GIA organised a Global Leadership Programme at the Harvard Business School (HBS) from June 24 to 27, 2019. The programme, which focussed on innovation and solutions, brought together senior executives from the gems and jewellery industry, for, what GIA described as “a custom four-day curriculum led by world class professors and based on the renowned HBS case study method”.

The GIA has been organising these programmes for the past six years, and this year’s class was the largest in its entire history. At the event, participants explored exciting case studies focused on innovation and discussed how to apply the lessons from those cases to the challenges facing the global gem and jewellery industry. “The exceptional group of leaders represented the broad scope and diversity of the industry,” GIA observed.

“This unique programme creates an opportunity for thought-leaders to candidly discuss new ideas and approaches to their day-to-day work and long-term goals,” said Susan Jacques, GIA President and CEO. “This programme, now in its sixth year, is a direct extension of our renowned education heritage.”

Elaborating on the outlines of the programme, GIA said: “The GIA Global Leadership Programme focuses on new research and best practices to deliver actionable insights.” Upon successful completion of the programme, participants were awarded a certificate from the Harvard Business School.

The programme, initiated by GIA in conjunction with HBS, commenced its first edition in 2014. “The goal of the four-day residential programme is to bring together global leaders from different sectors of the gem and jewellery industry to examine issues faced by international businesses, and apply the lessons learned in other industries to their own businesses,” GIA stated. “The programme also provides an unparalleled networking opportunity for senior executives, building bridges between different sectors of the global gem and jewellery supply chain.”

GIA’s next Global Leadership Program at Harvard is scheduled to be held from June 22-25, 2020. Participation is limited and by invitation only.

Pic Cap: Participants of the 2019 GIA Global Leadership Program 

Pic Courtesy: GIA