ESSEC Business School – Global Manager in Europe

Recently I had the privilege to spend a month in Paris to undertake the Global Manager in Europe Program at ESSEC Business School as part of my UQ MBA. Thank you to The University of Queensland for the incredible opportunity and for your support.

The experience of studying abroad at ESSEC Business School was more rewarding than I could have ever anticipated. Pour moi, I have learnt French since I was 12 so being able to spend a month in Paris was an absolute bonus, un rêve!

I relished the opportunity to rediscover the city of Paris for which I have spent much time there previously in 2010, 2013 and 2014.

Bien sûr j’adoré l’occasion de parler le français tout à nouveau.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to undertake this program with some of the most wonderful people I’ve had the chance to meet. A truly international class with a diversity of perspectives.

Global Experience

It was rewarding to spend this intensive program with super talented colleagues from the best schools from around the world – from Singapore, Chicago, New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, London, Rome, Stockholm, Mumbai, Beijing, Seoul, Buenos Aires, Melbourne, Sydney, Berlin, Helsinki and more! I came away with new friendships, memories that last a lifetime and a truly global and connected network.

What did we learn?

European Monetary Policy, the emergence of virtual currencies and the digitalisation of money, Macro Economics in Europe, e-commerce in Europe (how and why Amazon is thriving in France), European Governance, Negotiations, Free Trade Agreements as well as Innovation, the importance of sustainability and sustainable business models, cross cultural negotiations and finally luxury brands.

The Luxury Industry

ESSEC Business School is the best and most well regarded Business School in Europe when it comes to Luxury. I learnt a great deal about the luxury industry from professors who have executive experience in this sector working for Louis Vuitton, L’Oréal, Giorgio Armani and Hyatt Hotels.

Luxury is relevant to marketing generally and also so valuable when deeply understood. I certainly have a new found appreciation for everything luxury from fashion, to wellness to realestate.

Thinking about a global experience?

If you are thinking about a global experience I certainly recommend it! For me, the experience was challenging, rewarding, enriching, stimulating, enjoyable and more valuable than I ever imagined possible.

In the face of challenges, an uncertain world be the pioneer, be open to new experiences, technology and push yourself further.

Mes remerciements

Once again a huge thank you to everyone at UQ Business School, UQ Aborad and BEL for enabling this opportunity. Thank you to Springfield City Group for continuing to support me during my MBA journey.

Finalement un grand merci à all the incredible professors from ESSEC for what was a transformational program, merci à Maria, Iulia et Aude – without your leadership this program wouldn’t have been as amazing as it was.

Merci à tous et à bientôt Paris.