Thunderbird Global Challenge Labs architect solutions on a global scale

As a proud Thunderbird School of Global Management alum, Caesar Garcia ’00, regional sales director at UberFreight, has maintained a connection to his alma mater — and the interconnected Thunderbird community — for many years. So, when the opportunity arose recently to host a Global Challenge Lab (GCL) at his company in Mexico and help empower five Thunderbird students in their education journeys, he didn’t hesitate. Garcia joins the ranks of other Thunderbird alumni like Ivan Jileta ’09, and Jimmy Hu ’96 who have hosted students globally through this unique program.

Venturing into the unknown 

The GCL is a core requirement for Thunderbird’s Master of Global Management (MGM)  students, immersing them in real-world projects that challenge their problem-solving skills in their region of choice. Students work with organizations for 6-7 weeks, with three of those weeks being on-site at the client’s office. Throughout this timeframe, they gain hands-on, collaborative experiences in a supportive environment – and help solve a real-world business challenge.

“The GCL capstone is undoubtedly a transformative experience for our Thunderbird students,” said Charla Griffy-Brown, director general and dean of Thunderbird. “By working directly with organizations worldwide, students are architecting innovative solutions on a global scale, while developing cross-cultural competencies and gaining real-world problem-solving expertise. This program is a true testament to Thunderbird’s commitment to shaping agile, strategic leaders who can not only thrive in – but also shape – the future.”

“The GCL provides a safe space for students to learn and develop,” continued Ivan Jileta ’09, vice president of Global Strategic Sourcing at Aristocrat. “It’s the perfect time to take risks and push beyond their comfort zone.” Jileta encourages students to step out of the familiar when selecting their GCL location and field. “Choose a place you’ve never been and consider a field that complements but differs from your own expertise. If you’re in finance, try marketing or an engineering field,” he advised. Many MGM students heed this advice and opt for locations different from their home of origin. 

“When students fully engage with the experience, the learning is deeper and more valuable,” shared Jimmy Hu ’96, chairman and chief executive officer at GlobalNet Electronics. “I recommend that students completely immerse themselves and stay open-minded and proactive. Curiosity, a good attitude, and initiative are key.”

A cross-cultural learning experience

The GCL requires a diverse group of students to come together to analyze organizational challenges and propose solutions. This often means working through cultural and language barriers, learning new cultural norms, and adapting to a new environment. “The students worked through any fears or insecurities to work closely with their team and explore beyond the program, meeting new people and learning from the environment,” said Garcia. “I was impressed by how students immersed themselves in the local culture.”

The program also fosters personal growth, especially as students overcome culture shock and language barriers. “Watching them adapt and gain confidence was one of my favorite aspects of the program,” Hu reflected. “By the end, they were much more self-assured.”

The GCL benefits students and enriches the companies they work with. “Many of our employees speak English as a second language and rarely have the opportunity to interact with people from other cultures. Working with the students boosted our team’s confidence to tackle more challenging tasks,” Hu noted.

Strengthening alumni connections

Hosting a GCL has proven to be as rewarding for the alumni as it is for the students. Garcia found working with fellow Thunderbird alumni a unique and enriching experience. “There was an instant connection between us, an unspoken understanding of the leadership principles and global mindset that we all share as Thunderbird graduates,” he said. “That bond made our work more cohesive and efficient.”

Hosting GCL students offers alumni the opportunity to strengthen their ties to Thunderbird and contribute to the development of future global leaders. “Our organization is growing internationally, and Thunderbird’s global mindset aligns perfectly with our strategic goals,” Jileta explained. “Hosting a GCL benefited the students and brought fresh perspectives and valuable insights to our company. The experience also helped me develop as a mentor.” All the alumni said they look forward to hosting again. 

Impactful results and lasting lessons

At the conclusion of each GCL, students present their findings to company executives. “I was amazed by the depth of their insights,” Jileta remarked. “Their strategies on supply chain management, from geopolitical considerations to labor issues, were impressive and immediately applicable.”

As the world becomes more complex, we need leaders who have a deep and broad understanding of the challenges and opportunities. The ones that exist today as well as the ones that will arise. “We need leaders who can navigate geopolitical challenges and solve complex problems. Thunderbird and the GCL helps prepare students for that,” said Jileta. 

This real-time problem-solving and strategy development curated throughout the GCL experience allows students to make an immediate impact. For many, the skills and confidence they build during GCL continue to benefit them long after they leave Thunderbird. “The network and experiences I gained at Thunderbird shaped my career and helped me navigate the complexities of global business,” Hu reflected. “The GCL is an essential part of that journey—it gives students a tangible way to apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings.”

Advice for alumni considering hosting a GCL project 

For alumni considering hosting a GCL, Garcia encourages them to dive in: “Be involved, be available during the preparation week, and provide clear objectives and deliverables. It’s a rewarding experience. I’d do it again in a heartbeat!”

Hu emphasized the importance of passion and teamwork: “Share your knowledge with enthusiasm, understand both your purpose and the students’ goals, and ensure your team is equally invested.”

If alumni know they want to give back to the Thunderbird community but aren’t sure if hosting a GCL is the right fit, Jileta encourages them to explore it at their own pace. “You don’t have to commit immediately. Start a conversation with Thunderbird and see how it could align with your goals,” he suggested. 

A program that shapes future global leaders

The GCL is not just an academic requirement—it’s a vital step in developing the skills, mindset, and leadership qualities necessary to thrive in a rapidly changing world. For both students and alumni, GCL represents an opportunity to embrace new challenges, learn from diverse perspectives, and build the relationships and expertise that define global leadership.