Leading Through Disruption – Professional development forum
Leading Through Disruption: Strategy, Leadership and the Future of Business
Proudly supported by One NZ
As part of the Otago MBA's 50th Anniversary celebrations, we invite MBA alumni, University of Otago alumni and the wider business community to join us for Leading Through Disruption, a full-day professional development forum exploring the challenges and opportunities facing today's business leaders.
Artificial intelligence, cyber security, geopolitical uncertainty and organisational change are reshaping how leaders make decisions and implement strategy. Bringing together experienced practitioners, academics and business leaders, this interactive forum combines contemporary insights, practical discussion and opportunities to connect with the Otago MBA community. How must strategic decision-making and leadership evolve when disruption is the only constant?
Programme
10:00am–12:30pm – Leading Through AI Governance, Risk and Organisational Transformation
Presented by Rachel McBride and Luke Taylor
Explore the leadership and governance challenges of AI adoption, including:
- AI governance and executive accountability
- Organisational readiness and transformation
- Decision-making under uncertainty
- AI security, cyber risk and organisational resilience
- Practical New Zealand and international examples
12:30pm–1:30pm – Networking Lunch
Connect with presenters, fellow alumni and business leaders over lunch.
1:30pm–4:00pm – Strategy Under Pressure Leading and Implementing in a Disrupted World
Presented by Gregor Schmalz and Sergio Biggemann
Explore how organisations can develop and implement effective strategies in uncertain environments, including:
- Strategic agility and implementation under pressure
- Geopolitics and international business
- Organisational culture and change
- Innovation and competitive advantage
- Building resilient organisations
Who should attend?
The forum is designed for MBA alumni, senior executives, business owners, directors, governance professionals, emerging leaders and anyone responsible for strategy, organisational change or business transformation. You do not need to be an MBA graduate to attend. The forum is open to all University of Otago alumni and the wider business community.
Registration
Registration includes the full-day forum, refreshments and a networking lunch. The forum is designed as a professional development opportunity for senior and emerging leaders. Participants may wish to seek employer support through professional development, leadership or training budgets. An individual tax invoice or receipt can be provided if required.
View the programme and register
Supporting the next 50 years
Proceeds from forum registrations will support the MBA Impact Fund, helping strengthen the future of the Otago MBA through scholarships, student opportunities, programme innovation and alumni engagement. By attending, participants invest in both their own professional development and the future of the Otago MBA community.
About the MBA 50th Anniversary
The forum forms part of the University of Otago MBA's 50th Anniversary celebrations, taking place in Dunedin 12–14 November 2026. The three-day programme brings together alumni, academics and friends of the MBA to reconnect, celebrate five decades of achievement and look towards the future.