This year, Tuck students had the distinct honor of joining 1,000 business leaders in São Paulo, Brazil, for the 2024 Business20 (B20) Summit, chaired by Tuck alumnus Dan Ioschpe T’91.
As the voice of the global business community within the G20, the B20 brings together representatives from across industries to develop policy recommendations for tackling pressing global challenges. Fellows from Tuck’s Center for Business, Government & Society—Leen Ajlouni, Saad Shaukat, and Zac Seeber—participated in the Trade and Investment Taskforce, one of six taskforces shaping the B20’s agenda.
What was your biggest takeaway from attending the B20 as a Tuck delegate?
Attending the B20 Summit as a Tuck delegate was a truly transformative experience—not only because we were the only (and possibly first!) business school represented but because it provided a profound understanding of the interconnections between our global challenges. I realized that issues like food security, climate change, gender equality, and education are woven together in a way that demands integrated, collaborative solutions; you can’t talk about food security without addressing sustainability, or gender equality without considering education. Former Unilever CEO Paul Polman’s words resonated deeply when he said, “the cost of inaction is now far greater than the cost of action.” This urgent reminder underscored the need for leaders to move beyond fragmented, rearview mirror thinking and instead embrace forward-looking, unified action.
I left the summit feeling profoundly inspired, especially being surrounded by leaders who are committed to ‘inclusive growth’—a shared vision for a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable world where growth benefits everyone, not just a few. Collective action emerged as an essential theme; in a world that feels increasingly polarized, our challenges are shared, and so too must be our solutions. This experience strengthened my drive to tackle global issues with both urgency and pragmatism, understanding that while we might move quickly alone, it’s only together that we can go far. I left the summit more motivated than ever to foster solutions that bridge divides and drive meaningful change.
What are you planning or hoping to do after graduation? What will you take from this experience into the future?
After Tuck, I’ll be joining BCG as a management consultant, where I’m excited to tackle complex challenges in a global context. But my ultimate aspiration is to address the fundamental challenges facing humankind, particularly in education. Growing up in Jordan, I was fortunate to receive scholarships that changed the trajectory of my life, allowing me to experience the transformative power of quality education. This is why I’m passionate about ensuring that every child has a fair starting point through access to high-quality education.
The B20 Summit reaffirmed the role of the private sector as a driving force in societal advancement, where "creating and sharing value is our responsibility." This experience inspired me to think deeply about what it means to be a responsible leader. I’m leaving the summit with a commitment to lead with purpose, ensuring that the companies and initiatives I’m part of don’t just seek profit but also contribute meaningfully to society. The summit helped me internalize that the right question shouldn’t be “should we do this?” but rather, "how do we justify not doing this?" I was reminded to stay grounded in my values, to take humanity to business, and to hold myself personally accountable. As Rumi so aptly put it, “Yesterday I was clever, so I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise, so I am changing myself.” The future of humanity depends on the choices we make today, and I’m determined to make choices that leave the world a better place for those who come after me.
This opportunity was a prime example of the benefits the Tuck network can provide. Why do you think Tuck’s network is so uniquely special?
The Tuck network is a powerful, enduring force—a true testament to the strength of genuine relationships and lifelong loyalty. Our opportunity to attend the B20 Summit was only possible because of the remarkable dedication of Dan Ioschpe T’91, who chaired this year’s summit and worked tirelessly to make it one of the most impactful and meticulously executed B20 gatherings to date. Dan didn’t just open doors for us; he personally welcomed us, made time to meet with us despite his packed schedule, and introduced us to executives from around the world. His wise, decisive leadership and deep commitment to Tuck inspired us all and exemplified the extraordinary way Tuckies support one another.
This experience at the B20 is only one example of the Tuck network’s profound impact. Tuckies go beyond simply helping each other—they co-invest in each other’s success, advocate for one another fiercely, and step up wherever and whenever needed. I’ve experienced this firsthand, from alumni who respond immediately with thoughtful guidance, to mentors who serve on my personal board of advisers, to the steady presence of Tuckies during my summer internship. The Tuck network is built on a foundation of trust, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to lift each other up—a bond that transcends time and distance, and a community I feel truly privileged to be part of.
Did attending the B20 Summit influence or alter your thoughts on any economic topic?
