The Knowledge Economy Triangle

On Tuesday, Jan. 17, Dean Ginzberg moderated a panel discussion on the evolving strategic partnerships — business, technological, and cultural — between India, Israel, and the United States. The event was co-sponsored by the  AU Center for Israel Studies, Kogod School of Business, Embassy of India, Embassy of Israel, Virginia Israel Advisory Board (Office of the Governor), and the American Jewish Committee.

Participants included:

• Ambassador Arun Singh, Deputy Chief of Mission, Indian Embassy, and former Indian Ambassador to Israel
• Ohad Cohen, Minister for Trade, Embassy of Israel
• Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman and CEO, Henry Schein, Inc. and co-chair of the India-Israel Business Forum
• Sandhya Satwadi, Confederation of Indian Industry
• Maina Chawla Singh, AU Scholar in Residence, author of Being Indian, Being Israeli (2009)
• Nissim Reuben, American Jewish Committee

Talking Sustainability in San Juan

I wear a few different “hats”: as a dean, husband, father (hopefully not always in that order). Some of you might know I was also a president. I have just completed my service as “commander-in-chief” of MAACBA, the mid-Atlantic business deans’ group that is affiliated with our accrediting body. Last week, we had our annual conference in San Juan, Puerto Rico (the island is often counted as a mid-Atlantic territory—not that I’m complaining.)

It was an appropriately beautiful place to talk about sustainability—the theme of our discussion this year. I was proud to introduce our new MS in Sustainability Management program, and its director, Dan Jacobs, to the other deans and leaders in attendance.

Everyone agreed that sustainability is a major issue for business schools; it was gratifying for me to see how many other educators viewed our program as on the forefront of all the programs in the marketplace—even those not offered through business schools.

It’s hardly news that corporations are investing huge amounts in reconfiguring what products they offer, how they produce them, and their larger company footprint. But, this was made apparent again to me last week, where I talked with invited speakers such as Don Reed, director of sustainable business solutions for PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Jamie Moore, director of sourcing and sustainability at Eat’n Park.

Some photos from my trip to Puerto Rico.

It was also evident as I toured the Bacardi factory in Puerto Rico (I didn’t go purely for the free samples—though I did enjoy them!). As you can see from my pictures, Bacardi—which is the largest privately held spirits company in the world—has made significant investments in sustainability and corporate responsibility, both at its distillery and elsewhere. I’m proud to note that Facundo Bacardi, chair of the board of directors, also happens to be a Kogod alumnus (BSBA ’90).

Let’s Go for a Ride

I frequently enjoy a long bicycle ride. Wherever I have lived  – Cleveland, New York, Delaware, and now Washington, D.C. – I always find time to explore by bike. The view from two wheels is a unique experience that is enjoyed only by fellow cyclists. So, when I had an opportunity on August 13 to meet up with Kogod alumni for a ride through Rock Creek Park, followed by brunch at Open City (owned by alumnus Constantine Stavropoulos, BSBA ’87), I jumped at the chance to make that special connection with our students, our alumni and this city.

Bicycling and my love of the outdoors in general, has taught me valuable lessons that I bring with me not only on the trail, but also into the conference room. Take it from me: deans need survival skills.

Like these:

• Always be Visible. In cycling, you need to make your intentions known: always signal turns, wear bright clothing, use lights and reflectors. I promise to do the same at Kogod: to stand out, to make my intentions clear… and to look both ways before crossing the quad.

• Think (at least) One Step Ahead. It’s important to anticipate what others will do next. Washington is a powerful, busy place, and it’s a competitive market. We need to think strategically about our next move—while balancing our current position. One of my first priorities as dean is to embark on a strategic visioning process, to decide with faculty how we want to move the school forward together.

• Be Well Equipped. You need quality equipment—and people—you can count on. I’ve joined a wonderful community here; it’s easy to see why our students chose Kogod. The supportive environment is one of the reasons I came here, too. I want to build that community. Alumni relations are a top priority for any school. We’re lucky that many of our graduates are engaged, but I know there are others to bring back to the fold.

• Keep Calm and Carry On. It’s a popular saying for a reason. There will be always be bumps in the road. Sometimes they cause a flat tire, but flats can be repaired.  I prefer to train my eyes on the prize ahead.

I have said this many times since I set foot on campus: the Kogod School is in a solid position, poised to advance. We’ve built the base and have the momentum; now is the time to set our course together.

I hope you will join me. I promise, it’ll be a ride to remember.