch!

• emba@unisg.ch
• emba.unisg.ch/en
• Book a 1:1: https://unisg.link/IEMBA_Contact_Us

The post Leading Through Uncertainty: How the University of St.Gallen’s IEMBA Shapes Leaders for a Complex World appeared first on The European Business Review.

Do you ever feel that limited financial knowledge is holding you back? In today’s data-driven business world, financial jargon can leave even experienced leaders feeling sidelined. To make smarter decisions and drive strategic impact, it’s essential to confidently understand financial information and communicate it effectively; both within your organisation and beyond.

Designed to build your confidence with financial concepts, the WBS Finance for Non-Finance Leaders programme equips leaders with the tools to make informed decisions that drive business success.

From interpreting annual reports and financial statements, to managing budgets and capital investments, this five-day programme bridges the gap between financial understanding and strategic influence. You’ll leave with the skills to communicate clearly with finance teams, feeling empowered to make impactful decisions that resonate.

Start date: 8 June 2025 | Duration: 4.5 days | Location: The Shard, London

Application deadline: 19 May 2025
30% discount available if you apply by Monday 19 May.

Please note, places are limited. To apply, please email: Arione.McQueenie@wbs.ac.uk by Monday 19 May.

Meet your programme director 

Finance for Non-Finance Leaders is your gateway to unlocking the language of finance, helping you to cut through the jargon, and focus on the insights that really matter.

Programme director, Jodie Lucas has been a chartered accountant for nearly 30 years. Before joining WBS, she worked in industry and practice for companies such as Crowe and Deloitte, and as a freelance consultant and educator in accountancy.

Latest finance news from WBS

How to stop actively managed funds underperforming 

Financial intermediaries play a vital role in helping to meet the demands of investors looking for financial returns.

But the asset management industry has a problem, at least in terms of actively managed funds.

Read more

Proptech revolution hampered by lack of high quality data 

A new report has revealed that significant data challenges are impeding the progress of the proptech revolution in key global real estate markets – the UK, US, China, and India.

Read more

100 days of Trump: tariffs, strategy, and global fallout 

The first 100 days of Donald Trump’s presidency have been marked by sweeping promises, dramatic policy shifts, and a consistent effort to reassert US power on the global stage.

Read more

Upcoming events

Leadership in Focus: 5 Key Trends and Insights

The Shard

This event will feature five distinguished speakers, including WBS academics and industry practitioners, who will share their unique perspectives on the latest issues in leadership. Each speaker will deliver a concise 7-minute masterclass, providing fresh insights and thought-provoking ideas on leadership.

Register now

In Search of High Performance: Creative Insights from the Arts

Online

Join an unqiue session offering senior executives a truly unique perspective on leadership, collaboration and innovation, by drawing on lessons from the dynamic world of theatre production.

Register now

M&A Demystified: Effective M&A Driven Strategies for Growth

Online

Join Professor John Colley for an online session unravelling the complexities of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and exploring effective strategies to drive growth through successful M&A activities.

Register now

The post Transform From a Spectator to a Game-Changer: Warwick Business School appeared first on The European Business Review.

The intellectual foundation of practical learning

Practice-based learning is not a pedagogical afterthought – it’s a carefully constructed approach to understanding business complexity. Rooted in contemporary learning theories that emphasise experiential knowledge, Bath’s MBA programmes recognise that true leadership emerges from navigating real challenges, not just studying them.

The world of business doesn’t exist in theoretical silos. It’s a dynamic ecosystem of interconnected challenges, where success depends on the ability to apply knowledge, adapt quickly, and generate innovative solutions. This understanding is the cornerstone of Bath’s MBA approach.

A deliberate design for complex challenges

Traditional education often separates learning from doing but the Bath MBA inverts this model. For the Bath MBA, learning is doing – a continuous process of engagement, reflection, and transformation. Whether this is through the full-time MBA’s Multi-Project Suite or the part-time Executive MBA’s consulting projects, students don’t just study business problems; they become active participants in solving them.

“Great leaders need to be able to navigate the increasing complexity of the business landscape. They must have a comprehensive understanding of business operations, and the confidence to be innovative and creative when leading transformation,” explains Dr Jane Ellis-Brush, Director of Teaching on the University of Bath’s MBA programmes.

“Our approach to the MBA is intentional. We’re not simply teaching business; we’re cultivating leaders who can read, respond to, and reshape complex organisational landscapes,” she states.

Transforming knowledge into capability

Take, for example, the Multi-Project Suite – a revolutionary replacement for the traditional dissertation. Instead of writing about business in abstract terms, students on the one-year MBA programme engage directly with live organisational challenges.

The sustainability strategy project wasn’t just an academic exercise; it was a real intervention that required research, strategic thinking, and practical implementation and outcomes.

“Our team worked with BMT on the Consulting and Change Project. They are a maritime and defence consultancy, and our task was to come up with solutions to help the maritime industry move towards greener, sustainable fuels. It really felt like we were working with them towards a common goal and was a fantastic experience,” explains George Peters, a current MBA student.

The sustainability strategy project wasn’t just an academic exercise; it was a real intervention that required research, strategic thinking, and practical implementation and outcomes.

Jake Rigby, Head of Innovation & Research at BMT, has seen first-hand the impact of these student collaborations:

“Working with Bath MBA students has transformed our recruitment. Project participants gain valuable experience before their formal start, developing a solid understanding of our business. These projects deliver tangible results we implement with customers.

“The students collaborate effectively, asking challenging questions and producing high-quality work. Their professionalism, coming prepared with research and setting clear agendas, enables us to provide guidance while building experience within our company.”

The career development journey

Leadership is fundamentally about understanding oneself as much as understanding others. The Bath MBA approach recognises that professional transformation is a deeply personal journey of growth, resilience, and self-discovery.

Throughout their MBA, students engage in a comprehensive development process that goes beyond traditional skill acquisition. The focus is on building emotional intelligence, developing adaptive leadership capabilities, and creating a profound understanding of personal and organisational dynamics.

Karl Fearnley, an Executive MBA alumnus and Director at Babcock International Group, reflects on his experience: “The MBA gave me the opportunity to elevate my perspective and approach business with a more strategic context. I was able to see things from a C-Suite level and apply modules at a board-level perspective. This was the step change in my career that I wanted and needed.”

Through coaching, mentorship, and experiential learning, students develop the confidence to lead with authenticity, empathy, and strategic insight. This prepares them, not just for their next role, but for a lifetime of meaningful leadership.

The evolving nature of leadership

As businesses face unprecedented challenges, from technological disruption to sustainability imperatives, the world needs leaders who can see beyond conventional boundaries.

The Bath MBA transforms theoretical understanding into practical wisdom, demonstrating that true leadership is learned not through passive study, but through deliberate, engaged action.

Discover how the Bath MBA can help you to transform your professional potential.

Upcoming events:

• Executive MBA Open House: Thursday 17 July at 17:00 PM
• The Bath MBA Insight Series with Dr Pete Nuttall: Thursday 12 June 12:00 noon GMT+1
• The Bath MBA Insight Series: Real projects, real impact. The Bath MBA consulting experience: Thursday 10 July 12:00 noon (GMT+1)

Find out more at BATHMBA.COM

The post Beyond Theory: The Deliberate Art of Practice-Based Learning appeared first on The European Business Review.

What to expect from the program:

» Global Leadership Perspective:

Develop cross-cultural agility and global market insights through immersive experiences like the Global Immersion Week (Europe or USA) and a culturally diverse classroom.

» Hands-On Business Impact:

Tackle real-world challenges through the Business Impact Challenge and Capstone Project — from consulting with global firms to launching your own venture.

» Career Acceleration & Industry Connection:

Participate in the Career Development Track, networking events, and mentoring. Leverage group coaching, company visits, and the PBS Career Summit to fast-track your goals.

» AI, Innovation & Sustainability:

Develop cutting-edge knowledge in areas like Artificial Intelligence for Business, Digital Strategy, Value Creation, and Sustainability — all critical for future-proofing your career.

Upcoming Information Sessions:

Want to learn more? Join us online:

• May 22, 6:30 PM (WEST)
• June 5, 5:00 PM (WEST)

For additional information about the International MBA at Porto Business School and to help you explore our scholarship program, contact:

António Santos

Admissions Advisor

asantos@pbs.up.pt

+351 932 004 784

The post Porto Business School International MBA appeared first on The European Business Review.

Today, the pressure to lead digital transformation, tackle sustainability challenges, and keep pace with constant change impacts roles, sectors, and industries. But while demand for transformation has surged, the supply of leaders with the subject expertise and strategic skills to deliver it hasn’t kept up. Organizations are investing heavily in areas like AI, data, and ESG, but many still lack the people who can connect that knowledge to business strategy and create successful transformation that lasts.

That’s the gap the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) aims to close with the launch of the Executive Master in AI & Digital Business Transformation and the Executive Master in Sustainable Business Transformation.

The degrees offer a modular, flexible format and combine deep subject expertise with the strategic leadership skills needed to turn knowledge into enterprise-wide change. The goal is to better support professionals looking to step up, pivot, or accelerate their careers in the areas where business needs leadership most.

“These degrees are designed to help professionals become the go-to experts in digital or sustainable transformation,” says Misiek Piskorski, Dean of Executive Education and Professor of Digital Strategy. “We want to equip people with the tools, confidence, and credibility to lead what’s next in a way that fits their lives.”

What’s different about these degrees? 

The short answer? Flexibility without compromise.

These Executive Masters are designed to allow participants to balance study with their careers and life commitments. They adapt to what professionals actually need from a degree today. Instead of one fixed path, the degrees offer a more adaptive journey; one that gives structure where it’s helpful and freedom where it matters.

Instead of one fixed path, the degrees offer a more adaptive journey; one that gives structure where it’s helpful and freedom where it matters.

At the core of each degree are two foundation modules. The first builds deep expertise in either sustainable business or AI and digital transformation. The second focuses on how to lead business transformation. Both are made up of programs from IMD’s open program portfolio: a suite of short, focused executive programs that serve thousands of professionals every year.

From there, participants shape the rest of their learning through a curated selection of electives. These include a mix of online and in-person programs, as well as learning opportunities through IMD’s participation in the Global Network for Advanced Management (GNAM): a collaboration of top business schools offering shared programs and global exposure. This flexibility allows participants to focus on the areas most relevant to their goals while learning alongside diverse professionals tackling real-world challenges around the globe.

This format opens up something different from the typical cohort model. Instead of moving through the degree with the same group from start to finish, participants engage with a wider network of professionals at every stage. These are people from other industries, geographies, and roles who share a similar drive to grow and lead. That kind of variety not only keeps the experience dynamic but brings in fresh perspectives that sharpen thinking and spark new ideas.

But that doesn’t mean participants lose a sense of belonging. Executive Master participants still connect regularly with others in their degree through tailored workshops and shared touchpoints across the journey. It’s a shift from cohort focus to community focus, one that mirrors how transformation happens in organizations: across functions, across silos, and experiences.

In many ways, the open program portfolio is what makes this all possible. It allows participants to build a degree that reflects who they are and what they want to explore while keeping the quality, structure, and learning outcomes consistent. It also means participants benefit from IMD’s faculty and peer learning model, one that’s been tried, tested, and refined through decades of executive education.

Subject depth. Strategic reach. 

The open program portfolio is what makes this all possible. It allows participants to build a degree that reflects who they are and what they want to explore while keeping the quality, structure, and learning outcomes consistent.

Each Executive Master begins by building deep, practical expertise. In the AI & Digital Business Transformation degree, participants explore topics like AI, data strategy, emerging technologies, and digital innovation. The Sustainable Business Transformation degree offers topics such as circular economy, sustainability strategy, and managing and measuring sustainability impact.

But knowledge alone doesn’t move organizations forward. What sets these degrees apart is their focus on turning expertise into action. Participants learn how to influence decisions at the highest level and guide transformation with purpose.

Applied learning. Real-world value. 

From start to finish, these degrees are designed to be lived, not just studied. The learning happens in the context of real work, real challenges, and real ambitions. From engaging in interactive, case-based programs to exploring live business scenarios, everything is geared toward helping professionals connect what they learn to what they do.

This is supported by IMD’s continued investment in learning innovation. AI tools help participants stay focused, engaged, and supported as they move through their degree. Smart recommendations highlight relevant content to them. Nudges help build habits and accountability. Gamified learning and diagnostics allow for deeper reflection and sharper insight, all woven into the experience, not added on top.

Each degree culminates in a Capstone Project or Thesis. It’s an opportunity to go deep in an area that matters, whether that’s solving a business challenge in their organization or contributing new thinking to their field. Some participants may use the Capstone to design strategy or implement change inside their company. Others may choose to explore a research topic, build original insight, or lay the groundwork for a future pivot.

Throughout the process, participants are supported by IMD faculty and expert mentors. The result is a final deliverable that reflects both the learning and the leadership growth that’s taken place and one that can act as a powerful signal to organizations, peers, and future employers.

Who are these degrees for? 

The Executive Masters are designed for professionals with at least eight years of experience. People who’ve built strong foundations in their field and are now asking bigger questions about what comes next.

Some are specialists who want to connect their deep expertise to broader business strategy. Others are stepping into more senior roles and need the confidence, clarity, and skills to lead transformation across an organization. Many are looking to pivot into high-impact areas like sustainability or digital business and want the credibility to match their ambition.

Across the board, these are professionals who want more from their learning, as a chance to grow in a way that delivers lasting value.

In a world where skills are constantly evolving, these degrees are about building capabilities that are future-proof. Strategic thinking. Cross-functional leadership. The ability to influence decisions, shape outcomes, and lead in complexity.

A final word 

The Executive Masters mark a new chapter at IMD. But more importantly, they respond to what professionals are asking for: learning that fits into their lives, builds in-demand skills, and helps them lead where it counts.

These degrees are focused on what matters most right now, giving leaders the depth, perspective, and strategic tools to grow their careers and create meaningful impact.

— David Bach, IMD President and Nestlé Professor of Strategy and Political Economy

For professionals ready to take that next step, these degrees offer a powerful way forward.

Explore the new Executive Master degrees at IMD:

• Executive Masters in AI & Digital Business Transformation → 
• Executive Masters in Sustainable Business Transformation → 

About the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) 

The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) has been a pioneering force in developing leaders and organizations that contribute to a more prosperous, sustainable, and inclusive world for more than 75 years. Led by an expert and diverse faculty, with campuses in Lausanne and Singapore, a Management Development Hub in Shenzhen and an Innovation Hub in Cape Town, IMD strives to be the trusted learning partner of choice for ambitious individuals and organizations worldwide. Our executive education and degree programs are consistently ranked among the world’s best. Through our research, programs, and advisory work, we enable business leaders to find new and better solutions, challenging what is and inspiring what could be. To learn more, visit www.imd.org.

The post Bridging the Gap between Expertise and Impact: Inside IMD’s New Master’s Degrees appeared first on The European Business Review.

A Unique and Flexible Design

The International MBA at Porto Business School stands out for its flexibility and tailored approach. With two distinct tracks—an 11-month accelerated path and a 15-month comprehensive option—students can choose a pace that aligns with their professional and personal goals. This flexibility ensures that the program caters to a diverse range of students, from those looking to rapidly advance their careers to those seeking a more in-depth learning experience.

The curriculum is strategically designed to offer both a global perspective and deep specialization in key areas of business, such as finance, marketing, strategy, and operations. Students have the option to pursue the concentrations of their choice through an auction-based system, allowing them to focus on the subjects that are most relevant to their career aspirations. The program also includes innovative courses on cutting-edge topics like artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and sustainability, ensuring that graduates are prepared for the future of business.

Experiential Learning: From Theory to Practice

At the heart of the International MBA is the focus on experiential learning. The program emphasizes hands-on learning, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world business challenges. One of the most prominent features of this approach is the Business Impact Challenge, where students work in teams to tackle complex issues faced by national or international companies. This challenge not only helps students develop problem-solving and teamwork skills but also exposes them to industries and markets they may not have previously encountered.

