Dr. Stephen Harrison: A Visionary Leader Transforming Global Business Education

 Dr. Stephen Harrison’s life is a remarkable journey of resilience, innovation, and dedication to both military service and education. Born into a family with a deep-rooted tradition of military service, he experienced a nomadic childhood, moving frequently and embracing diverse cultures. This upbringing cultivated adaptability and a passion for lifelong learning. As a young naval officer, Lieutenant Harrison distinguished himself as a fighter pilot during the Falklands War, earning the prestigious Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for gallantry. His exemplary leadership in combat laid the foundation for a stellar military career.

After eleven years of service, he transitioned into civil aviation and business, establishing ventures across seven countries and three continents. In Europe, he founded a management consulting firm, while in South America, he launched a tech start-up offering solutions to governments and international organizations like WHO. In Africa, he spearheaded a sustainable mining enterprise, demonstrating his ability to merge military precision with entrepreneurial acumen.

Dr. Harrison’s academic journey is equally commendable. He earned an MBA at 45 and a Ph.D. in Education Management at 59, underscoring his commitment to personal and professional growth. As the Dean of the Swiss School of Business Research (SSBR), he leverages his diverse experiences to transform the institution into a global leader in business education, emphasizing innovative, flexible learning models. His career is a testament to his ability to inspire, adapt, and excel across various domains.

About Your Business or Profession 

Dr. Stephen Harrison’s journey into business education began with a vision to revolutionize traditional academic systems by leveraging technology. Recognizing the rigidity and time-consuming nature of conventional degree programs, he sought to create an accessible, fast-paced learning model tailored to modern needs. This vision materialized in the Swiss School of Business Research (SSBR), with a mission to make education more relevant and adaptable for today’s tech-driven world.

A cornerstone of his innovation was the “PhD by Portfolio” program, designed to validate and recognize the professional and research accomplishments of experienced executives in just one year. This unique offering addressed a significant gap for professionals seeking academic credentials without pausing their careers. Under Dr. Harrison’s leadership, SSBR has emerged as a trailblazer in providing efficient, tech-enabled education that bridges the gap between academic learning and professional experience, setting a global benchmark for business schools.

Balancing Challenges in Personal and Professional Life 

Balancing professional responsibilities as Dean of the Swiss School of Business Research with personal life requires deliberate strategies and discipline. Dr. Harrison emphasizes the importance of setting clear boundaries, ensuring work commitments do not overshadow personal priorities. He meticulously plans his schedule, carving out time for family, fitness, and relaxation. Physical activity, such as swimming and hiking, serves as a stress-reliever and enhances mental clarity.

At work, he delegates responsibilities, empowering his team to manage tasks effectively, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration. Transparent communication with family and colleagues helps manage expectations and ensures mutual support. Dr. Harrison believes in quality over quantity, focusing on being fully present in each moment, whether at work or home. This balanced approach allows him to excel in both his professional and personal endeavour’s.

Appetite for Business 

Dr. Harrison’s appetite for business is driven by a passion for innovation, a commitment to ethical leadership, and a desire to create meaningful impact. His entrepreneurial spirit, honed through ventures on three continents, is rooted in the belief that education should anticipate and shape industry needs. Establishing SSBR exemplifies his vision of disrupting traditional models by offering agile, practical educational programs like the “PhD by Portfolio.”

His business approach integrates sustainability and ethics, ensuring decisions benefit all stakeholders, from students to global communities. Dr. Harrison’s relentless drive to blend education with industry relevance positions him as a transformative leader in the evolving landscape of global business education.

Passion That Drives You 

Dr. Harrison is driven by a deep passion for transforming education to ensure it remains accessible, impactful, and aligned with modern challenges. He believes education is a catalyst for societal change, empowering individuals and shaping communities. His vision for SSBR reflects this passion, with programs like the “PhD by Portfolio” embodying his commitment to bridging professional expertise with academic recognition.

