On Monday, 19 August 2024, MBA FEB UGM had the privilege of hosting a distinguished guest lecture by Dr. Ramona Blanes from the University of Glasgow, UK. The event, held at the Yogyakarta Campus in FMR 5th Floor, focused on critical topics in Strategic Management, specifically Change Management and Leadership. Dr. Blanes was accompanied by Dr. Bakyt Tolegenov, also from the University of Glasgow.
The session began with an opening speech by Prof. Dr. Tandelilin Eduardus, M.B.A., who emphasized the importance of seizing the opportunity to engage deeply with the subject matter. He encouraged the students to be active participants, stating, “Make the most of this opportunity. Take the time to absorb the knowledge being shared, and don’t hesitate to ask questions afterward. This is your chance to explore and understand the material in depth.”
During the lecture, Dr. Ramona Blanes shared valuable insights on the evolving landscape of leadership and the skills required in today’s dynamic business environment. She stressed the importance of acquiring new competencies that are relevant to the current challenges. “I hope what you learn here will equip you with the necessary skills that weren’t previously emphasized, simply because the landscape has changed significantly. The skills required now are different from what was taught in the past, and it’s crucial to adapt to these new demands.”
One of the key highlights of Dr. Blanes’ lecture was her discussion on the concept of “organic leaders.” She noted that organic leaders, those who naturally influence and inspire others, can be challenging to manage. “Organic leaders are often difficult to manage because they can influence people more effectively than you might. However, it’s important to respect this influence and learn to collaborate with them. This requires a shift in mindset, which is essential for MBA students. We often focus on elected leaders and overlook the organic ones, but recognizing and working with organic leadership is crucial.”
Dr. Blanes concluded the lecture by encouraging students to embrace these new perspectives on leadership and change management, emphasizing that adapting to these concepts is key to their success in the modern business world.
The guest lecture was a resounding success, providing MBA FEB UGM students with fresh insights and practical knowledge that will undoubtedly enhance their strategic management skills as future leaders.
(PR: Rossa/Documentation: Danis)