Another significant component is the Capstone Project, which offers students the chance to engage in consulting, internships, or entrepreneurial initiatives. This project provides an invaluable opportunity to apply MBA learnings in a practical setting, sharpening strategic thinking and leadership skills. Whether working with industry professionals or developing innovative business solutions, students develop key insights that help them stand out in today’s competitive job market.

Global Perspectives and Networking Opportunities

Porto Business School’s International MBA attracts a diverse student body from across the globe, offering a truly international learning environment. With nearly 50% of the cohort coming from outside Portugal, students are exposed to a wide range of perspectives, enhancing their ability to collaborate with people from different cultures and backgrounds. The program’s emphasis on global exposure is further strengthened through initiatives like the Global Immersion Week, which provides students with the opportunity to visit business ecosystems in leading cities such as New York or Berlin, depending on the program’s year.

In addition to the formal curriculum, students benefit from a robust network of alumni, mentors, and industry leaders, which plays a key role in their professional development. The Career Development Track provides tailored support to help students navigate their career paths, whether they are looking to advance in their current roles or transition to new industries. This track includes career coaching, networking events, and access to a wide range of career resources, ensuring that students are well-equipped to seize new opportunities.

Personalized Learning and Leadership Development

What truly sets the International MBA apart is its emphasis on personalized learning. Students are not just passive recipients of knowledge but active participants in their learning journey. The Leadership Development Track, powered by Porto Business School Career Services, is a core feature of the program, helping students develop the emotional intelligence, strategic mindset, and leadership skills required to succeed in today’s complex business world.

The Leadership Development Track, powered by Porto Business School Career Services, is a core feature of the program, helping students develop the emotional intelligence, strategic mindset, and leadership skills required to succeed in today’s complex business world.

Throughout the program, students engage in various activities designed to enhance their leadership skills. For example, the MBA Orientation Week is an intensive introduction to the program, featuring team-building exercises and leadership-focused workshops. This orientation sets the tone for the rest of the program, helping students build strong relationships with their peers and fostering a collaborative learning environment. Additionally, students participate in group coaching and negotiation skills workshops, which are invaluable for developing effective leadership styles.

The Power of Scholarships: Supporting the Next Generation of Leaders

At Porto Business School, there is a strong belief that talent should be nurtured, regardless of background. That’s why Porto Business School offers a wide range of scholarships to support the most promising candidates.

The Global Leadership Excellence Young Leaders Scholarship, for instance, provides financial support to individuals with exceptional leadership potential, helping them unlock their full potential without the financial burden of tuition fees. Scholarships are awarded based on merit and are designed to recognize candidates whose talent and vision can drive positive change in their organizations and communities.

Industry Relevance and Career Impact

One of the key reasons students choose the International MBA at Porto Business School is its strong industry relevance. The program is designed with the needs of modern businesses in mind, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s competitive global marketplace. The inclusion of practical learning experiences, such as the Business Impact Challenge and Capstone Project, ensures that students graduate with not only academic knowledge but also the practical expertise required to solve real business problems.

Inês Monteiro, IT Consultant at Natixis, shares her experience: “The International MBA has been a game-changer for my career. Midway, I stepped into a new role through the network I built, and working on my Capstone project with Natixis helped me grow as a professional and set even higher goals.” This reflects the power of the program to transform careers and open doors to new opportunities.

Tadeo Renjel, Global Supply Chain Analyst at Vestas, further emphasizes the importance of learning new skills: “I really wanted to learn something new, especially develop my leadership skills and learn about financials, accounting, and everything that includes an MBA.” This desire for growth and development is central to the experience at Porto Business School.

The Porto Business School Experience: Immersive, Innovative, and Impactful

The International MBA at Porto Business School is an immersive, innovative, and impactful program that equips students with the knowledge, skills, and networks needed to succeed as global leaders. Whether through hands-on projects, personalized leadership development, or exposure to global business environments, the program prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the modern business world.

As Yannick Sekamana, Business Development at Mota-Engil, states: “The MBA at Porto Business School exceeded my expectations. From a warm welcome in Portugal to excellent faculty and classmates, I couldn’t have asked for more. Above all, the school’s support in my capstone project enabled hands-on learning and opened doors to a transformative career path within my company.”

With a global network, a focus on leadership development, and a commitment to real-world impact, the International MBA at Porto Business School is the ideal choice for those looking to reimagine themselves and the future of business.

Now is the time to take that next step—whether you’re looking to elevate your career, transition to a new field, or create meaningful change. Porto Business School is ready to help you transform your potential into success.

For more information about the International MBA and available scholarships, contact António Santos, MBA Admissions Advisor, at asantos@pbs.up.pt or +351 932 004 784.

The post Reimagining Business Leadership: Porto Business School’s International MBA appeared first on The European Business Review.

Challenge yourself and develop as a confident and ambitious leader.

Whether you’re considering a career change, seeking growth in your current role or aiming to start your own business, the Bath MBA will give you practical, professional experiences and skills to expand your CV and open new doors.

At Bath, we offer a practical, innovative and collaborative approach to learning. Just like in the real world, the best way to learn is by doing. Experience an MBA that mirrors real-world collaboration and has practical business experiences at its heart.

>> Innovative Teaching: Our teaching approach reflects how modern organisations work, helping you prepare for whatever challenges lie ahead. We integrate core topics, reflecting real organisations.

>> Practical Experience: Theory can only take you so far. On the Bath MBA you’ll learn by doing. Our focus on practice-based learning means you’ll interact with real business from the start of the programme.

>> Career Focused: We can help you achieve your ambitions with our tailored
professional development content in the Business Career Accelerator module. You’ll enhance your essential business skills and work with expert coaches and mentors.

Take your next step and be part of one of the UK’s leading business schools, highly ranked with internationally recognised research and teaching. Together, we can do incredible things.

Feel at home in Bath

Bath is a beautiful city set in the rolling green hills of England, just 90 minutes from London. Famous for its hot springs and Georgian architecture, students love this city for its vibrant mix of beauty, learning and opportunities.

Invest in your future

We know you want to grow as a leader. We have funding available to support talented MBA candidates and our range of scholarships and bursaries can help you achieve your goals.

Free online webinars

Our online webinars are a great way to get the information you need to start your MBA journey at Bath. Join us to meet our academics, hear from alumni and current students, and chat with our MBA Recruitment and Admissions team.

Get in touch!

Contact us to ask a question, find out if you meet our entry requirements, or arrange a one-to-one consultation. We are here to help.

The post The Bath MBA. Practical. Personal. Progressive. appeared first on The European Business Review.

What does it take to become a better leader in 2025?

It’s true that business leaders today are navigating a far more unpredictable landscape than their predecessors and facing an even more uncertain future ahead, which has in turn shifted the demands for what qualities a good leader needs to have.

To survive – and thrive – in 2025 and beyond leaders now have to show their technical prowess, become literate in AI and have an in-depth understanding of how their organisation’s actions impact upon wider global challenges such as climate change, and use this knowledge to a professional advantage.

For existing leaders, and for those hoping to progress to the C-Suite, there is a steeper learning curve to conquer. To that end, a common step for such professionals is to gain new skills – engage in further education and training opportunities to build the competencies needed to ascend the career ladder.

As such there is a seemingly limitless choice of study options to consider when it comes to exploring better leadership skills.

But is brushing up on core competencies – and adding in new ones – enough? Whilst skills such as becoming technologically savvy are essential (Korn Ferry lists all of the above in its latest annual Workforce Global Insights Report), in 2025 being a ‘better’ leader requires digging a little deeper.

Alongside developing practical skills, business leaders must also be able to exercise and apply their emotional prowess – possessing the mental capability to understand how to apply their expertise in a responsible, ethic manner.

Whilst there are many educational programmes highly proficient in teaching the theory and strategy behind successful leadership, the material is often based on ideas and approaches which are increasingly at odds with how modern businesses operate and the demands placed upon leadership teams. Even programmes designed to equip leaders with digital skills, often fail to consider one other vital aspect – responsibility.

The Responsibility of Leadership

Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and capability is the other side of the leadership coin – especially when it comes to tackling modern challenges. Today’s leaders are required to be able to consider the ‘why’ behind their business decision making, so that they can ensure they are acting with the right values in mind.

Today’s leaders are required to be able to consider the ‘why’ behind their business decision making, so that they can ensure they are acting with the right values in mind.

Leaders are challenged to navigate difficult situations where their business decisions may require them to contradict their core values. Whilst moral value systems are largely universal, difficult business decisions can force leaders to deviate from their beliefs. Organisations typically facilitate this drift away from cores values, if it benefits their company. Leaders must build on their capacity to navigate situations which challenge their value systems by having more effective conversations and being empowered to challenge constructively.

As aspiring leaders advance in their career path, their thinking can become limited by the existing ethos at their organisations. Even the most idealistic of professionals can find their values are eroded over time to benefit the organisations they serve.

Whilst this might help them to gain a professional advantage, not only do such individuals risk becoming professionally unfulfilled when their aspirations do not end up matching the reality of their work, they will also find themselves increasingly out of step with the values of modern industry, especially when addressing significant challenges such as climate change or prioritising ethical actions.

In supporting leaders to get ahead in 2025, leadership training also needs an injection of EQ, supporting professionals in adjusting their approach to making business decisions in a way that meets business needs but enables them to stay true to their values.

At Imperial Executive Education, we have designed the Responsible Leadership in a Complex World programme to provide exactly this support.

Responsibly Conscious Leaders For A Complex Future

The programme is designed to enhance the practical and intellectual capabilities of business leaders to better tackle the challenges presented by the modern world that have not been faced by previous generations; AI, digital transformation and climate change, but also empower leaders to address these in an emotionally intelligent way.

By building the essential skills to navigate complexity and make informed, intelligent decisions, the programme acts as a reset button for professionals. Participants can take the opportunity to take stock of their career path, consider the legacy they wish to leave and gain the knowledge and support they need to return to the values they’ve held all along.

The benefit? More fulfilled, engaged leaders who can drive lasting impact within their organisations and wider society.

Supported by the work of Imperial’s Centre for Responsible Leadership, the programme incorporates cutting-edge research and insights into the most pressing challenges and ethical dilemmas facing organisations and those that lead them. The Centre is driven by the belief that responsible leadership transcends superficial compliance and trend-driven theories. To act in a responsible, ethical manner and create true lasting impact, leaders must take a deep dive into the practices and attitudes driving modern business and then seek to improve them.

By embedding the right values at the core of an organisation’s work and enacting it through every action, the Centre not only generates the means for positive ethical action but shares this best practice with industry.

Those industry leaders have also taken a role in designing the curriculum, with experts from eco-focused start-ups to multinational firms each sharing their own experience of embedding responsible leadership into their work. Participants are challenged to analyse these case studies, exploring the distinction between what is ‘right’ and what is most advantageous for an organisation, and understanding how to navigate both effectively.

The result is a curriculum that empowers leaders to tackle challenges in a way that not only generates profit but has a positive impact on people, planet and purpose.

A Personal Perspective

Learners can use this as a benchmark to track their development and understand in real time how the programme is helping to meet these goals.

Learners will take a personal approach by completing pre-study self-reflection and analysis. This provides an early window for learners to reflect on their own behaviours and consider how the programme can best help address their needs. By establishing their intentions early on, learners can use this as a benchmark to track their development and understand in real time how the programme is helping to meet these goals.

Whilst organisational contexts differ across the world, most values are universally held. Participants on the programme will be empowered to enact their moral values and become resilient in situations in which their values are tested, making it less likely that they’ll make decisions that they regret.

Through further study, participants can also discover the elements of their leadership behaviour that might hinder them from challenging the status quo and seeking to act in a more responsible way.

In establishing a peer network of progressive thinking and ongoing learning, participants are encouraged to share their successes and challenges, establishing better routes forward together.

Getting comfortable broaching the uncomfortable

In returning to the workplace, participants bring fresh vision as well as the tools to embed these within their teams, setting the right tone for the future. Navigating change is never easy, but leaders must learn to become comfortable with addressing the uncomfortable. Only then can they be sure they are moving forwards rather than falling back into old routines and value systems.

Continuing to navigate change and break free of the comfort zone is an essential attitude for lifelong learning and professional development. Change has become the only constant in industry – whether organisational, technical, societal or geopolitical. To stay ahead, leaders need a new compass from which to navigate and must be unwavering in following it. Like all explorers, in charting a new course, they are sure to leave a legacy in their wake.

You can find out more about the ‘Responsible Leadership in a Complex World’ programme on the Imperial Executive Education website. The programme takes place at Imperial’s South Kensington campus from Monday 3 November – Friday 7 November 2025.

About the author

Kate Coombs is a leading behavioural science consultant in financial services, Managing Director of the Centre for Responsible Leadership at Imperial Business School, and is the Programme Director for Responsible Leadership in a Complex World.

Kate specialises in designing and testing behavioural interventions to drive cultural change, with a focus on leader behaviour, employee voice, inclusion, and behavioural risk.

The post Responsibility Is The Key To Successful Leadership In An Increasingly Complex World appeared first on The European Business Review.

Navigating uncertainty: A new paradigm of leadership

The business world today demands more than traditional management skills. Leaders must now navigate intricate challenges that span technological innovation, sustainability and global interconnectedness. The University of Bath School of Management has responded to this complex landscape by designing educational experiences that go far beyond conventional academic boundaries.

“Industry insights have emphasised a critical need for leaders who can navigate increasing business complexity,” explains Dr Jane Ellis-Brush, Director of Teaching for MBA programmes.

“Our approach is deliberately challenging – we’re not just teaching theory but asking participants to apply knowledge to real strategic challenges.” 

“The Bath MBA programmes are crafted to be more than academic exercises. They are transformative journeys that equip professionals with the strategic mindset and practical skills needed to excel in top-tier leadership roles,” Dr Ellis-Brush concludes. 

Real-world problem solving

The curriculum breaks down traditional academic silos, mirroring the interconnected reality of modern organisations. Participants work directly with partner companies, tackling complex challenges ranging from market entry strategies to digital transformation initiatives. This hands-on approach ensures that learning is immediate, relevant, and directly applicable to professional growth.

Jane Phillips, Executive MBA alumna, reflects on her experience: “Lectures are a balance of lively debate and sharing of opinions with support for each other’s learning. The collaborative atmosphere is superb, and hearing inputs from a diverse range of backgrounds is fascinating. The course combines academic theory with the opportunity to apply your learning directly into the workplace, solving real-life workplace challenges.”

A cutting-edge, forward-thinking approach

Recognising the rapid evolution of the business world, particularly in areas like sustainability and artificial intelligence, the School has deliberately shaped its programmes to address emerging challenges.

The Executive MBA incorporates developments in disruptive technology, AI, and sustainability, preparing leaders to thrive in an uncertain world, whilst the full-time MBA programme’s core integrated modules combine business subject areas to reflect how modern organisations work.

Head of MBA Operations, Matt Rusling, describes the diversity of business projects students might face on the programme: “Our students work with external partners on a range of real-world challenges, opening them up to the complexity of business.”

“A recent example is our collaboration with Mayden, where students undertook a comprehensive appraisal to launch a minimum marketable clinical software product for neurodiversity services. This isn’t just an academic exercise – it’s a real opportunity for students to apply strategic thinking to meaningful, innovative projects.” 

Diverse perspectives, global insights

The MBA cohorts are deliberately diverse, bringing together professionals from a broad range of sectors and cultural backgrounds. This diversity enriches classroom discussions and provides natural opportunities for expanding leadership perspectives. As Dr Ellis-Brush notes: “We want students to be comfortable and confident working in teams, gaining hands-on experience with different groups they wouldn’t typically encounter.”

Beyond rankings: a commitment to excellence

The School boasts impressive rankings – including 1st in the UK for Marketing and 2nd for Accounting and Finance. It ranks in the top 130 globally in the QS World MBA Rankings 2025 and recently secured the highest Tier One status in CEO Magazine Global MBA Rankings 2025. Its true value, however, lies in its commitment to developing holistic, forward-thinking leaders.

With 93% of research submissions assessed as ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ (Research Excellence Framework) and strong connections to over 380 corporate partners, Bath offers more than education; it provides a transformative professional experience founded on a commitment to academic excellence. 

