Curiosity, Courage, Connection: How Jed Barron Embodies Questrom’s Global Spirit

From a childhood sparked by curiosity and travel to a thriving career built across continents, Jed Barron (Questrom ’96) has always believed the world is both a classroom and a community. What began as a leap of faith to live and work overseas during undergraduate summer breaks has become a defining chapter—one that has shaped his perspective, broadened his expertise, and deepened his sense of connection to people from every walk of life.

Today, after spending half of his career abroad, Jed is not only thriving professionally but also serving as a bridge between the Questrom School and our proud Terriers across Asia. As a dedicated leader in BU’s alumni network across Asia, he continues to unite hundreds of Terriers, create meaningful connections for students, and ensure that Questrom’s global community remains vibrant, connected, and supportive.

Our global alumni are especially critical to Questrom, given both the international composition of our student body and the global relevance and impact of our curriculum. “Jed is a force of nature,” says Dean Fournier, reflecting on his role from the very beginning in building the Asian Terrier community that thrives today. “He is one of the most dedicated and passionate alums I have ever met. It’s such a gift that his professional life is so deeply connected with the school’s global initiatives.”

Questrom’s global alumni are truly the backbone of our global curriculum. They enrich student learning by sharing their international business experiences, serving as panelists and career consultants, and hosting global field seminars. In doing so, they ensure our students are not only prepared for global careers but are also equipped to navigate the complexities of multicultural business environments with confidence and success.

For Jed, the most rewarding part of this journey is the opportunity to pay it forward. Whether mentoring Questrom students, organizing alumni gatherings, or hosting networking events that connect aspiring BU leaders with seasoned professionals, he embodies the belief that a global mindset is more than just a competitive edge—it is a responsibility. Now, as an Online MBA student himself, Jed is once again embracing Questrom’s lifelong learning spirit—showcasing how the program empowers Terriers to continue their academic and professional growth journey from wherever they are in the world. Reflecting on his impact, Associate Dean Monica Parker-James notes, “Jed is a shining example of the magic that can come from connection. No matter how busy his professional (and now academic) life is, he is incredibly generous with his time and talent when it comes to supporting Questrom students and alumni.”

Enjoy our Q&A with Jed Barron—the outcome of a nearly two-hour conversation centered on the importance of global experiences in developing empathy, a shared language, and the capacity to hold multiple perspectives at once—all essential skills for thriving in global business careers. In many ways, Jed’s journey reflects the lifelong nature of a Questrom and BU education—one that continues to connect, inspire, and expand across borders. As Danielle Reddy, Interim Vice President of Alumni Engagement, observes: “Jed embodies the spirit of BU in all that he does in Seoul and across Asia. When he first moved to South Korea and was seeking community, he looked for his fellow Terriers and was welcomed warmly. Since then, Jed has spent time paying that forward by being an alumni leader in Asia, bringing people together and creating connections between people, countries, and back to Comm Ave.” You’ll see how Jed has drawn on his Questrom education—infused with just the right blend of curiosity, courage, and connection—to make a lasting difference for BU Questrom Terriers in Korea and beyond.

What inspired your move overseas, and how has working internationally shaped your perspective—personally and professionally?

I was always encouraged to explore, so I think I naturally had my eyes set on looking abroad and engaging with different cultures. My time at Questrom as an undergraduate deepened this interest, as I had the opportunity to meet students from so many different backgrounds. Thanks to some friends and professors, I was able to study and work in Korea during summer vacations, and these experiences essentially sealed my fate.

I realized there was so much to learn and explore, and that international experience would be essential as I prepared to start a new chapter in my life and career. After spending half of my career overseas, I can confidently say that taking the risk of moving abroad has been one of the best career and life decisions I have ever made.

The opportunity to meet and build relationships with people from entirely different backgrounds has been incredibly enriching and educational, giving me a much broader perspective on both life and work. I have also been able to learn about different economies and markets and observe how business is conducted across cultures. This foundation has been fundamental to everything I have achieved in my career, and it is an experience I could never have duplicated had I not chosen to explore the vast world we live in.

You’ve been instrumental in growing the BU Questrom alumni network in Asia. What motivated you to get involved, and how have you built and sustained that sense of community?

When I first came to Korea, I heard from some friends that the BU alumni community in Korea and across Asia was quite active. I had no idea what to expect, but I decided to attend one of the alumni events. I remember walking into the event hall and being amazed by the number of people there. Within minutes, I was being greeted and introduced to others who all shared one thing in common—a deep respect and passion for BU and Questrom.

