Ivey’s LEADER Project expands its global impact with the launch of a new program in Thailand

Step into the world of Ivey Business School through the eyes of its students. Whether navigating the program, embracing leadership opportunities, or forging lifelong connections across the globe, these firsthand stories showcase the ambition and impact of Ivey students. Real voices, real experiences, and real insights into life at one of the world’s leading business schools. 

Aakriti Gupta, MBA ’25, and Laura Caraccio, HBA ’26, helped lead this year’s inaugural LEADER Project program in Thailand. Through a new partnership between Ivey and the Asian Institute of Technology’s (AIT) Entrepreneurship Center, the LEADER Project brought case-method learning to aspiring entrepreneurs in Bangkok. Below, Gupta and Caraccio reflect on their experience as LEADERite instructors, delivering the two-week intensive program in a new country, and share insights on how the expansion unfolded, what they learned about global business culture, and the impact of developing connections with AIT’s first LEADER cohort. 

Why were you interested in the LEADER Project?  

(Aakriti) Growing up in India, I saw firsthand the challenges of starting a business with limited resources. During my MBA at Ivey, I wanted to share the knowledge and tools I was gaining to help entrepreneurs in emerging markets scale. LEADER was a way to give back while applying my learning, and its global legacy was deeply motivating. 

(Laura) Social impact has always been important to me. Entering my first year at Ivey, I searched for ways to continue to create meaningful change. LEADER offered that on a global scale, along with the chance to explore a new country and connect with diverse entrepreneurs. From my past experiences abroad, I understood how powerful cultural exchange can be, and felt LEADER provided that in an immersive way. 

How did LEADER align with your personal or professional goals? 

(Aakriti) LEADER blended purpose and practice. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs, I’ve seen the grit and hustle it takes to build something from the ground up. Working with aspiring entrepreneurs and sharing tools for success really hit home. On the professional side, I’m passionate about marketing and strategy, and LEADER lets me apply those skills in a new, global context. It pushed me to think on my feet, communicate across cultures, and lead with empathy – strengths I’ll carry into a global marketing role. 

(Laura) I’ve prioritized travel and cultural immersion in my young adulthood to grow and learn more about myself. In Thailand, I learned from so many new perspectives by collaborating closely with our site partner and participants. I left feeling inspired by their creativity and innovation. Professionally, LEADER helped me develop foundational teaching and leadership skills that I can apply to any role. Facilitating case-based learning taught me to break down complex ideas and lead thoughtful discussions – valuable skills for virtually any career. 

Why do you think Thailand was a meaningful choice for expanding LEADER’s footprint?  

(Laura) Thailand was a natural fit. It’s Southeast Asia’s second-largest economy, yet its startup ecosystem is still emerging. Bangkok, the capital, is quickly becoming an international hub for trade and innovation, making it a strategic location. Partnering with the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) allowed us to work with participants with strong technical backgrounds – many had postgraduate degrees in scientific fields. They had ideas grounded in research, but sought business fundamentals to support their ventures. LEADER helped to fill the gap and support Bangkok’s growing economy. 

What collaboration took place between Ivey and local partners in Thailand to make the program a success?  

(Laura) After receiving our site allocations in January, we worked closely with AIT to ensure a successful first year. They supported us with participant information and connected us with Thai business leaders. Their help was essential before our arrival and also ensured a smooth program delivery. It enabled us to build strong relationships with participants and create a lasting partnership with the AIT community.   

What were your first impressions of the entrepreneurial environment in Thailand?  

(Laura) I noticed the relationship-driven culture. Our participants were eager to collaborate from day one. Some even partnered on ventures, demonstrating the strength of the community.  

How did your team prepare for delivering LEADER content in a brand-new location like Thailand?  