Programmes tailored to professional aspirations

Whether you’re an experienced executive seeking to elevate your strategic capabilities or a rising professional aiming to accelerate your career trajectory, the School of Management offers programmes designed to meet your unique needs:

• Executive MBA: For senior leaders who want to fit professional development around work commitments
• Full-Time MBA: A one-year programme for ambitious professionals ready to make a significant career leap
• Specialised Master’s Programmes: One-year programmes for recent graduates, including Business Analytics, Marketing, Innovation & Technology Management, Sustainability Management and more. 

An invitation to transform your leadership journey

The world needs leaders who can see beyond conventional boundaries, who understand the intricate connections between technology, society, and business. The University of Bath School of Management is committed to developing these leaders. 

Join the University of Bath School of Management and make your next bold move.

Upcoming events:

• Executive MBA Open House: Thursday 17 July at 17:00 PM
• The Bath MBA Insight Series with Dr Pete Nuttall: Thursday 12 June 12:00 noon GMT+1
• The Bath MBA Insight Series: Real projects, real impact. The Bath MBA consulting experience: Thursday 10 July 12:00 noon (GMT+1)

Find out more at BATHMBA.COM

The post Equipping Leaders for a Complex Business Landscape appeared first on The European Business Review.

In the vibrant city of Istanbul, Sabancı University’s Executive Development Unit (EDU) is quietly reshaping the global leadership landscape. With an unwavering commitment to empowering leaders of tomorrow, EDU is gaining recognition not only as a regional powerhouse, but also as a rising star on the global executive education stage. Ranked 34th worldwide in the prestigious Financial Times Custom Executive Education Rankings, EDU is proving that world-class executive learning can be born out of local insight and delivered with global ambition.

One of EDU’s flagship initiatives making waves beyond Turkey is HER LEGACY: The Art of Women’s Leadership. This three-day immersive program is specifically designed for senior women executives, particularly from regions such as the Middle East, Qatar, Riyadh, and Azerbaijan, who are seeking to strengthen their leadership capabilities and lead with greater authenticity, resilience, and purpose.

“Women around the world are demanding more inclusive and relevant leadership development,” says the EDU team. “With HER LEGACY, we are not just offering another leadership seminar. We are cultivating a movement—a community of high-impact women leaders who are equipped to shape the future of leadership, in their organizations and beyond.”

We are cultivating a movement—a community of high-impact women leaders equipped to shape the future of leadership.

The program combines academic excellence, experiential learning, and cross-cultural insights, bringing participants face-to-face with leading scholars, global practitioners, and diverse peers. From emotional intelligence and AI-driven leadership to inclusion, storytelling, and resilience, HER LEGACY offers a rich and future-focused curriculum rooted in the real-world challenges senior women face.

Beyond its content, the program emphasizes sisterhood and solidarity, creating a safe space for women to connect, mentor, and rise together. Networking dinners, coaching sessions, and a hands-on exploration of Istanbul’s cultural fabric add dimension to the learning journey, blending tradition with transformation.

As global demand for personalized and inclusive executive development grows, Sabancı University EDU stands out with its ability to combine regional relevance with international excellence. Its inclusion in the Financial Times global rankings underscores its commitment to designing programs that not only address business needs but also social imperatives—like advancing women in leadership.

With a proven track record, top-tier faculty, and deep roots in Turkey’s dynamic business ecosystem, EDU is poised to continue shaping the future of executive education—by empowering those who will lead it.

Program Snapshot: HER LEGACY – The Art of Women’s Leadership

• Location: Sabancı University, Istanbul, Turkey
• Duration: 3 days
• Audience: Senior women executives with 15+ years of professional experience
• Fee: 3,000 USD + VAT
• Contact: edu@sabanciuniv.edu

Program Highlights:

Day 1 – Self-Discovery & Leadership Identity Development

• Keynote: Our Strengths and Values in Leadership
• Building Your Authentic Leadership Brand
• Unlocking Your Potential: Self Management & EQ
• Her Journey, Her Story: Crafting Leadership Through Storytelling

Day 2 – Diversity, Inclusion & Leadership Collaboration

• Acting Together: Shaping a Future of Equality and Inclusion
• Women Network & Sisterhood
• Panel Discussion: Executive Insights

Day 3 – The Future of Leadership & Technology

• Curiosity, Credibility & Courage
• Leading with Confidence in a Volatile World
• Neuro-AI Leadership
• Savor of Leadership: Connecting Cultures & Inspiring Growth
• Networking Dinner

Plus: Three one-on-one coaching sessions for personalized leadership growth.

Slogans That Capture the Spirit:

• “Lead with Legacy, Inspire with Purpose.”
• “Empowered Women, Transforming Leadership.”
• “Unleash Your Potential, Define Your Leadership.”
• “Sisterhood in Leadership: Together We Rise.”
• “Break Barriers, Build Legacies.”

Join a new generation of women leaders who are not just breaking ceilings, but building bridges.

To apply or learn more: edubeyondborders@sabanciuniv.edu

The post Empowering Women Leaders from the Heart of Istanbul appeared first on The European Business Review.

Equipping professionals with the finance tools to build a better future.

Rated number one university in the UK and University of the Year by the Times and the Sunday Times, LSE’s multidisciplinary ethos shines through in the portfolio of Executive Education programmes it provides. And, while every LSE programme has a distinct theme and focus, they have much in common. Each is delivered by a world-class faculty made up of some of the world’s foremost business and leadership thinkers. Also, each is underpinned and informed by cutting-edge research.

Sustainable Finance is increasingly big business.

In recent years, the notion of finance as a driver of positive change has been steadily building traction across the globe. But how do firms balance their desire to do the right thing in business and create strategies for making a positive impact, while continuing to generate attractive financial returns and drive the bottom line?

It’s a challenging question. But as awareness and critical thinking around environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues continue to shift and change, so too have the priorities, values and strategies of many of the world’s largest financial institutions. And it’s becoming clear that businesses seeking to achieve both financial and ESG goals, will need to negotiate certain trade-offs. 

There are challenging questions ahead.

As a global business with a strong ESG focus, you can have some tricky decisions to make. Do you walk away from potentially lucrative partnerships with firms that don’t tick your ESG boxes? Or do you keep your seat at their table, but use your voice and agency to influence positive change in their business practices where you can? It can be difficult to know the best long-term strategy to take.

This is where LSE’s groundbreaking Sustainable Finance and Impact Investing programme, comes in. Created by their world-renowned Department of Finance, it draws on the latest insights and research to help finance professionals build an understanding of finance and investment as drivers of change and the potential trade-offs involved. It equips participants to adapt traditional portfolio tools to integrate and achieve ESG goals and offers a big-picture understanding to the many challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. 

It’s a profound and transformational learning experience

For participants, each of LSE’s programmes focus on empowering them to think critically and analytically about the bigger picture. To explore what the issues of today mean to the future of businesses and the world. They’re supported to build a deeper understanding of the intricate interconnectedness of business, geopolitics and socio-economics and navigate change with confidence. In turn, this creates immediate and actionable insights for their organisations. Ensuring everyone benefits from knowing how to build a brighter tomorrow. Starting today.

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Beyond the prestige associated with an elite MBA, graduates gain access to exclusive career opportunities in high-paying industries such as finance, consulting, and technology. These sectors actively seek MBA talent, offering not just six-figure starting salaries but also substantial signing bonuses, stock options, and long-term career growth. With the right program, an MBA can serve as a powerful catalyst for professional advancement, opening doors to leadership roles, executive networks, and high-impact career trajectories.

But the benefits of attending a top MBA program extend far beyond salary. Elite business schools provide access to unparalleled networking opportunities, connecting students with influential alumni, top executives, and industry leaders. Career services at these institutions play a pivotal role in job placement, offering recruitment events, internship opportunities, and mentorship programs designed to position graduates for success. Additionally, the curriculum of these programs is tailored to meet the evolving demands of the business world, ensuring that students develop the analytical, leadership, and strategic thinking skills needed to thrive.

Here are some of the world’s highest-paying MBA programs.

1. Stanford Graduate School of Business

• Average Base Salary: ~$189,000
• Average Signing Bonus: ~$42,000
• Employment Rate (3 months post-graduation): ~80%
• Top Hiring Industries: Finance, Tech, Private Equity

Beyond its location, Stanford Graduate School of Business is renowned for its focus on leadership development, innovation, and entrepreneurship. The program fosters a culture that encourages students to think boldly and take calculated risks, which has resulted in many alumni founding billion-dollar companies. In addition to high salaries and signing bonuses, many graduates benefit from long-term equity compensation, especially those entering private equity or launching ventures of their own.

2. The Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania)

• Average Base Salary: ~$175,000
• Average Signing Bonus: ~$37,900
• Employment Rate: ~93.1%
• Top Hiring Industries: Finance, Tech, Consulting

The Wharton School’s strength extends beyond finance, with its MBA program also excelling in technology and consulting career placements. The school’s data-driven approach to business education equips students with the analytical skills needed to thrive in fast-paced, high-stakes environments. Additionally, Wharton’s vast alumni network is one of the largest and most influential in the business world, providing graduates with ongoing career support and opportunities for professional advancement.

3. Chicago Booth School of Business

• Average Base Salary: ~$173,000
• Average Signing Bonus: ~$39,600
• Employment Rate: ~85%
• Top Hiring Industries: Finance, Consulting, Tech

Beyond academics, Chicago Booth’s powerful alumni network and strong employer relationships significantly enhance job placement prospects. The school’s flexible curriculum allows students to tailor their education to their career goals, ensuring they develop expertise in areas that align with market demands. Additionally, Booth’s Career Services provide extensive resources, including recruitment events, interview preparation, and networking opportunities, all of which contribute to the school’s impressive employment rate.

4. Harvard Business School

• Average Base Salary: ~$171,000
• Average Signing Bonus: ~$36,600
• Employment Rate: ~85%
• Top Hiring Industries: Consulting, Private Equity, Tech

A key advantage of Harvard Business School is its vast and influential alumni network, which spans across industries and geographies, offering unparalleled access to job opportunities, mentorship, and career advancement. The school’s robust career services further support students in securing top positions, with dedicated resources for interview preparation, networking, and on-campus recruiting. Many graduates find themselves placed at elite consulting firms such as McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, and Boston Consulting Group, as well as in competitive private equity roles.

5. Dartmouth Tuck School of Business

• Average Base Salary: ~$170,000
• Average Signing Bonus: ~$37,500
• Employment Rate: ~91%
• Top Hiring Industries: Consulting, Finance, Tech

Tuck’s curriculum places a strong emphasis on leadership, collaboration, and strategic thinking, equipping students with the skills required to excel in high-demand industries. The school’s career services department provides extensive one-on-one coaching, industry networking events, and recruitment partnerships with leading firms, ensuring that students are well-prepared for competitive job markets. With its high earning potential, strong industry connections, and a culture that prioritizes professional growth, Tuck continues to be a top choice for ambitious MBA candidates.

What Makes These Programs Lucrative?

The most prestigious MBA programs consistently produce high-earning graduates due to a combination of key factors that set them apart. One of the primary advantages is their deep-rooted industry connections, particularly with leading firms in consulting, finance, and technology. These relationships give students direct access to top recruiters and exclusive job opportunities that offer substantial salaries. Additionally, the strength of a school’s alumni network plays a crucial role in career advancement. Graduates of elite programs benefit from a vast network of successful professionals who can provide mentorship, referrals, and insider knowledge that significantly boost career prospects.

Another critical factor is geographic location. MBA programs situated in financial and tech hubs, such as New York, London, and Silicon Valley, provide students with greater exposure to high-paying job markets. The proximity to major companies often leads to more lucrative employment opportunities upon graduation. Moreover, the career support offered by top programs is unparalleled. These schools invest heavily in career services, offering personalized coaching, recruitment events, and job placement assistance, ensuring that graduates secure top-tier positions. Lastly, specialization plays a key role in salary outcomes. Programs that focus on high-demand fields such as finance, consulting, and technology tend to yield the highest salaries, as they equip graduates with the skills and expertise that employers in these industries are willing to pay a premium for.

For those seeking to maximize their earning potential, the top MBA programs offer unparalleled career opportunities, industry exposure, and salary prospects. However, prospective students should carefully weigh the costs, career trajectory, and overall experience to ensure that their chosen program is the best fit for their personal and professional goals.

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A master of business administration (MBA) degree has been shown to increase earnings, but it typically takes years to finish. Most full-time online MBA programs take up to two years to complete. Part-time, asynchronous MBA programs that allow you to work toward your degree around your schedule can take even longer. If you want to earn your MBA and start advancing your degree faster, there are online options for you: some business schools have accelerated programs that allow you to finish an MBA in as little as a year.

It’s worth remembering accelerated programs aren’t for everyone. They feature intensive, fast-paced classes to truncate years of learning into 12-16 months. If you have a good work ethic and want to see the benefits of your degree quickly, an accelerated online MBA might be for you. An accelerated online MBA usually has the same core curriculum as a traditional online MBA, but classes are more fast-paced and include more information. This means that accelerated MBA programs are typically geared toward students who have a specific career path in mind, with less room for electives and exploration than a full-time or part-time MBA program.

Here are a few of them.

1. Northwestern Kellogg’s One-Year MBA Program

Northwestern Kellogg’s One-Year MBA Program is your fastest path to a Kellogg MBA. It is designed to build upon your business fundamentals and get you back in the workforce with new skills and knowledge that will propel your career forward. From June to June, you’ll immerse yourself in the rigorous curriculum, learn from world-class faculty and build leadership experience and a supportive network that will help you immediately and throughout your career. As one of the first One-Year MBA Programs in the country, more than 3,500 of their graduates have made an indelible mark on business and the world, with many of our alumni leading some of the most notable companies in the world, including Robert Eckert, Former Chairman & CEO of Mattel and Vijay Karnani, Managing Director of Goldman Sachs. Unlike other One-Year MBA programs that consolidate two years of classes into one, our program builds on your business experience and gives you the option to bypass core classes so you can focus on the electives that are pertinent to your personal and professional goals.

2. University of North Carolina Wilmington – Online MBA 

The University of North Carolina Wilmington combines a high-demand curriculum with a fast completion time for its accelerated online MBA program. The program’s 36 credits can be completed in as little as 12 months, assuming you’re taking classes full-time. It includes electives in data center management, healthcare analytics, programming, and entrepreneurship to help prepare you to lead in fast-growing sectors.  The accelerated courses are offered in a seven-week format, and no prerequisites are required. That online format is geared toward working professionals, and the program features six start dates so you can schedule your education around your professional and personal life. Their accelerated MBA gives you the ability to complete the program in as little as one year and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business.

3. Tepper School of Business – Accelerated Online MBA

Tepper School of Business’s Accelerated MBA is for business graduates or individuals with undergraduate business coursework experience who want to earn an MBA on an accelerated timeline. This MBA may be for you if in the last 10 years, you have taken accounting, finance, marketing, microeconomics, and operations courses from an AACSB or EQUIS-accredited business program. In the Tepper Accelerated MBA program, you’ll have all of the same advantages of a Tepper MBA and join the incoming cohort of either our Full-Time MBA or Online Hybrid MBA program. You will be joining these cohorts to get the full advantage of our highly ranked and regarded programs but complete an accelerated curriculum that includes a refresher course in your first semester to ensure your success in the program. Your Accelerated degree simply streamlines redundant coursework and as a result, reduces tuition costs for the program.

4. UC Davis – Master of Management

The online Master of Management from UC Davis is a graduate business degree designed for recent college graduates, ambitious young professionals and career-changers aspiring to leadership roles.

