Inaugural MBA Leadership Challenge a gift to incoming MBA cohorts

This year’s incoming MBA students capped off their orientation week with an inaugural experiential learning opportunity, thanks to a generous gift from SFU Beedie executive-in-residence and alumna, Zabeen Hirji (MBA ’94).

The Zabeen Hirji MBA Leadership Challenge is a one-day case competition challenging new students to develop thoughtful solutions to a business issue related to responsible leadership.

Hirji’s gift is part of what she calls her “Purposeful Third Act”— a portfolio of activities in business, not-for-profit, government, and academia, following her full-time, full-on 40-year executive career at RBC, including 10 years as chief human resources officer.

“People are living longer and healthier lives,” Hirji explains. “Many of us may have 20 plus years after retirement to engage in activities that make a difference. As a proud alum and executive-in-residence at the Beedie School of Business, I wanted to contribute in a different way. I wanted to do something interactive that I could be involved in, and bring my experience to.”

The Leadership Challenge will be the highlight of orientation week for new Full-Time and Early Career MBA students over the next four years, supported by Hirji.  It is intended to set the stage for the year ahead by introducing them to experiential learning, collaboration and leadership. It will help to build connections amongst students and provide exposure to industry leaders.

Hirji kicked off the challenge with a short address to the students. She explained that the annual event was inspired by the concept of responsible leadership, which she defines as being purpose-led, values-based and performance-driven. “As leaders you will have opportunities to shape the future of organizations in Canada, and the world, through your actions and behaviours,” says Hirji. “Use those opportunities to make a difference.” 

“Responsible leadership is what we preach and practice; it is part of our calling us a business school,” says Sudheer Gupta, associate dean, Graduate Programs. “So, it is fitting to have Zabeen Hirji – who devoted her career to practicing responsible leadership – sponsor a case competition on just that topic. It highlights shared principles, and a joint commitment to making the world a better place by developing future leaders who embody those principles.”

The case was based on Deloitte’s research report State of Performance, which looks at applying lessons from elite athletes to organizational performance and well-being, to shift to a state of sustained performance and excellence.  In consultation with Hirji, future topics will continue to focus on contemporary leadership issues, allowing for open-ended debate and inclusion of multi-stakeholder perspectives.

Students were placed in 16 teams, each matched with a senior student or alumni coach. After three hours of preparation, they presented their solution to a panel of judges and the top five teams advanced to a second round of competition. The event culminated with an awards ceremony and networking event, sponsored by RBC at their offices in Vancouver. 

The top three winning teams were awarded cash prizes. In addition, each team will select one organization from a list of B.C.- based charities whose mission aligns with Hirji’s purpose to unlock the potential of people and build inclusive prosperity, to receive a donation.

“Opportunities like this leadership challenge are important for students for two reasons, says Tejasvi Tandon, Full-Time MBA student and participant. “First, we learn to work together, and learn from, our colleagues in the MBA program. Second, real scenarios provide real learning. We now have a better understanding about the challenges companies and organizations face, and how to come up with unique solutions for them.”

Congratulations to all students who participated, and best of luck on your MBA journey with SFU Beedie!

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Finalists

First place: Team 11
Shen-Hao Wang, Tejasvi Tandon, Sarah Wheatley, Kenneth Utama
Coach: Laxinder Singh

Second place: Team 2
Natasha Thanasiriwatthana, Nihal Verma, Brittany Hunt, Vishal Malligaarjunan Iyer
Coach: Ashu Dassan

Third Place: Team 16
Kajal Jangra, Priyanka Dhelia, Sheila Chouinard, Kunaal Khanna
Coach: Hang Zhou

Final round judges

Angie Lamarsh, Senior Director & Head of Climate Transformation, Personal and Commercial Banking, RBC; SFU alumnus and former Chair, SFU Board of Governors
Troy Kay, Partner, Higher-Ed Transformation, Deloitte Canada
Gurwinder Singh, Director, Career Management Centre, Beedie School of Business