Leaders unite to drive change

W. P. Carey's inaugural Partner Day event invited corporate leaders to collaborate with researchers and peers to drive positive impact in industry and society.

As business evolves and complex new challenges confront how we work, live, and learn, it's more critical than ever to connect and innovate together. To encourage cross-industry collaboration, the business school launched a new opportunity to bring leaders together: W. P. Carey Partner Day.

"We put together this day to share with you some of the great things we are doing here at W. P. Carey and the opportunities you have to engage with us," said Charles J. Robel Dean and W. P. Carey Distinguished Chair Ohad Kadan during his opening remarks.

The inaugural event invited business leaders to collaborate with the school and each other to drive positive change in their organizations and communities by leveraging the university's abundant resources. Attendees heard from W. P. Carey faculty and staff from various disciplines on ways to innovate responsibly within their organizations, educate the next generation of leaders, build strong talent pipelines, and promote lifelong learning within their industries.

In the day's first presentation, Pei-yu "Sharon" Chen, information systems chair and Red Avenue Foundation Professor, shared the benefits of implementing responsible AI practices.

As founding director and co-director of the Center for AI and Data Analytics (AIDA) for Business and Society, also known as the Mindful AI Center, Chen leads a team of 19 faculty members dedicated to advancing AI and data analytics knowledge and research through ethical and socially responsible practices. The center partners with business leaders to prepare organizations to succeed using AI by preparing them for technology's evolving landscape, addressing AI and data analytics talent needs, and educating leaders and the workforce on mindful AI.

"Everyone could be better off… The first thing is to go beyond traditional metrics and embrace a new definition of success that reflects enterprise performance and value and societal well-being," said Chen. "That's what we call Mindful AI: You think not just for yourself, but for others… I strongly believe that we will thrive if we all do that."

Next, Executive Director of Development Erin Gage shared the benefits of joining one of W. P. Carey's 14 advisory boards. Board members contribute insights on industry and hiring trends, curriculum, and corporate representation, and play a vital role in supporting business students.

Building on Gage's presentation, W. P. Carey Distinguished Chair and Professor of Supply Chain Management Karen Donohue explained how the school's Center for Responsible Supply Chain Management partners with organizations to rethink supply chains' impact on the economy, society, and the environment.

Rob Buelow, program director for the AZNext Workforce Training Accelerator Partnership Grant, shared how organizations can partner with AZNext to upskill or reskill employees. The program focuses on training in advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, IT, and data analytics at little or no cost to employers.

Later, Director of the Center for Real Estate and Finance and Master of Real Estate Development Mark Stapp offered a historical perspective on Arizona's land use and development. He also highlighted how the state will continue to grow, particularly in the semiconductor and biosciences sectors.

Brandi Caruthers, director of corporate outreach and community engagement, shared opportunities to partner with the school's graduate academic unit. Mark Oberle, faculty associate of management and entrepreneurship, then presented on emerging strategies for doing business in the Asia-Pacific region.

Career Management Director Triné Nelson and Business and Development Program Manager Al Knoblach followed with insights on building talent pipelines through internships and co-ops. Co-ops, which span three to six months, offer students professional development experiences that bridge the gap between internships and full-time positions, all while earning college credit. The school's pilot co-op program took place this spring, and the second cohort will launch in July with 27 employer partners and 516 qualified applicants.

"It's a great opportunity for our undergraduate business students to experience multiple aspects of an organization — and for you, as employers, to build a talent pipeline," said Nelson.

In the final presentation, Supply Chain Management Professor of Practice Hitendra Chaturvedi spotlighted the school's SMB Lab, which supports small and medium-sized businesses by connecting them with business leaders, development professionals, government officials, and ASU faculty and students. He also shared how the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship and Innovation prepares students for careers as entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs.

The event concluded with ASU Head Football Coach Kenny Dillingham offering insights on leadership and fostering a respectful work environment.

From ethical AI to developing talent pipelines to continuous professional development and learning opportunities, Partner Day demonstrated real-world impact industry leaders can have by coming together to positively impact business and society.

Find out more about how to partner with W. P. Carey.