International experiences shape the future of business leaders

Imagine stepping into a world where every challenge becomes an opportunity, where every moment is a lesson in resilience, and where the boundaries of your comfort zone are pushed further than you ever thought possible. Mickael Gier, a fifth-year student at the University of Manitoba, that dream became a reality thanks to the Hartley T. Richardson International Travel Bursary. 

When Gier first walked through the doors of the I. H. Asper School of Business, he was unsure of his path. He considered careers in Engineering or the sciences, but a last-minute decision led him to Marketing, and he hasn’t looked back since. Asper’s reputation in the Winnipeg business community and its passionate network of alumni and faculty welcomed him with open arms, setting the stage for a transformative academic journey. 

For Gier, going on a student exchange was a dream—one that seemed out of reach due to financial constraints. But thanks to the support of donors, Gier was able to apply for a travel bursary seamlessly. He was awarded the Hartley T. Richardson International Travel Bursary, which not only eased his financial burden but also allowed him to focus on his studies and fully embrace the exchange experience.  

A world of growth 

In early 2025, Gier swapped the UM Fort Garry campus for Vic, Spain — a city between the mountains of the Pyrenees and the Mediterranean Sea, seventy kilometres north of Barcelona. In Vic, Gier has faced challenges that tested his resilience. From navigating a new language to living independently, every obstacle became a stepping stone for personal growth. He has immersed himself in a global classroom, learning alongside peers from diverse backgrounds and gaining a fresh perspective on business and life. 

“My biggest takeaway has definitely been the ability to adapt to new situations. If I were to describe the first few weeks of my time in Spain, I would say it was unpredictable. I did not expect the adjustment to my new life to be that difficult, but it was.” details Gier.  “I was pushed to adapt to the circumstances, and I learned many lessons along the way. I can only imagine the amount of self-growth and discovery that is still yet to come.” 

A lifelong impact 

Taking advantage of every opportunity Asper has provided him, Gier commends the holistic approach to business education at UM, with this exchange being a cornerstone of his academic and personal journey. “Living abroad in a different country comes with its struggles but you truly learn so much about yourself. You also get the amazing opportunity to learn about business through a global lens.” explains Gier. It taught him adaptability, resilience, and the value of stepping out of his comfort zone. “I knew I made the right decision. This degree pushes you to continually understand society and the people around you. It gives you the opportunity to think outside of the box and constantly find new and innovative solutions to real-world problems.” 

Asper’s international exchange program allows students the chance to study at one of over 60 business schools around the world. By embracing these opportunities, students like Gier position themselves to thrive in an increasingly diverse and competitive global economy, ensuring they are not just participants but leaders at the centre of shaping the future of business.  

In today’s interconnected world, the value of a global mindset cannot be overstated. As UM alum and donor, Hartley T. Richardson shares, “International experiences serve as a foundational element of a world-class business education, equipping students with a global perspective that enhances their readiness for future career success.”  

“My classes have people from multiple backgrounds in different fields from science, technology, business and engineering.” shares Gier. “They come from various countries all throughout the world which helps create a unique learning experience.” Such experiences not only broaden horizons but also foster cultural intelligence, adaptability, and innovative thinking — skills that are indispensable in navigating the complexities of the modern business landscape. 

One of the most heartwarming moments of his exchange so far was sharing the story of Winnipeg with locals. When asked where he was from, he proudly spoke of our city, introducing a part of Canada that many had never heard of. “When I explain to them, I’m from Winnipeg, the confusion on their faces never fails to make me laugh. Having to explain to them where our city is and what goes on outside of the countless blizzards is no easy task, but I love doing it. Getting to talk about the home that I got to grow up in and the unique charm that Winnipeg has.” shared Gier. “Going on exchange not only allows us to take part in a new culture, but it also allows us to bring a little bit of our own home to others.” 

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This bursary is a component of the Hartley T. Richardson Student Support Fund, created in 2019 by Dr. Hartley T. Richardson’s family, friends, and fellow UM alumni to commemorate his receipt of the International Distinguished Entrepreneur Award (IDEA). Dr. Richardson, a distinguished UM graduate [BComm(Hons)/77,LLD/04BComm(Hons)/77,LLD/04], serves as the President and CEO of James Richardson & Sons, a company that has maintained a longstanding partnership with UM. Through its charitable arm, the Richardson Foundation, the company and family has made a significant impact across the university.  

Haley Proctor