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Thanks to an anonymous gift, Leeds is investing $3.85 million to launch the Initiative for Global Business Impact this fall, accelerating the school’s world-class research infrastructure and academic reputation.

The new Initiative for Global Business Impact will take Leeds to the world and bring the world to Leeds. Human welfare is strongly affected by sustainability of practices by businesses and individual citizens, and by the quality of consumers’ financial decisions. But the solutions offered by businesses and governments differ dramatically across geographies, as do the apparent effectiveness of those solutions. The world needs next-generation leaders who can learn from those differences and act on rigorous evidence about what works. 

Employers are seeking business professionals who can not only drive operational excellence, but who can also champion purpose-driven organizations that prioritize societal impact alongside profitability. With a focus on citizen well-being, the initiative's initial phase will prioritize consumer financial decision-making and sustainability.

“This generous gift provides Leeds with the opportunity to both broaden and deepen our inquiries by fostering connections with global communities, creating a meaningful impact on citizen well-being, businesses and society,” said Vijay Khatri, Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean of the Leeds School of Business.

Leading the way

Khatri has appointed Distinguished Professor John G. Lynch Jr. as the inaugural director of the Initiative for Global Business Impact. Lynch was named the 2025 , the highest honor in the field of academic marketing, recognizing "creative accomplishments, public service, research, teaching and service contributions."

Lynch was the founding director of the Center for Research on Consumer Financial Decision Making and served as senior associate dean for faculty and research at Leeds. His scholarship, extensive teaching experience, awards, mentorship and reputation in the world of consumer financial decision-making and marketing uniquely qualify him to advance Leeds’ position and academic reputation through this new initiative.

Solidifying Leeds’ research infrastructure 

Leeds faculty are already addressing global societal issues through exemplary interdisciplinary research. To take Leeds global, the school will expand its research efforts through global partnerships with scholars worldwide, enhancing its impact and solidifying its position as a global leader.

To bring the world to Leeds, Leeds faculty will have an opportunity to broaden their research scope to address critical global challenges. This will involve engaging esteemed Global Faculty-in-Residence and Global Postdoctoral Fellows whose expertise will drive intellectual growth and innovation, enabling us to tackle complex problems that address citizen well-being and produce meaningful research.

These efforts will also support the development of global academic programs in collaboration with international business schools, preparing our students for leadership roles in a globalized economy.

Addressing global challenges through business innovation

Today’s rapidly evolving business environment is increasingly shaped by factors like climate change, poverty, population growth and geopolitical conflict, noted Khatri. In response, Leeds is closely following key trends in digital transformation, sustainability, economic shifts and the future of work to address the dynamic needs of business leaders.

“Since founding the Center for Financial Decision Making in 2009, Leeds has established itself as a leader in consumer financial decision-making and household finance. That experience has demonstrated how externally focused research centers can create an infrastructure for impactful work. With this new initiative, we will collaborate with leading global partners and scholars to build trusted business research that addresses large-scale societal challenges with solutions that really work,” said Lynch.

"With this new initiative, we will collaborate with leading global partners and scholars to build trusted business research that addresses large-scale societal challenges."

John G. Lynch Jr., Distinguished Professor 

The Initiative for Global Business Impact, focused on accelerating momentum in citizen well-being through business research, strengthens Leeds' ongoing efforts and aligns with the 2035 Leeds Strategic Plan, shaping the future of business over the next decade. 

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The annual Leeds Sustainability Case Competition brought together 39 teams from top business schools to develop solutions for sustainability challenges in the age of artificial intelligence.

As AI technology expands, its energy consumption is growing exponentially, raising urgent sustainability concerns. How can companies embrace AI without compromising environmental responsibility?

That was the central challenge that MBA students from institutions like the University of California, Berkeley (Haas), The University of Chicago (Booth), Duke University (Fuqua) and Columbia tackled at this year’s Leeds Sustainability Case Competition.

CU ��«����Ƶ’s "For the Bees" team from the Masters of the Environment (MENV) program took first place, while Leeds’ "The Green Beans" team secured second place.

“Addressing environmental sustainability will be crucial for businesses over the next decade,” said Vijay Khatri, Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean of the Leeds School of Business. “Leeds is at the forefront of highlighting how sustainability is not only a competitive advantage for business, but also an opportunity to drive innovative solutions to global challenges.”

A legacy of sustainability at Leeds

“For 25 years, the Leeds School of Business has prioritized sustainability, ethics and social responsibility, and our students come here because of that focus,” said Mike Leeds (Fin’74).

