September 21, 2018
Thriving in the age of disruption
President’s Lecture: In conversation with Chancellor Dominic Barton
The world is changing and “change is in the wheelhouse of Waterloo. We are prepared to deal with this change” - Dominic Barton, chancellor
In a wide-ranging talk about the global economy, international business leader Dominic Barton explained that there are four forces transforming the global landscape: changing global growth dynamics, accelerating industry disruption, an aging population and searching for a new “societal ideal.” He believes that with these shifting global dynamics, businesses must change to face our new reality. Addressing the forces of disruption will require an emphasis on developing talent, possessing bold ambition, and re-thinking traditional business structures.
Waterloo students, staff and faculty had a dynamic opportunity on Friday, September 21 to participate in a thought-provoking discussion with Barton, who will be installed as Waterloo’s 11th Chancellor at a ceremony in October. Feridun Hamdullahpur, president and vice-chancellor, introduced the McKinsey and company managing partner emeritus by remarking that he is a perfect fit for the University of Waterloo because “his vision for the future is in parallel with ours.”
Barton is known for providing strategic advice to national leaders, government and corporations. The advice he had for the crowd of more than 200 students, faculty and staff is to “be open minded.” Though he admitted he has a lot to learn about the Waterloo way, Barton praised the University’s approach to education, innovation and entrepreneurship, and emphasized that interdisciplinary study and secondment in other sectors will help to keep our students’ minds open to new ways of thinking.
Barton told the audience that he believes Waterloo has an opportunity to thrive through the age of disruption. He noted that Waterloo’s entrepreneurial spirit, transformational research and emphasis on experiential learning sets Waterloo apart and readies students to be global leaders.
President Hamdullahpur explained that Waterloo is in a unique position to keep pace with complex global challenges because of our commitment to innovative thinking and undeniable curiosity. He ended the talk by noting that the four forces driving change has a lot of relevance to the work Waterloo is doing. “What we do here – our scholarship and how it is reflected in our teaching and research – is immensely relevant in our changing global landscape”.
Check out Dominic Barton’s full lecture.
