Why future leaders need to be skilled in new-age technologies

Future leaders need to understand the complexity of new-age tools, emerging technologies and their impact on businesses at large
As we enter Industry 4.0, the biggest challenge is the creation of workforce that is skilled in new-age technologies such as AI, ML, blockchain and IoT. There is equal focus on upskilling working professionals as is on skilling fresh graduates.
To produce strategic leaders who can succeed in this technology-driven era and face its challenges, the management education also needs to be in sync with the changing businesses, says Katy Montgomery, associate dean, INSEAD degree programmes.
"INSEAD has kept its MBA curriculum relevant to the business landscape. In the last 18 months, we have introduced several new electives, keeping abreast with global trends.
These include Bank Management and FinTech, Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy for Startups and C-Suites, AI Strategy for Startups and C-Suites, Brain-based Customer Centricity: Understanding and Leveraging Neuroscience to Make Better Business Decisions, as well as courses on Blockchain," says Montgomery.
There is also a considerable emphasis on introducing modules around the impact of business on society, which is aimed at developing responsible, future leaders. "Some of these classes include Impact Investing, Responsible Finance, SDG Bootcamp, Income Inequality & the Future of Business, and Ethical Decision Making in Business," she says.

WELL-ROUNDED EMPLOYEES
Companies today are looking for well-rounded individuals who have strong analytical, quantitative and problem solving skills along with soft skills. Multicultural classrooms are one of the best places to acquire effective communication skills and learn different perspectives, says Montgomery.
"For the class of 2019, we have 90 nationalities from around the world. With three fully-integrated campuses in Europe, Asia and the Middle East, the business school does not have a dominant national culture," she says, adding that this uniqueness, coupled with the high calibre peers, drives the students to excel academically, professionally, and socially.
OUR PERSONAL LEADERSHIP
Development Programme (PLDP) runs alongside the MBA programme to provide students with a new standard of excellence in personal and interpersonal awareness, as well as communication effectiveness.
PROGRAMME OFFERINGS
There are several programme offerings for mid and senior-level executives at INSEAD, which is ranked amongst the elite Business schools by the Financial Times.
"The school's signature MBA programme is an intensive one-year course of study known for its academic rigour while the Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) programme offers experienced executives an intensive 14 to 17-month fast-track to the top," says Montgomery.
The Tsinghua-INSEAD EMBA (TIEMBA) programme in partnership with Tsinghua University, China, takes place across INSEAD's three campuses in Singapore, Abu Dhabi and Fontainebleau (France), and Tsinghua's campus in Beijing.
"It is the best of East and West, learning and working, technical knowledge and soft skills - in a single course," she adds.
INSEAD has also recently launched its Master in Management programme, a 10-month full-time course for pre-experienced. The inaugural class for this course, scheduled to start in August 2020, is an ideal launchpad for young graduates who are gearing up for a global career, says Montgomery.
FOCUS ON INDIA
Indians are among the smartest people in the world, says Montgomery. Satya Nadella, Sundar Pichai, to name a few, are shining examples of Indian nationals leading some of the world's largest companies.
"We see a huge potential of future leaders coming from India and want them to participate in this growth story. We engage aspirants by inviting them for campus visits, one-to-one consultations and masterclasses by faculties," says Montgomery.
INSEAD also has close partnerships with top firms including Mahindra Group, adds Montgomery. The B-school is also enhancing partnerships with TATA and Yulu, on independent study projects and recruiting activities.