The HEC Lausanne Executive MBA Class of 2025, composed of 42 outstanding professionals, has started their journey. Our 16-month EMBA programme will challenge their perspectives, broaden their networks, and enhance their leadership skills, paving the way for transformative growth.
A Mosaic of Diversity and Expertise
The EMBA Class of 2025 is a remarkable reflection of our commitment to diversity and inclusion. This year, we are proud to have nearly equal gender representation, with 48% of participants identifying as women. This balance ensures that a wide range of perspectives is brought to every discussion, fostering a richer, more collaborative learning environment.
But gender diversity is just one aspect of the Class of 2025. This cohort includes professionals from 19 different nationalities from all around the world. Such a global mix not only enhances classroom discussions but also prepares our participants to lead in an increasingly interconnected world. The international makeup of this group is a key strength of the EMBA experience, offering insights into different cultural approaches and business practices.
Professionally, the Class of 2025 comes from an impressive array of backgrounds. Participants have excelled in over 15 industries, including medtech, healthcare, law, civil engineering, tourism, and NGOs. This diversity of expertise creates a vibrant learning atmosphere where innovative ideas thrive.
With an average of 15 years of professional experience and an average age of 41.5, these professionals bring a unique blend of youthful energy and seasoned insights. This combination enriches the HEC Lausanne Executive MBA journey, where experience and fresh perspectives meet.
Kicking Off with Connections and Challenges
The first week of their EMBA journey set the stage for what promises to be a transformative experience. On Monday, the Class of 2025 gathered on the UNIL campus, where excitement and anticipation filled the air. The day began with essential administrative tasks laying the groundwork for a smooth start to their journey
However, the true essence of the week went far beyond these formalities. Participants had their first opportunity to engage with one another, beginning to build connections that will be crucial throughout their EMBA journey. One of the week’s highlights was the introduction to the Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) collaboration, where participants were divided into groups to tackle a real-world case study. This challenge was designed not only to test their problem-solving skills but also to encourage collaboration across diverse backgrounds.
As they navigated this complex case, participants began to form the bonds that will support them through the demanding months ahead.
Tackling Real-World Challenges with MSF
A key feature of the EMBA Lausanne programme is its emphasis on real-world application, and this was evident during the first week’s collaboration with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). Our 42 participants were presented with a challenging case study focused on the critical issues facing MSF in a rapidly changing global environment. This year’s theme, which explored the intersection of climate change and humanitarian crises, was both relevant and urgent
Divided into heterogeneous groups, the participants were tasked with developing innovative solutions to these complex problems. The presence of MSF experts, along with insights from HEC Lausanne faculty and coaches, provided a robust framework for tackling these challenges. Over three days of intense collaboration, participants leveraged their diverse professional backgrounds to craft impactful strategies.
The culmination of this exercise was a series of presentations to the Médecins Sans Frontières team, where participants showcased their solutions. Several of these ideas were praised by MSF leaders as highly relevant and potentially applicable to their ongoing work. The feedback from these experts was invaluable, offering participants a deeper understanding of the real-world implications of their work. This exercise highlighted the power of interdisciplinary learning and underscored the importance of global partnerships in addressing today’s most pressing issues.
Building Bonds at the Lakeside Apero
The intensive first week concluded with a lively and relaxing apero by the lake, offering the Class of 2025 a chance to unwind and reflect on their experiences. Joined by the Class of 2024, the event provided a perfect setting for the new participants to connect with those who were in their shoes just a year ago.
Conversations flowed freely as the two cohorts exchanged insights and advice, laying the groundwork for a supportive network that will be invaluable throughout their EMBA journey and beyond. This gathering was more than just a social event; it was the beginning of meaningful relationships that will continue to grow and flourish, enhancing both personal and professional development.
The Journey Forward
As the HEC Lausanne Executive MBA Class of 2025 moves forward, the road ahead is filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and transformation. The foundations laid in the first week—through challenges, collaboration, and connection—are just the beginning. We are eager to see how this diverse and dynamic group will rise to the challenges ahead, leveraging the unique perspectives and expertise that each participant brings to the table.
The journey has just begun, and we are proud to support these leaders as they shape the future of business.