That first meeting led to other encounters with alumni at different events and in smaller gatherings, and friendships blossomed from there. What began as casual introductions grew into very close relationships and connected me to a broad network of accomplished and fascinating people. I quickly realized that the support of this community had contributed so much to what I experienced personally and accomplished professionally.

It was this realization that inspired me to give back and help develop the network further. Thanks to the efforts of incredibly committed alumni before me, the community was already strong and active; I simply felt compelled to lend a hand in keeping the momentum going. With the support of past alumni community presidents, many engaged alumni, and an incredibly dedicated team of volunteers, we’ve been able to plan and carry out numerous alumni functions each year. The goal is simple: to make our alumni network as strong as it can be and to support the generations of BU alumni yet to come.

What has been the most meaningful moment for you in supporting BU Questrom from abroad—whether through alumni leadership in BU Alumni Association Korea or mentorship?

I wouldn’t be able to narrow it down to a single meaningful moment, but I can share one particularly meaningful activity. Each year, the BUAAK hosts an event we call a “Reunion,” where we invite current BU students who are part of the Korean International Student Association and the Korean Graduate Students Association to join us for an alumni–student networking event in Korea.

This is one of my favorite events because it creates such a powerful exchange. Alumni have the chance to hear what’s happening at BU and, through the students’ stories, relive the feeling of being back on campus. At the same time, students gain valuable opportunities to make connections, seek advice, and learn from the experiences of our diverse alumni community.

We always include a program element that is motivational or otherwise useful for the students. The feedback we receive—about how meaningful the event was, how much they learned, and how much fun they had—is incredibly rewarding. And, just as importantly, our alumni truly enjoy themselves as well, making it a genuine win-win experience.

Why do you believe it’s important for alumni—especially those based internationally—to stay engaged with their alma mater?

BU Questrom is an amazing school in so many ways. Every time I visit or get the chance to meet with faculty, students, or others connected to the school, I’m reminded of how BU keeps moving forward and becoming an even stronger institution.

My time as a student at Questrom was incredibly valuable—and like many other alumni I talk to, I really miss those years. At a very basic level, staying engaged with the school and the alumni community helps keep those memories alive. Alumni events, school publications, the research BU produces, and even just the chance to meet BU people traveling through different parts of the world all serve as important touchpoints for us.

Living so many time zones away, it’s easy to feel disconnected, which makes these resources even more meaningful—and staying engaged even more important. And when that engagement allows us to support students in some way, it becomes even more rewarding.

What advice would you offer to fellow BU Questrom students and alumni considering careers or relocations abroad?

It goes without saying that working or moving overseas is a big life decision. It takes a lot of thought, planning, and resources. But if it’s practical and possible for you, my advice is: just do it.

What made the move easier for me was having a network of people who could help me think through the challenges and opportunities, and who were already on the ground when I arrived. Having friends or even acquaintances nearby make things feel less lonely and helps you get settled more quickly.

Maybe the most important advice I can offer is to develop cultural sensitivity. Learn as much as you can about the culture and language before you go. It will help you get more out of the experience and avoid unnecessary mistakes. Go with an open mind and a willingness to learn, and you’ll find the rewards are countless.

How have you used (wish to use) your international experience to support current Questrom students—whether through mentorship, internships, or career advice—and why do you think that global perspective is valuable to them?

I’ve had the opportunity to interact with a number of Questrom students—whether they’re traveling to Korea or reaching out for advice about the local business environment. I really enjoy teaching and engaging with students, and I want to keep helping wherever I can.

When it comes to having a global perspective, I don’t think it’s just valuable—I think it’s a necessity. Business is global. There isn’t a single industry I can think of that isn’t influenced in some way by what’s happening in other parts of the world. If you’re not aware of or sensitive to those dynamics, you’re limiting your own success.

There’s so much out there to learn, and some of the lessons and perspectives you gain will be invaluable to your career—but you only get them if you put on a global lens and stay open to building that awareness. That’s why I think the innovative ways Questrom is preparing students to lead on the global stage and create value for the world are so exciting. It’s only going to elevate students’ success.

Introduction and copy editing by Dee Polat, ICF-PCC, Director of Alumni Engagement, Boston University Questrom School of Business.