The 15-month online Master of Management program provides aspiring leaders with a foundation in the functional areas of business, such as accounting, finance, marketing and strategy. Modeled after UC Davis’ top-ranked online MBA program, the online Master of Management gives you a strong foundation in innovation as well as the functional areas of business, including accounting, economics, finance, marketing and strategy. The 36-unit curriculum is composed of nine courses and features duidance from faculty with tactical industry expertise, lively interactions with peers in face-to-face online classes, and hands-on learning and trailblazing research in the online classroom

5. UNC Kenan-Flagler – Online MBA

UNC Kenan-Flagler’s top-ranked online MBA is designed for experienced professionals looking to take their careers to the next level. Students have access to lifelong career benefits and a global network of 51,000+ business school alumni. Through their program, you can earn your MBA online in as few as 18 months or up to three years. Their MBA students come from all over the world, each with their own unique set of experiences and aspirations. With UNC Kenan-Flagler, they’re able to balance an elite MBA, demanding careers, family commitments and hectic travel schedules. For the last decade, the online program has equipped passionate professionals with the tools to make a lasting business impact worldwide. As a student, you’ll develop an approach to leadership that reflects your values, amplifies your strengths and positions you for success.

6. Maryville University – Master of Business Administration

You can earn your Master of Business Administration online from Maryville University in as few as 12 months. As a tech-forward and future-focused university that has been disrupting higher education for over 150 years, they designed their program to focus your education by choosing from 12 concentrations, and separate yourself from the competition. The more specialized you become, the more you can distinguish your talent. You also have the chance to pick from multiple start dates throughout the year to fit best within your schedule. Maryville University’s Accelerated Master of Business Administration program is tailored to provide you with the skills you need to effectively manage whatever industry challenges you may face in your future. In addition, our program exposes you to advanced business concepts, such as networking, technical savvy, analytical thinking, leadership, finance and accounting, and systems-level thinking.

If you are seeking a flexible way to get your MBA but don’t want to spend several years in class, a program that offers a faster way to obtain your degree may be the best option for you.

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Led by LSE’s renowned Grantham Institute on Climate Change and the Environment, this five-day course brings together ground-breaking international expertise on economics, finance, geography, international development, and political economy. Participants of the programme emerge with the skills to leverage climate models and science to trace the link between carbon emissions and economic growth and competitiveness.

You’ll be joined by a cohort of senior leaders from a broad diversity of roles, organisations, sectors and geographies where your learning experience will be enriched by dynamic group discussion with your faculty and peers.

Taking place at the LSE campus in London on 09 June 2025 for one week, sign up today to position your organisation at the forefront of positive and proactive change.

Secure your place.

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As a senior professional, the start of a new year is the perfect time to focus on growth, innovation, and future-proofing your career. Imperial College Business School Executive Education offers transformative programmes tailored for directors, senior managers, and C-suite leaders looking to make an impact.

Join Imperial Executive Education this March to gain cutting-edge insights, enhance your strategic capabilities, and lead with confidence in an ever-evolving world.

Explore our upcoming programmes:

• Leadership in a Technology-Driven World: (10-14 March 2025)
  Learn to navigate the complexities of digital transformation while empowering your team to thrive in a tech-driven future.
• Digital Transformation Strategy: (24-28 March 2025)
  Master the art of leading successful digital transformations to drive innovation and organizational success.
• Leading Systemic Innovation in Healthcare: (28 April – 2 May 2025)
  Equip yourself to lead ground breaking changes in the healthcare sector, fostering impactful solutions for systemic challenges.
• Risk Management Programme: (19-23 May 2025)
  Protect your organization and drive sustainable growth.

Make 2025 the year you take your leadership to new heights.

Join a Programme and Lead the Future

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This intensive programme for business leaders expertly integrates theory and practice to enable you to become experimental and adaptable in your approach as a leader. You will learn to innovate, exploring and evaluating new ways of including different voices, perspectives and capabilities within your organisation to drive innovation.

Rated the top university in the UK and ‘University of the Year 2025’ by The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide, LSE Executive Education programmes bring world-renowned, interdisciplinary faculty expertise and cutting-edge insights to illuminate critical yet complex ideas.

The programme is led by Dr Grace Lordan, the author of Think Big and the Founding Director of The Inclusion Initiative at LSE. She will be joined on the programme by Behavioural Science experts Dr Dario Krpan and Dr Christian Krekel.

You’ll learn to innovate as a leader and master leadership tools built on world-class behavioural science research to maximise the value of diverse talent in your organisation.

LSE Executive Education are currently accepting applications for this programme taking place on campus 24-28 February 2025, spaces are limited so find out more today.

Secure your place.

The post Join LSE for the Launch of their New Executive Education Programme appeared first on The European Business Review.

The challenges of career growth are real. The evolving job market demands leaders who can navigate digital disruption, foster innovation, and manage risks effectively. Are you prepared to rise above these challenges? Imperial Executive Education programmes equip you with the skills to lead confidently in 2025 and beyond:

• Leadership in a Technology-Driven World (10-14 March 2025): Unlock the power of innovation and technology in leadership.
• Digital Transformation Strategy (24-28 March 2025): Develop cutting-edge strategies to lead change.
• Leading Systemic Innovation in Healthcare (28 April – 2 May 2025): Create impact in the complex world of healthcare.
• Risk Management Programme (19-23 May 2025): Protect your organization and drive sustainable growth.

Secure your place today and embrace career-defining opportunities.

Join a Programme and Lead the future!

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An ever-changing world calls for a different kind of leader

Advances in technology are changing the working world in countless ways, not all of which are positive. The transition to the green economy is challenging organisations of every kind to rethink what they do and how they work. Demographic shifts are having an impact, too – reshaping workplaces and organisational cultures around the world.

With a pace of change this dramatic, it’s no surprise that many businesses are struggling to keep up. The same applies to their people. And, in a world this complex, there is no single answer or approach that will empower organisations to adapt and thrive.

A multidisciplinary approach for a complex world

A leading social sciences university, LSE has long believed that a multidisciplinary approach and understanding is absolutely fundamental to success. It’s a belief that shapes the way they teach, the programmes they offer and the way they equip their Executive Education participants to see the world.

LSE’s multidisciplinary ethos shines through in the portfolio of Executive Education programmes it provides. The University’s portfolio has been created with a clear focus on the challenges and issues faced by businesses today.

Programmes created with today and tomorrow in mind

LSE’s Creating Inclusive Organisations programme looks at how to harness the benefits of diversity for organisational success in a society that is more diverse, but also more partisan and polarised than ever before.

LSE’s Creating Inclusive Organisations programme looks at how to harness the benefits of diversity for organisational success in a society that is more diverse, but also more partisan and polarised than ever before. Participants explore what it means to become an inclusive leader and how to create workplace cultures that proactively welcome and embrace differences and use them to encourage innovation.

Another example is Climate Change: Economics and Governance. This programme is created and delivered by LSE’s Grantham Research Institute – an influential body that develops world-leading research and policy leadership on climate change and environmental problems. Participants on this programme explore the challenges, navigate the risks and unlock the opportunities that climate change represents for their organisation. The focus here is on building the fully integrative and multidisciplinary understanding that leaders need if they are to position their organisation at the forefront of change.

Thirdly, consider the groundbreaking Sustainable Finance and Impact Investing programme. Created by LSE’s world-renowned Department of Finance, this programme draws on the latest insights and research to help finance professionals build an understanding of finance and investment as drivers of change. It equips participants to adapt traditional portfolio tools to integrate and achieve ESG goals.

These are just three programmes from a broad portfolio. LSE’s courses touch on a wide range of other urgent contemporary topics too, such as the Ethics of AI, Global Macroeconomics, Social Entrepreneurship, Leadership and Change, and the Governance, Planning and Design of Cities.

A diverse portfolio. A shared ethos.

While every LSE programme has a distinct theme and focus, they have much in common. Each is delivered by a world-class faculty made up of some of the world’s foremost business and leadership thinkers. Also, each is underpinned and informed by cutting-edge research.

Perhaps most importantly, each of LSE’s programmes puts a strong emphasis on empowering participants to think critically and analytically about the bigger picture – what the issues of today mean to the future of businesses and the world.

The executives of tomorrow need to understand the intricate interconnectedness of business, geopolitics and socio-economics if they are to navigate change with confidence. Rated the number one university in the UK and University of the Year by the Times and Sunday Times, LSE is helping to develop exactly this kind of leader.

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Interview with Omar Toulan of IMD

The International Institute for Management Development (IMD) is in first place in Bloomberg Businessweek’s 2024 ranking of European MBA Programs. In this interview with EBR, Omar Toulan, IMD´s MBA Dean, discusses the school´s focus on developing impactful leaders, its dedication to students’ post-MBA success, and its integration of AI in teaching functional business skills and transversal skills.

Good day, Prof. Omar! Thank you for taking the time to speak with us today, especially given your demanding schedule. Congratulations on IMD once again topping the Bloomberg Business School rankings this year! What would you say distinguishes your program from other leading global MBA programs?

Firstly, IMD as an institution is a unique place, founded by business leaders for business leaders. We maintain our close ties to business thanks to our executive programs and advisory work, and our faculty brings that real-world knowledge and experience into the MBA program. So we’re able to adapt it to what the market demands and what recruiters are looking for, keeping it not just current, but future-oriented.

At the core of IMD and the MBA program is our focus on developing leaders who will have an impact. We were one of the first schools to introduce personal coaches 40 years ago. The leadership stream is what really brands IMD.

One of the other things that sets the MBA program apart is our focus on experiential learning, which accounts for approximately 40% of the curriculum. This hands-on approach to learning includes international consulting projects, start-up projects, optional internships, and a new Future Lab module with direct industry interaction. In this way, our students apply what they’re learning, bridging theory with practice.

With next year’s redesign, I am also very excited about our focus on skills-based learning, which is something I think is extremely unique and different from other programs. Skills-based learning ensures our graduates not only excel in the classical functional areas of business but also possess the critical problem-solving and communication skills to adapt to the changing business world.

IMD’s MBA is structured as an intensive 12-month program. What do you see as the main advantages of this shorter format, and how do you support students in maintaining a balance between these rigorous academics and their personal growth?

The leadership focus of the program provides the students with the opportunity to self-reflect in a way traditional programs do not.

A 12-month program brings with it the advantage of being out of the job market for only 1 vs 2 years. That being said, it’s a very intense experience, both academically and personally. The leadership focus of the program, however, provides the students with the opportunity to self-reflect in a way traditional programs do not. Aside from having their own leadership coach, the program also offers 20 hours of psychoanalysis sessions focused on personal development. Students are encouraged to reflect on bigger issues such as: What is really important to them? What kind of environment do they excel most in? Etc.

The program is known for its strong focus on real-world applications. How do you ensure that graduates are equipped to tackle the ever-evolving business challenges they will face in today’s environment?

The world that graduates face today is far more turbulent than 10 or 15 years ago, and evolving at a faster pace. This requires graduates to be agile and adaptable. One of the ways we’re helping our students to prepare for this reality is by not only focusing on functional business skills but also the transversal skills that can be applied across industries and domains. We’ve identified 10 such transversal skills that we think will be essential for students to master in order for them to be prepared for the ever-evolving business challenges of the future:

1. Systems thinking
2. Structured problem solving
3. Pattern recognition
4. Decision making
5. Visioning and scenario planning
6. Divergent and convergent thinking
7. Quantifying strategies
8. Storyboarding and storytelling
9. Asking good questions
10. Strategic presence and presentation

Through a variety of tracking mechanisms, some using AI, we will be able to give students feedback on these skills throughout the year based on existing and additional course material. We want to ensure that students cannot hide in the shadows of a group project without developing these fundamental skills for themselves. By tracking them throughout the curriculum, we’ll be able to identify issues early on and help the student take corrective measures to improve.

Your updated future-oriented MBA curriculum blends renowned leadership development with cutting-edge AI technology and hands-on experiential learning. Can you walk us through how these elements are practically integrated into the program?

As you know, IMD is known for its focus on leadership and all the trainings that go with it. It is the only stream that starts the first week of school and ends the last week. To be an effective leader, however, one must first be able to solve the problem or challenge at hand. As such, the new program has a heightened emphasis on problem solving, as is reflected in the 10 transversal skills described above. The program now kicks off with a new 10-day module on Strategic Thinking and Communication in which these skills are introduced. It will be led by myself, Arnaud Chevallier and one of our most renowned professors Michael Watkins (from The First 90 Days fame). These skills will then be reinforced throughout the year.

AI is embedded in the curriculum both as a topic and as a tool for learning. On the one hand, the tool, our own IMD GPT, will provide students with continuous access to all of IMD’s proprietary knowledge, whether it’s case materials, readings, articles, faculty research, etc., as well as access to the wider internet, so students can ask questions and receive customized responses 24/7 that are most relevant to their own needs, interests and situations; for example: applying a concept from a class discussion to their specific industry. It’s like always having a personal tutor available!

Students also need to learn how to make the most of the tool, which leads me back to the transversal skills I mentioned earlier, such as asking good questions, critically assessing the answer, and drawing the right inferences to formulate effective strategies. As leaders, they will face the challenge of making tough decisions in a data-intensive environment and grappling with the vast amount of information accelerated by Gen AI. Our approach prepares graduates to diagnose problems, critically assess them, come up with recommendations, and succeed in an AI-intensive world.

Students can ask questions and receive customized responses 24/7 that are most relevant to their own needs, interests and situations.

At the same time, we’re placing a greater focus on the human quality of leadership. Leadership has always been at the core of IMD, and while AI may be able to replace certain tasks, given the plethora of information and potential that it provides, leadership becomes even more important. An effective leader is someone who can make difficult decisions, and then get others to follow that decision. So the skills we’re focusing on are, firstly, to help students make those decisions, and secondly, to improve their ability to communicate and effectively implement that decision.

Beyond AI, could you share some other key updates and innovations for the upcoming relaunch? How will these changes enhance the overall student experience?

One key change is the introduction of the Future Lab, a one-month residency module in Singapore, which is an excellent destination for our students on many levels: as a gateway to Asia, a crossroad of cultures, and a technology hub for both the private and public sectors. During this immersive experience, we’ll focus on topics such as AI, digital transformation, and digital analytics, and do a deep dive into the power of technology. Singapore is consistently ranked one of the top countries in the world in terms of government infrastructure and innovation, so it’s a great test site to explore the synergies between the public and private sectors and see how the government can leverage technology for the betterment of society.

Another change is giving the students a choice between electives to customize their learning journey, or a summer internship for additional real-world experience. This option serves as an additional practical bridge to the professional world and helps them to be even better prepared for the job market. To further enhance the career experience, the program also now kicks off with an intense week of career training in January.

The Career Development Center (CDC) is critical in shaping students’ futures. Can you delve into the personalized career services IMD offers and how these services contribute to the post-MBA success of your graduates?

One of the key advantages of having a highly selective small cohort is that our CDC can acquaint themselves with each individual. This starts during the admissions process, with our CDC being involved in discussing student career aspirations and identifying individual challenges before students arrive on campus. Once here, students are assigned an initial coach, and during the program, an alumni mentor specific to their preferred employment outcome.

With an emphasis on personalized coaching and career counseling, how does IMD support students in crafting unique, individualized career strategies?

For us, each student journey is unique with individual opportunities and challenges. We ensure resources are in place to provide the support each student needs, complementing our in-house resources with external insight and expertise where required. As the majority of our students are competing for senior roles in the lateral hiring market, we tailor our offer to their bespoke needs.

IMD provides students with various global opportunities, including the immersive month at the Future Lab in Singapore. Could you elaborate on the significance of this experience and how it prepares students for global careers?

The immersive 1-month Future Lab in Singapore will help students expand their global awareness and deepen their understanding of how technology is changing how we do business. Aside from courses on AI, Digital Transformation, and Ecosystems, students will also engage with companies in one of the world’s most innovative technology hubs. They will experience firsthand how the private and public sectors can work together to the benefit of both. Thanks to IMD’s extensive alumni network in the region, students will be able to meet business leaders and visit leading global companies to see how technology is transforming business and society.

On the topic of opportunities, how do IMD’s extensive alumni network and global partnerships contribute to students’ career development and support their goals?

Our alumni are highly supportive of our students as they remember how alumni once helped them. The community is passionate about helping one another. Alumni are involved in 1:1 mentoring, alumni talks and panels, referring students within their organizations and, of course, identifying career opportunities. The cohesiveness of the students while they are here translates into a very engaged alumni community. I went to big US schools for my education where at our reunions we would receive 20-30% of students coming back. For us, it is not uncommon to have 50-60% of the class return.

