Leadership Lessons and the Future of Colombia: A Conversation with Álvaro Uribe

The Wheeler Institute for Business and Development recently hosted Álvaro Uribe, former President of Colombia, for an evening of reflection on his presidency and insights into the future of Colombian governance. Moderated by journalist and LBS alumna Consuelo Saavedra, the conversation covered topics from democratic security and economic reform to leadership lessons and the complexities…

Micro entrepreneurship – The Beating Heart of Emerging Economies

Microentrepreneurship—the practice of individuals operating small, often informal businesses with limited capital—plays a critical role in economies worldwide. It provides livelihoods, fosters innovation, and builds community resilience.​ At London Business School, learning happens far beyond the classroom. Two flagship experiential programs—the Johannesburg Global Business Experience (GBE) and Digital for Impact (DFI)—offer MBA students hands-on consulting…

Immersive Consulting at LBS: Comparing two learning experiences in Africa

At London Business School, learning happens far beyond the classroom. Two flagship experiential programs—the Johannesburg Global Business Experience (GBE) and Digital for Impact (DFI)—offer MBA students hands-on consulting opportunities in emerging markets. Both courses allow students to work directly with African entrepreneurs, but their design and delivery highlight different aspects of experiential learning. In a…

Tariffs, Trade Tensions, and the Future of the Global Economy: Insights from the IMF Chief Economist

The Wheeler Institute for Business and Development at London Business School hosted Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas, Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), for a timely and insightful discussion on the shifting global economic landscape. In a world increasingly shaped by trade tensions, geopolitical realignments, and inflation uncertainty, Gourinchas offered an comprehensive overview on global risks…

Responsible AI to support Social Impact

In the face of rapid technological advancements, the Wheeler Institute was delighted to partner with FINCA and host a roundtable focused on the transformative potential of responsible AI in driving social impact. The gathering brought together an impressive group of participants, including academics, business practitioners, and industry experts, to explore the societal implications and ethical…

President Donald Trump 100-day Report Card: What Comes Next?

Reflecting on the international implications of President Donald Trump’s early policy decisions, the Wheeler Institute in collaboration with the Geopolitics and Business Club at London Business School, hosted an event on May 12 exploring “President Donald Trump’s First 100 Days: What Comes Next?” The session was hosted by Sergei Guriev, Dean of the London Business…

Beyond investing: Rethinking Innovation and Ownership in Africa 

Innovation has long played a central role in Africa’s economic development. But with shifting political alliances and evolving capital landscapes, how can the continent harness technology to continue accelerating its socioeconomic transformation? At the London Business School Social Impact Conference organised by the Social Impact Club on 16 April 2025, the panel “Investing in Change:…

Business, Geopolitics, and the New Era of Global Uncertainty 

On the 25th of April, the Geopolitics and Business Conference at London Business School brought together diplomats, policymakers, executives, technologists, and students to explore how global political dynamics are reshaping the world and business strategy. Hosted by the Geopolitics and Business Club, the event featured a keynote address from Nobel Peace Laureate and President of…

Bridging Worlds: From Business School to Parliament – The Impact Journey of Chris Coghlan

The Wheeler Institute’s new “Journeys” series launched with a compelling conversation between Chris Coghlan (MiF 2012), co-founder of Grow Movement and now Member of the UK Parliament for Dorking and Horley, Rajesh Chandy, Professor of Marketing at LBS and Co-Academic Director of the Wheeler Institute and Paolo Surico, Professor of Economics at LBS . It…

The Ripple Effects of Export Boom: A Case Study in Uruguay Beef Export

On 14th March 2024, as part of the Private Sector Development Research Network (PSDRN), the Wheeler Institute for Business and Development hosted a seminar: “Beefing up the service sector: Commodity exports to China and production network spillover.” Led by Giorgio Chiovelli (Associate Professor of Economics at Universidad de Montevideo and former LBS Research Fellow) and moderated…