Célia Lecorgne

Growing up in France, HEC was always a benchmark of excellence, and the idea of combining its global management perspective with TUM’s technical expertise was the perfect fit for where I want to grow.

During my Master’s in Real Estate in Switzerland, I became increasingly interested in areas such as venture capital, private equity, hedge funds, and family offices, spaces that raise fundamental questions about what characteristics allow certain businesses to scale, sustain value, and influence entire markets. I joined the HEC x TUM Summer School in Entrepreneurship & Digital Innovation to push beyond my foundations in real estate and finance and explore what makes businesses not only succeed but stand out as leaders.

I’ve always been driven by entrepreneurship, and this program allowed me to see innovation through the lens of creation, not just investment. The two weeks in Heilbronn were both intense and empowering. From startup ideation and digital marketing to blockchain and business analytics, the focus was on applying knowledge: pitching with little preparation, leading in teams, and receiving feedback from experts who had lived the reality of building. It was a masterclass in clarity, courage, and execution.

What impressed me most was the pedagogy: rigorous yet dynamic, technical yet practical, always inviting us to question assumptions and sharpen our judgment. The balance between HEC and TUM perspectives made the experience particularly rich.

Equally valuable was the human side. Being surrounded by participants from all over the world, with different academic paths, cultures, and ambitions, brought constant inspiration. The exchange of ideas, and the friendships built across backgrounds, made the learning environment even more dynamic and memorable.

For me, the program was more than a summer course, it was a reminder that there are no limits except the ones we impose. It gave me the tools, mindset, and perspective to keep building with vision, discipline, and resilience. I would recommend it to anyone ready to think bigger, act faster, and step into the mindset of leadership.

Find out more about this joint Summer Program with TUM