What advice would you give to prospective students who are evaluating whether the IMD MBA is the right fit for them?

Come and visit us. Join a class, speak with current students, and experience for yourself what it’s like to be part of the IMD community. If you can’t make it in person, join one of our online events, or contact our Admissions team who will be happy to put you in contact with  students or alumni.

Looking ahead, what do you see as the biggest challenges and opportunities facing MBA students over the next five years? How is IMD preparing its students to navigate these?

AI is having a fundamental transformative effect on organizations. It is changing how we work and what we do. Students need to develop a mentality to view these changes as opportunities rather than just challenges.

Overall, the biggest challenges and opportunities MBAs will face in the coming years have to do with the increased volatility and pace of change we are witnessing. As we have discussed, AI is having a fundamental transformative effect on organizations. It is changing how we work and what we do. Students need to develop a mentality to view these changes as opportunities rather than just challenges. The same goes for economic and political volatility. People will need to be more resilient and agile in reacting to these different forms of environmental volatility.

And lastly, as the Dean of such a prestigious MBA program, how would you personally define success—both for the program and for its students?

For me, success as a program is to develop leaders who will have an impact not only on organizations but also on society as a whole. While one can always identify short-term metrics, for me what is important is providing a transformational experience that will help students to not only develop a better understanding of themselves but also how they can make a lasting impact.

Learn more about IMD Business School’s MBA program: imd.org/degree/mba/

Executive Profile

Omar Toulan is Professor of Strategy and International Management, MBA Dean and Hilti Chair. His areas of expertise include strategic and international management, geopolitical and country risk, and growth strategies. His research has appeared in a variety of academic and practitioner-oriented journals, including Strategic Management Journal, the Journal of International Business Studies, and California Management Review. Before joining IMD, he spent two decades at McGill University in Canada where he was a tenured professor and served as Associate Dean Academic and Masters Programs. Prior to entering academia, he worked as a management consultant for McKinsey and Company in its New York and Washington, D.C. offices. He also worked as a researcher at the US President’s Council of Economic Advisers. Professor Toulan received his PhD in Strategy from the Sloan School of Management at MIT and his undergraduate degree in international economics from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University.

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In a rapidly shifting global landscape, the rankings highlight how institutions are pushing the boundaries of business education to prepare future leaders in other more localized regions. Here is our in-depth review of the European and North American schools that delves into the region’s latest rankings, regional standouts, and the evolving priorities that define the future of business education.

In particular, the Asia-Pacific business school landscape is characterized by both diversity and innovation that reflects the region’s growing economic power and its strategic importance on the global stage. Business schools in Asia are not just keeping pace with their Western counterparts, but are increasingly recognized for their ability to adapt to emerging trends, such as sustainability and technological integration while catering to the needs of a younger, tech-savvy generation.

As global businesses continue to look east for leadership talent, the spotlight on Asia-Pacific MBA programs is brighter than ever.

Key Findings from the Rankings

According to the Bloomberg 2024 rankings, Asia-Pacific’s leading business schools have demonstrated strength in critical areas like compensation, learning, networking, and entrepreneurship. Leading the pack is the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), ranked 1st with an overall score of 77.2, excelling particularly in compensation and learning. A spokesperson for HKUST highlighted the school’s success in building a unique and dynamic educational environment, sharing that “HKUST stands out as a hub for connections – with a large and supportive alumni network, diverse students, a global faculty, and strong industry ties. We develop innovative leaders in Asia for the world.”

The student experience at HKUST also underscores its appeal as a top choice for future leaders. Vinith Muralidhar, a 2023 full-time MBA student, noted the advantage of studying in Hong Kong’s financial hub, commenting, “Hong Kong being at the epicenter of financial services in Asia, brings a diverse and global perspective, and HKUST is extremely well-placed for this, offering unparalleled opportunities for networking and career growth.”

Following HKUST are the Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE) and the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore), both of which stand out for their high scores in compensation and networking. At IIM Bangalore, the focus on “reinvention and relevance” allows it to anticipate future trends in management education, ensuring its curriculum remains responsive to evolving market needs. Ms. Apurva Purohit highlights this commitment, noting, “The rigour and relevance of the curriculum set the MBA program at IIM Bangalore apart. The world-class faculty inspire structured, critical thinking and logical analysis. The case study method helps every student develop what is known as the scientific temper.”

China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), ranked 4th in Asia, has earned a distinctive reputation as a bridge between Europe and China. According to Frank Bournois, CEIBS Vice President and Dean, the school’s unique position is shaped by its motto of “China depth, global breadth”: “At CEIBS, our teaching acts as a bridge between Europe and China – one of the world’s most dynamic and influential business environments. We combine the very best faculty from all over the world with cutting-edge research and experience on the ground. Add to this our recent global ranking of 1st in the Financial Times for Executive MBAs, our alumni network of over 20,000 professionals worldwide, and a marvelous, welcoming campus in Shanghai, and it’s clear that CEIBS provides a unique offering not only in Asia but worldwide.”

Martin McLaughlin, an MBA candidate for 2025, emphasized CEIBS’ integrative approach: “CEIBS is the top choice for future leaders because it’s the perfect blend of Western and Chinese case studies and professors. The world-class faculty incorporates real-world, cutting-edge insights from the business world into the curriculum. CEIBS’ emphasis on leadership development results in transformative experiences that give students the perspective, self-awareness, and mindset crucial to leading effective teams.”

Other prominent institutions such as the Indian School of Business (ISB) and Woxsen University also made the list, showcasing Asia’s growing ability to deliver high-quality business education. SP Jain School of Global Management, ranking 9th, stands out for its globally relevant EMBA curriculum, designed to be responsive to the evolving business environment. According to the institution, “The EMBA curriculum at SP Jain, designed to be global, is relevant to the changing business environment and is immediately applicable at work. The course gears towards preparing the students for their company’s sustainable strategy and innovation.” This emphasis on sustainability and applicability highlights Asia-Pacific institutions’ commitment to equipping future leaders with both practical and forward-looking skills.

Here’s the full list of the top 9 Asia-Pacific schools as per the Bloomberg 2024 rankings:

1. Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
2. Shanghai University of Finance and Economics (SUFE)
3. Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIM Bangalore)
4. China Europe International Business School (CEIBS)
5. Indian School of Business (ISB)
6. Woxsen University
7. Shanghai University MBA Centre
8. IMT Ghaziabad
9. SP Jain School of Global Management

Emerging Trends in Business Education in Asia

Sustainability

Sustainability has become a crucial focus in business education across Asia. Institutions are increasingly integrating sustainability into their curricula, recognizing the importance of responsible business practices in today’s economy. Programs now emphasize environmental and social governance (ESG) frameworks, preparing future leaders to tackle global challenges like climate change and resource management.

Beyond ESG frameworks, schools are also fostering partnerships with global organizations to drive forward sustainability-focused projects, giving students practical experience with real-world environmental issues. This hands-on approach not only builds skills but also instills a mindset aligned with responsible leadership, essential in today’s business landscape.

Technology Integration

With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning, technology is reshaping the business world, and Asia’s business schools are at the forefront of this transformation. Schools have started introducing new courses focusing on AI and human-machine collaboration, aligning their programs with the tech-driven future of business.

Asia-Pacific schools are also establishing dedicated centers for digital innovation and AI research, aiming to develop students’ technical expertise and problem-solving skills. These schools are also collaborating with tech firms to provide students with cutting-edge tools and resources, enabling them to work on projects that simulate the real-world impact of AI and automation on business.

Learning Flexibility

Business schools in Asia are adapting to the evolving needs of their students, particularly younger learners, by offering more flexible, real-time education. Institutions in Southeast Asia are leading with experiential learning models that focus on real-world impact rather than traditional lecture-based approaches.

Many schools are now leveraging online platforms and hybrid models, allowing students to balance their education with professional commitments. This adaptability ensures that students can continuously update their skills, addressing an ever-evolving market and the need for ongoing professional development.

The Asia-Pacific region, as well as Europe and North America, is solidifying its position as a global hub for business education. Top schools are not only producing leaders with strong global networks but are also setting trends in sustainability and technology integration. As businesses increasingly look to Asia for leadership talent, the significance of MBA programs in this region will only continue to grow, making it a key player in shaping the future of business education.

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Since its launch in 2002, the Sabancı University Executive Education Unit (EDU) has progressively climbed the ranks among institutions providing solid and integrative executive education. In this interview with EBR, Gonca Borerkci Baybas, the university director, discusses EDU´s globally relevant program, its research-ready faculty, and its rise from the 78th to 34th place in the Financial Times Custom Programs ranking in six short years!

Good day, Mrs Baybas! We’re grateful for the opportunity to meet with you today. Can we begin with a few words on how your journey with Sabanci University started?  

Sabancı University was established in 1994 with the vision of becoming a global university and welcomed its first students in 1999. Our university’s mission is to educate capable and confident individuals on national and international levels while contributing to knowledge and research in natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, humanities, and management. Sabancı University Executive Education Unit- EDU was launched in July 2002 to bridge the gap between the business world and academia. Since then, as the leading institution among universities providing Executive Development Programs in Turkey, EDU has supported many leading organizations in Turkey on their development journeys. EDU’s global recognition continues to grow each year.  

Sabanci University has a distinctive educational approach that merges practical and theoretical knowledge. Could you provide some examples of how this approach has benefited your Executive Development Unit? 

This distinctive educational approach of Sabancı University greatly enhances the effectiveness of EDU’s programs by integrating research with industry insights, fostering collaborative learning and customizing content we ensure that our executive programs deliver meaningful, actionable, and long-lasting benefits to both individuals and organizations. 

Our faculty members are actively engaged in pioneering research across various fields, and this research often shapes the content and structure of our executive programs. For instance, when designing a leadership development program, we incorporate the latest findings on organizational behavior and leadership theories, while simultaneously enriching the content from current industry challenges and trends. This fusion ensures that our participants gain a deep understanding of theoretical concepts while also learning how to apply them in practical, everyday scenarios within their organizations. 

Our approach also gives room for partnering with industry practitioners to co-create content, design case studies, and conduct workshops. This collaboration ensures that our programs reflect the latest industry practices and challenges. For example, in a program focused on energy management, we worked closely with an energy tech company to develop case studies and invite guest speakers from public and private corporations’ energy management professionals. With these sessions, participants not only learn about energy management but also gain insights through experience sharing of real-life problems and scenarios. 

How does Sabanci University EDU ensure its programs remain relevant and aligned with the evolving needs of the business world? 

Yes, we must ensure our programs remain relevant and aligned with the evolving needs of the business world.  

By fostering strategic partnerships and collaborations, we gain valuable insights into industry needs and emerging trends.

First of all, our faculty members -either academic or professional – actively engage in industry-specific research and projects, and we leverage insights from thought leaders, market reports, and sector analyses. All this work strengthens the design and content of our programs, ensuring they address current and anticipated business needs. For example, a recent program on artificial intelligence was developed in response to growing industry demands and technological advancements, incorporating the latest developments and best practices. 

Also, EDU maintains strong connections with leading organizations, corporations, industry experts, and professional organizations. By fostering strategic partnerships and collaborations, we gain valuable insights into industry needs and emerging trends.  

One remarkable point worth mentioning here is our membership in the University-Based Executive Education Consortium (UNICON). UNICON is a global consortium of business‐school‐based executive education organizations including prestigious universities such as Harvard, INSEAD, London School of Economics, IMD, and Columbia. This membership allows us to participate in a comprehensive exchange of knowledge and experience in executive development programs with schools worldwide. We use the insights gained from this exchange to develop innovative programs and create content on the prevailing topics using the most current methods and hence, stay abreast of global trends in executive education. 

In addition, EDU consults with advisory boards and expert panels composed of leading professionals, academics, and industry veterans. These boards provide strategic guidance and insights on curriculum development, program design, and industry relevance.  

Our program design process is inherently agile, allowing us to respond quickly to changes in the business environment and feedback coming from the customers. We use flexible and adaptive methodologies to develop and update program content.

Our program design process is inherently agile, allowing us to respond quickly to changes in the business environment and feedback coming from the customers. We use flexible and adaptive methodologies to develop and update program content. This agility is reflected in our ability to introduce new modules, update case studies, and integrate emerging topics on short notice. For example, when the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the need for remote leadership skills, we swiftly incorporated virtual collaboration tools and remote management strategies into our programs. 

Last but not least, we prioritize identifying and incorporating emerging skills and competencies that are becoming increasingly important in the business world. Through consultations with industry leaders and analysis of future workforce trends, we ensure that our programs address skills such as digital literacy, innovation management, and cross-cultural communication.  

What are some of the most successful programs offered by EDU, and what distinguishes them from other executive education offerings in the market? 

Embracing the University’s cross-disciplinary approach, EDU was founded as an exec-ed unit equally distant to each Faculty at Sabancı University so that interdisciplinary and interfaculty programs are designed and executed. EDU has a wide range of highly successful programs with such an interdisciplinary and interfaculty approach including management, social sciences and engineering.  

For example, our outstanding programs address contemporary topics such as innovation and entrepreneurship, sustainability, technology, data analytics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, new-generation leadership, diversity & inclusion.  

All our programs are designed with a focus on practical application, ensuring that participants can directly translate their learning into actionable strategies within their organizations. We incorporate the latest trends, technologies, and research findings into our programs, keeping our content relevant and forward-looking. We include interactive learning tools through workshops, simulations, and real-world case studies, allowing participants to engage deeply with the material and develop practical skills. Also, we bring together a diverse team of expert faculty and industry leaders to provide participants with insights from both academic and practical perspectives. During the implementation period, we follow our participants closely with an experienced operations team and follow every feedback to ensure a smooth and efficient learning journey in which the learning outcomes are fully achieved.   

Could you discuss the role of local values in the design and delivery of these programs? How are they integrated with global perspectives? 

We tailor our program content to reflect the local values, traditions, and business practices of the region in which our participants operate. This contextualization ensures that the learning experience is relevant and resonates with participants’ everyday experiences. For instance, when designing a program for Turkish executives, we incorporate local case studies, examples, and business scenarios that reflect the unique economic and cultural landscape of Turkey. This approach not only makes the content more relatable but also provides practical insights that participants can directly apply to their organizations. 

While incorporating local values, we ensure that our programs are grounded in global best practices and frameworks. We achieve this by blending internationally recognized theories and methodologies with localized content.

While incorporating local values, we ensure that our programs are grounded in global best practices and frameworks. We achieve this by blending internationally recognized theories and methodologies with localized content. For example, our leadership programs might use global leadership models and competencies but adapt them to reflect local leadership styles and cultural nuances. This approach helps participants understand and apply global concepts in a manner that is consistent with their local context. 

We facilitate cross-cultural exchange and learning by creating opportunities for participants to engage with peers from different countries and cultural backgrounds. This interaction helps to broaden their perspectives and appreciate diverse viewpoints.  

The university has made significant strides in the Financial Times rankings, climbing to 34th place in 2024. What do you believe were the key factors that contributed to this achievement? 

Rankings are not only significant indicators regarding our success in the executive education field but also an important factor that keeps the bar high for all of us at EDU.   

We were ranked 78th in 2018 being the first and only school that made it to the list from Turkey, moreover, the only school in our close geographic region. Ever since, we have been rising, making it to the 34th school on the list among very reputable and well-known institutions.  

The key factor that contributed to this achievement would be our philosophy and approach to learning. We don’t see it as training on a specific competency or topic but as a holistic learning journey. This journey includes academy and industry partnerships and co-creation, bringing together local and global perspectives, the newest learning methodologies, continuous improvement of tools and techniques; and meticulous implementation as I mentioned before.  

As the first institution from Turkey to be included in these rankings, what does this accomplishment mean for Sabanci University and the broader Turkish education sector? 

Being ranked 34th in the Financial Times Custom Programs ranking is a significant and prestigious achievement for EDU. As the first and only institution from Turkey to be included in these internationally renowned rankings, this accomplishment carries profound implications for both Sabancı University and the broader Turkish education sector. 

Being ranked 34th in the Financial Times Custom Programs ranking is a significant and prestigious achievement for EDU.

