For Dr. Stephen Harrison, resilience is not a trait, it’s a way of life. Born into a military family, he grew up learning to adapt quickly, moving from place to place, never settling, always observing. Change became his constant companion, and instead of resisting it, he mastered it.

That same adaptability carried him through every chapter of his life. He first made his mark as a fighter pilot in the Royal Navy, where he served with distinction during the Falklands War, earning the prestigious Distinguished Service Cross. But Stephen wasn’t content with staying in one lane. After over a decade of military service, he transitioned into civil aviation, then took the bold leap into entrepreneurship, founding and growing businesses across three continents.

Every pivot he made wasn’t just about career growth, it was about embracing something bigger: innovation, economic impact, and global thinking.

What sets him apart even further is his commitment to lifelong learning. At 45, while most professionals are settled into their careers, Stephen pursued an MBA. At 59, he completed a Ph.D. in Education Management, proof that curiosity and ambition have no age limit.

Today, as Chairman and Dean of the Swiss School of Business Research (SSBR), Dr. Harrison brings his battlefield-tested leadership, entrepreneurial grit, and academic insight into the classroom. Under his guidance, SSBR isn’t just preparing students for business, it’s preparing them for life. Because for Dr. Harrison, leadership isn’t a theory. It’s a practice lived every single day.

The Vision Behind SSBR

Dr. Stephen Harrison envisioned an educational system that transcended conventional boundaries, leading to the establishment of the Swiss School of Business Research (SSBR). Recognizing the inefficiencies of traditional degree programs, he sought to introduce a streamlined academic model tailored to modern professionals. His goal was to make higher education more adaptable, ensuring that individuals balancing careers and personal commitments could still pursue advanced qualifications.

A cornerstone of this initiative was the introduction of the "PhD by Portfolio" program, a revolutionary approach that acknowledges real-world professional experience, enabling executives to earn their doctorate in just one year. This initiative reflects his belief that academic achievement should be based on expertise and contributions rather than rigid timelines. By blending professional growth with scholarly recognition, SSBR has redefined the doctoral landscape.

Under Dr. Harrison’s leadership, SSBR has emerged as a trailblazer in business education. The institution’s flexible learning model aligns with contemporary industry needs, ensuring that students receive practical, market-relevant training. His approach has not only enhanced accessibility but also raised the bar for business education globally, making SSBR a preferred choice for ambitious professionals seeking academic validation without compromising their careers.

Mastering Work-Life Balance

Despite his demanding role at SSBR, Dr. Stephen Harrison exemplifies the art of balancing professional responsibilities with personal life. A firm believer in structured time management, he sets clear boundaries between work and personal commitments, ensuring that crucial family moments remain a priority. By meticulously planning his schedule, he safeguards time for both professional obligations and personal well-being.

One of his key strategies involves consciously disconnecting from digital devices during personal hours, allowing for meaningful engagement with family and friends. By choosing when to interact with technology, he ensures that work-related distractions do not intrude upon valuable personal moments. Additionally, he integrates physical activity into his routine, using exercise as a means to alleviate stress and enhance mental clarity.

Delegation also plays a crucial role in maintaining equilibrium. By entrusting responsibilities to a capable team, Dr. Harrison fosters a culture of accountability at SSBR while freeing himself to focus on long-term strategic goals. Open communication with colleagues and family further helps manage expectations, ensuring support during high-pressure periods.

His philosophy emphasizes that achieving balance is not about striving for perfection but about cultivating a sustainable rhythm. By prioritizing quality over quantity, he ensures that both professional success and personal fulfillment remain in harmony.

The Passion Behind SSBR’s Success

Dr. Stephen Harrison’s entrepreneurial spirit is fueled by an unwavering passion for reshaping business education. Recognizing that traditional academic structures struggle to keep pace with a rapidly evolving global economy, he established SSBR to bridge the gap between academia and industry. His objective was to craft an educational environment that not only responds to current market demands but also anticipates future challenges.

