4 Lessons for New Global Leaders

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Erika James assumed leadership of the Wharton School amidst a pandemic — a crisis of global proportions. 

I relocated to Philadelphia after choosing a place to live online, and I was meeting my colleagues virtually over Zoom. I was two months into the job before I was able to take an in-person tour of the campus — and as I now end the first 90 days in my role, I can essentially count on one hand the number of colleagues, not to mention students, with whom I have been able to meet in person. To say this has been a truly unique onboarding experience would be an understatement.

Dean Erika James reflects on the start of her tenure as Dean of Wharton – 90 days into it as of September 28, 2020 – and offers four lessons for new global leaders.