This ranking serves as a testament to the exceptional quality and impact of EDU’s custom programs. It highlights our commitment to delivering world-class executive education that meets the highest international standards. Achieving a place on this list confirms that our programs are recognized globally for their excellence in design, delivery, and outcomes. 

For Sabancı University, this ranking significantly enhances our global reputation. Being featured in the Financial Times rankings places us alongside some of the world’s leading educational institutions and reinforces our position as a prominent player in the global executive education landscape. This also enhances our attractiveness to international partners, collaborators, and faculty. It opens doors for new partnerships with global institutions, businesses, and industry leaders, enriching our programs with diverse perspectives and expertise.  

This achievement is not only a milestone for Sabancı University but also a source of inspiration for the Turkish education sector as a whole. It demonstrates that Turkish institutions can compete at the highest levels of global education and highlights the potential for other Turkish universities and programs to gain international recognition. It fosters a sense of pride and encourages further innovation and excellence within the sector. 

The inclusion of a Turkish institution in such a prestigious ranking highlights Turkey’s growing influence and potential in the global education arena. It reflects the country’s capacity to produce high-quality educational programs and contributes to Turkey’s reputation as a center of academic and intellectual excellence. 

What challenges and opportunities have you encountered in bringing these programs to a global audience? 

For over 20 years since our establishment, we have successfully developed and delivered professional management programs for employees of numerous national and international companies in Turkey. 

It is only in the past few years that we have fully committed our energy, resources, and dedication to taking our successful programs beyond our borders. Surely, this renewed focus on international expansion presents both challenges and opportunities. 

Understanding and integrating different cultural and corporate contexts into our programs requires a deep and subtle approach. Additionally, navigating various international regulations and establishing strong local partnerships has been crucial to our success. Developing the right partnerships remains a crucial aspect of our strategy. Identifying and aligning with organizations that share our values and dedication to quality has been particularly challenging. 

On the opportunity side, the potential to reach a broader audience of professionals worldwide offers significant benefits. By bringing our executive education programs to an international audience, we can contribute to the development of global leadership and management skills. This expansion also allows us to leverage our expertise and reputation to create new strategic partnerships and collaborations across different regions. We are confident that our recent achievements in Financial Times rankings and membership in the University Based Consortium for Executive Education-UNICON further demonstrate the potential of these opportunities.  

Our focus on international growth is driven by the desire to enhance the quality of executive education on a global scale and to provide professionals everywhere with innovative and effective management training solutions.  

How does EDU adapt its executive development programs to meet the needs of diverse international markets, particularly in terms of cultural and business differences? 

We conduct thorough market research and analysis to understand the specific needs and expectations of different regions. This involves engaging with local business leaders, industry experts, and stakeholders to gain insights into regional challenges, opportunities, and cultural nuances. Additionally, we collaborate with local experts and partners to ensure that our programs are informed by on-the-ground knowledge and perspectives. This helps us to bridge any cultural gaps and enhance the effectiveness of our training.  

Secondly, we tailor our programs to align with the unique business practices and cultural contexts of each market. This may include customizing content to reflect local industry standards, regulatory environments, and business strategies. We also integrate country/region-specific case studies, examples, and scenarios into our curriculum to make the learning experience more relevant and impactful for participants.  

Finally, we continuously gather feedback from international participants and adjust our programs accordingly. This iterative process allows us to refine our offerings and maintain a high level of relevance and quality across different markets.  

What can we expect next from Sabanci University, Executive Development Unit? 

Our rise continues. We aim to enter the top 20 of the FT Custom global rankings and to achieve a strong position in the global rankings for Open Programs as well.  

We will certainly further enhance our achievements in the international arena and become a global reference point for the business world and professionals.  

Executive Profile

After earning her Bachelor of Business Administration and MBA degrees, Gonca Börekçi Baybaş began her career as an auditor at Deloitte in 1988. Over the course of more than a decade, she held various roles across different organizations. From 1994 to 1998, she served as an instructor at Bilkent University, where she also took on administrative responsibilities. Börekçi Baybaş pursued her PhD in “Management and Organization” at Sabancı Business School, joining the University at its establishment. With over 20 years of experience in professional development and executive education, she currently serves as the Director of the Executive Development Unit (EDU) at Sabancı University.

The post Sabanci University: Delivering World-Class Executive Education through EDU appeared first on The European Business Review.

The program is an intensive 18-day professional development journey spread over 7 months and 3 onsite modules, where participants are immersed in a series of learning experience that go beyond traditional teaching methods. This really sets the ETP apart from conventional executive education programs.

Besides the focus on learning new skills and discussing the latest academic trends and insights, a celebrated aspect includes the opportunity for participants to ask important questions about their own leadership ideas and strategies and to build strong bonds with peers on the program who face similar challenges in their roles.

The professional network that comes out of this journey is an invaluable component that many rely on during their future careers.

We wanted to shine a light on this unique program and further explore what makes it so special, so we caught up with the program director Dr. Sarah Horn and its other contributors to get an inside look on ESMT’s flagship learning experience.

Module One: Building Foundations and Bonds

Taking place in Sweden, module one of the Executive Transition Program focuses on technical general management foundations, making sure that participants from vastly different industries can refresh or expand their understanding of all functional basics while also providing an opportunity for the participants to get to know each other at a deeper level.

Dr. Sarah Horn, the program director explains:

“The executive leadership training begins with addressing technical general management knowledge gaps, fostering strong peer connections and creating a sense of shared journeying. This technical and human foundation is crucial for establishing a strong cohort and enabling vulnerable, transformational discussions during the program.”

Establishing that foundation means engaging in a range of functional deep-dives as well as a business simulation. “We kick off the program by taking everyone through a mini-MBA,” Explains Sarah Horn. This includes finance, marketing, operations and supply chain management as enablers of sales and commercialization — we explore all of these topics through the lens of sustainability.

We wrap up the module by giving participants time to reflect on what they want to get out of their ETP journey ahead, asking questions such as “what is my leadership vision?”, “what do I want to learn from faculty and my peers?”, and “where or who do I want to be at the end of the program?”

The Swedish setting of Module One enhances the developmental experiences that take place. Activities such as silent walks in the woods, kayaking, and plunging into the invigorating waters of Lake Mälaren before detoxing in the warm pool or sauna are designed to offer a space for individual reflection as well as peer-to-peer coaching and growth. After all, leadership and indeed self-leadership goes beyond having just the technical knowledge of leading a business.

“Modern leaders must demonstrate balance and master emotional self-regulation while performing under stress and uncertainty and managing increasing business and human complexities. Being a good, happy leader requires an intentional decision to embrace such role as an important responsibility and opportunity,” Dr. Horn emphasizes.

Module Two: Strategic Insights

In the second module, participants take a closer look at external forces that impact their leadership success. Discussions cover strategy, geopolitical and macroeconomic trends, change leadership, and innovation management. Additionally, new topics on the agenda include sustainability and diversity and inclusion.  As always at ESMT, hands-on workshops are mixed with open plenary discussions or experiential learning moments.

Summing up the rationale behind this approach, Professor Olaf Plötner, who teaches the strategy part, explains, “Rather than memorizing different theories, executive education is about sharpening one’s saw of thinking. Being here is about daring to have an opinion, to make assumptions and to debate,”.

“We use a lot of ‘war language’ (‘picking this battle’, ‘let’s fight for…’) – which may be good to give direction and focus. But if you want to collaborate, you need to soften your tone and be mindful of cultural differences,” Plötner adds.

Module Three: Deep Dive into Self-Leadership

The final module, set in May, focuses on self-leadership with strong guidance by executive coaches and experiential learning activities. This module challenges participants to reflect deeply on their values, leadership styles and presence, and the impact their actions have on their teams, organizations and other stakeholders.

Key activities in this module include an ethical discussion at the Technik museum Berlin, exploring business ethics, responsibility, and the right to mutiny. The group also explores insights into networks and team diversity, emphasizing the productive potential of diverse perspectives with ESMT’s Konstantin Korotov and Gianluca Carnabuci.

Both summarize their exploration of leadership as follows:

“A leader’s responsibility is not only to understand but to explain their actions, especially in VUCA times. This requires deep self-knowledge and courage,” says Konstantin Korotov.

There is also a component of diversity and inclusion management involved. Usually diversity pays off if managed well. The question is, what does ‘managed well’ mean and demand from a leader?

“Diversity [after all] creates conflict, which can be productive if it’s a conflict of ideas but dysfunctional if it’s a conflict between people,” notes Gianluca Carnabuci.

In this spirit and in addition to our classroom activities, we also use the opportunity to learn from the unique city of Berlin. Key activities during this part of the program include a historic tour and exploration of the 800+ year history of Berlin to explore themes of reinvention and transformation. Also, experiencing the art and science of zero-waste food or how diversity is flourishing in one of the most liberal cities in the world are additional perks. 

A Continuous Journey of Growth

The ETP journey extends beyond the program’s conclusion, with an annual alumni gathering  that allows for continued growth and connection among past participants. ETP participants from all cohorts return to campus each year to experience the latest academic insights and to reconnect, share experiences, and continue their leadership development together as friends, accountability partners and champions for each other.

The ETP is more than just an executive education program; it’s a journey that equips executives with the skills, insights, and networks necessary to thrive and have a meaningful impact in today’s dynamic business environment – as senior leaders and as humans.

The post Transformative Leadership Development: Inside the Executive Transition Program (ETP), ESMT Berlin’s Advanced General Management Program. appeared first on The European Business Review.

Of course, the climate crisis demands that we change the way we do business — and as soon as we can. But there are a surprising range of additional factors that now make leveraging these skills at your organization more valuable than ever.

The business case for increased investment in sustainability

The escalating impact of the climate crisis has forced many businesses across many industries to reassess their relationship with the wider world around them. A growing movement towards stakeholder capitalism has begun to take hold, as both consumers and corporations have come to understand the high cost of inaction on environmental issues and the harsh social consequences of irresponsible, unchecked and unsustainable capitalism.

At the same time there is a growing consensus that sustainability offers business leaders more than just a clean conscious, with benefits to profitability, efficiency, employee retention, customer loyalty and innovation.

Let’s take a closer look at business case for investing in sustainability.

Broadening your stakeholders offers increased market awareness

Stakeholder capitalism, where businesses serve all their stakeholders and not just shareholders, offers opportunities to build a more responsive organization, which is in-tune with the wider context of the market. In order to create value for employees, supply chains, society, and the environment— in addition to shareholders — an organization needs to be in regular dialogue with a wider range of stakeholders, offering it a better position from which it can “read” economic, social, or environmental trends and react accordingly.

In contrast, by neglecting important stakeholders and focusing only on shareholders, organizations run the risk of damaging vital relationships that allow them to operate effectively. For example, a 2013 study on the gold mining industry found that “stakeholder relations can heavily influence land permitting, taxation and the regulatory environment”.

Sustainability offers new routes to innovation

The process of redesigning products or services in order to meet sustainability goals or address specific social needs can present organizations with new business opportunities or help develop innovative new technologies. Nike’s Flyknit line of sports shoes demonstrates how businesses can harness sustainability strategies to their own advantage. Utilizing a “specialized yarn system”, the Flyknit reduces waste by 80% compared to regular footwear, requires minimal labor, and generates large profit margins.

Performance, efficiency and sustainability go hand-in-hand

Organizations can benefit from significant cost reductions by being more efficient in their use of natural resources. By optimizing their routing, truck loading, driver training and implementing new technologies, Wal-Mart was able to improve fuel efficiency by 87%, saving nearly $11 million while cutting CO2 emissions by 15,000 metric tons.

This focus on efficiency means that sustainable companies can achieve stronger financial performance — a trend that has caught the attention of investors. A study by Arabesque and the University of Oxford found that good ESG standards are “positively correlated with good sustainability practices” and can “lower the cost of capital”.

Transparency and sustainability improves relationships with consumers and employees

Consumers increasingly value organizations that act responsibly, offer transparency and strive towards sustainability targets. Indeed, studies have shown that consumers in international markets “say they want to know how products they buy affect nature and wildlife” with nearly two thirds believing they “have a responsibility to purchase products that are good for the environment and society”.

This sentiment translates into a perception that products from sustainable companies have a “higher level of product performance”, while sustainability information has a “significantly positive impact on consumers’ evaluation of a company.”

These concerns naturally also extend to employees, who are increasingly concerned about work-life balance and whether the organization they work for offers a tangible purpose, such as providing value to society. As a result, organizations that act responsibly in demonstrable ways will find that doing so “positively impacts turnover and recruitment.” A recent study found that “a majority of MBA students would accept a lower salary to work for an environmentally responsible company”, while another found that greater corporate responsibility performance could reduce annual quit rates by “3-3.5% and save replacements costs up to 90% – 200% of an employee’s annual salary for each retained position.” 

Why Greenwashing isn’t the answer

Given the extensive range of benefits that ESG policies and strategies offer, it’s no surprise that more and more companies are attempting to address these issues, as evidenced by expressions of accountability such as public commitments or sustainability reports.

Indeed, more than one-fifth of the world’s 2000 largest publicly traded companies have made net-zero commitments. But so-called “greenwashing” is a major issue, with the focus of many companies’ actions on external relations or public dialogue rather than actual business transformation towards sustainable practices and responsibility. While it may be tempting to take shortcuts so that you can benefit from the perception of being a sustainable brand, while not actually making the necessary investments, doing so comes with huge risks.

Research has found that customers are “highly likely to be aware of the gap between stated goals and implementation”, with customer satisfaction being adversely affected as this disconnect grows. The damage to your brand is not just superficial, studies have found that even small changes in an organization’s customer satisfaction score can have a significant impact on its performance.

But greenwashing isn’t merely the product of unethical business leaders aiming to hoodwink consumers and win positive PR. There’s another reason that even those with good intentions are failing to reach sustainability goals and targets.

The ESG Knowledge Gap

When it comes to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), there’s a big knowledge gap. Research suggests that, even if employees wanted to contribute to their company’s sustainability efforts, many lack the vital skills and insights required to make an impact in the context of their work. Nearly 9 out of 10 respondents expressed the view that the lack of investments in sustainability and ESG training (Salesforce 2022) presents the main obstacle to their contribution.

According to a recent study, 24% of respondents from larger companies strongly agreed with the statement “the culture at my organization encourages me to speak up about climate change and take action to support our goals.” However, despite this, only around 45% believed that their organization effectively offered “spaces and opportunities for them and their colleagues to share suggestions, experiences and innovative ideas related to climate change”.

Our research suggests that while private sector leaders are aware of the scale of change needed, most employees, including senior ones, don’t know enough about this topic, or the demands of the sustainable transformation to effect change in their professional roles.

However, this knowledge gap presents an important opportunity for your organization. A majority of the global workforce are eager to contribute to their company’s sustainability initiatives and significant benefits await those organizations that can effectively leverage sustainability strategies. Acting now could present you with new methods of gaining the edge over your competitors, attracting talent and investors, or building more valuable relationships with your customers.

Prepare your organization for a Sustainable Business Transformation  

ESMT Berlin’s executive education program, Sustainable Business Transformation is designed with the objective of addressing this demand and provide comprehensive sustainability knowledge that will enable your organization to undergo a sustainable business transformation and seamlessly integrate sustainability practices into the daily responsibilities of your workforce.

The program targets executives looking to lead sustainable business transformations within their functions and departments, catering to a diverse audience that includes chief sustainability officers and executives in operations, finance, investment, accounting, auditing, marketing, sales, and human resources. 
The aim is to offer a highly impactful learning journey through in-person sessions, with three guiding principles linking everything together:

• Individualization: Participants can choose topics relevant to them and their companies, creating personalized learning journeys. 
• Application Support: The program includes application projects, recognizing that making a business sustainable requires change, and participants will work on practical initiatives. 
• Peer Learning: By bringing together participants from various companies, the program fosters peer learning, allowing sharing of success stories and challenges in sustainability efforts. 

Harnessing the myriad benefits that a sustainable business strategy can unlock means implementing a transformation of your organization, and this in turn, requires a revolution in mindset and daily decision-making. But the imperative for businesses to integrate ESG principles into their operations has never been more critical.

