Korea University Business School and CEMS Redefine the Standard for Future Leadership Education 

CEMS – The Global Alliance in Management Education, of which Korea University Business School is the sole academic member in Korea, recently released a global corporate research report forecasting that successful leaders of the future will need new competencies that go beyond technical expertise and business acumen. 

Based on a survey of 20 corporate partners (CPs) within the CEMS Alliance, the study outlines the key skills and leadership traits that will be essential beyond 2030. In particular, it emphasizes that in addition to digital and analytical capabilities, qualities such as human-centered thinking, cultural agility, and a strong ethical mindset are emerging as vital components of future leadership. 

Nicole de Fontaines, Executive Director of CEMS, stated, “Future leaders will be expected to possess a broad and deep skill set that transcends traditional competencies, including creative thinking, entrepreneurial spirit, purpose-driven leadership, and cultural intelligence.” She added, “Leadership education must also evolve to foster these next-generation capabilities.” 

The report places particular emphasis on the importance of Human-Centered Leadership. It argues that in an era increasingly shaped by technology and data-driven decision-making, human qualities such as resilience, emotional intelligence, empathy, and a commitment to sustainability will become the essence of effective leadership. 

Companies are increasingly incorporating these leadership qualities into their ideal talent profiles. The Lufthansa Group has identified ambition, a sense of responsibility, and empathy as core competencies, while BNP Paribas Portugal has highlighted flexibility, a global mindset, and collaborative skills as key attributes they value in future leaders. 

As the only academic member of CEMS in Korea, Korea University Business School is actively incorporating the findings of this study into its curriculum and global leadership development strategies. The five core competencies for future leaders identified by CEMS—△Analytical rigour combined with creativity, △An entrepreneurial mindset, △Cultural intelligence,(CQ) △Specialisation meets managent expertise, and △Digital fluency—are deeply aligned with KUBS’s educational philosophy. 

KUBS operates a wide range of practice-based programs such as △the CEMS Global MIM Program, △KUBS Global Business Project, △G-MBA Business Practicum Workshop, △global internships, and △social value-based business practicums. 

Going forward, Korea University Business School will continue to support students in becoming authentic, globally recognized leaders through a comprehensive leadership education that spans AI, ESG, multicultural management, and human-centered design.