News@Ivey · Communications

‘Dream big and do more’: Ivey’s new HBA students begin their transformational journey

Sep 3, 2024

HBA students being greeted with applause as they arrive at the Opening Gala.

In greeting the 780 incoming HBA1 students, Maguire Hampson, an HBA2 student and O-Week Leader, likened their upcoming journey to skydiving – initially, you might feel both excitement and terror, but once you jump, it’s pure euphoria.

“It’s an opportunity to redefine the limits we have set for ourselves. Having this mentality is what led to the best year of my life,” he said.

Hampson, Vice President of Events for the HBA Association, was one of the many HBA O-Week Leaders, faculty, staff, and alumni who welcomed Ivey’s new HBA students with exuberant cheers, applause, and inspiring messages at the HBA Opening Gala at RBC Place London on August 30. The Gala is a kick-off to Ivey O-Week 2024, which includes various activities to onboard the new students and runs until September 7.

There was a common theme to the messages shared at the Gala, centred on the transformational experience that’s ahead for the students.

Ivey Dean Julian Birkinshaw, MBA ’91, PhD ’95, said – even 30 years later – his first days at Ivey are still vividly clear.

“It changed my life, it certainly did. And it will change yours,” he said.

Developing global-ready leaders who strive to change the world

Noting how the students will learn about critical issues, be put in the shoes of decision-makers, and become more insightful, thoughtful, and reflective about the contribution they can make in the business world, Birkinshaw stressed the importance of courage during their Ivey journey. He quoted Irish author George Bernard Shaw who said the reasonable person adapts to the world, but the unreasonable person seeks to adapt the world to himself or herself. Birkinshaw told the students to strive to be unreasonable, highlighting examples of famous innovators who have done so; such as Steve Jobs, Elon Musk, and Richard Branson; and forged new ideas that shape the way we live today.

“I want you to think of yourselves as slightly unreasonable – as agents of positive change in the world. You need to be unreasonable in a reasonable way,” he said. “I want you to develop a point of view of what might be, rather than what is and to have the courage to pursue that view … How are you going to see opportunities to do things that perhaps others haven’t had the courage to? We need global-ready leaders who prioritize solving difficult challenges for the betterment of all.”

The start of new challenges and new dreams

HBA Faculty Director Matt Sooy also encouraged the students to make the most of their time at Ivey urging them to “dream bigger, do more, and care more.”

“Life isn’t about less work, it’s about good work. There is so much good work that can be done both within and outside of Ivey,” he said. “Challenge is very personal. Dreams are very personal. Part of what you’ll learn to do here is to give your dreams a voice … Today, I hope we can both celebrate coming this far and challenge ourselves to continue dreaming, aspiring, and working.”

Calling Ivey and its community “an enabler,” Derek Worden, Director of Student Experience, challenged the students to be present, engaged, take risks, but most of all, be themselves.

“I know that many of you in this room are nervous and asking yourself, ‘Do I belong here?’…You belong here and not just because we think you can be a great business leader and contribute to communities. You belong here because of who you are,” he said. “In joining Ivey, don’t feel like you have to change the things you’ve been doing … in bringing what you love to Ivey, you will make your peers and all of us better people … So be here, be yourself, and give back in all of the different ways of service and I promise you that you will leave with no regrets.”

Lessons from award-winning Ivey entrepreneur, Ray Sharma

Ray Sharma, HBA ’96, Founder of Extreme Venture Partners and this year’s Ivey Alumni Achievement Award recipient, was the guest speaker at the event. He shared highlights of his entrepreneurship journey, including how to develop ideas, navigate fundraising, analyze the market, and make a pitch.

Noting that serendipity is the grandmother of innovation, he urged the students to be present – not just physically, but consciously – and to not be afraid to step out of their comfort zone to gain the right knowledge and skills or to seize opportunities. He told the students he was introverted, but continuously practised public speaking until he was comfortable with it because it’s a key skill for entrepreneurs.

“Resistance is important for growth … Just keep trying – just do it, even if you put yourself in an uncomfortable position. You have to put yourself in the right position for when opportunity presents itself,” he said.

Learn more about Ivey’s new HBA students in the infographic below.