As companies face the dual challenge of meeting stakeholder expectations and addressing global sustainability issues, programs like ESMT’s Leading Sustainable Business Transformation offer a path forward. By embracing a holistic approach to sustainability, businesses can unlock new opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and customer loyalty, ensuring their relevance and success in a rapidly changing world.

The post Your Workforce is Crying out for Sustainability Skills. It’s Time to Skill up – ESMT Executive Education appeared first on The European Business Review.

In this new Global Advanced Finance Program, executives complete six rigorous elective sessions over two years to gain an interdisciplinary approach to financial leadership, with the option to take several new electives taught by renowned finance faculty at each of its global campuses. Participants will master advanced finance skills through The Chicago Approach—positioning them for career success and organizational impact.

“As one of the world’s top academic business schools, Chicago Booth has a long tradition of influencing and educating global leaders who shape the future of business,” says Madhav Rajan, dean of Chicago Booth and George Pratt Shultz Professor of Accounting. “We are proud to offer this advanced global program, which allows participants to study in three of the most prominent financial hubs and learn from Booth’s world-class faculty.”

Participants from North America, EMEA, and the APAC region will collaborate with an enrollment advisor to identify a track of electives aligning with their individualized learning goals. Electives include new offerings such as TheAdvanced Valuation Program, Portfolio Management, Strategic Organizational Management, and Pricing for Profitability, with sessions held at Booth’s multiple global campuses. Other Chicago-based electives to choose from are The Executive Program for Prospective CFOs, The Executive Finance Program, Mergers and Acquisitions, The Executive Development Program for Private Companies, Private Wealth Management, Executive Program in Corporate Strategy, Digital Innovation Strategy and Management. 

“Booth is an institution that has its roots in economics and finance-based education and research excellence. We have created a suite of finance programs based on this expertise, including in valuation and corporate finance. Through a combination of faculty, alumni, and industry experts, you’ll acquire an incredibly powerful set of tools that leverage the rigor of the Chicago approach to address important real-world situations,” says Douglas J. Skinner, deputy dean for Faculty and Sidney Davidson Distinguished Service Professor of Accounting, as well as Faculty Director of the new Advanced Valuation Program.”

Pietro Veronesi, deputy dean for Faculty and Chicago Board of Trade Professor of Finance, as well as Faculty Director for the new Portfolio Management program, says, “We sought to create an opportunity for global senior executives to learn from Booth through a highly personalized, flexible curriculum that takes a multi-disciplinary approach to finance. Whether you are an investment professional, wealth advisor, or a C-suite executive, we offer a wide range of electives and locations to fit you and your organizational needs.”

In addition to expanding its Executive Education offerings, Booth recently launched a new Master in Finance Program, designed for accomplished recent college graduates in quantitative fields of study who are searching for a master’s degree that builds on their analytical aptitude, and allows them to start a career in finance with a competitive advantage over their peers. The inaugural cohort of students will begin their studies in fall 2024.

Throughout the Executive Education Global Advanced Finance Program, participants will tap into a supportive powerful global network with more than 56,000 Chicago Booth alumni spanning 120 countries. They will join an influential community of financial strategists, as numerous Booth alumni and Executive Education participants hold positions as CFOs, senior investment professionals, and other C-suite and senior leadership roles within their respective organizations. Attendees expand their networking opportunities while learning the Chicago Approach to business.

Applications for this program are accepted on a rolling basis; candidates may apply any time during the year. Visit chicagobooth.edu/GAFP to find FAQs, and to learn more about the program and application process. For a consultation, contact +1 312.464.8732 or exec.ed@chicagobooth.edu.

Chicago Booth Executive Education offers world-class in-person, live-online, and online education across finance, leadership, executive management, strategy, innovation, and analytics, and designs custom programs tailored to meet an organization’s unique challenges. Programs are taught by the same faculty who teach in Booth’s MBA degree program, as well as experts in industry. The Booth Executive Education network represents over 30,000 executives across 120 countries.

The post Chicago Booth Debuts New Certificate, the Global Advanced Finance Program, With Electives Held at Campuses in Chicago, London, and Hong Kong appeared first on The European Business Review.

Many business schools are in a unique position to bear a considerable obligation to prepare students for success in the constantly changing and fast-paced business world. It’s crucial for these institutions to persistently adjust to the most recent trends and changes in the business sphere, ensuring that their curricula stay relevant and aligned with these fluctuations. By addressing these elements, business schools can ensure that their graduates are equipped with the essential knowledge, competencies, and mentality to thrive in the dynamic realm of business. 

The swift progress of artificial intelligence has triggered a transformative influence on the business landscape, necessitating business education to adapt and confront the arising challenges and prospects. By incorporating diverse viewpoints and cross-disciplinary methods, these institutions can cultivate a more comprehensive and all-encompassing comprehension of the intricacies and subtleties of the contemporary business environment.

Let’s explore the role of generative AI in modern businesses and how it’s being incorporated into business curriculum development.

Revolutionizing Business Operations with AI Integration

The fusion of artificial intelligence (AI) within executive education programs has become a cornerstone, transforming conventional business methodologies. AI-driven automation optimises processes, curtails expenses, and enhances operational efficiency. Unlike traditional systems, AI-driven solutions operate ceaselessly, ensuring consistent outputs and freeing human resources for intricate, creative endeavours. INSEAD’s Transforming Your Business with AI programme will equip you with practical frameworks to work with data scientists and programmers, showing you how to commission analysis, analyse the results you receive, to accelerate productivity and competitive edge for your organisation.

Evolution of Workflow Automation

While the roots of automation date back centuries, the recent advancements in AI have revolutionised modern workflow automation. Robotic Process Automation (RPA), for instance, mirrors human actions across multiple software systems. Unlike conventional automation confined to singular applications, RPA seamlessly navigates numerous systems, performing tasks and even communicating with other digital interfaces. Leveraging algorithms and machine learning, RPA adeptly handles complex processes, streamlining multifaceted tasks and decision-making. IESE Business School’s Artificial Intelligence for Executives programme provides participants with a broader understanding of the power of artificial intelligence for businesses, including its impact on business models, sources of competitive advantage and organizational structure.

Elevating Customer Service through Automation

Automated customer service, notably chatbots, efficiently tackles diverse customer queries via natural language processing. They adeptly handle FAQs, process orders, and troubleshoot basic issues, enabling human service agents to focus on intricate problems requiring a personal touch. London Business School’s The Business of AI gives you  a solid understanding of the advantages and limitations of AI and machine learning (ML) in business settings to communicate effectively with stakeholders, and by extension, your customers.

Empowering Supply Chain Management

The digitalisation of manufacturing, marking the onset of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, plays a pivotal role in crafting adaptive and robust supply chains. Automation within supply chain management involves tracking goods via sensors and software, automating inventory updates, optimising logistics, and mitigating overstocking or understocking risks. SP Jain School of Management’s Digital Supply Chain Management will help you understand what digital supply chain management is and why it is important, identify new opportunities created by digitisation, develop a digital supply chain management strategy and learn how to leverage the right technologies for your organisation. 

Strategic Decision-Making with Machine Learning

Machine learning, a subset of AI, employs algorithms to learn and make data-informed decisions. These adaptable models transcend traditional rule-based systems, providing precise solutions across diverse business domains. From predicting customer behavior in CRM to optimising stock levels in inventory management, machine learning’s applications span various business sectors. MIT Sloan School of Management’s Artificial Intelligence: Implications for Business Strategy challenges common misconceptions surrounding AI and will equip and encourage you to embrace AI as part of a transformative toolkit designed for business specifically.

Harnessing Data for Informed Strategies

Data-driven decision-making, facilitated by machine learning tools, extracts actionable insights from vast and intricate datasets. Machine learning models amplify data science’s capabilities, unveiling nuanced relationships between variables, and empowering businesses with informed strategies, such as real-time analytics for agile responses to market fluctuations. Oxford’s Artificial Intelligence Programme is designed for managers, business leaders, and technical professionals across multiple functions and industries looking to understand the workings, possibilities, and ethics of AI technology. 

Conclusion

By keeping up with new trends and advances and emphasising practical, hands-on learning, business schools can play a crucial role in shaping the future of business and propelling the accomplishments of their alumni. The “new age” of executive education will possess the acumen to envision innovative applications of AI as the technology advances and its capabilities expand. 

About the Author

Pamela Martinez is a writer for The European Business Review. She is dedicated to crafting timely blog pieces about business acumen, changing leadership dynamics, emerging finance and technology trends, global breakthroughs and how these spaces intersect from a millennial’s perspective. She also works as an editor and content strategist and the sister publications of The European Business Review.

The post AI in Business Education 2024: How Top MBA Programs Integrate Artificial Intelligence into Curricula appeared first on The European Business Review.

This 2024, artificial Intelligence is no longer confined to science fiction or research labs. It’s now become so deeply embedded in the fabric of modern life that AI is the driving force behind several emerging technologies that are reshaping industries and revolutionising the way we live and work today. Whether it’s healthcare, finance, manufacturing, or entertainment. People think of AI as beyond science fiction now. While a bachelor’s degree in computer science is often the minimum requirement for many AI jobs, a master’s degree or relevant bootcamp certifications can give you a competitive and innovative edge. Several universities and online platforms offer specialised programs in AI, data science, and machine learning. 

There’s a multitude of ways these learnings can be applied to technologies that are working overtime behind the scenes to impact our daily lives, all the while fuelling innovation and real-time insights for some of the world’s leading organisations.

Here are a few of them:

How AI is Revolutionizing Emerging Technologies and Specializations Across Industries

Artificial intelligence now serves as the cornerstone of numerous emerging technologies, propelling innovation in today’s swiftly evolving digital sphere. Its transformative influence spans various sectors, driving advancements previously deemed inconceivable. 

Here are key domains where AI forms the bedrock of emerging technologies and specialisations:

• Machine Learning and Deep Learning:

Artificial Intelligence, particularly in machine learning and deep learning domains, stands as the foundational technology behind the development of intelligent systems. These systems have the extraordinary capability to analyse vast and complex datasets, allowing them to predict outcomes, recognise intricate patterns, and solve multifaceted problems. These advancements are pivotal in recommendation systems, image recognition technologies, and natural language processing applications. Through continuous learning and adaptation, AI systems evolve, improving their accuracy and efficiency over time.

• Automation and Robotics

AI serves as a driving force behind automation and the evolution of robotics. Its integration powers autonomous vehicles, precision manufacturing robots, and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). These technologies possess immense potential to revolutionise traditional transportation systems, logistics processes, and manufacturing industries. AI-powered automation not only streamlines operations but also enhances safety, precision, and efficiency in various sectors.

• Natural Language Processing (NLP)

NLP, a subfield of AI, empowers machines to comprehend, interpret, and generate human language in a manner akin to human understanding. Crucial for the development of chatbots, virtual assistants, and language translation services, NLP enables sophisticated voice recognition systems. Its applications extend to sentiment analysis, language generation, and semantic understanding, driving the seamless interaction between humans and machines.

• Computer Vision

AI plays a significant role in enabling machines to interpret and understand visual information. Computer vision, an integral part of AI, facilitates advancements in facial recognition systems, object detection algorithms, and augmented reality applications. This technology allows machines to “see” and interpret the world around them, revolutionising fields like healthcare, security, and interactive user experiences.

• Healthcare

Within the healthcare sector, AI facilitates more accurate diagnoses, aids in drug discovery, and personalises treatment plans. Its integration in analysing medical imaging data (such as MRI and X-ray scans) streamlines diagnostics and supports medical professionals in making informed decisions. AI-powered systems enhance patient care by providing precise and timely insights.

• Financial Services

AI’s presence in the financial industry is instrumental in various aspects, including fraud detection, algorithmic trading, and credit risk assessment. Its ability to analyse extensive datasets enables real-time decision-making, optimising financial processes and offering insights that enhance risk management strategies. Additionally, AI-powered tools assist in predicting market trends and adapting to dynamic financial landscapes.

• Smart Cities

AI’s role in the development of smart cities is pivotal, in managing traffic flow, improving public transportation systems, optimising energy consumption, and enhancing overall urban living conditions. Through data analysis and predictive modelling, AI enables efficient resource allocation, leading to sustainable and technologically advanced urban environments.

• IoT (Internet of Things)

In the realm of IoT, AI enhances the intelligence and responsiveness of connected devices. By processing and analysing the data collected by these devices, AI enables automation, provides valuable insights, and supports predictive maintenance. This integration fosters efficient and proactive decision-making in various industries, from manufacturing to healthcare and beyond.

• Cybersecurity

AI’s role in cybersecurity is fundamental in identifying, detecting, and responding to evolving threats. Leveraging machine learning algorithms, AI systems analyse vast amounts of data to identify potential security breaches and anomalies in real-time, strengthening overall cybersecurity measures and proactively safeguarding sensitive information and systems.

• Education

AI-driven solutions personalise learning experiences for students, offering tailored content and feedback. Furthermore, it streamlines administrative tasks for educators, freeing up valuable time for focused teaching. Adaptive learning platforms powered by AI optimise educational processes, catering to individual learning styles and needs.

• Environmental Sustainability

AI’s application in environmental sustainability spans various areas, from optimising energy consumption and resource management to aiding in climate modelling and wildlife monitoring. In agriculture, AI-driven precision farming techniques maximise crop yields while minimising resource usage. These applications contribute significantly to reducing waste and fostering environmentally conscious practices.

• Entertainment and Content Creation

In the entertainment industry, AI plays a crucial role in creating personalised content recommendations, generating music, and developing immersive video games. Moreover, AI-enhanced visual effects in movies and animations revolutionise storytelling and user experiences, pushing the boundaries of creativity and technological innovation.

• Autonomous Systems

AI forms the core of autonomous systems, enabling vehicles (such as self-driving cars, drones, and ships) to perceive their environment and make real-time decisions. These systems rely on sophisticated AI algorithms that navigate and operate safely, paving the way for the future of transportation and exploration.

Conclusion

The digital era is transforming the way we live and work. As AI becomes more integral to our lives, understanding its role in emerging technologies and job trends is crucial. Executive education programs on AI dive into this exciting journey and help better prepare leaders to take it on – not to mention open their doors to the many potential careers for them in the future.

About the Author

Pamela Martinez is a writer for The European Business Review. She is dedicated to crafting timely blog pieces about business acumen, changing leadership dynamics, emerging finance and technology trends, global breakthroughs and how these spaces intersect from a millennial’s perspective. She also works as an editor and content strategist for the sister publications of The European Business Review.

The post Exploring the Next Wave of AI Courses: Cutting-Edge Technologies and Specializations in 2024 appeared first on The European Business Review.

Gen Z are ‘anxiously optimistic digital natives in pursuit of face-to-face interaction’, a recent survey revealed. When it comes to the workplace, Gen Z’ers feel that they are not prepared well enough by their education, especially on common soft skills like negotiation, networking, presenting, and dealing with conflict. Anxiety and low self-esteem were also seen as emotional barriers to workplace success. 

So, the largest cohort in the workforce nowadays has issues. For leaders in the workplace, this is a serious responsibility with – when not dealt with properly – great economic consequences. In most of the customized executive leadership programs at Nyenrode Business University, these issues are a top priority. In these programs, we find managers often feel confronted when we address this, preferring not to take the blame for these problems. 

It is often comforting and easier to discard Gen Z as ‘spoiled’ and ‘not focused’. However, existing managers and leaders are part of the problem. Existing managers and leaders must start to understand that their acquired styles of leadership and their built corporate cultures are not effective in leading Gen Z and do not unlock their full potential. 

In our programs at Nyenrode, we work with two powerful tools to kickstart leadership potential in managers who must deal with growing numbers of Gen Z in their workforce:

1. Multi-generation Café’s: To help leaders better understand Gen-Z
2. Practicing Strokes: To encourage managers to give respectful, helpful feedback

Multi Generation Cafés

Stephen Covey, author of the popular book ‘The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People’, says “we must first seek to understand, then be understood”.  To achieve this, we help leaders organize multi-generation Cafés. We create a café setting (cosy area, standing tables, informal setting) where managers dress casually, leaving their cultural artefacts (formal clothing, such as ties, suits, etc.) behind and meet with the younger generations over a drink. On each table is a topic that illustrates intergenerational dynamics in the form of an open question. 

