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We asked the new Dean of Imperial College Business School, Professor G. 'Anand' Anandalingam, to tell us a little more about himself.
What do you love about the career you've chosen?
I love being in academia and in a leadership position. I think of universities as being in the business of the future, whether it is in the great research that a university does or in educating the future contributors to the planet. I love being surrounded by brilliant people (I have a sweatshirt that says "Surrounded by Geniuses”!).
So what’s your philosophy on academic life and leadership?
Academics in top institutions are self-motivated to create knowledge and disseminate it to their peers. I also want to inspire and motivate them to really take education and teaching seriously. I frequently ask my academic colleagues: "Why are you at a University? What is the largest population at a University? What are you doing for them?"
We all have the responsibility to make a difference in the world.
– Professor G. 'Anand' Anadalingam
Incoming Dean of Imperial College Business School
Then I think that we should work on problems that have an impact in the world rather than simply publish marginal papers for a small group of peers, however reputed. We all have the responsibility to make a difference in the world and to do things that will help those who cannot help themselves whether in medicine, science, engineering or business. I believe that one should not compromise on ethics and social responsibility.
What does London mean to you?
The opportunity to live and work in London is such a “rush” for me and is a kind of homecoming. My "career" started as a Cambridge student, and it is so poetic that there is a likelihood that it will end back in the UK in academic leadership. That I was born in the UK adds a bit of intrigue to this equation. I spent a lot of time in London as a student. I have worked at Selfridge’s selling men’s shirts, and at a government training centre in Bromley learning to use machine tools. My family and I have been in London many times over the years and we love it.
What are the big challenges facing business education today?
There are many challenges facing business education today. On the one hand, many more people from large countries like China, India, Brazil and Indonesia are clamouring for higher education, and certainly business education. On the other hand, education itself is undergoing a rapid transformation because of the advent of technology and the internet. After the global financial meltdown, many people are questioning the value of a business degree. Given all of this, Imperial College Business School has to craft its future very carefully. It is crucial that the Business School takes advantage of the best that Imperial has to offer and also differentiates itself from "plain vanilla" schools. At the same time we must distinguish ourselves as among the best in the world and not just a niche player. My plan is to make sure that we "walk on two feet" – to quote Chairman Mao! – and be excellent across the board.
What passions do you have outside work?
I am an avid tennis player and a sports and jazz nut. I also love cooking and throwing dinner parties although I do not seem to have much time for any of these. I am a big supporter of Tottenham Hotspur (like Adele!) and follow cricket as much as I can. I am also a big fan of American football and baseball.
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Andrew Scheuber
Communications Division
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