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Inspiration, connection, and future at the 6th Esade Alumni Middle East Annual Meeting in Dubai

On February 22 of this year, Dubai became the epicenter of networking and knowledge when it hosted the 6th Esade Alumni Middle East Annual Meeting
Middle East Annual Meeting Dubai

 

A meeting point for knowledge

Alumni from all over the Gulf region and beyond met at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Waterfront, for a day filled with learning, exchanges of ideas, and celebration of the Esade Alumni community. The day began with words of welcome to all community members from Federico Ruiz (EMBA 17), president of the Esade Alumni Dubai Chapter, and Olaya García (MBA 01), director of Institutional Development and Engagement at Esade. They then ceded the stage to two exceptional speakers.

 

Middle East Annual Meeting Dubai

 

Professor David López (MBA 04), Associate Professor at Esade and Associate Dean of the MBA programs, offered a masterclass entitled “The Singularity of Marketing: Redefining Strategy and Humanity in the AI Age.” With a lucid, profound perspective, professor López explored the transformative power of artificial intelligence in the field of marketing by providing new perspectives on how this technology is reshaping businesses’ strategies and human dimension.

Next, Nuno Vilaça (MSc 22) outlined Esade’s Scholarship and Grant Plan, a clear sign of the collective commitment to promote talent and plurality. This program, which is made possible by the generosity of our donors, contributes to training innovative, socially responsible, and academically outstanding leaders.

After that, Xavier Anglada (MBA 00), Managing Director at Accenture, kept the audience enthralled with his lecture entitled “Embracing Change.” Anglada has lived on four continents and led projects in over 30 countries, so he was able to share his personal and professional experience and offer invaluable reflections on the challenges and opportunities that come with change. His accessible, inspiring perspective encouraged the participants to adapt and prosper in a world that is constantly evolving. “It wasn’t easy to come onstage and talk about myself, my purpose, my journey, the chapters in my life, my struggles, and the lessons I’ve learned. I had never done this before, but I’m very grateful to Esade for encouraging me to do so. It has enabled me to revisit moments that changed my life and shaped who I am today. And I enjoyed sharing it with my friends from my alma mater,” Anglada said.

 

Middle East Annual Meeting Dubai

 

The session continued with a Q&A with the speakers led by Olaya García and was closed by Iñaki Ocaña (Lic&MBA 06, DARH 11), Global Relations Director at Esade Alumni.

Connections and fun

The event concluded with a vibrant social activity at Topgolf Dubai, a large leisure complex with a high-tech golf practice outfields and lounges that are perfect for enjoying an afternoon of fun and networking.

 

Middle East Annual Meeting Dubai

 

The 6th Esade Alumni Middle East Annual Meeting was a resounding success and solidified it as a key event for the Esade Alumni community in the region. Let’s hear the opinions of some of the alumni who had the opportunity to attend it.

They were there

Ignacio Anglada (EMBA 05)

Ignacio Anglada“Congratulations to the Esade Alumni Dubai Chapter, led by its president, Federico Ruiz, for organizing such an exceptional event. Thanks to Olaya García-Lancha and Iñaki Ocaña for their warm welcome and for sharing the latest news from Esade and its vibrant alumni network. David López offered a revelatory session on artificial intelligence in which he explored the delicate balance between singularity and creation. And equally inspiring was Xavi Anglada’s moving reflection on his personal life and professional career, highlighting the lasting impact of his father’s words.

The event concluded with a dynamic networking activity that was a faithful reflection of Esade’s values of support and collaboration, in addition to several memorable moments in the golf practice outfield.”

 

Neveen Hussein (EMBA 20)

Neveen Hussein“The 6th Esade Alumni Middle East Annual Meeting was extraordinary. From talks that encourage you to reflect to meeting up again with old friends (and making new connections!), this event had it all.

Professor David López taught a masterclass on technology and artificial intelligence and reminded us that assuring the future of our knowledge is not a luxury but a necessary; and Xavi Anglada shared his extraordinary career and showed that resilience, ambition, and a sensible approach are the keys to overcoming challenges.

So many moments of learning, connection, and innovation! The best is yet to come!"

 

Valentino Stabile (EMMS 17)

Valentino Stabile“Here are a few of my favorite takeaways: Dr David López offered an in-depth view of artificial intelligence in a masterclass on how to ensure the future of our knowledge, and Xavi Anglada inspired us with an extraordinary career of achievements and a sensible approach to overcoming challenges.

Kudos to the Esade team for making this gathering possible, with a touch of the Dubai sun to keep energy levels high!”

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