Our Core Values
Best for the World Leaders
Founded in 1969, the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School is anchored in the core values of integrity always, courage with compassion, a pioneering spirit, and action taken “Today, not tomorrow.” The Graziadio mission is inspired by its Christian values and seeks to promote transformational learning, create applied knowledge, and equip students to become Best for the World Leaders.
Integrity Always
We believe that a healthy pursuit of profits is wholly compatible with virtuous leadership, and we inspire to live and model lives anchored in a deep integrity, especially when confronted by challenges that could compromise values. In an age where complexity is reality, understanding how to navigate intricate challenges is vital to creating business solutions that drive collective good. We seek to provide our students with the business tools and personal skills to manipulate these complex situations, balance competing priorities, and think holistically about the end result of their business decisions.
Through our Socially, Environmentally, and Ethically Responsible Business Strategy certificate, our students are able to see the value of acting with integrity when faced with unfamiliar or difficult circumstances across a wide range of industries. A focus on the effect of business decisions on people, the planet, profit, and product will allow students to evaluate the holistic implications of business decisions on the world. These skills will prepare them to lead the next generation of exceptional organizations that generate business results with a positive global impact.
Courage with Compassion
We believe it is vital to face new challenges with courage and compassion, and aspire to be models of fearlessness coupled with compassion that honor the dignity of humanity. As advances in technology and disruption in the global business market bring unimagined opportunity and “effects”, bravely approaching new business ventures with empathy and an analytical mindset has never been more important. Leaders will increasingly need to understand the impact of their business decisions on their communities, organizations, and the world.
At Pepperdine Graziadio, we provide small, personalized classes where students will learn the skills needed to fearlessly thrive and bravely approach opportunities in the smart machine age. The real-world expertise of our faculty provides a strong foundation for entrepreneurship both inside and outside of the classroom. Our Most Fundable Companies initiative helps startups understand their fundability, and the Pepperdine Microenterprise Program helps underprivileged members of the Los Angeles community by teaching personal development and professional skills, developing individualized business plans, and launching micro-businesses.
A Pioneering Spirit
Embracing the challenges we face both in our daily lives and in the future will tap the enduring spirit of adventure, curiosity, and openness that has guided us in each new chapter of our existence. We aspire to live boldly, lean into new adventures with hopefulness, and approach every business challenge we face as an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
Our Education to Business (E2B) program allows students to tap the enduring spirit of adventure, curiosity, and openness that stems from facing real-world workplace challenges, and seeing them as new opportunities. An unrivaled cornerstone in experiential learning, the E2B program connects MBA students with senior executives to address complex, real-time business issues. Students gain on-the-ground experience and make business connections that they will carry with them throughout their career and have the opportunity to propose new ways to approach business solutions.
Action Taken "Today, not Tomorrow"
George Graziadio said this phrase often, and its application in the business world has never been more important. At the Graziadio School, we believe action inspires fresh thinking instead of waiting on more favorable or comfortable conditions. In a world of constant opportunity and disruptive potential, there will never be an ideal moment to stimulate change. We encourage students to deliver on the good that is within their control and take action when it is needed.
In our Education to Community (E2C) capstone project, students work on consulting projects with cause-related, nonprofit organizations to develop data-driven recommendations. In the process, they learn the importance of taking action and that, to truly effect change, leaders need to collaborate with a dynamic team and embrace out-of-the-box thinking. At the end of the project, students gain invaluable, real-world consulting experience while providing support to organizations that are making a difference.