“Motivated to address the most pressing needs of society and enabled by digital innovation, business schools have been redefining the boundaries of their work.” I wrote that in a 2020 blog to introduce our first GBSN Beyond, a new version of our flagship annual conference reimagined for a virtual format. In addition to pushing us to think more boldly about the content, the word Beyond reflected our vision to be more inclusive and to do more than talk and network with each other. The event was a huge success—the name stuck, and our fourth GBSN Beyond starts on October 30, in-person and online. This blog describes what to expect.
Before getting into the details, I want to say that we are absolutely thrilled that GBSN Beyond 2023 is hosted by The American University in Cairo School of Business and to have generous sponsorships from MIT Sloan School of Management, Leeds University Business School, BI Norwegian Business School, China Europe International Business School (CEIBS), Hanken School of Economics, Monash Business School, CarringtonCrisp, ETS GRE, and others with commitments pending. Our hosts and sponsors are true impact leaders in our industry.
Contributions from sponsors not only make the event possible, but also enable it to be accessible to education leaders from low-income and developing countries. Please reach out to me directly if you are interested in adding your school or organization to the list of prestigious sponsors or want to contribute to need-based scholarships for schools.
The Theme – The Transformative Power of Talent and Technology
At GBSN we always put people first. After all, management education is about enabling and empowering people to create, build, and sustain organizations to solve problems of people and planet. Yet, we cannot ignore the power of technology to help people to create a better world, through business and education, and specifically to transform important sectors, such as health, agriculture, energy, and more.
At the same time, we cannot discount the challenges that new technologies bring and the risks they create. There are new and important questions about trust, human rights, privacy, equity, and the future of our planet. And there are tensions between the Global North and the Global South, as well as the East and West, that have important implications for how we think about the future of business and business education.
That’s why this year’s GBSN Beyond theme is about opportunities and challenges at the intersection of talent and technology. As with everything GBSN does, this theme cuts across borders, sectors, and disciplines. We believe business schools should collaborate internationally, bring together multiple perspectives, and operate at the nexus of business, government, and civil society. We must transcend boundaries to do our part in building a better world.
The Program
There are multiple parts to GBSN Beyond. We’ll start in person on Monday, October 30, with the Members Only Meeting followed by a Welcome Reception on the Nile. The main program on Tuesday and Wednesday features an internationally diverse set of speakers, including Egypt’s Minister of International Cooperation and leaders from companies, such as Visa, DHL, Microsoft, and Amazon, and other institutions such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) and UK-based CFTE. And of course, we’ll have business educators from leading schools around the world sharing their experiences and aspirations. We are especially excited about a session featuring African entrepreneurs led by MIT’s Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship. Finally, all participants of GBSN Beyond are also invited to attend the Business Schools for Climate Leadership Africa Meeting, which is scheduled for Monday morning, just prior to the Members Only meeting.
Since this is our 20th Anniversary, we have planned several opportunities to celebrate the impact of network members, especially at our social events. You can count on the Gala Dinner (on the second night of the conference) being extra special this year, because we are celebrating our 20th Anniversary and because of the venue—the fabulous Dahab Palace.
The Vibe
Every event has its own distinctive character, but there are three things that we are committed to carrying from event to event. First, we strive for diversity because we think innovation happens at the intersection of different perspectives. More importantly, we want to create inclusive events by focusing on the purpose of GBSN—and our shared vision for the developing world to have the talent it needs to generate prosperity. It’s why schools join and engage in the network, as well as what takes them to Beyond.
Second, we believe context matters for business and always will. But have you ever noticed that it is difficult at some conferences to know where you are in the world? Everything looks and feels the same. Well, we want participants in GBSN Beyond to know where they are and they create memorable experiences while there.
Finally, our aim is to facilitate meaningful connections for projects and initiatives. We want to make things happen—to “move the needle on the mission”—by bringing people together. The program is designed to highlight initiatives and provide opportunities to learn about other schools and people, and to connect with them. GBSN’s 20-year history includes hundreds of threads connecting schools and organizations across borders and over time. Our annual conference has played an essential role.
On behalf of host AUC School of Business, our sponsors, and Board of Directors, we invite you to come to Cairo for GBSN Beyond. To learn more and to register, go to https://gbsn.org/conference/beyond/
Dan LeClair, CEO
Dan LeClair was named CEO of the Global Business School Network (GBSN) in February of 2019. Prior to GBSN, Dan was an Executive Vice President at AACSB International, an association and accrediting organization that serves some 1,600 business schools in more than 100 countries. His experience at AACSB includes two and half years as Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, seven years as Chief Operating Officer, and five years as Chief Knowledge Officer. A founding member of the Responsible Research in Business and Management (RRBM) initiative, Dan currently participates on its working board. He also serves in an advisory capacity to several organizations and startups in business and higher education. Before AACSB, Dan was a tenured associate professor and associate dean at The University of Tampa.
Dan played a lead role in creating a think-tank joint venture between the European Foundation for Management Development (EFMD) and AACSB and has been recognized for pioneering efforts in the formation of the UN’s Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), where he served on the Steering Committee for many years. Dan has also participated in industry-level task forces for a wide range of organizations, including the Chartered Association of Business Schools, Graduate Management Admission Council, Executive MBA Council, and Aspen Institute’s Business and Society Program.
Widely recognized as a thought leader in management education, Dan is the author of over 80 research reports, articles, and blogs, and has delivered more than 170 presentations in 30 countries. As a lead spokesperson for reform and innovation in management education, Dan has been frequently cited in a wide range of US and international newspapers, magazines, and professional publications, including the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, New York Times, China Daily, Forbes, Fast Company, and The Economist. Dan earned a PhD from the University of Florida writing on game theory.