Academic Reputation

Executive Leadership Program's Tony Kong Shares How Different Perspectives Help Build High-Functioning Teams

Justin Michael Forbis — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 20:48:24 +0000

Executive Leadership Program's Tony Kong Shares How Different Perspectives Help Build High-Functioning Teams Justin Michael… Mon, 02/17/2025 - 13:48

When it comes to developing diversity within an organization—everyone has something to say and contribute. That is the message Associate Professor Tony Kong shares with participants in his courses across the undergraduate, Executive MBA and the Leeds Executive Leadership Program. Kong encourages participants in the courses to keep their minds open as they consider how they can bring equity and inclusion principles back to their teams and company culture. “I believe everyone has a say as different perspectives will always contribute great insights.”

Bringing People Together

“Bringing people together is the spirit behind diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI),” said Kong. However, everyone’s personal understanding of what that means is different due to their lived experiences, knowledge, and identities. “That is why there are disagreements on what it means to people and how it should be practiced, despite the agreement that people are diverse and everyone wants to feel included.”

“I care about helping and developing people and believe that belonging and collaboration benefit the greater good,”

Kong’s research focuses on addressing how to enable people to be more prosocial (that is, promoting others’ interests and collective interests). “I care about helping and developing people and believe that belonging and collaboration benefit the greater good,” he said. “I care about this topic because I believe in its purpose of bringing everyone together. You need to be able to hear other perspectives to create a greater understanding.”

IDEO is a design company that Kong references in his executive leadership course as an example of a company that has built a culture where they care most about the different and unique ideas and perspectives their employees bring with them. “Companies that are successful in equity and inclusion know how to bring their employees’ different ideas and insights to the table,” Kong explained. “People should have common goals though.” Teams that can embrace places where one person’s weakness is another’s strength allows them to create more trust, empathy, and understanding with each other.

Impacts in the Workplace

Despite some organizations rolling back their DEI initiatives, Kong believes that businesses are receptive to learning and integrating that feedback. When those initiatives are thoughtful and leveraged effectively, it allows companies to not only foster learning and integration, but also to become better places where people can show up authentically and as their best self.

For organizations hoping to implement or refine their policies and practices, Kong recommends starting with what the company has in place currently and asking employees how they see and interpret inclusion. “It’s important to gather opinions on what people want for inclusion and equity and use that for culture building and the creation of norms and behaviors.”

Diverse views can lead to seemingly inconsistent results according to Kong. He encourages companies not to reject the entire premise and instead “identify the gaps and key metrics and address them. Companies need to see these gaps as an opportunity to learn and build a better culture.”

One key part of advancing equity and inclusion is implementing equity and inclusion for everyone in the organization. “Problems occur when DEI policy and practices are narrowly focused and thus many people have difficulty in relating to the policy and practices and identifying the relevance,” explained Kong. “If people can see and identify the self-relevance of these policies and practices, then they will care and lift everyone up.”

How Leaders can Build an Inclusive Team

“Kindness and empathy are important qualities that high-performing leaders have. Leaders need to show receptiveness to other ideas even if they make the same ultimate decisions.” Kong teaches the Freedom Framework in his leadership training session, which is a set of principles that encourages people to be more authentic, recognize the value of differences, bring their strengths forward, and the opportunity to both speak up or fade out as necessary while learning from mistakes.

These principles lend themselves to “recognizing moments as learning opportunities. Sometimes there are assumptions that people are knowledgeable or informed when that isn’t the case, so this represents learning, growing and forgiving,” Kong shared. These are things that all leaders can inspire within their teams.

A team that is inspired fosters a positive and healthy environment high in emotional intelligence where people show up and thrive, developing a sense of psychological safety in the process. A culture high in psychological safety allows people to challenge the status quo without fear of retribution, and to secure acceptance from others. Leaders hoping to reinforce this culture should inspire people to contribute and bring their authentic and best selves to work, as well as gather input from all levels when making decisions.

Tony Kong is an Associate Professor of Organizational Leadership and Information Analytics at Leeds. He teaches across programs at Leeds including the Executive MBA. You can learn directly from Tony Kong on building culture and inclusive work environments in the LEED: Executive Leadership Program taking place May 12-16, 2025 on the Boulder campus.

