As geopolitical tensions, supply chain realignments, and artificial intelligence reshape the global business landscape, corporate leaders are facing unprecedented levels of complexity. What was once a world optimized primarily for efficiency is increasingly being redefined by resilience, risk management, and strategic adaptability.
To discuss how business leaders can navigate this changing environment, BCC Global Media spoke with Professor Joan Jané, Dean of Executive Education at IESE Business School. Before entering academia, Jané built extensive international management experience at HP, specializing in global operations and supply chain management. Today, he teaches executives and senior leaders on operations strategy, organizational transformation, and operational excellence.
In this interview, Professor Jané shares his perspectives on geopolitical uncertainty, Europe’s evolving role in the global economy, supply chain resilience, artificial intelligence, and the leadership capabilities required in an increasingly fragmented world.
“Geopolitical Risk Is No Longer an Exception—It Is Part of the Business Environment”
BCC Global Media: As part of the CEIBS (China Europe International Business School) Global EMBA program, participants recently attended classes at IESE’s New York campus, gaining broader perspectives on global business and leadership. As geopolitical tensions and trade disputes increasingly influence corporate decision-making, how is IESE preparing future leaders to navigate this uncertainty?
Professor Joan Jané: At IESE, we prepare leaders not simply to manage businesses, but to lead through uncertainty. Geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, wars, and economic fragmentation are no longer exceptional events—they are becoming part of the operating reality for global organizations.
Leaders need a genuinely global perspective and the agility to anticipate multiple scenarios, adapt quickly, and make sound decisions under pressure.
Equally important, we emphasize values-based leadership. Economic performance matters, but leaders must also balance performance with societal impact and long-term responsibility.
“Europe Should Not Be Viewed as a Single Market”
BCC Global Media: Many Asian companies continue to view Europe as an important growth destination. As regulatory complexity and geopolitical uncertainty increase, what advice would you offer Asian companies seeking to expand into Europe?
Professor Joan Jané: The first point I would emphasize is that Europe should not be viewed as a single market.
While Europe shares a common economic framework, significant differences remain across countries in culture, consumer behavior, and regulatory environments. Success requires a deep understanding of local markets and strong local partnerships.
In addition, sustainability, data privacy, and AI governance are increasingly becoming strategic business issues rather than simple compliance requirements.
Companies that combine local understanding with a long-term commitment to the market are often the most successful.
“Efficiency Alone Is No Longer Enough”
BCC Global Media: As U.S.-China tensions continue to reshape global commerce, how should companies rethink their supply chain strategies?
Professor Joan Jané: For many years, supply chains were designed primarily for efficiency. Today, resilience has become equally important.
Executive teams are increasingly focused on operational continuity and risk management. Companies are diversifying suppliers, expanding manufacturing footprints, and reducing overdependence on any single geography.
This is not necessarily deglobalization. Rather, it represents a shift toward more resilient and regionally balanced supply networks while maintaining global connectivity.
“The Real Value of AI Is Better and Faster Decision-Making”
BCC Global Media: Many organizations are exploring how artificial intelligence can improve operational performance. What role do you see AI playing in strengthening supply chain resilience?
Professor Joan Jané: AI is becoming a critical capability because it enables companies to transform visibility into action.
Organizations can use AI to improve forecasting, strengthen risk management, conduct scenario planning, and respond more quickly to disruptions.
The real value comes not from having more data, but from making better decisions faster.
Companies that successfully integrate AI into everyday decision-making processes will gain a significant competitive advantage.
“Companies Leveraging AI for Supply Chain Transformation Are Setting the Pace”
BCC Global Media: Are there organizations that stand out in their use of AI and digital technologies within supply chain management?
Professor Joan Jané: Many global organizations are investing heavily in these capabilities.
At the same time, specialized technology firms such as o9 Solutions are helping companies improve supply chain orchestration, planning, and decision-making.
Organizations such as Nike have increasingly adopted advanced digital planning capabilities to improve responsiveness, forecasting accuracy, and operational agility.
What is particularly remarkable is the pace of innovation, which requires companies to continuously learn, adapt, and evolve.
“The More Fragmented Politics Become, the More Integrated Leaders Must Think”
BCC Global Media: This week, you taught a highly international group of executives participating in the CEIBS Global EMBA program. In a world of changing supply chains and shifting trade patterns, what unique perspective does IESE offer leaders seeking to identify new opportunities?
Professor Joan Jané: IESE combines a global perspective with a humanistic view of business.
Our participants do not simply study how trade flows and supply chains are changing. They learn how these transformations create opportunities for innovation, entrepreneurship, and value creation.
We are witnessing profound changes in manufacturing, regional production networks, and AI-driven business models. Our role is to help leaders develop the judgment and vision required to identify opportunities while creating sustainable economic and societal value.
I often say that while the world may be becoming more fragmented politically, business leaders must become more integrated in their thinking.
The leaders who succeed will be those who can connect regions, cultures, technologies, industries, and people while remaining grounded in purpose and values.
About Professor Joan Jané Professor Joan Jané serves as Dean of Executive Education at IESE Business School. Prior to joining academia, he held leadership roles at HP, where he developed extensive expertise in global operations and supply chain management. His areas of expertise include operations strategy, supply chain management, operational excellence, and organizational transformation.
About IESE Business School Founded in 1958, IESE Business School operates campuses in Barcelona, Madrid, Munich, New York, and São Paulo. The school is consistently ranked among the world’s leading institutions for executive education and leadership development, with a mission to develop globally minded leaders capable of creating lasting impact in business and society.