Big Questions, Big Thoughts

You see it. The future of work and the future of higher education are changing—rapidly and profoundly. Technology, AI, and shifting expectations are rewriting what it means to prepare students for success.

So, how will we play our part in driving positive change?

This question has been on my mind for quite some time. This week, I listened to three thought-provoking podcasts. Thanks to AI (Copilot), I can provide a quick overview of each:

1. AACSB Pulse: A New Vision for Business Schools
   https://www.aacsb.edu/insights/podcasts/2025/aacsb-pulse-a-new-vision-for-business-schools
   Recorded live at the AACSB Deans Conference, this episode features Andrew J. Hoffman, Holcim (US) Professor of Sustainable Enterprise at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. Hoffman and host Eileen McAuliffe explore how business schools can reconnect with their deeper mission to serve society. They tackle three big questions:
   • How can we reimagine curricula to create greater societal value?
   • How is the student–faculty dynamic evolving amid rising costs and consumer expectations?
   • What role do deans play in leading meaningful transformation?
     Hoffman emphasizes purpose-driven education and bold leadership to align business education with societal impact.
2. At The Table: Efficiency vs. Humanity
   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/efficiency-vs-humanity/id1474171732?i=1000736243282
   This episode wrestles with a critical tension: What happens when innovation outpaces our moral compass? Patrick Lencioni and Cody Thompson explore whether efficiency has become more important than humanity as AI reshapes industries. Key insights include:
   • Innovation must be guided by ethics and human-centered purpose—not just economic efficiency.
   • Leaders need to ask whether their choices serve humanity, not just convenience or profit.
   • Consumers can “vote with their wallets” to resist trends that devalue human connection.
   • The deeper value of work lies beyond income—it’s about dignity, growth, and relationships.
3. Future U: Preparing Students for an AI-Infused Workforce
   https://www.futureupodcast.com/episodes/preparing-students-for-an-ai-infused-workforce/
   Recorded live at Adobe’s EduMAX conference, this episode dives into how colleges can prepare graduates for a world where AI reshapes every career path. Hosts Jeff Selingo and Michael Horn engage a panel of experts:
   • Jennifer Sparrow, Chief Academic Technology Officer at NYU
   • Simon Koh, former early-career recruiting leader at Raymond James and KPMG
   • Allison Salisbury, Founder and CEO of Humanist Venture Studio
     Together, they discuss how AI is transforming early-career jobs, why creativity and adaptability are more important than ever, and how institutions can integrate experiential learning and AI literacy into their curricula to keep graduates competitive.

If you can only listen to one, I would recommend the third one. Dr. Sparrow clearly articulates how the liberal arts and how we teach can play a pivotal role in the future.

Across these conversations, one theme stands out: we cannot cling to tradition as a finish line. At the College of Charleston School of Business, our third core value says it best:

Focus on Outcomes: We prioritize transformational outcomes and challenge the status quo—treating tradition as a foundation, not a finish line.

The job market is changing for our graduates. How are we preparing them for these changes? Higher education is changing. How are we preparing ourselves?

These are big questions—questions about purpose, ethics, and the future of human work. They demand big thought, bold leadership, and a willingness to challenge assumptions. Suppose we embrace innovation, foster curiosity, and stay relentlessly focused on outcomes. In that case, we can play a pivotal role in shaping the future—both for our students and for the communities they will lead.

What big questions are you asking about the future of work and education?
How can we, together, lead the way in creating meaningful change?

I look forward to continuing these conversations.

YOU make a difference!

Ponder this with me.

Special thanks to Copilot and Grammarly for the assist.