The opportunity to democratize education and witness graduates thrive as ethical leaders fuels his motivation. Navigating global educational complexities and innovating solutions keeps his drive alive, pushing him to deliver transformative learning experiences that empower future business leaders.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic 

The COVID-19 pandemic was a turning point for Dr. Harrison and SSBR. Recognizing the limitations of traditional education systems, he seized the opportunity to establish SSBR as a digital-first institution. The crisis highlighted the need for flexible, technology-driven learning solutions, inspiring programs like the “PhD by Portfolio” that allowed professionals to advance academically without compromising their careers.

SSBR’s digital readiness ensured uninterrupted education, attracting a global audience during the pandemic. Strategic marketing efforts emphasized the institution’s innovative approach, positioning SSBR as a resilient and forward-thinking leader in business education. For Dr. Harrison, the pandemic was not just a challenge but an impetus for meaningful innovation.

Strengths and Sharable Weaknesses 

Dr. Harrison attributes his success to strategic foresight, resilience, and a relentless focus on innovation. His ability to anticipate market trends and align SSBR’s offerings with future business needs has been instrumental in the school’s growth. Resilience, cultivated through military and academic experiences, enables him to navigate challenges calmly and decisively.

However, his drive for rapid innovation can sometimes lead to overstretching resources. These experiences have taught him the importance of pacing and sustainable growth, offering valuable lessons for aspiring leaders to balance ambition with practicality.

Achievements and Recognitions 

Dr. Harrison’s achievements span military service, academia, and business. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross during the Falklands War at just 21, a testament to his bravery and leadership. His academic journey culminated in a Ph.D. in Education Management at 59, showcasing his belief in lifelong learning.

Professionally, the establishment of SSBR is a crowning achievement. Under his leadership, SSBR secured Swiss accreditation in 2020, attracted over 600 students from 85 countries, and formed partnerships with 35 institutions globally. Recognitions include being named among “The 10 Most Recommended B-Schools of 2024” and “Top 5 Visionary Leaders Shaping Tomorrow’s Business World.”

Advice for Aspiring Leaders 

Dr. Harrison advises aspiring leaders to embrace lifelong learning, build resilience, and prioritize ethical leadership. Understanding and motivating teams through emotional intelligence fosters trust and collaboration, while setting a clear vision inspires collective effort. Balancing ambition with sustainability and learning from failures are key to effective leadership.

Mantra for Growth and Success 

Dr. Harrison’s mantra emphasizes continuous learning, resilience, and ethical decision-making. He encourages viewing challenges as opportunities for growth and setting an example of integrity and curiosity, fostering meaningful leadership and personal success.

Additional Thoughts 

Dr. Harrison highlights the importance of community and collaboration in addressing global challenges. Promoting diversity, inclusivity, and kindness in leadership creates stronger teams and lasting impacts. His vision encourages leaders to pursue success while positively influencing their environments.

Quotes:

“Education empowers individuals and transforms societies.”

“Leadership inspires growth through innovation and influence.”

“Balance is about sustaining rhythm, not perfection.”

“Success demands learning, resilience, and integrity.”

“Teamwork and communication drive lasting results.”

“Challenges spark growth and innovation.”

Awards/Recognition of Achievements (Chronological Order) 

1. Distinguished Service Cross for Gallantry – 1982, Falklands War.

2. PhD in Education Management– 2020.

3. Named “10 Most Promising Switzerland Colleges for Students 2022” by Higher Education Review– September 2022.

4. Named “The 10 Most Recommended B-Schools of 2024”by The Education Magazine – September 2024.

5. Named “Top 5 Visionary Leaders Shaping Tomorrow’s Business World, 2024” by Magnate View Magazine* – October 2024.

Complete Address for Shipping 

Stephen Harrison MRCB

1345 NW 89th Ct Unit 2,

Doral, FL 33172,

United States

Social Media Handles 

Website: [https://www.ssbr-edu.ch](https://www.ssbr-edu.ch)

Wikipedia: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Thomas_(naval_officer)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Thomas_(naval_officer))

Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/stephen.harrison.50767](https://www.facebook.com/stephen.harrison.50767)