Challenging Students in Real Time

Each December, the Center brings together more than 180 senior-level GSB alumni and executives from around the world to be part of a one-of-a-kind learning experience that is part of the school's new curriculum. Dubbed the Executive Challenge, the event allows alumni to serve as judges and participants in a series of experiential leadership challenges with first-year MBA students, simulating some of the difficult issues that CEOs and senior leaders face in a typical day.

A Team (and GSB Community)-Based Learning Experience

First-year students worked in leadership squads (6 students) during the fall quarter Leadership Labs, and were coached by a Leadership Fellow, to develop skills in motivating others, building relationships and influencing outcomes -- skills required in every leader today. The Executive Challenge served as a final exam. With more than 600 current and future business leaders engaged in an active learning process, it was an educational experience that only a school like Stanford could create.

Taking Leadership Education to the Next Level

Unlike most educational events at the business school, this is an opportunity for senior-level alumni to engage students in a very personal and direct learning process. Alumni judges provide feedback about specific behaviors, after participating in a simulated leadership challenge with students.

We believe that educating leaders is an important and noble mission. At Stanford, our students go on to lead organizations that will shape our world for the coming generation. We strive to provide them with opportunities to practice such leadership under pressure, and apply critical reflection whether they succeed or fail. We believe this is what generates more principled, innovative and insightful leaders that are ready to meet the challenges of the 21st century.