MBA Students Tackle High-Stakes Boardroom Crisis
MBA students put their strategic decision-making skills to the test in a high-pressure boardroom challenge, supported by alumni and Leaders in Residence.
MBA students recently took part in an immersive Boardroom Task led by MBA alumnus and Leader in Residence, Mark Carnaghan. The session brought real-world strategic decision-making to life, challenging students to respond under pressure to a complex corporate crisis.
The experience was further enriched by Leaders in Residence and alumni, who worked closely with student teams throughout the day. Drawing upon their senior leadership expertise, they provided practical insights, constructive challenge and guidance.
A Real-World Business Challenge
Students were tasked with leading a multinational food testing business that had uncovered a serious compliance failure in a company they were in the process of acquiring. The issue, linked to incorrect testing practices, posed significant risks to consumer safety, regulatory compliance and corporate reputation.
Acting as the board, teams had to navigate the crisis by weighing ethical responsibilities alongside operational, financial and reputational pressures. They were also challenged to consider governance failures and how best to restore trust with stakeholders.
Each team presented its strategic response to a panel of Leaders in Residence, defending their decisions in a high-pressure boardroom environment.
Mark Carnaghan, who designed and led the session, said:
It was a pleasure to facilitate the MBA boardroom challenge event and to present the awards for the winners and runners up at the end. Everybody worked really hard and it was great to elevate the importance of deeper questioning, ethical leadership and stakeholder management when making strategic decisions in a safe, non-judgemental environment. A big thank you to all of the Leaders in Residence who also supported the event and were able to share their expert advice with such an engaged group of students.
Developing Future Leaders
The exercise highlighted the value of experiential learning on the MBA, giving students the opportunity to apply their knowledge to an authentic and challenging scenario.
Sayeed Ahmed from the winning team reflected:
The Boardroom Challenge pushed us into the deep end from minute one – a real acquisition crisis, board roles, and real consequences for every decision. The experience taught me more about how leadership actually works under pressure than any classroom session could. A huge credit to the LUBS and LiR teams for making it so authentic.
The event also demonstrated the strength of the Leeds University Business School alumni network and its ongoing commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders.
The Leeds MBA extends its sincere thanks to the Leaders in Residence who contributed their time and expertise: Mark Carnaghan, Natasha Baber-Evans, Jane Kidd, Abhilash Ramesh, Farakh Masood, Ali Toosi, Keith Jackson and Jennifer Merrick-Mowbray.
