The LIS MBA is designed to help mid-career professionals become confident leaders in an increasingly complex world. Program Director Dr. Amelia Peterson explains its systems thinking approach and its unique focus on six major shifts that are defining the future of business and society.
Modern leaders have to make sense of a constantly evolving, increasingly complex world. Yet, many traditional MBA programs are rooted in outdated models and methods. They fail to prepare leaders with the skills they need to drive meaningful change.
The London Interdisciplinary School (LIS) aims to break new ground. Led by Program Director Dr. Amelia Peterson, the LIS MBA prepares leaders to confront the most significant global shifts of our time.
“When we were looking at the existing format of MBA programs, it seemed like they were still too focused on an existing status quo of what the business environment is, and we wanted to open that [up],” Dr. Peterson explains. (0:48)
The LIS MBA focuses on the forecasted demands of a business environment. Students explore the shifting modern business landscape and broaden their perspectives. This enables them to plan the next phase of their careers, with the future in mind, rather than the past.
A crucial aspect of the LIS MBA design, systems thinking, is often overlooked within the higher education sector. Yet, it’s key to understanding the impact organizations have on their wider environment.
Dr. Peterson emphasizes the importance of understanding how things connect in today’s world. She highlights, “It’s about being able to zoom out and see the whole… as well as zoom in and understand the real implications of any decision you’re taking, strategy you’re developing, or tactic you’re undergoing.” (1:39)
It’s this enhanced perspective that prepares students to make sense of a constantly evolving business environment.
The LIS MBA curriculum focuses on six shifts that are defining business and society around the world. These are complexity, intelligence, energy, ecosystems, trust, and longevity.
From AI and collective intelligence to energy transition, each shift contains interconnected parts. Understanding these elements and how actions in one area can ripple across others is key.
Dr. Peterson says, “We’re focused on really trying to piece together the big picture… so that people can understand the wider implications of their decisions, but also spot new opportunities for where the work they’ve been doing can evolve and adapt as their environment is changing.” (2:21)
In today’s demanding world of work, finding the time to pursue higher education can be difficult.
“One of the key pieces of feedback we had was that people wanted a hybrid, part-time program that was also really intellectually rigorous and challenging,” explains Dr. Peterson. “That’s what we’ve tried to create with the LIS MBA. Something that has those standards and that opportunity for deep, rigorous learning, like in a full-time MBA, but that can fit around people’s existing work.” (2:55)
This allows people to study for an MBA that fits their schedule, without having to take time out from work.
An important feature of the LIS MBA is its use of live partner cases. This student-centered approach sets it apart from case-based business schools.
“The business environment is changing so rapidly,” says Dr. Peterson. “Something written up today may be irrelevant in a year’s time.” (3:37)
The LIS MBA counteracts this, bringing external experts and faculty into the virtual and live classroom. Learning focuses on evolving challenges in technology, geopolitics, and human relationships within organizations.
Dr. Peterson explains that the LIS MBA is ideal for anyone questioning their current professional path and asking, “Is this all there is?” (6:57)
“Not in a daydreamy, blue sky way,” she clarifies. “But in a way that understands the real constraints that organizations work with.” “So, to strengthen [students’] understanding of business, finance, accounting, and governance,” she adds. “But also to strengthen their understanding of the ecological, technical, and social environment that their organization is working in.” (7:15)
This holistic approach empowers people who are keen to reshape the way they work.
A significant component of the LIS MBA is what the school calls the inner shift.
“As well as focusing on how the wider environment and the organizational environment is changing, we’re very focused on what it takes for a person to change. And that’s a very personal journey,” says Dr. Peterson. (7:53)
LIS has created a program that’s informed by adult development, philosophy, and the arts. This empowers LIS MBA students to become the kinds of multidisciplinary leaders they want to be.
The school’s futures department provides traditional career coaching. And the interdisciplinary nature of the school means it boasts a wide network spanning the private, public, and third sectors.
Based in London, U.K., LIS has relationships with local and international organizations. This affords opportunities to explore new forms of working and emerging career paths.
The founding cohort is a cornerstone of LIS. “They represent the range and diversity of influence that we bring together at LIS,” Dr. Peterson explains. “We’re excited to see people coming through with very strong academic backgrounds, people with PhDs, serial entrepreneurs, people who come from design or the arts. Also, people with deep scientific knowledge.” (9:25)
This rich mix fosters breakthrough moments for students, enabling them to gain new perspectives on the world from their peers.
One of the most surprising aspects of the LIS MBA is its cost. The institution has put a lot of thought into crafting a program that balances quality and affordability.
LIS knows great education comes at a cost, but they’ve managed to keep it accessible to the leaders the future needs. All the while bringing together world-class faculty and leading-edge resources. “We look at the MBA market and get concerned that this is something that is pricing out the diversity needed to lead the next generation,” explains Dr. Peterson. “And yet, we understand that great education is expensive… We’ve managed to strike that balance.” (10:24)
This commitment to accessibility makes the LIS MBA ideal for busy professionals who want to adapt to a changing world.
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