Message from the Dean

No other era has demanded more of executive leadership than today’s.

Mastery of fundamental business practices remains a prerequisite to success in the global economy, but it’s no longer enough. Globalization and the transformative power of technology require you to make sense out of complexity, adapt to change, cope with uncertainty and drive innovation, all within a new paradigm of corporate social responsibility.

The Smith Executive MBA program will help prepare you to lead in this new world. The core business disciplines are covered in-depth but with an executive perspective in mind. The knowledge is then brought to bear on several action learning projects, where you and your classmates establish firms, refine processes and learn how to lead change within those firms. Finally, you will focus on the mastery of leadership skills and competencies, beginning with assessments—including a 360-degree personal assessment—to help establish a baseline and measure your progress.

As you proceed through the program, you’ll notice a change in your thinking. Where you used to see events as isolated and unrelated, you’ll learn to identify critical, complex decision situations that cross multiple functional areas. That’s because the Smith EMBA program is built upon a systemic approach to management that helps you understand and manage interdependencies. As a result, you’ll learn to think through the chaos and provide empowering leadership for your organization.

Our location in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area offers numerous opportunities. As home to international business, finance and government, the capital city offers access to public policymakers, as well as leaders focused on issues of sustainability and corporate citizenship.

So welcome to the Smith EMBA program. I invite you to talk with our current and former students, visit with faculty and discover the many ways a Smith EMBA can help you fulfill your leadership potential.

G. “Anand” Anandalingam
Dean, Robert H. Smith School of Business