You joined the Rotman School as a Professor of Finance in 2010 and went on to serve in senior leadership positions——most recently Vice Dean, Undergraduate and Specialized Programs. What drew you to the role of Dean?
Lots of things. It’s very exciting to be at the helm of Canada’s leading business school and to be part of the ecosystem of an incredibly innovative and exciting city. Thanks to our exceptional students and faculty, the Rotman School is on an impressive trajectory. When I stepped down from my position as Vice Dean and into the role of Dean, it was rewarding to look back at the achievements of the previous five years; but it was far more exciting to think about the possibilities that lie ahead for the School.
I view this as a huge opportunity for us to make a significant impact on the business community, on society and on our country. The fact is, going forward, business schools — and business leaders — are going to have an increasing role to play within society. If the last two years have taught us anything, it’s that business can play an important role in helping governments respond to complex global challenges. We are at a very interesting inflection point in history, and this is a chance for us to lead the way.
On that note, how does Rotman define its purpose at this point in the School’s history?
There are three main dimensions to our purpose — key areas where the School and the leaders we educate can have a transformative impact on the world. The first is In a world of relentless change, agility and creativity are more critical than ever. Our teaching and research will continue to weave together the various dimensions of management that
