Where Global MBA Leaders Connect: ICMS Hosts University of Minnesota MBA Students

The International College of Management, Sydney (ICMS), recently welcomed MBA students from the University of Minnesota for a day of learning, leadership insights, and global collaboration.  

The event explored the theme “Leading in Ambiguous Times” through a schedule of expert guest speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities. 

The visit was all about sharing knowledge, celebrating international connections, and revealing how ICMS unites future leaders from around the world. 

A Day Packed with Insight

The day began with the MBA group arriving at Manly Wharf, where the ICMS shuttle bus offered them a glimpse of the stunning coastal surroundings on the way to the ICMS Northern Beaches Campus.  

After a warm meet-and-greet in the iconic Great Hall, the day officially kicked off with an introduction from Dr Stacy Doepner-Hove and Dr Patrick Shearman, who set the tone for what was to come. 

The first session, “Australian and US Relationships in Ambiguous Times”, explored the challenges and opportunities of cross-border collaboration in the face of uncertainty. This discussion sparked valuable conversations around navigating these complex relationships. 

Following this, a panel discussion led by ICMS Founder Darryl Courtney-O’Connor and ICMS President and Managing Director Rowan Courtney-O’Connor, facilitated by ICMS DVC (Learning and Teaching) Professor Heidi Le Sueur, shared their strategies for “Growing and Managing a Business in Ambiguous Times.”  

With insights from their vast experience in business, the session offered attendees practical advice on navigating shifting landscapes. 

The energy carried on through the morning as MBA students mingled with speakers and ICMS faculty during a networking coffee break, building personal connections that stretched far beyond the campus walls. 

Expert Perspectives on Leadership

The presentation by Dr Chris Wallace focused on “Leading a Reinsurance Organisation for Natural Disasters and Terrorism Incidents in Ambiguous Times.”  

Dr Wallace’s expertise highlighted the critical thinking required for leadership in industries that face unmatched levels of unpredictability. 

For the final panel of the day, Jolanda Rotteveel, Dr Gerald Khoury, and Simon Smith joined forces to examine different dimensions of “Leading in Ambiguous Times.”  

Facilitated by Dr Stacy Doepner-Hove, this session drew on the panellists’ experiences to give students practical strategies to approach complex challenges in leadership roles. 

ICMS Students Play a Key Role

ICMS postgraduate students in Business and Management, including those in the MBA program, actively participated in the event.  

With participants evenly split between visiting MBA students and ICMS postgraduates, the event provided a platform for meaningful collaboration.  

ICMS students benefited from the opportunity to exchange ideas, broaden their perspectives, and deepen their understanding of global leadership challenges. 

Why It Matters

“Bringing together top MBA minds from across the world creates the kind of global perspective and collaborative leadership skills that today’s students need,” Dr. Patrick Shearman, Program Manager for the ICMS MBA, said.  

This is not the first time ICMS has welcomed MBA students from the University of Minnesota.  

Previous visits in 2023 and 2024 focused on topics such as global business resilience, cultural exchanges, and navigating industry challenges in an international context.  

These recurring engagements highlight the valuable partnership between the two institutions, strengthening global connections and providing rich opportunities for shared learning. 

This year’s event highlights the global focus of ICMS and its dedication to equipping students for the challenges of an international industry.  

By hosting MBA students from the University of Minnesota, ICMS reinforces its role as a platform for sharing innovative ideas and building strong cross-cultural connections. 

The day’s program balanced diverse viewpoints with practical insights, evidence of ICMS’ commitment to developing leaders who excel in uncertain times.  

The day also demonstrated how collaboration between global institutions leads to meaningful progress. 

At ICMS, collaboration isn’t just a principle; it’s a driving force for growth and innovation. 

 ICMS offers diverse MBA degrees focusing on finance, marketing, leadership, and entrepreneurship. These programs prepare students for leadership positions by blending theory with hands-on experience, equipping them to succeed in today’s business world. 

For more information about the suite of MBAs offered at ICMS, click the links below: 

• ICMS MBA 

• ICMS MBA (Business Analytics) 

• ICMS MBA (Innovation and Entrepreneurship) 

• ICMS MBA (Digital Transformation)