MBS and the Financial Times launch executive program

New partnership brings together the Financial Times’ global journalism and intelligence with our expertise in leadership, strategy and organisational transformation to address global leadership in the age of disruption.

Melbourne Business School and the Financial Times have announced a new Executive Education partnership to help senior leaders understand and respond to the forces reshaping business, organisations and the global economy. The partnership’s first program, Global Leadership in an Age of Disruption, will be held in Melbourne from 16–18 October 2026.

The three-day program will combine academic insight from Melbourne Business School with the perspectives and intelligence of the Financial Times’ journalists and global business network.

The program will give leaders space to step beyond the day-to-day demands of running their organisations and examine the forces reshaping the business environment - from geopolitical realignment and technological disruption to demographic change and Australia’s position in the global economy.

Bringing together leading academics, Financial Times journalists, corporate leaders and policymakers, the program will blend academic rigour with real-world intelligence. Participants will explore the implications of geopolitical change, technology and competitive advantage, talent and the future workforce, and Australia’s strategic position in a changing world.

Professor Jenny George, Dean of Melbourne Business School said the program responded to the challenge facing leaders as they navigate the interconnected forces of geopolitical realignment, technological disruption and demographic change.

“Australian leaders are being asked to make consequential decisions amid profound global change,” Professor George said.

“This three-day program creates the space to step back, test assumptions and consider how our organisations - and Australia - can respond with confidence and ambition.

“Understanding global trends is only part of the challenge. Leaders also need the organisational capabilities and judgement to translate that understanding into resilient, competitive organisations.”

Angela Mackay, Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director Asia Pacific, Financial Times, said the partnership brought together the complementary strengths of the two organisations.

“The Financial Times helps leaders make sense of global forces shaping markets, industry and society,” Ms Mackay said.

“By partnering with Melbourne Business School, we are bringing that perspective to a timely conversation on the choices and opportunities for Australian business.”

Global Leadership in an Age of Disruption will be held at Melbourne Business School in Carlton from 16-18 October 2026. Further information and registration details are available at Global Leadership in an Age of Disruption.