AKSOB: Creating Connections That Influence the Future
Future-focused discussions between students, alumni and advisory board members in a virtual meet and greet transformed ideas into insights and connections into opportunities.
On April 2, 2026, the Adnan Kassar School of Business (AKSOB) virtually gathered advisory and alumni board members, faculty and students at the Virtual Meet and Greet event to allow students to pause, connect and reflect on the ever-changing, often uncertain job market.
Through themed breakout sessions covering environmental, social and governance (ESG), artificial intelligence (AI), entrepreneurship, family business, career readiness, leadership and the future of work and business resilience in times of uncertainty, students moved between discussions based on what interested them most.
They engaged directly with members of the AKSOB Advisory Board, including Carina Boustani, COO of Fernand Hosri Group; Nader Chehayeb, CEO of CPM Project Management and secretary of the AKSOB Advisory Board; Haitham Saab, serial entrepreneur and ecosystem builder; Jocelyn Chahwan, deputy CEO of BLOM Bank; Raphael Debbane, chairman of Debbaneh Saikali Group; Fadi El Rahi, CEO of MasterGroup; Nassib Ghobril, chief economist at Byblos Bank; Michel Bayoud, CEO of SYMZ Capital; and Emilie Wahab, managing director for the MENA region at L’Oréal.
Alumni Advisory Board members also took part in the discussions, including Samer El Safah, general manager of the Makhzoumi Foundation; Mazen Zeenni, chief marketing officer and chief commercial officer of Zeenni Investment Holding; Nathalie Nehme, founder of HueZ; Nadim Dimashkieh, former partner at Ernst & Young; Lara Habib, journalist and anchor at Al Arabiya News Channel; Ralph Nader, co-founder and CEO of OCCA; and Christina Khater, founder and CEO of KristiesLab.
Department chairs and faculty joined the sessions, creating a space where students could ask questions and take part in conversations that reflected where they are and where they hope to go.
“This was designed as a space for open dialogue,” said AKSOB Dean Dima Jamali. “Students listened, shared ideas, raised concerns and tried to better understand what lies ahead.”
The exchange moved beyond theory, offering perspectives shaped by real experience.
In discussions about entrepreneurship, the focus quickly shifted from ideas to execution. Timing, market awareness and understanding the audience came up repeatedly. Students were reminded that progress often comes through trial, adjustment and persistence.
During the career-focused sessions, students openly discussed their concerns, ranging from standing out to taking their first steps into the job market. Speakers emphasized that communication, consistency and attitude matter when developing the skills needed to grow in the marketplace.
Discussions on AI focused on the idea that it is an effective tool, only as effective as the thinking behind it. Speakers encouraged students to challenge, verify, interpret and stay actively involved in the process rather than accepting answers at face value.
The conversation also addressed concerns about the future. Instead of viewing change as a threat, speakers framed it as something to adapt to. The focus, they said, should be on learning how to use these tools effectively while maintaining strong judgment and clarity.
In the family business sessions, speakers emphasized accountability, clear roles and sound governance. Students were encouraged to approach family enterprises with discipline, recognizing that continuity depends on both trust and structure.
“We are not here to give ready-made answers,” said Dean Jamali. “We are here to pave the way for our students to question, analyze and share perspectives with leading market professionals.”