Professional Development Forum
Leading Through Disruption: Strategy, Leadership and the Future of Business
Te Rā | Date: Thursday 12 November 2026
Te Wā | Time: 10:00am–4:00pm
A full-day executive learning experience for MBA alumni and business leaders, prior to the core Two-Day Anniversary Programme on Friday and Saturday.
Artificial intelligence, cyber security, geopolitical uncertainty and organisational change are reshaping how leaders make decisions and implement strategy. The Forum brings experienced practitioners, academics and fellow MBA alumni together for a practical, discussion-led executive learning experience centred on one question: How must strategic decision-making and leadership evolve when disruption is the only constant?
Participants will gain contemporary insight, practical ideas and professional connections to take back into their organisations.
NZ$325 including GST Includes the full Forum, refreshments and networking lunch.
Presenters
Rachel McBride, Principal, Rowan Advisory | Programme Director, AI Leadership Residency
Rachel advises executive teams across New Zealand on the leadership side of AI adoption: how organisations set direction, make decisions and build capability as AI becomes part of everyday business.
She co-designed the AI Leadership Residency around a simple conviction: AI is a workflow and governance issue before it is a technology one.
Her approach helps leaders strengthen decision-making under uncertainty and build governance that supports long-term change.
Luke Taylor, CEO SSS, Cybersecurity Specialists
Luke's work focuses on helping boards and executive teams strengthen cyber resilience, governance and organisational capability.
His career spans military leadership, strategic planning, business ownership and cyber security. He combines practical operational experience with contemporary thinking on AI governance, organisational risk and executive decision-making.
Luke recently completed his Doctor of Business Administration at the University of Otago, where he was the recipient of a Doctoral Scholarship.
Gregor Schmalz
Gregor brings over 20 years of international teaching and industry experience in senior leadership roles.
His expertise spans general management, turnaround, change management, and business development. He has established companies in Korea and Southeast Asia, restructured manufacturing operations in France, and worked across more than 30 countries.
Gregor has taught and lectured at leading universities across Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
His MBA teaching reflects a strong global perspective, combining economic insight with real-world application through case studies, cross-cultural simulations, and engagement with international industry leaders.
Sergio Biggemann
Sergio is an international academic, consultant and business strategist.
His career spans mining, manufacturing, services, maintenance, and entrepreneurship, with experience that connects technical expertise, venture creation, and international business practice.
Sergio holds a Doctor of Business Administration from Macquarie University, where his award-winning thesis on business-to-business relationships received the Vice-Chancellor’s commendation for exceptional merit.
He also holds an MBA and a Master of Management and Public Policy (both with Distinction), and a bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering.
Who should attend?
The Forum is designed for:
- MBA alumni
- Senior executives and managers
- Directors and governance professionals
- Business owners
- Leaders responsible for strategy or organisational change
- Emerging leaders moving into wider organisational responsibility