This experience served as a powerful reminder of the global economy’s interconnected nature and the intricate ties between nations that sustain it. The event highlighted the potential of multilateralism—countries working together to tackle complex, shared challenges—especially at a time when many are leaning toward protectionist and isolationist policies. In a world facing global issues like climate change, economic instability, and supply chain disruptions, such cooperation is not only promising but essential. The B20 writ large underscored the idea that collaborative international efforts can drive progress in ways that isolated actions cannot achieve.
What are you planning or hoping to do after graduation? Will you use anything you learned from this experience in the future?
After graduation, I’m headed to BCG to become a management consultant. BCG, coincidentally, was the knowledge partner for the B20 Trade & Investment Task Force, and I hope I have another opportunity to participate in a future B20, potentially through a different lens.
This opportunity was a prime example of the benefits the Tuck network can provide. Why do you think Tuck’s network is so uniquely special?
Tuck’s network is truly a special part of business school here. As to what makes this network special, I believe Tuck intentionally cultivates an environment and experience that is incredibly interconnected with your peers as well as alumni. Their support and accessibility are so essential during the program that, any time you’re in a position to “pay it forward”, it is almost second nature to pass on the same support you’ve received. It’s truly an incredible culture of taking care of each other.
Did attending the B20 Summit influence or alter your thoughts on any economic topic?
Participating in the B20 broadened my understanding of global economic challenges through the perspectives of countries that have successfully lifted millions out of poverty. It altered how I think about the alignment of economic policies with the political capital required to foster long-term, mutually reinforcing partnerships. One of the most eye-opening realizations was seeing the deep commitment of developing countries to come together and propose viable solutions to global economic issues, even while navigating the growing polarization of the geopolitical landscape. I gained a new appreciation for the delicate balance between national interests and multilateralism. The B20 made it clear that collaboration and unity are crucial, even as economic and political tensions threaten global cooperation. Witnessing the dedication of nations, despite these challenges, has reshaped how I view economic governance and the potential for multilateralism to enable sustainable development.
What are you planning or hoping to do after graduation? What will you take from this experience into the future?
As someone committed to global development, the B20 experience was pivotal in connecting my background in public sector governance in Pakistan with broader economic development challenges facing emerging economies. It underscored how leveraging technology and innovative governance practices can drive sustainable growth. The insights I gained have strengthened my resolve to bring back global best practices and contribute meaningfully to my country’s economic development.
After graduation, I plan to return to public service, focusing on driving economic progress in Pakistan. The B20 summit illuminated the significant disconnect between the private sector’s expectations and the policy frameworks provided by the government. Having worked within the Government of Pakistan, I’ve witnessed the inefficiencies that arise from this misalignment and how they impact everyday citizens. The B20 experience reinforced my passion for bridging this gap by implementing policies that foster an enabling business environment while also improving the quality of life for all Pakistanis.
The benefits of sustained economic growth shouldn’t be a privilege reserved for a few; they must be inclusive and accessible. I’m driven to create policies that reduce barriers, encourage entrepreneurship, and support sustainable development. The motivation that originally brought me to the U.S. for an MBA—to equip myself with the tools to make a tangible impact—has been reinvigorated by my experience at B20. It’s a mission that continues to fuel my determination to drive meaningful change in my country.
Why did you choose to attend Tuck?
I chose Tuck because of the seamless integration of its curriculum with real-world application, and the sense of community it offers. Faculty members are deeply invested in our growth, equipping us with the skills to make a lasting impact from day one of our internships and beyond. This holistic approach to business education was exactly what I was looking for.
Coming from a liberal arts background and a public sector career path, I wanted an MBA experience that felt like home, and Tuck provided that. The supportive and close-knit environment, combined with the rigor of the academic program, has been transformative. Everyone told me that the true value of an MBA becomes apparent years later, but at Tuck, I’ve felt that transformation happening every day. Being here in the beautiful Upper Valley has allowed me to grow not only as a professional but also as a person, and I am profoundly grateful for this opportunity.
L to R: Zac Seeber T’25, Leen Ajlouni T’25, Executive Director of the Center for Business, Government & Society Hannah Payson, 2024 B20 Summit Chair Dan Ioschpe T’91, Saad Shaukat T’25
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