New Beginnings at the HEC Paris Executive MBA: Embarking on a Journey of Growth and Diversity

The January 2024 intake, a group of leaders from diverse backgrounds kicked off their transformative EMBA journeys.

HEC Paris Executive MBA January 2024 Intake
As the latest cohort prepared to delve into their EMBA experience, a mosaic of individuals from various corners of the globe converged, each bringing their unique perspectives and aspirations to the fore. With a blend of anticipation and enthusiasm, these professionals embarked on a journey designed to cultivate their leadership prowess and foster a vibrant community of global change-makers.

Comprising of 68 students—35% of whom are women—from 33 different countries, the January intake represents a rich tapestry of talent and personal and professional diversity. This melting pot of expertise promises to ignite dynamic discussions and collaborative ventures throughout their 18 month EMBA voyage.

Mexico City-based Luis Acosta, a longtime Account Executive at Dell, mentioned how important the diversity of his cohort was to his decision to enroll at HEC Paris.

“I was looking for was a top worldwide University with proven evidence in these three main areas: a highly diverse cohort environment,” he said. 

“Being from Latin America, I was very interested in connecting and learning from minds from all around the world to contrast my previous knowledge and expertise in professional but also personal situations!”

Beginning a new journey
U.S.-based Web and Brand strategist Linda Hendricks noted that her EMBA classmates, many of whom hail from disparate corners of the world, almost unfailingly feature an underpinning “shared zeal for learning and discovery.”

“The beginning of this journey is more than just about academic excellence; it is a catalyst for introspection and personal evolution. Every conversation, every debate, served as a crucible for refining our ideas, questioning preconceptions, and broadening our outlooks. This shared zeal for learning and discovery is fostering a unique camaraderie among us, rooted in a sincere commitment to mutual growth.”

Building Broader Networks
Cloud product security pro Aristide Bouix, who cut his professional teeth in consulting before finding his groove at Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) firms, met his first few days in the program with the same eagerness and aplomb.

“Meeting my fellow participants in person was exhilarating. The group formed a vibrant tapestry of professionals from diverse fields such as sales, finance, engineering, and HR, further enriched by a healthy mix of French and international voices,” he said.

“What struck me the most was the ethos of the EMBA program. We were not mere students; we were participants with rich histories and experiences. The emphasis was on personal growth and leveraging our unique identities, rather than just acquiring a diploma.”

As the week unfolded, participants wasted no time immersing themselves in a myriad of activities, from immersive academic modules focused on leadership development to collaborative group projects and networking soirées. Amidst the flurry of engagements, the prevailing sentiment among students was one of eager anticipation and unwavering commitment to personal and professional evolution.

Among the voices that resonated during the orientation week was that of Rosaire Houdanou, an Ireland-based aerospace engineer. Reflecting on his decision to pursue the HEC Paris EMBA, Rosaire emphasized the program's global reputation for excellence and its unparalleled opportunities for experiential learning.

“My exciting and intense first EMBA module took place over 10 days and brought together over 60 participants from different nations around the world with many years of experience in various industries. Being stuck in the same classroom with such diverse and purposely selected brilliant minds exposed me to a myriad of viewpoints and cultural nuances. Our interactions throughout the program will undoubtedly foster new perspectives and help me cultivate a mindset essential to innovation and creative problem-solving.
Like my peers, I quickly realized how challenging the coming months will be, and my family is aware of and prepared for the new arrangement that will be necessary for me to make the most of this unique opportunity.”

As the journey unfolds, the January 2024 intake stands poised at the threshold of possibility, united in their quest for personal growth, professional advancement, and collective impact. With each passing milestone, these aspiring leaders will continue to redefine the boundaries of possibility, guided by the ethos of HEC Paris: "Learn to dare.”

Continues Rosaire, “by enrolling in HEC Paris's top-ranked EMBA program, I am investing in an experience that transcends traditional education. The program's rigorous curriculum and emphasis on leadership perfectly align with my ambition. HEC's commitment to fostering a diverse and collaborative learning environment is crucial for my international perspective. The school's strong alumni network and close ties to the business world provide unique opportunities for networking and mentorship.”

For more from Linda and Rosaire, read on below: 

Executive MBA HEC Paris: First impressions.

Linda Hendricks, USA: 

Launching into the Executive MBA at HEC Paris, I found myself immediately surpassing my own expectations from the very first day! 

The decision to return to academia was propelled into a whole new stratosphere as I was greeted by an astonishing mosaic of cultures, generations, and professional narratives, all within the confines of a single lecture hall. Engaging with case studies through the rich variety of perspectives my peers offered—drawing on experiences that crisscrossed continents, industries, and lifetimes—was an invigorating process. This mélange of viewpoints created a vibrant and deeply enriching learning space, where complex problems were dissected with a nuanced, collective intelligence.

The energy in the classroom was tangible, a testament to the keenness and inquisitiveness of my fellow students, amplified by the outstanding caliber of our instructors! Each session morphed into an interactive exchange, far removed from the traditional lecture format, making the learning experience not only more digestible but infinitely more captivating. The admissions team's assurances that I would derive immense knowledge from my peers now seems like a vast understatement. As days turned into a quick succession of enlightening discussions, the realization dawned on me that the depth of connections and insights being formed would have otherwise taken years to amass.

But the beginning of this journey is more than just about academic excellence; it is a catalyst for introspection and personal evolution. Every conversation, every debate, served as a crucible for refining our ideas, questioning preconceptions, and broadening our outlooks. This shared zeal for learning and discovery is fostering a unique camaraderie among us, rooted in a sincere commitment to mutual growth.

Reflecting on this first stage, my heart is brimming with gratitude for the chance to dive into this whirlpool of knowledge. We are at the mere beginning of this journey, yet the impact it has had on reshaping my thought processes and the immediate applicability of the concepts grasped is amazing. I 'm already sensing that this experience will extend well beyond an educational pursuit.

Rosaire Houdanou, France:
From my earliest days, I've been deeply interested in engineering, and this interest has guided me towards the aerospace sector. A decade of success in this field has revealed an untapped potential within me, compelling me to scale new heights in my career. Within the dynamic backdrop of today's professional landscape, stagnant knowledge is insufficient. The rhythm of advancement is set by those who embrace continuous learning, acknowledging that inaction is regression.

At this point in my career and in the face of the challenges we face, I’m determined to use my aerospace engineering expertise to revolutionize the "middle-mile" logistics in Africa and help turn the newly established free trade zone into a true tool for economic growth with a minor carbon footprint. As such, my goal isn't to gather credentials, but to harness their potential, infusing my career with renewed vigor and insight of strategic thinking and business acumen. I'm fully aware of the need to broaden my perspective and understand the dynamics of business.

By enrolling in HEC Paris's top-ranked EMBA program, I am investing in an experience that transcends traditional education. The program's rigorous curriculum and emphasis on leadership perfectly align with my ambition. HEC's commitment to fostering a diverse and collaborative learning environment is crucial for my international perspective. The school's strong alumni network and close ties to the business world provide unique opportunities for networking and mentorship.

My exciting and intense first EMBA module took place over 10 days and brought together over 60 participants from different nations around the world with many years of experience in various industries. Being stuck in the same classroom with such diverse and purposely selected brilliant minds exposed me to a myriad of viewpoints and cultural nuances.

Our interactions throughout the program will undoubtedly foster new perspectives and help me cultivate a mindset essential to innovation and creative problem-solving.
Like my peers, I quickly realized how challenging the coming months will be, and my family is aware of and prepared for the new arrangement that will be necessary for me to make the most of this unique opportunity.