The world after Covid-19 presents a collection of profound insights, views, and experiences that were gathered during a pivotal time in history. This enlightening volume, published by the Global Business School Network (GBSN), features a series of interviews conducted by GBSN CEO Dan LeClair and Board Chairman Soumitra Dutta. These interviews occurred during the early stages of the global pandemic in 2020, specifically from April to June, as the world began to grapple with the unprecedented implications of Covid-19.

With the onset of the pandemic, many questions arose concerning the future and how society would adapt. LeClair underscores the significance of this work by stating, “Covid-19 was breaking our normal, magnifying long-standing injustices, and pulling the future forward.” This book aims to uncover what the new normal might look like and the essential concepts of ‘building back better.’ The interviews serve as a window into the minds of business school deans who possess a unique perspective, combining insights from multiple lenses: business, higher education, theory, practice, and both global and local contexts.

The insights collected from these interviews demonstrate that leadership is an intensely human activity. The discussions reveal not only the challenges faced by organizations but also provide a glimpse into the evolving landscape of economies and societies. The contributors to this volume include a diverse array of business school leaders and corporate executives, each bringing their perspectives and experiences to the table.

Among the prominent business school leaders featured are Veneta Andonova, Dean of Universidad de los Andes School of Management in Colombia; Luiz Brito, Dean of FGV EAESP in Brazil; and Rafael Gómez Nava, Director General and Dean of IPADE Business School in Mexico, among others. These leaders articulate the need for a transformative approach as they navigate the complexities of reshaping business education for a sustainable and inclusive future.

Additionally, the voices of corporate leaders such as Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of Dubai Future Foundation, and Sangeet Chowfla, President & CEO of Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC), further enrich the narrative. Their contributions highlight the interplay between educational leadership and corporate responsibility in a rapidly changing world.

As we transition out of the pandemic, Dutta emphasizes the importance of asking the right questions. “Many important questions need to be asked by business school leaders as we start the slow process of coming out of the pandemic,” he notes. Identifying these critical queries is the first step for leaders aiming to reshape the future of business education.

The world after Covid-19 is not merely about returning to what was once known as normal. Instead, it is an opportunity to reflect on long-standing injustices and to foster an environment that promotes equity, sustainability, and collaboration. This book serves as a vital resource for anyone interested in understanding the dynamic nature of leadership and education in a post-pandemic world.