Messages

A message from GIBS Dean, Prof Morris Mthombeni

Talking about the future is one thing, living it is another; particularly if you are at the helm of an organisation and seeking to set course across a choppy and uncertain sea. At GIBS, our role is to help companies and individuals to better understand the trends, shifts and trajectory of a changing global environment and craft strategies that look to the future, learn from the past and appreciate the critically important role socially-responsible businesses play in developing strong and sustainable societies.

In the past, leaders were drilled in the art of accounting, operations and general management. Today's leaders must also consider human and societal implications such as personal actualisation and fulfilment, transparency and trust, sustainability, the impact of technology, social influence, empathy, integrity, and the importance of attracting and retaining of world-class talent.

Today's leaders must not only understand how to embrace the unusual and the uncertain, they must also be mindful of the challenges and shifts pushing both individuals and institutions to the edge of discomfort – from fast-paced digital transformation to the impact of climate change and the changing needs of younger, more sustainability-focused consumers.

The GIBS approach to learning and personal development helps leaders across the breadth and depth of an organisation to tackle those hard conversations needed to remain relevant, understand the bigger picture and act effectively. Be it through developing sustainable strategies and business models, reducing emissions, shifting a product development focus, addressing consumer needs, or rethinking traditional partnerships and value chains.

Our highly-rated local and international faculty and extensive professional team work tirelessly to guide our students through an effective and impactful learning journey that ignites an unquenchable thirst for self-improvement, development and personal growth.

While well-established programmes and globally-recognised qualifications remain core to the GIBS offering, they by no means define the entire GIBS experience. From relevant executive education programmes to the rollout of "badging", flipped classrooms and blended approaches to learning, we aim to craft the most effective and impactful learning pathways for our students.

Our students consistently rate the GIBS learning experience highly, not only for the quality of our educational experience, but for our visible commitment to social impact and our commitments to critical issues such as climate leadership.

In 2023, GIBS achieved a Level 4 Positive Impact Rating for its transformative efforts in education. The rating, which falls under the banner of the United Nations PRME Global Forum, reflects the student experience across a range of categories including programmes, research, and the campus, as well as the integration of sustainability into core values and practices.

Our diverse and dynamic alumni offer their organisations increased value after completing their GIBS journey. Our alumni understand that today's leader faces a pivotal moment in history, and the sustainable, humane and technological choices they make today must support a vision of facilitating better business and better societies. GIBS leaders are well equipped to make these challenging calls, because they are curious, resilient, empathetic, innovative and driven - the very best qualities of the inspirational and effective leader of tomorrow.

Engage directly with Morris Mthombeni on LinkedIn

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