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Leading Citizen Well-Being Through Business Research: Launching the Initiative for Global Business Impact

Jane Majkiewicz — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 23:05:06 +0000

Leading Citizen Well-Being Through Business Research: Launching the Initiative for Global Business Impact Jane Majkiewicz Tue, 02/11/2025 - 16:05

Thanks to an anonymous gift, Leeds is investing $3.85 million to launch the Initiative for Global Business Impact this fall, accelerating the school’s world-class research infrastructure and academic reputation.

The new Initiative for Global Business Impact will take Leeds to the world and bring the world to Leeds. Human welfare is strongly affected by sustainability of practices by businesses and individual citizens, and by the quality of consumers’ financial decisions. But the solutions offered by businesses and governments differ dramatically across geographies, as do the apparent effectiveness of those solutions. The world needs next-generation leaders who can learn from those differences and act on rigorous evidence about what works.

Employers are seeking business professionals who can not only drive operational excellence, but who can also champion purpose-driven organizations that prioritize societal impact alongside profitability. With a focus on citizen well-being, the initiative's initial phase will prioritize consumer financial decision-making and sustainability.

“This generous gift provides Leeds with the opportunity to both broaden and deepen our inquiries by fostering connections with global communities, creating a meaningful impact on citizen well-being, businesses and society,” said Vijay Khatri, Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean of the Leeds School of Business.

Leading the way

Khatri has appointed Distinguished Professor John G. Lynch Jr. as the inaugural director of the Initiative for Global Business Impact. Lynch was named the 2025 AMA-Irwin-McGraw-Hill Distinguished Marketing Educator, the highest honor in the field of academic marketing, recognizing "creative accomplishments, public service, research, teaching and service contributions."

Lynch was the founding director of the Center for Research on Consumer Financial Decision Making and served as senior associate dean for faculty and research at Leeds. His scholarship, extensive teaching experience, awards, mentorship and reputation in the world of consumer financial decision-making and marketing uniquely qualify him to advance Leeds’ position and academic reputation through this new initiative.

Solidifying Leeds’ research infrastructure

Leeds faculty are already addressing global societal issues through exemplary interdisciplinary research. To take Leeds global, the school will expand its research eﬀorts through global partnerships with scholars worldwide, enhancing its impact and solidifying its position as a global leader.

To bring the world to Leeds, Leeds faculty will have an opportunity to broaden their research scope to address critical global challenges. This will involve engaging esteemed Global Faculty-in-Residence and Global Postdoctoral Fellows whose expertise will drive intellectual growth and innovation, enabling us to tackle complex problems that address citizen well-being and produce meaningful research.

These eﬀorts will also support the development of global academic programs in collaboration with international business schools, preparing our students for leadership roles in a globalized economy.

Addressing global challenges through business innovation

Today’s rapidly evolving business environment is increasingly shaped by factors like climate change, poverty, population growth and geopolitical conflict, noted Khatri. In response, Leeds is closely following key trends in digital transformation, sustainability, economic shifts and the future of work to address the dynamic needs of business leaders.

“Since founding the Center for Financial Decision Making in 2009, Leeds has established itself as a leader in consumer financial decision-making and household finance. That experience has demonstrated how externally focused research centers can create an infrastructure for impactful work. With this new initiative, we will collaborate with leading global partners and scholars to build trusted business research that addresses large-scale societal challenges with solutions that really work,” said Lynch.

"With this new initiative, we will collaborate with leading global partners and scholars to build trusted business research that addresses large-scale societal challenges."

John G. Lynch Jr., Distinguished Professor

The Initiative for Global Business Impact, focused on accelerating momentum in citizen well-being through business research, strengthens Leeds' ongoing efforts and aligns with the 2035 Leeds Strategic Plan, shaping the future of business over the next decade.

Thanks to a generous anonymous gift, Leeds is investing $3.85 million to launch the Initiative for Global Business Impact in fall 2025, advancing the school’s world-class research infrastructure.

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The Leeds Sustainability Case Competition: Business Students Tackle AI’s Energy Challenge

Jane Majkiewicz — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 15:35:34 +0000

The Leeds Sustainability Case Competition: Business Students Tackle AI’s Energy Challenge Jane Majkiewicz Tue, 02/11/2025 - 08:35

Jane Majkiewicz • Video by Cody Johnston

The annual Leeds Sustainability Case Competition brought together 39 teams from top business schools to develop solutions for sustainability challenges in the age of artificial intelligence.

