The Responsibility To Help Others Grow
Last week, the Laidlaw Foundation and IESE Business School announced the launch of the Laidlaw Women’s MBA Scholarship Programme, providing 13 full tuition scholarships for the MBA Class of 2028, with applications opening in September 2026.
As we mark this new partnership, we are reflecting on what it asks of leaders who hold influence within institutions, and what it means to treat other people’s potential as something worth investing in.
Franz Heukamp: “As leaders, we have the privilege and the responsibility to help others grow, professionally and personally.”
Investment As A Leadership Practice
Professor Franz Heukamp has served as Dean of IESE Business School since September 2016 and holds the Antonio Valero Chair of Business Administration. He earned his PhD from MIT, and his research and teaching focus on decision analysis and behavioural decision making, with a particular interest in neuroeconomics and how people navigate risk and uncertainty.
His quote captures a leadership instinct that matters deeply in education. When leaders take responsibility for other people’s growth, they are choosing to shape outcomes that extend beyond any single individual. They are also choosing a view of leadership that is measured by who is strengthened, supported, and able to step forward.
Creating Conditions For Growth
Institutional values become real through what is enabled. Scholarships, mentorship, and structured development pathways are practical expressions of a belief that talent deserves serious support. When these systems are designed well, they do more than open a door. They build confidence, capability, and connection, so that opportunity can translate into long term momentum.
This partnership brings that approach to life. Alongside full tuition support, scholars will benefit from personalised career guidance through IESE, access to mentorship and networking, leadership and communication development, and hands on impact projects connected to sustainability and social responsibility.
Values In Practice
This week’s reflection aligns with the Laidlaw value of #Good and the Oxford Character Project virtue of #Service. Being good means using influence with care and integrity, and making choices that expand opportunity for others. Service means directing time, attention, and resources toward other people’s growth, and staying accountable to the outcomes that follow.
A Call To Reflect
We invite you to reflect on Dean Heukamp’s words. Who has helped you grow professionally and personally, and what did they do that stayed with you. Where do you have the opportunity this week to support someone else’s development.
Celebrate The Launch
We are thrilled to share this news, and we would love you to celebrate it with us. If an ambitious woman in your network comes to mind, please do pass this on and help it reach the people who need to see it.
🚀 Read the full press release: https://laidlawfoundation.com/iese-business-school-and-laidlaw-foundation-launch-transformative-scholarship-for-women-in-leadership/