Diversity and inclusion have become buzzwords frequently used to characterize university programs. To gain insight into the significance of authentically incorporating these values, we talked with Dr. Michele Roberts, the Academic Director of AGSM at UNSW Business School.
Recently, MBA programs have been trying to become more inclusive and welcome individuals from all profiles and backgrounds. However, with the rise of “diversity and inclusion” statements comes skepticism about whether these claims are genuine.
Therefore, if you aspire to become an inclusive leader, looking beyond the schools’ headlines is essential. Instead, you should look into whether their mission statement, demographics, policies, and programs reflect those values.
With that in mind, we interviewed Dr. Michele Roberts, Academic Director at the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) at UNSW Business School. We found out that at AGSM, inclusion and diversity are the backbone of their modus operandi.
AGSM’s MBA program has top marks according to the Financial Times’ diversity metrics. AGSM leads by example and proactively seeks to bring unique perspectives and backgrounds into its cohorts. They are number one in the world for sector diversity and have strong gender diversity at 46% women.
“The students that come to us are some of the most diverse students in the world. We travel around the world, reaching out to people. Wherever you are, we want you if you are diverse and inclusive leaders. We are really looking for people who are more sustainable leaders, who want to build a better, more diverse, and more sustainable world.” Michele tells us. (01:08)
AGSM works with a very small, intimate, and carefully curated MBA cohort, with around 50 to 60 people. On average, there’s a good balance between local and international students.
“They’ve all been chosen quite carefully for who they are and what they bring into that wonderful cohort experience. So it’s incredibly personal.” Michele says. (09:50)
Small cohorts allow for more personalized attention from faculty, more opportunities for in-depth class discussions, and stronger relationships among classmates. These connections can lead to valuable networking opportunities and long-lasting friendships.
AGSM is deeply committed to transitioning to a more sustainable economy and building a more inclusive future.
“When we talk about inclusive leadership, at AGSM, we are very focused on building a more sustainable world. For us, that means that, as we transition to clean energy and reinvent the economy, it has to be more inclusive. If we are going to come up with a new economy, with new business models, with new value chains, they have to be more inclusive this time. And the developing world and economies must benefit in this transition,” explains Michele. (03:04)
In this sense, AGSM recognizes that sustainability must be embedded into the curriculum.
“When you are learning finance, it begins by learning about sustainable finance,” explains Michele. “When you are learning about marketing, it begins by talking about sustainable marketing. What does it even mean to grow sustainably? How can we get consumers to consume more sustainably?” (12:23)
Incorporating sustainability into business education prepares future leaders to address the pressing challenges of climate change, resource scarcity, and social inequality. By embedding sustainability principles into every aspect of the curriculum, AGSM ensures its graduates are equipped with the necessary skills and mindset to positively impact both business and society.
Australia is uniquely positioned to give students a global perspective. It’s a Western country with close proximity to Asia, which makes holidays to radically different cultures very feasible. With AGSM, there’s the additional opportunity to complete a third of that program abroad at partners such as Chicago Booth, Kellogg, NYU Stern, or London Business School.
In addition, AGSM also allows its students to participate in “Global Network weeks”, where they get to take an elective of their choice in a university abroad.
“That means that you jet off for a week, and you get an elective done at Oxford University, or Yale University, or UC Berkeley, and it’s a fun week with lots of social, cultural experiences. Or you can do our Global Network week, and then you get to host all of the incoming students, which is fun.” shares Michele. (11:19)
Even the one-year program offers the chance to study abroad.
After all, being exposed to new perspectives and experiences, immersing yourself in diverse cultures, and connecting with individuals from different backgrounds are critical to developing a global mindset, which is essential in today’s interconnected world. It enables them to understand and navigate complex, multicultural business situations and fosters cultural sensitivity and adaptability. These skills are highly sought after by employers and give graduates with them a competitive edge in the job market.
It’s easy to see why AGSM is ranked among the top ten programs in the world for international exposure.
As we stated, AGSM is looking for leaders who aspire to build a better, more diverse, and sustainable world. Therefore, the type of leaders that emerge from AGSM exhibit certain qualities.
Inclusion is a value that’s not just preached but also practiced daily at AGSM.
When we ask Michele about inclusion at AGSM, she explains, “When we talk about inclusion at AGSM, we are talking about finding good leaders wherever they are. We look for leaders in diverse backgrounds. For example, we look for leaders in the military, from elite athletes… but we also look for leaders throughout the world. We look for leaders in regions that might be underrepresented in traditional MBA programs.” (02:14)
Consequently, AGSM graduates leaders who actively work to foster that same culture of diversity and inclusion in their workplace. Inclusive leaders can effectively leverage the diverse perspectives and experiences within their teams, fostering innovation, creativity, and better decision-making. They create a work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and included, leading to higher employee satisfaction and lower turnover.
AGSM’s mission is to bring different kinds of leaders into the world — individuals who seek to create value for the organization, society, and the environment. Ultimately, being a purpose-driven leader means recognizing that success is not just about financial performance, but also about making a meaningful and lasting difference in the world.
Purpose-driven leaders inspire their teams by connecting their work to a greater cause or mission. This approach leads to increased employee engagement, commitment, and performance. Additionally, organizations led by purpose-driven leaders often enjoy stronger reputations, increased customer loyalty, and long-term success.
Michele says, “If you want to be a purpose-driven leader, if you want to care about something more than just making money, AGSM it’s a wonderful school for you to join. But you don’t have to be an expert in this to come and join us, we are inclusive to everyone wherever they are on their journey.” (05:00)
Many students who join AGSM also aspire to be founders one day. AGSM offers great support to their students with an entrepreneurial itch. They organize several pitch competitions, provide mentorship, and help them access funding.
In addition, AGSM is located in Sydney and offers a great opportunity for students to integrate into Australia’s start-up capital, home to many tech unicorns.
“Our university has a very extensive entrepreneurial stack across campus,” Michele tells us. “We graduate more successful founders than any other Australian university. And indeed, we offer support to founders for life as an alum.” (08:07)
Entrepreneurial skills, such as innovation, problem-solving, and adaptability, are valuable for aspiring founders but also for professionals working in established organizations. These skills enable individuals to identify new opportunities, drive change, and stay competitive in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
In conclusion, AGSM is for the inclusive and purpose-driven leader. Individuals with a strong passion for inclusion and diversity and who want to create meaningful change in the world. If that sounds like you, AGSM is the place for you.
Find out more about studying in Australia from student ambassadors. They can answer your questions regarding the learning experience and career development opportunities.