As AI technology expands, its energy consumption is growing exponentially, raising urgent sustainability concerns. How can companies embrace AI without compromising environmental responsibility?

That was the central challenge that MBA students from institutions like the University of California, Berkeley (Haas), The University of Chicago (Booth), Duke University (Fuqua) and Columbia tackled at this year’s Leeds Sustainability Case Competition.

��ý�Ļ��Ʒ’s "For the Bees" team from the Masters of the Environment (MENV) program took first place, while Leeds’ "The Green Beans" team secured second place.

“Addressing environmental sustainability will be crucial for businesses over the next decade,” said Vijay Khatri, Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean of the Leeds School of Business. “Leeds is at the forefront of highlighting how sustainability is not only a competitive advantage for business, but also an opportunity to drive innovative solutions to global challenges.”

A legacy of sustainability at Leeds

“For 25 years, the Leeds School of Business has prioritized sustainability, ethics and social responsibility, and our students come here because of that focus,” said Mike Leeds (Fin’74).

Since 2001, the Leeds Sustainability Case Competition—formerly known as the Net Impact Case Competition—has provided students with real-world business challenges focused on sustainability. The competition brings together graduate students, executives and businesses that share a common commitment to business practices that yield positive social, environmental and financial returns.

A unique opportunity for future business leaders

“This competition is a unique opportunity because students work in cross-functional teams, collaborating with peers from different disciplines to develop innovative solutions to sustainability-related challenges,” said Kathryn Wendell, executive director of the Leeds Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility.

With AI rapidly transforming industries, this year's competition demonstrated how business leaders can balance technological progress with environmental priorities. In addition to fostering an environment of creative problem-solving, the annual event also strengthens students’ professional networks, giving them essential connections as they become next-generation business leaders.

The annual Leeds Sustainability Case Competition brought together 39 teams from top business schools to develop sustainable solutions to power the AI surge.

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Harnessing Data Power: A Game-Changer for Supply Chain and Marketing Careers

Jane Majkiewicz — Tue, 14 Jan 2025 18:06:50 +0000

Harnessing Data Power: A Game-Changer for Supply Chain and Marketing Careers Jane Majkiewicz Tue, 01/14/2025 - 11:06

Jane Majkiewicz

Leeds is at the forefront of data analytics with two new innovative master’s programs—supply chain analytics and marketing analytics.

Data is everywhere. The challenge isn’t collecting it but turning it into actionable insights and informed business decisions. That’s the vision behind Leeds’ new master’s programs in supply chain analytics and marketing analytics, beginning in 2025.

“Being able to launch marketing analytics and supply chain analytics degrees is exciting and supportive of the growth of the school and the opportunities we provide as students consider the changes occurring in business careers,” said Kristi Ryujin, associate dean for graduate programs at Leeds. During her 11-year tenure, she has witnessed seismic changes in these two major areas of global business.

Transforming supply chain operations

Supply chains became a household topic during the pandemic, as shortages, price surges and logistical bottlenecks exposed vulnerabilities in global systems. Today, organizations must grapple with growing amounts of data to answer critical questions: Where should products be stored? How should production be timed? How can pricing and overhead be optimized? How will changing tariffs and regulations affect operations and revenue?

“These are the kinds of questions we’re hearing,” Ryujin noted. “Discussions with industry partners show how far supply chain operations have come from the days of literally walking the lines in the warehouse. Now, we’re looking at things like performance over time, and it’s all data driven.”

Leeds’ new Supply Chain Analytics master’s program builds on 10 years of expertise in core supply chain topics including procurement, logistics, inventory management and programming skills in Python. The new program replaces and updates the existing supply chain management degree, incorporating new technologies including AI and machine learning, and advanced technical skills.

The ability to predict demand, address inefficiencies and reduce risks can translate into significant cost savings and operational improvements for organizations. For example, supply chain analytics can help a food manufacturer forecast ingredient needs to avoid spoilage, streamline delivery schedules and align with sustainability goals in packaging and production.

“Leeds is seen as a leader in sustainability,” Ryujin said. “Having a sustainable supply chain is part of the opportunity we have in guiding students.”

