Our entire global community was able to meet once again this year at a hybrid event, held in person at Teatre Nacional de Catalunya (TNC) in Barcelona and broadcast live online for alumni who wanted to follow the proceedings from anywhere in the world. This great gathering featured the participation of Johnson & Johnson CEO Joaquín Duato (Lic&MBA ‘85), who was awarded the 2022 Esade Award for his responsible global leadership, his innovative vision and his commitment to having a positive impact on society – attributes that reflect the values of the Esade community.
The evening began with good humour thanks to Impro Show, an original interactive performance that started with the actors asking audience members to note down how they saw the future on index cards. These random suggestions then served as fodder for an improv performance, created spontaneously on the spot, to peals of laughter from the audience.
Patricia Valentí (MBA ‘02 / Promociona ‘17), Director General of Esade Alumni, introduced a session that challenged alumni to work together to build the future we want. She thanked CaixaBank, sponsor and financial partner of the event, as well as collaborators Gin MG and Cudié.
Belén Moreu (MBA ‘99), President of Esade Alumni since late 2021, then addressed the community. She defined herself as someone who is passionate about people and underscored the importance of continuing to build a future together: “Esade Alumni’s mission is to be a global community of responsible leaders working together to improve and have a significant impact on organisations and society. But we have to be super-active. We have to be agents of change. There are 67,000 of us, all educated with the same values. Imagine everything we could do. Instead of being passive actors, let’s be active. Activate yourselves.”
There are 67,000 of us, all educated with the same values. Imagine everything we could do.
In his remarks, Koldo Echebarria, Director General of Esade, shared his vision of a specific challenge: Esade’s commitment to talent, diversity and the comprehensive training of people, thanks to the Scholarship Programme. This academic year, Esade allocated €4 million euros – the largest amount ever – to the Scholarship Programme. This increase in funding was made possible by donations from organisations, alumni and the Esade community, in addition to the Esade’s own resources. “By mobilising more candidates, we have exhausted the scholarship fund and need more resources,” he said. “This year, we awarded 287 scholarships, but we want to increase the diversity of our classrooms and fight inequality. To do so, we are counting on you.”
Next came one of the most eagerly awaited moments of the evening: Belén Moreu’s interview with Joaquín Duato. The conversation touched on various facets of Duato’s career at Johnson & Johnson and his own leadership philosophy.
Duato, who has held his current position since January 2022, was selected as the winner of this year’s Esade Award for his responsible global leadership, as well as his innovative vision and commitment to having a positive impact on society. The Esade Alumni awards committee also appreciated Duato’s steadfast commitment to using technology as a driver of business transformation and social progress.
During his interview with the Esade Alumni president, Duato defined himself as a humble leader dedicated to serving his team: “I am a builder. I build on the strengths of the organisation and the people,” he said. “An exceptional organisation will not be born out of weaknesses.” He also strives to be a global leader: “I am the first non-American CEO in the history of the company, so I try to connect with teams all over the world and bring the periphery to the centre.”
I am the first non-American CEO in the history of the company, so I try to connect with teams all over the world and bring the periphery to the centre
Joaquín Duato expressed optimism about the future. In his view, history is moving in the right direction. He reminded the audience that leaders must retain the ability to learn, be patient and be open to possibilities in order to reinvent themselves when necessary.
He then accepted the 2022 Esade Award from Belén Moreu (MBA ‘99), President of Esade Alumni; Koldo Echebarria, Director General of Esade; Jaume Guardiola (Lic&MBA ‘79), President of the Esade Board of Trustees; and Javier Navarro (Lic&MBA ‘85), President of the Esade Alumni Valencia Club.
To cap off the evening, alumni continued celebrating and networking during the traditional outdoor cocktail dinner in the gardens of the TNC.
Gemma Siso (Lic&MBA ’92/ Promociona ’17), Member of the WE Club board
“Esade alumni have a key role to play in our organisations as agents of change for society. So I agree with Joaquín Duato’s advice to recent graduates; they should look for a good company with the right values where they will have plenty of opportunities to learn and grow. If you share the mission and values of the company you work for and have an open mind towards diversity and continuous learning, you’ll have lots of chances over your career.”
Jaume Lledó (Lic&MBA '79), Dale Carnegie & Happy or Not CEO
“I highlight the concept of diversity and inclusion that Duato is committed to, and that is also in the nature of Esade. As Koldo has rightly said, it is important that no one is left out of the Scholarship Program. As for the alumni community, it is noteworthy that, thanks to its activities, chapters and clubs, it manages to reach and contribute all over the world for a better future.”
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