Lars Strannegård: Art in Business, Leadership, and the Skills AI Can’t Replace
Mar 5, 2025
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Lars Strannegård, the President of the Stockholm School of Economics, champions the fusion of art and culture with business education. He reveals how engaging with art enhances empathy and cultivates invaluable human skills that AI can’t replicate. The discussion touches on the transformative power of storytelling, the significance of a vibrant learning environment, and the traits of effective leadership. Strannegård emphasizes that reading fiction can even boost leadership qualities, advocating for a more culturally rich curriculum in today's AI-driven landscape.
Integrating arts and culture into business education fosters empathy and emotional intelligence essential for effective leadership in an AI-driven world.
Creating stimulating learning environments through art encourages innovative thinking and collaboration, enriching the educational experience for future leaders.
Deep dives
The Role of Culture in Business Education
Integrating culture into business education is essential for developing a more comprehensive worldview among students. Exposure to arts, literature, and music broadens perspectives, encouraging students to question their preconceived notions. This approach not only fosters intellectual growth but also cultivates humility by illustrating the complexities of life that extend beyond mere statistics and figures. By engaging with various cultural expressions, students enhance their emotional intelligence, enabling them to empathize with others' experiences, even if they have never lived through those circumstances themselves.
Empathy and Human Skills in the Age of AI
As artificial intelligence becomes increasingly prevalent, the importance of empathy and human connection in education and leadership is amplified. AI lacks the ability to genuinely understand human emotions, making it crucial for future leaders to cultivate these human skills. Engaging deeply with the arts and humanities can help develop a sense of empathy, allowing individuals to connect with others on a more profound level. By focusing on fostering these uniquely human traits, educational institutions prepare students for an increasingly digital world where emotional intelligence will set them apart.
Enhancing Creativity Through Engaging Learning Environments
Creating stimulating learning environments through art fosters creativity and innovative thinking among students. Physical spaces infused with artwork encourage students to see the world from different angles, enhancing their ability to synthesize knowledge in novel ways. By breaking free from conventional structures, students are more likely to generate original ideas, leading to increased collaboration and engagement. The presence of art facilitates conversations and connections that enrich the overall educational experience, making it more dynamic and enjoyable.
The Future of Leadership Education
Preparing the next generation of leaders requires a multifaceted educational approach that combines factual knowledge, reflective practices, and cultural literacy. Emphasizing a holistic view—fact-based, reflective, empathetic, and entrepreneurial—ensures that future leaders are equipped to navigate a rapidly changing world. This well-rounded perspective fosters adaptability and lifelong learning, essential traits for effective leadership in an unpredictable environment. By cultivating leaders who understand the broader societal context and possess the necessary interpersonal skills, educational institutions can significantly contribute to a better future.
In this episode of In Good Company, Nicolai Tangen welcomes Lars Strannegård, President of the Stockholm School of Economics, to explore why art and culture are essential in shaping tomorrow’s business leaders. Strannegård shares how exposing students to creative expression builds empathy, enhances learning, and strengthens uniquely human skills that AI can't replicate. Ever wondered why reading fiction makes you a better leader? Or what business schools can learn from art museums? From the role of storytelling in leadership to the future of education in an AI-driven world, this conversation challenges conventional ideas about what makes great leaders. Tune in!
In Good Company is hosted by Nicolai Tangen, CEO of Norges Bank Investment Management. New full episodes every Wednesday, and don't miss our Highlight episodes every Friday.
The production team for this episode includes Isabelle Karlsson and PLAN-B's Niklas Figenschau Johansen, Sebastian Langvik-Hansen and Pål Huuse. Background research was conducted by Sara Arnesen.