Since 2001, the Leeds Sustainability Case Competition—formerly known as the Net Impact Case Competition—has provided students with real-world business challenges focused on sustainability. The competition brings together graduate students, executives and businesses that share a common commitment to business practices that yield positive social, environmental and financial returns.

A unique opportunity for future business leaders

“This competition is a unique opportunity because students work in cross-functional teams, collaborating with peers from different disciplines to develop innovative solutions to sustainability-related challenges,” said Kathryn Wendell, executive director of the Leeds Center for Ethics and Social Responsibility.

With AI rapidly transforming industries, this year's competition demonstrated how business leaders can balance technological progress with environmental priorities. In addition to fostering an environment of creative problem-solving, the annual event also strengthens students’ professional networks, giving them essential connections as they become next-generation business leaders.

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Luke St. John (Fin’25) built a robust habit of networking while pursuing his passions at Leeds. That ultimately helped him secure a job before graduation.

For senior Luke St. John, launching his career this spring has boiled down to two things: Doing what he loves and talking to everybody.

This May, St. John will graduate and begin his new role as a business analyst at McKinsey and Company in Denver. He attributes this success partly to his involvement in various student organizations at CU. Since his freshman year, he has served as vice president on the board of the ski and snowboard club—the largest student organization on campus. He has also been an active member of Leeds Student Government and has participated in the Leeds on Wall Street group.

Turning dreams into milestones

Joining clubs helped St. John navigate a challenging start to his freshman year, fostering friendships and cementing valuable connections to craft a positive college experience. His spring semester of junior year was another turning point: Realizing he had enough credits to graduate early, he took time off to pursue his travel dreams—skiing in Japan, surfing in Bali and exploring Europe. That didn’t thwart his plans to graduate—but instead expanded his curiosity and confidence.

To fund his travels, St. John worked nearly every day at a restaurant for two months, a lesson in financial planning and perseverance. And navigating the unknowns of travel became a strong talking point during interviews. That semester off ultimately paid off. His new role at McKinsey will involve significant travel, and St. John feels ready for the challenge.

Follow your passions

St. John credits his parents for instilling in him an entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for doing meaningful work. His father started a company more than 20 years ago building for fly fishing.

“I think that was so cool for me to see my entire life growing up … [my father] has been so focused and dedicated to his company. He has good days and he has bad days, and I get to see those firsthand. I know that deep down, he loves what he does.”

His mother works as a curator and grant writer for the Steamboat Art Museum, a job she loves and one that has inspired St. John’s interest in nonprofits.

“Having both parents doing something they're so passionate about … it’s kind of hard not to think, ‘They made it work 100% doing that. So why can’t I?’”

Network with peers

Early on, St. John recognized the value of Leeds’ career resources—he was in Leeds’ career coach Susan Brodnicki’s office at least an hour each week, he laughed. She worked tirelessly to help connect him with leads and contacts. Also, he never underestimated the power of collaborating with peers to practice and build skills.

His involvement with Leeds Student Government proved to be a fertile ground for learning and leadership. “It was so cool that I could go in, and not really knowing much … the juniors and seniors were able to guide me to where I wanted to go, and then they let me take the reins on stuff that I was really passionate about,” said St. John.

Through student government, St. John first learned about McKinsey from a junior who had secured a job there. That influenced his decision in freshman year to focus on finance and business. His involvement in the investment banking club starting sophomore year further honed his networking and interview skills.

"You need to put yourself out there. The worst that’ll happen is people won’t respond."

Luke St. John (Fin’25)

“They trained us that you need to put yourself out there. The worst that’ll happen is people won’t respond,” said St. John. He learned how to “take that ‘no’ and move to the next company or reach out to somebody else that might be more helpful.”

Stick with it

St. John estimates he’s sent over 500 emails for coffee chats in the last three years.

“I probably had 30 or 40 calls with companies before I even got to McKinsey,” he added. While he reached out to contacts from other schools, he found conversations with Leeds alumni to be the most productive.

“On other calls, they didn’t necessarily have the understanding about classes or looking out for me as much as people at Leeds,” said St. John. “That’s what’s so cool: Buffs looking out for Buffs.”

When St. John had his first interview with McKinsey, he reached out to a couple of students in the Leeds Consulting Group, even though he isn’t a member. Those students happily devoted a couple of hours each to help St. John practice.

Explore options through internships

Internships helped St. John gain clarity about his career path.

“I knew I wanted to do something in finance, but I didn’t necessarily know what,” St. John said. Interning with both private and nonprofit organizations allowed him to discover his preferences and envision his future. Gaining that professional experience has allowed him to feel confident going into his new role, knowing how to gauge expectations.

