Take a SIP: A Holistic Approach to Leadership Development for Master Student in Business School

The profile of master’s students in business schools is shifting, with fewer mid-career professionals and more students with limited work experience. As technological advancements reshape industries, educators must prioritize socio-emotional skills and adaptability. This project focuses on curriculum innovation with a holistic approach to leadership development in master’s programs. We explore building an ecosystem of activities to develop future leaders grounded in three pillars – social, intellectual, and psychological capital (SIP). The core of this ecosystem is one-on-one leadership coaching, complemented by leadership workshops, networking events, business etiquette, and career development sessions. We conducted a three-survey study to track students’ psychological wellbeing, social skills, self-awareness, and goal-setting during their academic journeys. Preliminary findings indicate that participation in these activities was linked to enhanced self-awareness, which was essential for communication, leadership, and lifelong learning. Such findings suggest that curricula emphasizing social and psychological capital may prepare students better for future challenges. By embedding leadership development into academic programs, we aim to cultivate adaptable leaders equipped to navigate an evolving business environment.