Rupani is chief strategy officer and executive director of the new Special Talent, Access and Responsibility (STAR) MBA program at the George Washington University School of Business, aimed at teaching already-famous clientele lessons in personal branding. Olympic gymnast Dominique Dawes and Washington Redskins linebacker Rocky McIntosh are among the program’s first students. How is it different than a typical MBA program?
This is the first fully credited MBA program for… individuals with strong personal brands. We’ve designed the modules to fit the schedules of our students.
What role does D.C. play in the program?
There are very special things about Washington, D.C., and our students get to experience the intersection of business and public policy. For example, part of the interactive approach that the program takes is that we have meetings with different congressman, we have onsite case studies and we do case studies at the Nationals Stadium. We tried to incorporate all that D.C. has to offer.
What has been the general reaction?
There’s been a very positive reaction from the students and the faculty. We have a few students saying this has been the most rewarding educational experience they ever had. The professors are very impressed [with the students].
What is the end goal for students?
These players are already leaders and they need to just be equipped with the business skills and the knowledge to lead organizations and lead nonprofits. Once they finish their current careers, are they going to be led or are they going to be able to lead organizations? My hope is that they are able to make a huge impact on society, make a huge difference in the community, and be better corporate citizens.
Amy Myers