Looking ahead

St. John will spend two to three years as a general business analyst for McKinsey, following the company’s track to consultant, senior consultant and engagement manager roles.

No matter where the path ultimately takes him, St. John knows he’ll benefit from the experience.

“I am incredibly excited just to be able to touch a variety of industries,” he said. He hopes to pair the business knowledge he develops with his passion for the outdoors and sustainability. He dreams of starting a company to make skis, inspired by his father’s entrepreneurial journey.

One certainty: Networking will remain a cornerstone of St. John’s path. Here’s some proof: After the interview for this story, he followed up with an email to share contacts for other articles, including his younger brother, a current CU student transferring to Leeds this fall.

That’s “Buffs looking out for Buffs” in action, which, for St. John, comes naturally.

Want to put your networking skills to work? Take advantage of the Leeds Spring 2025 Career Fairs on February 12 and 13!

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Leeds is at the forefront of data analytics with two new innovative master’s programs—supply chain analytics and marketing analytics.

Data is everywhere. The challenge isn’t collecting it but turning it into actionable insights and informed business decisions. That’s the vision behind Leeds’ new master’s programs in supply chain analytics and marketing analytics, beginning in 2025.

“Being able to launch marketing analytics and supply chain analytics degrees is exciting and supportive of the growth of the school and the opportunities we provide as students consider the changes occurring in business careers,” said Kristi Ryujin, associate dean for graduate programs at Leeds. During her 11-year tenure, she has witnessed seismic changes in these two major areas of global business.

Transforming supply chain operations

Supply chains became a household topic during the pandemic, as shortages, price surges and logistical bottlenecks exposed vulnerabilities in global systems. Today, organizations must grapple with growing amounts of data to answer critical questions: Where should products be stored? How should production be timed? How can pricing and overhead be optimized? How will changing tariffs and regulations affect operations and revenue?

“These are the kinds of questions we’re hearing,” Ryujin noted. “Discussions with industry partners show how far supply chain operations have come from the days of literally walking the lines in the warehouse. Now, we’re looking at things like performance over time, and it’s all data driven.”

Leeds’ new Supply Chain Analytics master’s program builds on 10 years of expertise in core supply chain topics including procurement, logistics, inventory management and programming skills in Python. The new program replaces and updates the existing supply chain management degree, incorporating new technologies including AI and machine learning, and advanced technical skills.

The ability to predict demand, address inefficiencies and reduce risks can translate into significant cost savings and operational improvements for organizations. For example, supply chain analytics can help a food manufacturer forecast ingredient needs to avoid spoilage, streamline delivery schedules and align with sustainability goals in packaging and production.

“Leeds is seen as a leader in sustainability,” Ryujin said. “Having a sustainable supply chain is part of the opportunity we have in guiding students.”

“There will be consistent demand for people with this skillset.”—Kristi Ryujin, Associate Dean for Graduate Programs

Expanding career opportunities

As supply chains grow more complex, so does the demand for skilled professionals. The new master’s program is tailored to both full-time students and working professionals, offering flexible formats to accommodate busy schedules.

“One of the things we pride ourselves in is that we develop talent,” Ryujin said. “If someone was an undergraduate psychology major, for example, and really likes numbers and data, we will prepare that student for success in the program.”

High-demand roles in supply chain analytics include:

→ Demand Planner
→ Logistics Analyst
→ Operations Analyst
→ Procurement Agent
→ Quality Control Analyst

“We learned so much during COVID. And now we must think about the complexities and volatility of supply chain markets based on government changes, leadership changes, climate change and more,” Ryujin said. “Our ability to address these challenges is what makes our supply chain analytics degree so interesting and exciting,” she said. “There will be consistent demand for people with this skillset.”

The growing role of marketing analytics

Leeds’ new Marketing Analytics master’s program builds on Leeds’ foundation of excellence in marketing research and teaching. The program is designed to prepare students for roles that require translating data into actionable insights, understanding customer behavior and optimizing marketing effectiveness.

The new program will expand upon Leeds’ breadth of marketing courses with the added technical skills to address evolving and emerging roles. These roles are becoming vital in helping companies understand their audiences, drive revenue growth and solidify their reputation as purpose-driven, sustainable organizations.

High-demand roles in marketing analytics include:

→ Marketing Analytics Manager
→ Marketing Analytics Senior Lead
→ Senior Manager, Marketing Insights and Analytics
→ Senior Manager, Digital Marketing
→ Senior Digital Engagement Administrator

Flexible learning options and the Leeds difference

Both new master’s programs offer full-time, in-person formats as well as an “Online Plus” option, which combines high-quality, customized videos, synchronous remote sessions and in-person faculty office hours. This flexibility makes it possible for working professionals to reskill, upskill or pivot their careers.

