eMagazine

The Esade Alumni Zurich Chapter examines the new geopolitical challenges facing companies

Esade Alumni and General Motors give business leaders a unique experience at Cadillac City Zurich
Pere Brugal

 

With a view to giving an insight into the challenges and opportunities facing leaders in today’s geopolitical landscape, the Esade Alumni Zurich Chapter and General Motors held an event at Cadillac City on Bahnhofstrasse, Zurich on November 5, attended by many outstanding business leaders.

The inspiring talk about General Motors’ return to the European market by Pere Brugal (MBA, International Economy 93), President and Managing Director of General Motors Europe, served as an introduction for the panel discussion chaired by Laura Gil (PMD 07), vice president of the Esade Alumni Zurich Chapter, in which several business leaders analyzed organizational culture, the differences between Swiss and European legislative frameworks, and strategies for joining boards of directors. Keynote members of the panel included Rosa García Piñeiro, vice president of sustainability at Alcoa and a member of several boards of directors; Narcís Roura (Lic&MBA 84), Strategy & Transformation Europe at PepsiCo; David Holtmann, partner at E&Y; and Adam Owens, Head of Government Affairs, Europe and Strategic Markets at General Motors.

Mesa redonda

 

Leadership and geopolitics  

“Our discussion addressed some of today’s most urgent challenges – creating effective regulatory frameworks, improving transparency, prioritizing sustainability, and responding to tougher competition and supply chain disruptions – and ended by considering the future outlook. The conversation was full of strategic thinking, shared ideas and practical advice on how to navigate today’s complex geopolitical landscape. Constant adaptability is essential in the search for global approaches that help navigate uncertainty,” explained Laura Gil. In short, in order to address these challenges, CXOs must have a global mindset and adaptable leadership and be willing to change track in a rapidly evolving landscape. This approach will enable leaders to retain their competitive edge whilst ensuring the on-going success of their companies in a dynamic, ever-changing world.

More than a work event: a space for networking and sharing experience

The discussions were followed by drinks and delicious appetizers: the perfect opportunity for networking and inspiring conversations. Attendees also had the chance to discover the Cadillac LYRIQ, Cadillac’s first all-electric vehicle to be launched in Europe, and enter a draw for an exciting weekend enjoying one of these vehicles.

Alumni opinions

Chapter Zurich

 

Alumni opinions

 Aysling Murray (FTMBA 14)

A.Murry“This event was a real eye-opener. The panel discussion featured such inspiring leaders as Narcís Roura, Rosa M. García and Adam Owens, and provided enlightening, direct insights into how to navigate today’s complex global landscape. The speakers underlined the importance of doing what’s right and the importance of delivering regulations that shape the future. The recurring issue was clear: as technology advances, real transformation depends on people adopting the right mindset and processes and taking action. It was a powerful reminder of the individual leadership qualities necessary to thrive in our rapidly changing world.”

 

Ana Ponzoda (Lic&MBA 95)

A.Panzoda“It was brilliant to be able to attend this Esade Alumni event in Zurich. The discussion was very interesting and as always it was an amazing opportunity for a spot of networking and learning from other alumni living and working in the area.”

 

 

 

Share it

Related posts