“There will be consistent demand for people with this skillset.”—Kristi Ryujin, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs

Expanding career opportunities

As supply chains grow more complex, so does the demand for skilled professionals. The new master’s program is tailored to both full-time students and working professionals, offering flexible formats to accommodate busy schedules.

“One of the things we pride ourselves in is that we develop talent,” Ryujin said. “If someone was an undergraduate psychology major, for example, and really likes numbers and data, we will prepare that student for success in the program.”

High-demand roles in supply chain analytics include:

→ Demand Planner
→ Logistics Analyst
→ Operations Analyst
→ Procurement Agent
→ Quality Control Analyst

“We learned so much during COVID. And now we must think about the complexities and volatility of supply chain markets based on government changes, leadership changes, climate change and more,” Ryujin said. “Our ability to address these challenges is what makes our supply chain analytics degree so interesting and exciting,” she said. “There will be consistent demand for people with this skillset.”

The growing role of marketing analytics

Leeds’ new Marketing Analytics master’s program builds on Leeds’ foundation of excellence in marketing research and teaching. The program is designed to prepare students for roles that require translating data into actionable insights, understanding customer behavior and optimizing marketing effectiveness.

The new program will expand upon Leeds’ breadth of marketing courses with the added technical skills to address evolving and emerging roles. These roles are becoming vital in helping companies understand their audiences, drive revenue growth and solidify their reputation as purpose-driven, sustainable organizations.

High-demand roles in marketing analytics include:

→ Marketing Analytics Manager
→ Marketing Analytics Senior Lead
→ Senior Manager, Marketing Insights and Analytics
→ Senior Manager, Digital Marketing
→ Senior Digital Engagement Administrator

Flexible learning options and the Leeds difference

Both new master’s programs offer full-time, in-person formats as well as an “Online Plus” option, which combines high-quality, customized videos, synchronous remote sessions and in-person faculty office hours. This flexibility makes it possible for working professionals to reskill, upskill or pivot their careers.

“For recent graduates or career changers, these programs offer a pathway to advanced opportunities,” Ryujin explained. Many of Leeds’ undergraduate students take advantage of accelerated pathways, earning both undergraduate and master’s degrees through 3+1 or 4+1 programs. “The important thing for students is to come in with curiosity, interest and a willingness to learn.”

By solving critical business challenges and identifying opportunities to improve business processes and mitigate risks, these programs shape students into strategic thinkers in their industries. Leeds’ graduates not only leave prepared to adapt to ever-evolving business demands, but they’re also equipped with a competitive edge in anticipating future challenges and driving innovation—skills that set them apart as leaders.

At a Glance

	Master’s in Supply Chain Analytics	Master’s in Marketing Analytics
Program Options	Full-time: 10 months in person Online Plus: 2 years, paced for working professionals Starts in July 2025	Full-time: 10 months in person Online Plus: 2 years, paced for working professionals Starts in July 2025
Curriculum	Data-driven operational strategy and tactics with big data analytics.	Data-driven marketing strategies including specialized market intelligence, digital advertising and customer analytics courses.
Selected Courses	Fundamentals of Data Analytics Structured Data Modeling & Analysis Supply Chain & Operations Analytics Procurement & Contracting Modern Artificial Intelligence Experiential Projects	Survey of Business Analytics Machine Learning Advanced Data Analytics Market Intelligence Customer Analytics Digital Advertising Modern Artificial Intelligence Experiential Projects
Career Success	Graduates find roles in leading companies including Arrow Electronics, Boeing, Danone, Lockheed Martin, Walmart and more.	Graduates find roles in top companies like AB InBev, Alteryx, KPMG, Merckle, OptTek Systems, P2 Energy Solutions and Panasonic North America.

Leeds is at the forefront of data analytics with two new innovative master’s programs—supply chain analytics and marketing analytics.

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Building Professional Skills with the Sustainability and Social Impact Certificate

Erik William Jeffries — Wed, 08 Jan 2025 18:59:47 +0000

Building Professional Skills with the Sustainability and Social Impact Certificate Erik William J… Wed, 01/08/2025 - 11:59

The nonprofit industry is always evolving, and for professionals like Sarah Mudd, gaining additional skills is helpful for moving ahead in the industry.

