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Pere Cerqueda receives the Pablo Soler scholarship, an impetus for transformative leadership and social impact

This scholarship, the only one of its kind, covers all four years of the bachelor’s in Business Administration with Transformative Leadership and Social Impact (BITLASI)  
Beca Pablo Soler

The Esade Alumni Andorra Chapter has awarded the Pablo Soler Scholarship by Grupo Heracles & Esade Alumni Andorra to Pere Cerqueda Gulin. This scholarship, the only one of its kind, will cover all four years of the bachelor’s in Business Administrative with Transformative Leadership and Social Impact (BITLASI) that Cerqueda has started at Esade. This is an innovative program focused on social entrepreneurship, innovation, and multidisciplinary development in business, humanities, and technology.

Pablo Soler (Lic&MBA 85), a prominent figure in Esade Alumni, was renowned for his commitment and efforts as a mentor. After his death two years ago, Joan Prat (MBA 00), president of the Esade Alumni Andorra Chapter, spearheaded the creation of this scholarship in homage to Soler’s legacy to provide Andorran students with the opportunity to pursue an education at Esade.

The Pablo Soler Scholarship is not only a tribute to a leader and mentor but also an opportunity for talented young people like Pere Cerqueda to develop their potential and contribute to society. It is worth noting that the creation of this scholarship was made possible by the support of Grupo Heracles, where Pablo Soler worked for years, as well as by donations from Esade Alumni members and Pablo Soler’s family.

Essential economic support

Institutional representatives and key people in the creation of the scholarship attended the award ceremony. They included Joan Prat; Albert Maluquer, director of Institutional Relations at the Ministry of Education; Rosa Torras, Pablo Soler’s wife; Miquel Àngel Armengol, CEO of Grupo Heracles; Olaya García-Lancha (MBA 01), director of Institutional Development & Engagement at Esade; and Patricia Valentí (MBA 02/Promociona 17), managing director of Esade Alumni.

Thanks to this scholarship, Pere Cerqueda will be able to pursue the innovative BITLASI program, which focuses on social entrepreneurship, innovation, and multidisciplinary development in business, humanities, and technology. Cerqueda himself expressed his surprise and gratitude, given that he had not considered studying at Esade for economic reasons.

Beca Pablo Soler

Interview with Pere Cerqueda

- Why did you choose to pursue the bachelor’s in Business Administration with Transformative Leadership and Social Impact (BITLASI) at Esade? What aspects of the program did you find relevant to your objectives?
 My interest in the business world started after the pandemic, when I began to inquire into and inform myself on different business models. Over time, I ended up developing two startups focused on social impact. Based on this experience, I realized that if the business I conduct does not have a social impact or a purpose beyond seeking monetary profits, I’m not interested in it. Once I considered the option of the scholarship, I learned about the different programs that Esade offers and found the BITLASI. This degree combines the part on social impact and business that I like while adding technological value and leadership and innovation skills.

- What challenges have had to face to come this far, and how have you overcome the obstacles?
I consider myself lucky in this sense. I didn’t have to grapple with major obstacles beyond the usual difficulties anyone may have when setting a goal like this one. That is, the people around me have always contributed to my development and facilitated and supported me in making decisions and striving to help me achieve what I set out to do. In terms of academic challenges, I had to make a concerted effort to get the grades and results needed to earn an Esade scholarship. I believe that the challenge may be seeking academic growth, professional growth, and personal growth at the same time; striking a balance to achieve what you want while appreciating and enjoying what you already have.

- How would you like to apply your knowledge and skills in the future?
I would like to be a part of projects that bring a positive value and have a philosophy and values that align with mine. Regardless of whether they are startups or existing companies, the goal of my work has to be participating in projects that seek this impact and social improvement.

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