GIA Global Leadership Program at the Harvard Business School
What is the GIA Global Leadership Program
Developed by the Harvard Business School (HBS), the program focuses on new research and best practices to deliver practical value and actionable techniques. Participants learn using the HBS case study method, drawing on Harvard’s vast repository of business intelligence to explore challenges and opportunities for the gem and jewelry industry – interactive lectures and small study groups ensure lively, thought-provoking discussions and innovative ideas.Taught by Renowned Harvard Faculty
- David Ager, Senior Fellow, Managing Director, Executive Development, Executive Education
- Dennis Campbell, Dwight P. Robinson Jr. Professor of Business Administration; Unit Head, Accounting and Management
- Krishna Palepu, Ross Graham Walker Professor of Business Administration
Core Themes of the GIA Global Leadership Program
While the central topic may change year to year, the program addresses core themes that are fundamental to global businesses:
- Strategy: to promote competitive advantage and enhance the customer value proposition.
- Customer Centricity: to develop deep customer knowledge and build a high-performing organization that exceeds customer expectations.
- Leadership: to mobilize, motivate and align people to achieve greater performance.
Who Attends?
Executives and decision-makers representing the full scope of activity and geography of the global gem and jewelry industry. Attendance is by invitation only. If you are interested in learning more about next year’s program, please fill out this form:The Attendee Experience
“The GIA Global Leadership Program left me inspired and motivated - from Harvard’s beautiful campus, fascinating case studies and enticing professors, to GIA’s leadership team and my fellow classmates, leaders of the jewelry industry,” said Nadja Swarovski, founder of Pegasus Private Capital. “The week provided key insight into today’s relevant topics – from sustainable business practices, human leadership, purpose-led organizations, to digitalization and AI and how their evolution affects us all.”“To lead an industry doesn't only involve performing great, but it includes showing the way through conduct and guidance. It's no wonder we call GIA one of the leaders of the Gem and Jewelry Industry. This was my first opportunity to be present on the Harvard campus, meeting these industry leaders who hold an illustrious mix of experience, discussing topics relevant to today, such as ESG, Sustainable Development, AI, Future of Work, Humanistic Capital, and Leading with Purpose,” said Priyal Shankar, CMO and CTO of SJW Shivam Jewels pvt. Ltd. “Looking back, all the topics addressed were relevant and need attention for building sustainable growth in our current endeavors and pushing the industry further. It was by far one of the most diverse set of people in one room discussing what can be a brighter tomorrow for the industry.”
Participant Selection
50 participants are selected each year from industry leaders. The selective nature of the program helps ensure the highest engagement with Harvard faculty and open collaboration among peers.Program Certificates
Upon successful completion, participants are awarded a Harvard Business School certificate of program completion.Past GIA Global Leadership Programs
2023 - Purpose and Resilience2022 - Industry Transformation
2019 – Innovation
2018 – Authentic Leadership, Disruptive Innovation and Customer Centricity (held in conjunction with the International Gemological Symposium, in Carlsbad, California)
2018 – Unleashing the Power of People: Genuine Leadership
2017 – Transforming Business by Leveraging Big Data
2016 – Disruptive Innovation
2015 – Marketing, Branding, Strategy and Communications
2014 – Strategy, Customer Centricity, Leading High Performance Teams