(Laura) Working closely with AIT, we learned about Thai business practices, local customs, and our participants' backgrounds. Every lesson and case was localized to resonate with our participants, using local restaurant examples or adjusting concepts to participants’ experience levels. As part of our training, we were guided by Ivey faculty members including Nadine De Gannes, HBA ’09, and Martha Maznevski, PhD ’94, who specialize in global leadership. Their feedback helped us to navigate cultural differences and foster a positive learning environment. 

Were there any unexpected challenges that arose in planning or delivering the sessions? How did your team respond? 

(Aakriti) Since it was Thailand’s pilot year, some processes weren’t fully established, so we had to be flexible and problem-solve. One challenge was the campus location – it was in Bangkok’s suburbs, making commuting difficult. We are now exploring the feasibility of a downtown venue next year for better access. Our team’s strength lay in communication – we constantly huddled to align, adjust, and stay on track. Also, the on-site AIT team was incredibly kind and responsive, making collaboration easy. 

(Laura) Case-based learning relies on discussion, so every session is unique and requires student participation. We were lucky to have an engaged cohort and rich discussions, but sometimes ran out of time before covering all of the content. Balancing discussion and teaching was tricky. Our team developed ways to redirect the session back to the case content, through time checks and summarizing participants' comments to transition into the next topic. 

Can you walk us through a moment that captured the impact of the program on participants? 

(Aakriti) One moment that stood out was when a student from the Philippines wanted to bring the LEADER Project to her hometown. She saw such value in it that she wanted her community to benefit too. That showed me how empowering knowledge-sharing is and that these two weeks could plant seeds of ambition and have a long-term impact. 

(Laura) Our program ended with a pitch competition judged by Thai business leaders. Participants applied what they’d learned to present their ventures. During the Q&A, participants asked one another thoughtful questions, demonstrating both their grasp of the course content and a deep understanding of their peers’ businesses. It was a powerful demonstration of their growth and how invested they were in each other’s success. 

How did working in a new cultural and entrepreneurial context shape your understanding of global leadership or international business, and influence you personally and professionally? 

(Aakriti) Working in Thailand gave me a fresh lens on humility in leadership. The culture is warm, respectful, and collaborative – values I relate to, coming from India. I saw local entrepreneurs navigate challenges with grace and grit. A key moment was our session at the Indo-Thai Chamber of Commerce, where I saw cross-border collaboration in action. It deepened my understanding of the nuances of international business and my appreciation for cultural sensitivity and adaptability. 

(Laura) I learned there are infinite ways to solve a problem. Our participants, from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, exposed me to different perspectives. During lectures, I’d ask the class a question, expecting a singular “right” answer, but their responses often surprised me. They approached problems from different angles, drawing on personal experiences and technical expertise to offer innovative solutions. It was an important reminder that the best ideas don’t always fit into a standard framework, but emerge through diverse perspectives and collaboration. 

What advice would you give to future LEADER participants? 

(Aakriti) It goes by fast, so take it all in. Don’t overthink your application; just be honest about why you care. This was one of the most fulfilling experiences during my time at Ivey. It will challenge you, stretch your thinking, and leave you with unforgettable memories and connections. Also – pack light, smile often, and enjoy the local food! 

(Laura) As a LEADERite, you’ll learn just as much from the participants as they will from you. Take time to connect with your cohort, stay curious, and create an environment where participants are comfortable sharing their perspectives. The more you invest in relationships, the more rewarding the experience will be.

 View more photos below.

LEADER team exploring the Grand Palace, Bangkok

L-R: Gagandeep Grewal, Aakriti Gupta, Laura Caraccio, Jessica Myles, and Simon Hungate

Business leader panel event at AIT. L-R: Dr. Lakeesha Ransom, Tad Hatchaleelaha, Michael B. Currie, Dr. Tobias Endress, Dr. Patcharapit Promoppatum, and Dr. Dieter Trau

LEADERite instructors, Alumni Volunteer Jessica Myles, and Faculty Supervisor Dominic Lim during the LEADER Welcome Keynote session