This episode, past guest Armaan takes over from co-host Riya to sit down with Professor Reza, Senior Lecturer in Economics at Alliance Manchester Business School, to explore the big ideas that shape business, leadership and economic progress.
Drawing on nearly two decades of teaching, Reza shares how his fascination with economics began, why questions of growth and prosperity continue to inspire him, and how strategy helps leaders make sense of an increasingly complex world.
The conversation explores the future of work in the age of AI, why technology automates tasks rather than jobs, and what business leaders need to understand about managing through technological change. Reza also discusses the role of strategic thinking, the importance of managerial attention, and why frameworks remain essential tools for navigating uncertainty.
For anyone considering an MBA, Reza then offers his perspective on what separates exceptional MBA students from the rest, how business education develops strategic thinkers, and why learning to combine experience with theory can transform the way leaders see the world.
Timestamps:
- (00:00) - Introduction
- (00:44) - Meet Dr Reza Salehnajad
- (01:46) - From philosophy to economics
- (03:16) - The question economists can’t stop thinking about
- (06:11) - Why economic development still matters
- (07:48) - Looking beyond competition in strategy
- (09:29) - The secret to great teaching
- (12:25) - Creating passion, not just teaching content
- (14:18) - What AI can’t replace in education
- (16:21) - Which strategy frameworks still matter?
- (21:10) - Why managerial attention is your most valuable asset
- (24:25) - AI, strategy and the future of business
- (25:08) - Why AI is the new electricity
- (29:23) - Open-world problems and strategic thinking
- (35:10) - Will AI replace jobs?
- (39:35) - Why AI automates tasks, not jobs
- (44:25) - What separates great MBA students?
- (48:13) - Should you do an MBA?
- (49:08) - How an MBA changes the way you think
- (53:08) - Experience, theory and conceptual thinking
- (55:47) - How to develop strategic thinking
- (57:21) - Learning strategy through real companies
- (01:00:39) - Customer-led versus technology-led innovation
- (01:02:19) - Final thoughts
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