Mudd joined the Sustainability and Social Impact Certificate program in 2024 with the goal of building skills that were transferable across public policy, community engagement, corporate social responsibility and social impact. As a director of family and community engagement for early childhood education, Mudd hoped to bring specialized skills in areas such as regulatory compliance and networking to her career.

Experience in the Certificate Program

The course in sustainability offered a comprehensive review of critical issues in the world of social impact. From corporate philanthropy, sustainability reporting, DEI, policy advocacy and more, students receive the most up-to-date education to support them in a changing landscape.

“The course had lots of different dimensions of traditional corporate responsibility,” said Mudd. “The Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) module was very meaningful because I work with marginalized communities and nonprofits. The other modules on environment and sustainability were fascinating. Everything was meaningful and critical.”
The certificate program also brings in expert guest speakers from across industries to share best practices. Mudd appreciated that the course wasn’t just about reading. “It was about applying what we learned and supplementing it with guest speakers.” She recalled the DEIB module’s guest speaker Dwinita Mosby Taylor from the Equity Project as an impactful speaker who amplified the content they were learning in class. Another prominent guest speaker, Kavell Brown with LinkedIn, shared the company’s initiatives in corporate giving and employee engagement to build partnerships and solve global challenges. Those real-world experiences were invaluable.

Mudd also valued the opportunity to network with industry professionals. The certificate connects students to a community of more than 500 professional alumni who stay active on LinkedIn and who regularly attend in-person networking events. Being in Colorado and having access to the local network of professionals was a major factor in Mudd’s interest in the program, she said.

Benefits to Nonprofits

“Historically, the only places where you could do good and make an impact on social issues was in nonprofits, education, social services and government roles,” said Mudd. “As more corporations have begun to understand the need to address concerns from a regulatory standpoint, there has been a shift.”

Whether students work for corporations or nonprofits, the ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ sustainability programs, including the certificate, prepare a variety of professionals to make an impact. Sustainability and social impact fundamentals can be implemented across industries and at any career stage because they are shaping how businesses operate.

For nonprofits, these skills support a well-rounded understanding of the value an organization brings as well as the ability to tell the story of the nonprofit, increase funding and identify donors. For corporate employees, purpose-driven businesses will continue to grow.

Joining the Certificate Program

Mudd found the certificate program online and quickly saw that it met her needs. “As a Colorado resident, I was familiar with the university and what it’s known for,” she said. The certificate program draws upon ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ’s long legacy of sustainability.

“The program feels warm and inclusive,” said Mudd. “Everything was made easy to understand. I felt like students are valued. You can contribute to the conversations no matter your background.”

“Just do it if you’re interested and passionate about the issues,” encouraged Mudd. “For anyone on the fence, there is always something you can get out of this program that will resonate with you and be important to your work.”

Mudd also encourages students who are weighing their options to connect with the certificate instructor. “Talking with the instructor ahead of time not only made me feel welcomed, but it also clarified that the program would be a good fit for my interests and goals.”

Explore more details about the Sustainability and Social Impact Certificate, with cohorts offered every spring and fall semester.

The nonprofit industry is always evolving, and for professionals like Sarah Mudd, gaining additional skills is helpful for moving ahead in the industry.

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Academic Reputation

Executive Leadership Program's Tony Kong Shares How Different Perspectives Help Build High-Functioning Teams

Bringing People Together

“I care about helping and developing people and believe that belonging and collaboration benefit the greater good,”

Impacts in the Workplace

How Leaders can Build an Inclusive Team

Related Articles

Leading Citizen Well-Being Through Business Research: Launching the Initiative for Global Business Impact

Leading the way

Solidifying Leeds’ research infrastructure

Addressing global challenges through business innovation

Related Articles

The Leeds Sustainability Case Competition: Business Students Tackle AI’s Energy Challenge

A legacy of sustainability at Leeds

A unique opportunity for future business leaders

Related Articles

Harnessing Data Power: A Game-Changer for Supply Chain and Marketing Careers

Transforming supply chain operations

Expanding career opportunities

The growing role of marketing analytics

Flexible learning options and the Leeds difference

At a Glance

Related Articles

Building Professional Skills with the Sustainability and Social Impact Certificate

Experience in the Certificate Program

Benefits to Nonprofits

Joining the Certificate Program

Related Articles