Dean of IE Business School gives exclusive talk with Financial Times

Lee Newman represented IE Business School at the Financial Times’ digital conference on the future of MBAs. With a lineup of speakers from top business schools, Newman was invited for a one-on-one interview to discuss the evolution of the MBA and IE Business School’s commitment to educational innovation.

"The future of the MBA is bright," said Newman. "But it’s definitely going to look different. We need to put a stronger emphasis on what we call "impact skills." These skills are crucial for navigating complex workplaces and interpersonal challenges. They’re not just about the technical aspects; they’re about effective leadership and collaboration, especially in difficult situations."

Newman stressed the need to modernize the traditional MBA, advocating for technological integration across course content: "The landscape is shifting toward one-person startups supported by AI tools—imagine a one-person unicorn with AI by their side. We must teach students how to leverage these tools to maximize productivity."

IE Business School’s collaboration with OpenAI exemplifies its commitment to new learning methods: "Our assessments will reward students who effectively integrate AI into their projects." IE University is the first major institution in higher education to incorporate Artificial Intelligence at every operational level, including staff, students, and faculty.

Newman also outlined IE Business School’s innovative strategy for cultivating modern leaders: "We encourage students to explore their motivations and consider the societal impact of their work. We aim to develop leaders who value people and foster healthy, productive work environments."

While the difficulties of assessing these qualities were acknowledged, Newman presented a clear roadmap. "It’s challenging but we can’t shy away from it," said Newman. "The shift from education as mere information delivery to fostering real transformation in people is key. This will often require breaking down old habits before we can rebuild them."

Candidates are undergoing radical changes thanks to IE Business School’s concept of the "Next Best You". Whatever the future of MBAs and the broader landscape of industry, IE Business School is providing the tools to create the best outcomes.