Philanthropic Team Building in MBA Programs: A Legacy of Impact

Philanthropic Team Building in MBA Programs: A Legacy of Impact

In 1995, a top-tier business school—let’s call it WU—partnered with Odyssey Teams to introduce philanthropic team building in MBA programs. Their goal was bold: teach leadership through real-world impact. The result? A legacy that continues to shape students and communities more than two decades later.

Why Philanthropic Team Building in MBA Programs Matters

Philanthropic team building in MBA programs isn’t just a feel-good add-on—it’s a strategic investment in shaping future leaders. When graduate students engage in purpose-driven group experiences, they learn to lead with empathy, collaborate across differences, and understand the ripple effect of their decisions.

WU chose Odyssey Teams’ Life Cycles program to embed these values into their curriculum. Life Cycles challenges students to build brand-new bicycles for children in need - an act that transforms both the giver and the recipient.

Student Transformation Through Philanthropic Team Building

For the past 10 years, WU has launched its MBA orientation with Life Cycles, using philanthropic team building in MBA programs to foster a culture of collaboration over competition. Students begin their academic journey not just as individuals, but as teammates - ready to lead with heart and humility.

The day-long experience helps students see how their actions affect others, creating a permanent shift in how they approach leadership and teamwork.

Community Impact That Comes Full Circle

At the end of each Life Cycles session, a representative from a local youth organization speaks on behalf of the children receiving the bikes. In 2019, that speaker was Kevin—a former bike recipient from WU’s 2009 orientation.

Kevin, the son of immigrant parents, shared:

“I remember passing by the bikes at Walmart, knowing I couldn’t have one. When I received mine at WU’s orientation, I promised myself I’d never stop riding it.”

That promise turned into purpose. Kevin now works at the same Boys & Girls Club that once served him, helping other kids find joy, confidence, and opportunity—just like he did.

The Lasting Legacy of Philanthropic Team Building in MBA Programs

One WU dean called Kevin’s return “a full-circle moment.” His story reminded students that behind every product, model, or strategy is a human being. Philanthropic team building in MBA programs doesn’t just build bikes—it builds leaders who care.

By embedding programs like Life Cycles into their curriculum, WU is shaping business leaders who think beyond profit and performance. They’re cultivating empathy, purpose, and a deep understanding of impact.

Ready to Inspire Your Students?

Odyssey Teams offers complimentary consultations for academic institutions looking to integrate philanthropic team building in MBA programs into their curriculum.

Contact Odyssey Teams to receive a complimentary consultation on bringing Life Cycles, or another philanthropic program offering, to your academic institution. You can also reach Odyssey Teams at 800-342-1650.