The MBAs effectively step into Kevin’s shoes. Their challenge is to come up with the top-10 challenges that Saatchi & Saatchi will encounter in the next 12 months. They receive the same information as the company’s board of directors.
“The biggest challenge facing an organization like Saatchi & Saatchi is how to maintain a competitive advantage. Technology and social media have brought down the barriers to entry. Traditional advertising is a crowded market,” says Matt Oliver, an MBA student at LUMS.
The business school claims it has the only MBA program in the world that works so closely with a global chairman. The connection is unique, says Matt.
“Kevin’s position as a business leader is legendary. To be able to have almost one-to-one contact with someone who has been there and succeeded is a golden opportunity.”
It was Kevin’s openness that stood out, Matt adds. “He made himself fully available. The direct words of wisdom he gave have helped me navigate the leadership and career journey that I am on.”
Such a strategic contribution to a global business is no doubt beneficial. “Saatchi & Saatchi is a pioneer in the industry and working with the company will definitely add weightage to my CV,” says Shaswati Panda, a LUMS MBA.
She adds: “Working closely with a global chairman is an invaluable experience. Kevin is inspirational and energetic.”
The company benefits from the MBAs’ input, too. “We are groomed to think like strategic consultants and to challenge ourselves at every turn,” says Shaswati, previously a senior analyst at Accenture. “This is exactly what we aim to do for Saatchi & Saatchi.”
This ties in with the ethos of the LUMS MBA. The program is structured around the “Mindful Manager” module, which encourages students to be more reflective, to improve their decision making.
Matt says: “The first thing Kevin said to us was, ‘The purpose of business is to make a difference’.”
He adds: “We were set many challenges. We had to find solutions to business dilemmas. The core feedback we received was how ethical our proposed solutions were.”
Critical thinking, a core competence of a “mindful manager”, is also brought to bear by the Saatchi & Saatchi chief, says Matt. “The ability to make adjustments [to your management style] is one of the key elements of the module.”
The Mindful Manager program was a key differentiator for LUMS when Matt, who worked in management for German retailer Lidl, was applying to MBA programs. “Its values and themes very much suited me and my way of thinking. To be able to delve deeper into that personal journey was a big draw,” he says.
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