Adapting to Thrive: Key Takeaways from the Chartered Association of Business Schools Annual Event ??

Recently, I had the opportunity to attend my first Chartered Association of Business Schools (CABS) annual event as EMEA | McGraw Hill 's Business and Economics Learning Specialist and Corporate Member. It was a powerful gathering of educators, industry leaders, and innovators, and one that really challenged some of the long-standing practices in business education. Below, I’ll share key insights, thought-provoking quotes from leaders, and a few personal takeaways that have sparked new ideas on how business schools can evolve to meet the demands of tomorrow’s learners and industries.

Business Schools as the Core of University Impact ??

Business schools are often referred to as the “heartbeat” of universities. Not only do they bring in significant funding, but they’re also instrumental in connecting universities to their local and national communities. At the event, it was clear that many business schools are already expanding their role by creating revenue streams and offering structured support to local businesses. In doing so, they’re providing essential services to the community—something that’s often undervalued in discussions around higher education’s societal role.

For business schools to sustain their impact, they need to remain relevant, adaptable, and aligned with the needs of both students and the broader economy.

Reimagining Business Education to Meet Demand ??

During the event, Soumitra Dutta Dutta from Oxford’s Sa?d Business School shared an insightful reminder: “There is an unlimited demand for business school education.” The message was clear: demand isn’t the issue; the challenge lies in how effectively we respond to that demand. Soumitra went on to say that “Future configurations require experimentation,” highlighting the need for business schools to be bold and innovative in their approach.

This means moving away from traditional structures and embracing a mindset of experimentation and iteration. Business schools must take on the challenge of preparing students for an ever-evolving workplace by leaning into new technologies and adapting curricula to meet modern needs.

Embracing Technology and Learning from COVID-19 ???

Julia Clarke 's comment that we “need to stop unlearning things” really resonated with me. We all learned a lot during the COVID-19 period—particularly around technology and remote engagement. And yet, there’s a tendency to return to old ways once the immediate challenges have passed. Clarke’s point is a reminder that we should build on what we learned during the pandemic, using those lessons to drive forward our educational practices rather than reverting to pre-pandemic norms.

At McGraw Hill, we’ve been working hard to bridge this gap by supporting institutions in integrating technology and rethinking curriculum design. However, one frustration I often encounter is the perception that McGraw Hill is simply a publishing company. In reality, we are a leading global education company that partners with millions of educators, learners and professionals around the world. We work to expand the possibilities of content and technology to build the relationships and ideas that support learning in a connected world.

It’s rewarding to be part of an organisation committed to educational innovation and impact, even if some people, still see us as “just publishers.”

Preparing Students for a Rapidly Changing World ??

Another valuable insight came from Professor Eileen McAuliffe PhD , who emphasised the need to “immerse yourselves in a curriculum that reflects the world students will go into.” This aligns perfectly with the challenges that today’s students face. As industry leaders continue to stress the demand for skills over mere knowledge, it’s clear that business schools must adapt their programs to focus on developing practical, job-ready abilities.

McAuliffe also noted that business schools must “get ahead of technology.” This doesn’t just mean adding more digital tools into courses but rethinking how technology is used to enhance learning, assessment, and skill-building in ways that prepare students for future workplaces. From Gen-AI to data analytics, today’s tech can be integrated into business education to make learning more relevant, engaging, and impactful.

My Experience on Gen-AI in Education ??

One of my roles at the CABS event was participating in a debate on the impact of Gen-AI in higher education. Drawing on my background in educational leadership and curriculum design, I shared how Gen-AI can reshape learning experiences for today’s students. When used thoughtfully, AI offers immense potential to support innovative assessments, enable adaptive learning, and make education more flexible and accessible.

However, there are risks. AI should be carefully integrated to ensure it adds value without compromising critical skills like independent thinking and problem-solving. The balance we strike in adopting AI will determine whether it becomes a tool for growth or a shortcut to bypass learning. It was a pleasure to hear how Kamran Razmdoost has worked with OpenAI to embed AI within their business school. Michael Webb and Jisc continue to provide vital support to institutions, while Richard Whittle is without doubt a valued thought leader within the world of AI in Education; I find the balance that he brings to the debate to be immense.

Building Connections and Future Partnerships ??

As always, one of the highlights of attending events like CABS is the opportunity to engage with peers and thought leaders. I had the pleasure of connecting with many inspiring individuals over the two days and during the gala dinner. These conversations didn’t just deepen my understanding—they sparked ideas for future collaborations and partnerships that I’m excited to pursue.

Final Thoughts ?

As business schools navigate the challenges of staying relevant, engaging with technology, and preparing students for the workforce, events like CABS offer invaluable opportunities for reflection and dialogue. The insights shared here reflect only a fraction of what I learned, but they underscore a central message: to stay relevant, we must continue to innovate and engage with the world as it is, not as it was.

How do you think business schools can best adapt to meet the needs of tomorrow’s workforce?