Lee Newman Recognized as AACSB Global Impact Awards Winner for Impactful Leadership

IE Business School Dean Lee Newman has been named a winner of AACSB International’s inaugural AACSB Global Impact Awards, which recognize business schools and leaders driving meaningful change in management education. Newman received the award in the Impactful Leadership category at the AACSB International Conference and Annual Meeting, held in Seattle, Washington, from April 13–15.

The recognition reflects Newman’s work advancing IE Business School’s approach to purpose-driven leadership and student development. At IE Business School, Newman has advanced the "Next Best You" strategy, which integrates career, impact, and purpose into one framework. Through personalized career pathways, leadership development, and purpose-driven initiatives, the approach prepares graduates to navigate complexity and lead with confidence.

The Global Impact Awards honor individuals and institutions whose initiatives demonstrate innovation, leadership, and measurable impact in business education and society. 

"At IE Business School, we believe business education should help students grow not only as professionals but as individuals with a sense of purpose," said Newman. "The Next Best You strategy reflects our commitment to helping every student develop the skills, perspective, and confidence to create meaningful impact in a complex and rapidly changing world." 

Newman played a central role in shaping and guiding the Next Best You initiative. Working closely with faculty, career services, alumni, and student support teams, he aligned existing programs around a common vision of student transformation – bringing together career readiness, leadership development, and purpose into a cohesive educational experience. 

One example is the Impact Skills Accelerator, a program embedded in multiple master’s degrees that develops communication, collaboration, resilience, and leadership capabilities alongside academic learning. Since its launch in 2023, the initiative has reached almost 3,000 Master’s students and reflects IE Business School’s commitment to preparing graduates for complex, fast-changing professional environments.

"The Global Impact Awards underscore IE Business School’s commitment to creating meaningful impact through business education," said Lily Bi, president and CEO of AACSB. "Their work sets a powerful example for the future of business education, and we look forward to its continued growth and influence."