In the April Issue of Connect, Meredith Storey of UN Global Compact - Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME) discusses how the case method prepares students for the world of business, how it shaped her as an educator, and her dream jobs of working at PRME and being a mother, plus much more.
What do you see as the value of the case method in business education, and why is it important for PRME members?
The case method throws students straight into the heart of real-world business dilemmas, pushing them to analyse situations, debate solutions, and make decisions under uncertainty. It’s not just about reading and absorbing - it’s about stepping into the shoes of decision-makers, thinking on their feet, and defending their choices. This approach sharpens critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and strategic decision-making, but more importantly, it empowers students to find and use their voices. By advocating for different stakeholder perspectives, they build the confidence to tackle complex challenges head-on - both in the classroom and in their future careers.
For PRME members, the case method is more than just an academic exercise - it’s a launchpad for future leaders committed to sustainability and ethical business. Cases challenge students to wrestle with diverse stakeholder perspectives, sustainability trade-offs, and long-term impact, mirroring the real-world complexity of advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At PRME, we believe responsible management education should prepare students to lead with integrity, collaborate across sectors, and drive meaningful change. The case method fuels that mission by giving students a space to test ideas, navigate ethical dilemmas, and build the boldness needed to shape a better, more sustainable world.
How can the case method help students develop the skills needed to tackle real-world sustainability challenges?
The case method puts students in the role of decision-makers, challenging them to navigate complex sustainability dilemmas where there are no easy answers. By stepping into the perspectives of different stakeholders - students practice weighing trade-offs and making responsible decisions.
But cases don’t just shape student skills - they shaped me as an educator, too. During my PhD years, my favourite weeks were the ones where I could bring cases into the classroom. Traditional lectures felt static and I seldom did the ‘Sage on a Stage’ thing with monotone slide presentations. Every case discussion brought energy, curiosity, and diverse viewpoints into the room. It was in these sessions that I saw my students step up, articulate their perspectives, and build confidence in their voices. Cases create dynamic learning spaces where everyone - students and educators alike - gains the skills, courage, and adaptability needed to tackle today’s most pressing challenges.
What’s your favourite case, and why?
I attended the AACSB Standards Conference in Denver in 2024 with many members of my PRME team. Our goal was to better understand the language and values of the AACSB reporting process, allowing us to draw clearer connections between its framework and the PRME Commons SIP reports. Having earned my PhD at the Kemmy Business School at the University of Limerick during its AACSB accreditation process, I was already familiar with the rigorous nature of the Standards, Substandards, and Evidences. However, since I’m no longer based in a university setting, I knew I would need to take a different approach to fully grasp the technical breakdown of these components.
The AACSB training case was an incredible learning experience. The four-part case series - covering Foundations, Strategic Management, Learner Success, and Thought Leadership - deconstructs the complexities of accreditation into manageable, engaging segments. It guides participants through the accreditation process, making it easier to comprehend and apply. Case D, Lesson 4 even highlights the relevance of PRME SIP reporting, reinforcing the connection between responsible management education and accreditation standards. It’s rare to find a case that is so widely applicable, influencing not only reporting and leadership but also driving societal impact across higher education.
If you could be transported into another profession for one week, which would you choose, and why?
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have not just one, but two dream jobs! When I first interned and worked at PRME in 2015, the focus was on community development, with no dedicated roles for content or programmes development. Fast forward to today, and I lead a team of four to five full-time staff (plus contractors) in content development - a role I once wished existed and now have the privilege of shaping as the first person to hold it.
Beyond PRME, my other dream job is being a mom to my three-year-old son and one-year-old daughter. Parenting young children is more than a full-time role - it’s an adventure filled with energy, snuggles, snacks, sticky fingers, big smiles, and laughter. And, of course, plenty of messes.
Every day, I get to shift between these two deeply fulfilling roles, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
How do you relax?
Did I mention the babies? Relaxation might be a decade or two away!
That said, staying active is my favourite way to unwind. As a former collegiate volleyball player, I still love playing in rec and sand leagues with friends. I may not be as competitive as I once was, but I can still hold my own! Our family is pretty active - my husband, a former rugby athlete, and I enjoy walks, runs, and games together. Running used to be just a way to stay fit, but over time, I’ve come to love the process - pushing myself, breaking personal records, and finding local 5Ks or 10Ks wherever I live or travel.
On the calmer side, I’m pursuing a kids’ yoga teaching accreditation with YogaKids. My little ones love stretching and playing outside, making it a perfect way to blend my passion for yoga and mindfulness with family time in the sunshine.
Do you have a favourite quote or guiding principle?
My dad was a high school guidance counsellor, and he always emphasised the importance of having both roots and wings. While many have expressed this sentiment in different ways, for me, it has always been about balance - staying grounded in who you are while embracing opportunities for growth.
I think often about how vital it is to know yourself, to honour your home, heritage, and values, and to recognise the strength that comes from those foundations. At the same time, life is about exploration, about taking in all that the world has to offer without losing sight of where you come from. The challenge - and the beauty - is in navigating both: finding the courage to step beyond your comfort zone while remaining anchored in the principles and experiences that shape you. It’s a philosophy that has guided me in both my personal and professional journey, reminding me that growth and authenticity are not mutually exclusive but deeply intertwined.
PRME, in collaboration with The Case Centre, is offering a series of free, online case teaching and case writing workshops for educators at PRME Signatory institutions - running from 9 April - 19 May 2025. Email training@thecasecentre.org to book a session!