“For recent graduates or career changers, these programs offer a pathway to advanced opportunities,” Ryujin explained. Many of Leeds’ undergraduate students take advantage of accelerated pathways, earning both undergraduate and master’s degrees through 3+1 or 4+1 programs. “The important thing for students is to come in with curiosity, interest and a willingness to learn.”

By solving critical business challenges and identifying opportunities to improve business processes and mitigate risks, these programs shape students into strategic thinkers in their industries. Leeds’ graduates not only leave prepared to adapt to ever-evolving business demands, but they’re also equipped with a competitive edge in anticipating future challenges and driving innovation—skills that set them apart as leaders.

At a Glance

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Hundreds of industry leaders and alumni visited Leeds last fall to coach, teach and get to know students.

Every semester, business leaders come to Koelbel to share their expertise and stories with students. This fall was no different—Leeds saw hundreds of executives, trailblazers and influencers visit classrooms, events, case competitions and more.

“We’re so lucky to have countless accomplished professionals come to speak at Leeds,” said Katherine Ratledge, a program manager for the Center of Ethics and Social Responsibility (CESR). “It is enormously valuable to our students who use the opportunity to network and ask questions, hear new perspectives and—most importantly—see an example of what they could be in the future.”

Guest speakers are often alumni, board members and Leeds‘ corporate partners—the best and brightest minds from the Leeds community. From sustainability to sports or banking, these speakers share their knowledge of modern business and provide students with inspiration and resources for their future careers.

"A great speaker can change a career trajectory, and that’s exactly what happens when leaders come to Leeds to share their expertise,” noted Amanda Hansen, director of the Career Development Office.

Organic advice

CESR, in partnership with the Burridge Center for Finance, hosted Geneviève Piché (pictured above left), the head of sustainable finance at Wells Fargo. At a pivotal moment in her career, Piché launched Wells Fargo's sustainable finance division, focused on creating positive impact through finance.  She stressed the need for businesses to use inclusive language when communicating about climate and sustainability and emphasized the need for investments across ecosystems.

Supported by the Deming Center for Entrepreneurship, Techstars co-founder David Brown—one of the most influential figures in the entrepreneurial world—visited Leeds for a fireside chat. A lifelong entrepreneur and investor, he talked about his 40-year career of starting and building sustainable companies, including Pinpoint Technologies, Techstars and Zintinus. He stressed the importance of learning from failure, balancing risk and rewards, and advocating for DEI at small companies.

Organized by Leeds Student Government and in partnership with the CU Freeride club, CEOs and founders of POWDR advised students on ways to break into the outdoor industry. This leader-packed event featured John Cumming (founder and chairman), Justin Sibley (CEO), Raj Basi (vice president of sustainability), Maria Guarnieri (chief of staff) and Megan Fearnow (vice president of marketing). They discussed how everyone’s path to success is different, and even if you don’t start in the outdoor industry, it doesn’t mean you can’t end up there. They also advised students on networking with the right people and surrounding themselves with those who have similar interests.

Other influential leaders who visited this fall included:

• Matt Pozzi, BAE Systems

• Jeff Brown, BlackRock

• James Calano, ��«����Ƶ Investment Group

• Angela Schwartz, Danone North America

• Ben Lerman, Danone North America

• Regan Ebert, Danone North America

• Samantha Cotlov, Danone North America

• Arden Gehl, Deloitte Consulting

• Carson Smail, Deloitte Consulting

• June Yuan, Deloitte Consulting

• Lindsay Determan, Deloitte Consulting

• Shreya Naik, Deloitte Consulting

• Zachary East, Deloitte Consulting

• David Williams, Fisher Investments

• Erica Brown, Fisher Investments

• Karson Jones, Fisher Investments

• Chris Fogler, FTI Consulting

• Claire Schaffer, FTI Consulting

• Francheska Pokora, FTI Consulting

• Leanne Sigman, FTI Consulting

• Ryan Rule, FTI Consulting

• Siobhan Cleary, FTI Consulting

• Jamie Gardner, Google

• Brandon Wilcox, KPMG

• Colin Ellis, KPMG

• Hope Cahoon, KPMG

• Jordan Akiyoshi, KPMG

• Jorge Velasquez, KPMG

• Mat Groh, KPMG

• Malcom Craig, McCaffery Interests

• Michael Hovey, Morgan Stanley

• John Cumming, POWDR

• Jane Miller, Rudi’s Organic Bakery

• Amy Halvorson, Starbucks Coffee

Get connected with opportunities to influence and inspire students.

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