At the core of his vision is a commitment to equipping students with the practical skills and strategic mindset necessary to navigate complex business landscapes. By integrating cutting-edge learning methodologies with real-world application, SSBR ensures that graduates emerge as forward-thinking leaders prepared for industry transformation.

Dr. Harrison’s approach is grounded in ethical leadership and sustainability. His decisions prioritize long-term impact, fostering a learning ecosystem that cultivates responsible leadership and innovation. By championing education as a tool for global progress, he continues to inspire professionals and shape the future of business learning.

SSBR’s Growth During the Pandemic

The COVID-19 crisis profoundly altered the educational landscape, exposing gaps in traditional learning models. Seizing this challenge as an opportunity, Dr. Stephen Harrison launched SSBR as a digital-first institution, leveraging technology to offer uninterrupted, high-quality education.

With online learning becoming essential, SSBR’s adaptable framework provided a lifeline for professionals seeking academic advancement without disrupting their careers. Programs like the "PhD by Portfolio" gained traction, as they enabled learners to integrate education seamlessly into their professional journeys.

Rather than retreating in the face of uncertainty, Dr. Harrison expanded SSBR’s reach, enhancing digital platforms and refining virtual learning experiences. By reinforcing SSBR’s innovative approach, he positioned the institution as a resilient alternative to conventional business schools, proving that adversity can be a catalyst for transformation.

Lessons from Dr. Harrison’s Journey

Dr. Stephen Harrison attributes his success to a combination of foresight, resilience, and strategic leadership. His ability to anticipate industry shifts has enabled SSBR to stay ahead of trends, particularly during challenging periods such as the global pandemic.

However, he acknowledges that his relentless drive for innovation sometimes leads to overextending resources. Understanding the need for balance, he emphasizes the importance of pacing growth while maintaining stability. By sharing these lessons, he provides aspiring leaders with valuable insights into managing ambition while safeguarding long-term success.

His journey underscores the belief that true leadership is not about eliminating weaknesses but about leveraging strengths while continuously learning from challenges.

Career Highlights

Dr. Stephen Harrison’s professional journey is marked by remarkable achievements. His early career as a fighter pilot in the Falklands War, where he was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for bravery, set the foundation for his leadership ethos.

Transitioning into academia later in life, he earned a Ph.D. at 59, reinforcing his belief in lifelong learning. Establishing SSBR was a defining milestone, with the institution securing Swiss accreditation in 2020 and rapidly expanding its global footprint. With over 600 students from 85 countries and partnerships with 35 institutions, SSBR has cemented itself as a leader in business education under his guidance.

His legacy continues to inspire professionals worldwide, demonstrating that perseverance, innovation, and adaptability are the cornerstones of success.

Advice for Future Leaders

Dr. Stephen Harrison shares invaluable leadership insights drawn from both his military and academic experiences. He underscores the significance of lifelong learning, urging leaders to stay ahead of industry trends and continuously refine their knowledge.

Resilience, he believes, is crucial in navigating challenges. The ability to learn from setbacks and remain steadfast in the face of adversity distinguishes strong leaders. Additionally, he emphasizes emotional intelligence, as understanding team dynamics and fostering open communication contribute to effective leadership.

Above all, ethical leadership is non-negotiable. Leaders set the tone for organizational culture, and integrity remains a vital pillar of sustained success. Dr. Harrison encourages aspiring leaders to be visionaries who inspire and motivate, shaping teams that thrive on innovation and shared purpose.

Mantra for Growth and Collaboration

Success, according to Dr. Stephen Harrison, is rooted in curiosity, adaptability, and integrity. He encourages professionals to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth while staying committed to lifelong learning.

Collaboration is equally essential; he believes that fostering teamwork and valuing diverse perspectives lead to sustainable progress. By creating environments where individuals support and uplift one another, true innovation flourishes.

His guiding principle is simple yet profound: meaningful leadership is about making a lasting impact, not just achieving personal milestones. Through resilience, knowledge, and ethical decision-making, he believes anyone can build a legacy of influence and success.