You can see some of these questions here:

In the Generation Café we do set some rules: no discussion, and don’t judge nor justify. Ask the open questions and listen. 

What happens, due to the level playing field setting, is that the different generations start to understand the differences between one another. They smile and laugh about each other’s specific generational attitudes and behaviors. 

With this mutual understanding, respect grows. In the double loop, managers experience a non-violent way of communication to investigate the intentions and behaviors of Gen Z’ers. This understanding of other generations and non-violent communication is essential for step 2: practicing strokes.

Practicing Stokes

Eric Berne, the founder of Transactional Analysis, concluded that people need recognition or ‘strokes’. These ‘strokes’ are as essential to life as oxygen, water and food. Dr Berne uses the word ‘stroke’ to encompass both positive and negative recognition. 

The key to leading Gen Z is to understand their need for strokes – in their case receiving feedback and recognizing a job well done – and above that to understand your ‘stroke profile’ as a manager. 

Baby Boomers and Gen X’ers have vastly different ‘stroke’ profiles than Millennials and Gen Z’. Recent research shows that in learning organizations, three to five times more positive ‘strokes’ are shared than in non-learning organizations. 

Most managers in our programs react in disbelief when they hear this and don’t recognize this positive attitude in their organizations. ‘If you hear nothing it’s good, because you’ll certainly hear when something is wrong’ is more than often the unwritten rule. Imagine if you started your career in these organizations: what does it tell you about your stroke profile? How much positive and critical feedback do you share in the workplace? How do you deal with critical and positive feedback? Do you ask for feedback, or do you refuse to accept feedback? All essential questions to understand your own ‘stroke profile’. 

Then there is the widely spread unwritten management rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated. Here we are in the midst of the workplace crisis to empower Gen Z’s and support them to become valuable for our organization. This crisis is illustrated by the high scores on anxiety and low self-esteem as career blockers in the Workforce Institute survey. This, together with the low preparation on soft skills, gives Gen Z’s a double handicap at the start of their careers. 

These types of individuals are more likely to succeed in organizations where there is a rich stroking climate. Transactional analysis differentiates between 4 types of ‘strokes’: positive, negative, conditional (task-based) and unconditional (personality-based). Unconditional negative strokes should be avoided in the workplace. All other sorts, when applicable and well-balanced, contribute to a secure and healthy workplace where talent can flourish. 

In practising formulating, giving and receiving these ‘strokes’, managers can discover a lot about their own response to feedback. This often leads to profound insights into their own upbringing, school history and organizational culture. 

Simultaneously, they understand that Gen Z’ers are raised in an entirely different ‘stroke climate’ (in fact, often these managers are parents who decided to raise their kids differently than their parents did). A ‘stroke climate’ where psychological safety – as an outcome of healthy unconditional positive stroking – is key to learning and experimenting, building a climate where a job well done is recognized and where there are clear co-created boundaries. 

Building these organizational climates often calls for changes in leadership style and organizational culture. In these healthy organizational climates, soft-skill learning is easy because healthy climates invite to experiment but also are secure enough to show vulnerability. Gen Z’ers, together with their leaders, can formulate realistic development goals. Flaws and mistakes are identified, discussed and forgiven. 

It looks like a huge change in the way we work in our organizations, but it actually starts with personal development. Take good care of yourself, invest in others and sustain a positive environment in your team, department and organization. 

This will help you create a secure and welcoming workplace for all generations.

About the Author

Drs. Erik Maier works as a lecturer, program manager and PhD student at Nyenrode Business University. He is part of Nyenrode’s Faculty Research Center for Strategy, Organization & Leadership. Preferably he works on the field of personal development and organizational development: the area where strategic goals of the organization an individual needs connect and sustain.

The post How Can Good Leadership Solve the Soft-skill Gap that Gen Z’ers Experience When Entering the Workforce? appeared first on The European Business Review.

Introduction

In 2022, the global artificial intelligence market was valued at $136.55 billion. According to Bloomberg, generative AI is expected to reach a market value of $1.3 trillion by 2032. Progress in machine learning, automation, and natural language processing has led to AI reshaping traditional business models in extraordinary ways. AI presents a diverse array of abilities with almost boundless potential, including the automation of repetitive tasks, the provision of predictive insights, the facilitation of customised customer experiences, the optimisation of supply chain management, and the improvement of risk assessment.

As AI continues to reshape every facet of contemporary business, organisations that embrace it will gain the ability to unlock new opportunities, achieve operational efficiencies, and foster sustainable growth, thereby attaining a competitive edge. To stay competitive in a technology-driven economy, many business leaders, managers, and technical experts are enrolling in executive education programs focused on artificial intelligence and machine learning offered by numerous prestigious business schools worldwide.

Within these programs, participants will not only gain an understanding of the current capabilities and business applications of these technologies but also explore their future potential. Additionally, executives will acquire the skills to manage integration projects and effectively communicate with technologists. Valuable lessons will also be imparted to help avoid common pitfalls.

Regardless of your industry or business model, it will be in your best interest not to ignore this exciting and highly disruptive trend in executive education.

1. AI for Managers, ESMT Berlin

As AI reshapes the business world and opens up new horizons for value creation, AI applications become more integrated into our everyday lives. There are ever-increasing opportunities to enhance existing products, processes and services or create entirely new ones. Executives must understand how to leverage and implement this power. In ESMT Berlin’s AI for Managers programme, you will be deeply immersed in this exciting new technology and develop the skills required to unlock its potential in your organisation. ESMT Berlin has partnered with Europe’s largest AI investment platform, Merantix, to deliver an interactive syllabus with experts and practitioners, directly on the Merantix AI campus and ESMT campus in Berlin. Participants will develop a strategic vision and a practical roadmap for AI in your organisation and unlock new skills and insights they can use to embrace the potential of AI.

2. Business Impacts of Artificial Intelligence, Warwick Business School

For Warwick Business School’s Business Impacts of Artificial Intelligence programme, AI is no longer just a buzzword. In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, it has become the cornerstone of business environments, but how do we navigate the social and ethical risks? Staying ahead demands more than just awareness; it calls for active engagement and understanding of AI’s transformative potential. This programme equips businesses and technology professionals with the skills to navigate and understand the AI landscape and decode AI’s impact on industries. During this course, participants upskill their knowledge to foster innovation and unlock new avenues for strategic growth. They will evaluate some of the critical social and ethical risks arising from AI implementation in organisations to support their understanding of strategies available to ensure responsible and fair AI usage. By examining real-world AI solutions implemented by organisations globally, this programme gives valuable insights into successful AI adoption and its impact on diverse industries.

3. Big Data and Artificial Intelligence for Business, ESSEC Business School

At a period when most companies are digitising their business procedures, as a pioneering and leading business school, ESSEC Business School provides a bundle of courses and real case studies on the topic of digital transformation. Big Data and Artificial Intelligence for Business is the first in a series of seven composing the future Executive Master in Digital Transformation. It aims to explore different technologies for capturing their characteristics before thinking about their applications in your industry. For that, ESSEC Professors have designed a certificate exploring the ongoing developments of Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, the Internet of Things, Blockchain, but also GDPR and Quantum computing. Through this certificate, we provide you with solid foundations on existing and forthcoming technologies.

4. Data Science and AI for Business, SKEMA Business School

SKEMA Business School’s Data Science and AI for Business can be taken 100% remotely or in-person to enable leaders to initiate transformation. This programme was created to strengthen and certify the digital skills of managers and leaders who wish to support the transformation of organisations. Participants will be able to identify professional situations where artificial intelligence can be a source of performance improvement, develop a structured change management plan to support digital transformation and the implementation of an AI-based tool in an organisation and ensure compliance with data protection and ethics rules.

5. Transforming Your Business with AI, INSEAD

Transforming Your Business with AI by INSEAD will equip leaders with practical frameworks to work with data scientists and programmers, showing you how to commission analysis, and analyse the results you receive to accelerate productivity and competitive edge for your organisation. The programme uses real-world video case studies, cutting-edge technologies, and computer modelling to show how companies can leverage leadership, strategy and innovation to respond to digital transformation. Learning under INSEAD will be enriched by hands-on group or individual work and exercises, and an Action Learning Project based on applicability within your organisation.

Conclusion

Today, executives need to understand the potential of these technologies and also have the skills and knowledge to integrate them into their organisation’s culture and operations. Through these programme’s interactive lectures, case studies, and discussions, you will learn how to leverage big data analytics, machine learning and AI capabilities to drive better decision-making and fuel innovation.

Executive education programmes on AI delve into many AI and analytics applications in the business realm, ranging from data visualisation to predictive modelling. By participating in these programmes, you will not only explore these applications but also acquire the proficiency needed to successfully integrate these cutting-edge technologies into your organisation’s operational framework.

The post Top Executive Education Courses in AI Coming Out This 2024: Nurturing Tomorrow’s AI Leaders appeared first on The European Business Review.

Introduction

As we enter 2024 in a few months, the ever-evolving demands of the corporate world require top executives to expand their knowledge and refine their skills continually. To meet this demand, top executive education programs worldwide are gearing up to provide innovative and transformative experiences for leaders across industries.

The executive education landscape in 2024 is rich with promise, offering a diverse range of programs designed to meet the unique challenges of our time. The courses highlighted here are just a glimpse into the opportunities awaiting executives eager to strengthen their expertise and remain industry leaders. This is a thrilling era for executive education, as these programs signify a commitment to empowering leaders with the knowledge and abilities needed to navigate tomorrow’s complexities with confidence and astuteness.

These courses will equip executives with the tools and insights they need to navigate the complexities of our rapidly changing global economy, from artificial intelligence and sustainability to executive leadership and board management. 

1. Enhancing Customer Centricity and the Customer Voice, Warwick Business School

Warwick Business School’s Post-graduate Award “Enhancing Customer Centricity and the Customer Voice” focuses on exploring theories and concepts essential for establishing a customer-centric culture within your organisation. This four-day program equips participants not only with the necessary tools to cultivate such a culture but also addresses strategies to navigate and resolve resistance encountered in the process. It also facilitates the development of skills crucial for managing customer experience, imparting knowledge on enhancing customer journey and designing improved customer experiences.

2. Design Thinking and Corporate Change, ESMT Berlin

ESMT Berlin’s Design Thinking programme is one of the world‘s most popular methods of establishing a dynamic, customer-focused and goal-oriented innovation culture within the organisation – for start-ups, SMEs and large corporations alike. With the methods of the Design Thinking approach, ideas can be improved within the entire corporate value chain, from internal process optimisation and digitalisation to customer contact in both the B2B and B2C areas. However, even the most promising innovations often fail due to internal organisational resistance. Successful implementation requires a strategy that takes organisational complexity and power relations into account, a careful analysis of key stakeholders and their interests, as well as communication skills.

3. Global Supply Chain Management, KEDGE Business School

KEDGE Business School’s Global Supply Chain Management programme prepares students to meet the challenges of a new era in business management. Successful managers take a holistic approach to analysing performance and know how to build a supply chain architecture for global business networks. The Global Supply Chain Management programme can help you acquire these global skills that are essential to the proper management of supply chains on both a national and international scale. You’ll develop a sharp eye and in-depth knowledge of your working environment. Thanks to their global perspective of the business, supply chain managers are in a position to manage an international company and define its strategy.

4. Sourcing: Vested Outsourcing, HASLAM College of Business

HASLAM College of Business’ Sourcing: Vested Outsourcing programme is designed as an overview for both corporations and service providers who are trying to move beyond conventional approaches to business relationships. This program provides a balance of theory and application, leaving participants with a solid understanding of what the Vested approach is and how to apply it to their business. In-depth case studies and breakout sessions give teams ample time to apply the concepts learned to their own situations. Participants will be able to understand the fundamental business model differences between traditional approaches to business relationships and Vested relationships, and develop an appreciation for the power of having a Vested mindset and learn how progressive companies have adopted these concepts to create win-win relationships.

5. Non-Executive Director, University of Bath

Through the Non-Executive Director program of the University of Bath, you can learn what it takes to be a successful and sought-after non-executive director (NED). This interactive programme will provide participants with a practical understanding of the role of a non-executive director. Focusing on the responsibilities, challenges and behaviours needed, those participating will enhance their skills and learn how to be a successful NED. The programme will also provide support on how to find and secure a NED position. With input from existing CEOs, NEDs and chairs from various organisations, the approach is interactive and practical.

6. Innovative Brand and Digital Marketing Strategies: Insights from the Luxury Industry, ESSEC Business School

During 6 weeks of deep exploration of key insights from the luxury industry, participants of ESSEC Business School’s Innovative Brand and Digital Marketing Strategies: Insights from the Luxury Industry will grow their skills in brand and digital marketing strategies and learn how to establish strong brand position focusing on innovation and a strong customer-centric approach supported by digital. By exploring key insights from the luxury industry, you will grow your skills in brand and digital marketing strategies and learn how to establish a strong brand position focusing on innovation and a strong customer-centric approach supported by digital. The luxury sector is smart about digital, and students will be taught by ESSEC digital marketing academic experts and highly qualified marketing executives with expertise in European and Asian markets.

7. Climate Change and Sustainability: Leveraging Carbon Market Initiatives for Business, NUS Business School

Sustainability and climate change are now issues that are moving beyond corporate lip service into real-world business costs, challenges, and opportunities. NUS Business School’s Climate Change and Sustainability: Leveraging the Carbon Market Initiatives for Business programme breaks down the issues and will help participants to understand and take advantage of climate change opportunities today and in the near future.

8. Managing An Intercultural and Intergenerational team, SKEMA Business School

​For interculturality to be a driver of success, managers must take into account the cultural and generational differences that exist within their teams. They must adapt their management according to these. SKEMA Business School’s Managing An Intercultural and Intergenerational Team will give you a good grasp of the characteristics and influence of the cultures and generations within a company and of the challenges they present. This hands-on training teaches the approaches and methods for managing the barriers and opportunities managers face when working in an intercultural and intergenerational environment.

9. Behavioral Economics: Nudging to Shape Decisions, Chicago Booth Business School

Organisations around the globe are increasingly using “nudge thinking” to help people make more efficient decisions. Through a highly interactive learning environment, Chicago Booth Business School’s Behavioral Economics: Nudging to Shape Decisions programme will teach participants how to use data intelligence to predict outcomes better and practically apply behavioural insights to their organisation. They will discover the benefits of a well-designed choice architecture structure and explore the role biases, fallacies, and heuristics play in decision-making. This program can be applied to any industry, including healthcare, utilities, insurance, banking, retail, manufacturing, nonprofit, and government agencies.

10. Executive Master Chief Value Officer, Audencia

Audencia’s Executive Master Chief Value Officer program is the first Chief Value Officer programme in the world. As a pioneering program, it is dedicated to transforming the measurement, control and audit sectors in the multi-capital world. It provides candidates with the opportunity to develop their skillset in integrated thinking, value creation, responsible strategic leadership and international contexts. Through this program, you can position yourself as a key player in your organisation and acquire the capacity to measure and communicate the value-creation process. Participants will also be able to understand and anticipate the financial, environmental and social implications of their decisions while becoming the change navigator and supporting the evolution of their company’s business model thanks to an integrated and multi-capital vision. 

Conclusion

As we close the chapter on 2023, it becomes abundantly clear that the business world is undergoing a remarkable transformation. The dynamic nature of today’s corporate landscape requires leaders to be agile, innovative, and continuously informed. These executive education courses are poised to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of leadership, equipping executives with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving environment.

In 2024, the world of executive education stands at the crossroads of innovation and excellence, with programs that are as diverse as the challenges they seek to address. The courses we’ve discussed are just a glimpse into the vast opportunities available to executives looking to enhance their abilities and stay at the forefront of their industries. It is an exciting time for executive education, and these programs represent a commitment to empowering leaders to navigate the complexities of tomorrow with confidence and insight. So, whether you’re an established executive or an aspiring one, the executive education courses of 2024 offer the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the ever-evolving business world.

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