Professor Emeritus Jeffrey Gandz received the Ian O. Ihnatowycz Institute for Leadership’s 2024 Leader Character Award for his exceptional work that has transformed how Ivey views character and leadership development.
This award recognizes individuals who not only embed character in their own leadership, but who also dedicate themselves to championing this critical work far beyond their immediate circles.
“Professor Jeffrey Gandz exemplifies these ideas in every sense,” said Ihnatowycz Leadership’s Executive Director, Dusya Vera, PhD ’02, during the 8th annual Character Leadership Conference. “Jeffrey's legacy is one of integrity, dedication, and vision.”
Gandz joined Ivey in 1977, and his contributions to the School, and to the field of leadership, have been profound. Though he planned to retire in 2008, that year also marked the beginning of Ivey’s foundational research on character development. Instead of retiring, Gandz dedicated six more years to advancing this work and establishing the Institute, where he shaped programs, research, and outreach that continue to influence leaders worldwide.
Ivey Dean Julian Birkinshaw, MBA ’91, PhD ’95 – who was a student of Gandz’s 35 years ago – shared some personal anecdotes, crediting Gandz for inspiring his academic journey, including pursuing a PhD. “I literally would not be here today if it were not for Jeffrey.”
Throughout his career, Gandz held various leadership roles at Ivey, including MBA program Director, Associate of Programs, and Managing Director of Program Design for Executive Development. He was also one of the lead authors of the book, Leadership on Trial, which led to the founding of the Ihnatowycz Institute. “But beyond these titles,” added Vera, “[Jeffrey] became a driving force in sparking a broader dialogue on character-based leadership, inspiring students and individuals beyond Ivey to view their leadership through the essential lens of character."
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