Many professionals are asking the same question right now: what kind of leadership will matter in a world shaped by AI, geopolitical uncertainty and constant disruption?
That question was at the center of a recent IESE MBA conversation featuring Juvencio Maeztu, CEO and President of Ingka Group | IKEA and IESE MBA 94, together with Deputy Dean Marc Badia and IESE Professor Evgeny Kaganer (Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Innovation).
One theme emerged clearly throughout the discussion: the future will not belong simply to people who understand technology. It will belong to leaders who can combine judgment, adaptability and human understanding in moments of uncertainty.
Juvencio reflected on how the MBA experience shaped not only his career, but also his way of thinking and leading. He described the MBA as much more than a credential — a formative experience that strengthened his critical thinking, taught him the value of collaboration and helped him develop a leadership approach grounded in humanism and values.
He also shared a particularly candid reflection about his career after graduation. Rather than following the expected path into consulting or a globally recognized corporation, he chose to join a small family business driven by strong values. At first, he questioned whether it had been the right decision. Over time, however, that experience became one of the most important foundations of his leadership journey. It exposed him to the realities of business, decision-making under pressure, trade-offs, liquidity challenges and the importance of staying close to people and operations on the ground — lessons that later proved essential in leading at IKEA.
As the conversation turned to AI, Juvencio emphasized that while technology will increasingly become a commodity, qualities such as critical thinking, creativity, purpose and values will become even more important differentiators for leaders. In a world where AI can automate tasks and optimize processes, leadership will depend even more on judgment: deciding what truly matters, understanding people and navigating ambiguity responsibly.
Professor Evgeny explained how AI is being integrated across the IESE MBA experience — not as a standalone subject, but as part of the real managerial decisions leaders will face across strategy, operations, entrepreneurship and leadership. He highlighted that future managers will need more than technical fluency: they will need the ability to design effective human-AI collaboration systems and exercise sound judgment in increasingly complex environments.
Marc Badia shared perspectives on how the MBA prepares candidates to navigate complexity, lead across functions and build careers with long-term impact. At a time when many professionals feel pressure to move faster, the discussion offered a different perspective: stepping back to invest in your development can become one of the most important long-term decisions you make.
While AI will continue to change how we work, the need for thoughtful, adaptable and values-driven leaders will only grow. For professionals thinking about their next step, it was a strong reminder that an MBA is not just about keeping up with change — it is about preparing to lead through it.
Watch the full session here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SHcDOByOLm0
Starting in September 2026, IESE’s MBA program will integrate AI across the learning experience—not as a standalone topic, but as part of the real managerial challenges students will face. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g8KZ-gJY
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