Settembre 1, 2026 | NEWS
There comes a point in every career when moving forward is no longer simply about gaining more experience. It is about changing perspective, challenging yourself and deciding what comes next.
For many accomplished professionals, this is also the moment when an Executive MBA enters the conversation.
But considering an EMBA inevitably raises questions. Is this the right moment? How can I combine work, personal life and study? How do I discuss the investment with my employer? And, ultimately, will it really make a difference?
EMBA Stories is an evening designed around these questions – and around the people who have already faced them.
Rather than a traditional information session, we invite you to join an open conversation with USI Executive MBA alumni Giovanna Zanon and Philipp Schaerer, who will share the real story behind their EMBA experience: what motivated their decision, the challenges they encountered along the way and what the journey brought to their professional and personal development.
Meet Giovanna Zanon
Giovanna Zanon is Compliance Manager at Azienda Elettrica Ticinese, with extensive experience across compliance, regulatory affairs and business development. Before joining AET, she spent eight years at Nvalue SA and subsequently worked as an independent consultant for companies and utilities.
A recent USI Executive MBA graduate (2024–2026), Giovanna also brings a strong interest in corporate governance and corporate social responsibility to her professional journey.
Her perspective offers the opportunity to hear from someone who has just completed the EMBA journey and can speak first-hand about the experience, the commitment it requires and its value for an established professional.
Meet Philipp Schaerer
Philipp Schaerer is General Manager at Hotel La Palma au Lac and brings more than two decades of experience in the hospitality industry. His career has taken him through senior operational and management positions at organisations including Tertianum, Villa Principe Leopoldo, Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, Gstaad Palace and Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts.
A USI Executive MBA alumnus (2019–2021) and graduate of the École hôtelière de Lausanne, Philipp brings the perspective of an experienced executive who can reflect on the EMBA several years after graduation – and on how the experience fits into a longer leadership journey.
Two careers. Two perspectives. One shared experience.
Giovanna and Philipp represent two different moments in the EMBA journey: one has just completed the programme, while the other can look back on the experience five years later.
Together, they will offer an honest conversation about questions that are often difficult to answer from a brochure:
What ultimately convinced them to pursue an Executive MBA? What doubts did they have before starting? How did they manage the programme alongside demanding professional responsibilities? What changed during – and after – the experience? And, looking back, was it worth it?
Meet the Academic Director
Prof. Paulo Gonçalves, Academic Director of the USI Executive MBA, will join the conversation to provide his perspective on the programme and answer questions from participants.
The discussion will be followed by an open Q&A and networking aperitivo, giving prospective participants the opportunity to continue the conversation informally with our alumni and the EMBA community.
A Practical Takeaway
Every participant will receive our exclusive guide, “How to Discuss Your EMBA with Your Company” — a practical resource to support conversations with HR and senior management about sponsorship, study planning and organisational support.
Thinking about an Executive MBA?
Come with your questions. Hear from those who have already made the decision. And discover what the journey could mean for you.
EMBA Stories
📅 15 September 2026
🕕 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
📍 USI Executive Center, Lugano
Join us and hear the story behind the EMBA, register now: emba@usi.ch
Agosto 31, 2026 | NEWS, OPEN DAY
EMBA Talks | 8 September 2026 | 12:30 PM (Online)
Registration
To enroll, please write to: emba@usi.ch to receive the Zoom link.
We envision EMBA Talks as a series of events that combine academic expertise with open dialogue, focusing on relevant and timely topics in management, finance, marketing, society, and leadership.
Each session centers on a key theme and features an EMBA professor or EMBA alumni, who introduce the topic through a short presentation followed by an interactive discussion with participants. The goal is to create a space where ideas can be shared, challenged, and explored together.
AI at Scale: When to Control, When to Let Go
Scaling AI is no longer primarily a technology challenge, it is an organisational one. Drawing on our research with organisations at the forefront of AI adoption, including Microsoft, Nasdaq, Barclays and the Abu Dhabi Department of Finance, and on my recent MIT Sloan Management Review article on adaptive AI governance, this session offers senior leaders a practical framework for deciding what to govern, how much governance is enough, and where accountability should sit as AI becomes embedded in critical decisions and workflows. We will explore how to identify emerging governance gaps, design fit-for-purpose controls, and build the decision processes and capabilities required to scale AI with confidence.
Speaker
Gianvito Lanzolla is Professor of Strategy and Digital Transformation at Bayes Business School, City, University of London, which he joined in April 2006. From January 2016 to December 2020, he served as Dean of the Faculty of Management. Gianvito is the Founding Director of the Bayes Digital Leadership Research Centre (DLRC). Before joining Bayes, Gianvito was a Research Fellow on the Faculty of the London Business School. Over the years, he has had several visiting appointments at leading business schools including the London Business School, INSEAD, Hyderabad’s Indian School of Business and Berlin’s ESMT. From January 2016, Gianvito is a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts (RSA). In 2020, Gianvito was nominated “Cavaliere” (“knight”) by the President of the Italian Republic.
Gianvito has contributed as an advisor to owners, boards, CEOs and executive leadership teams around the world. Corporate engagements include: Apple, Vodafone (Group, India, Egypt and UK), Ericsson, NOKIA, Microsoft, BBC, Axel Springer, DePersgroep, IBM, Syngenta, MakeUK, Schott, Johnson & Johnson, McKesson, Beazley, the UAE’s Prime Minister Office, Abu Dhabi Ports Authority, Mizuho, Zurich, KION, Vailant, Alix Partners, Alturki Holding and Nesma and Partners. Gianvito is a Non-Executive Director on the Board of a large industrial conglomerate and on the Sustainability Board of University of London.
Gianvito studies the impact of technological and institutional change on competitive dynamics, firm strategy and firm organization. His articles have appeared in leading outlets including: Academy of Management Journal, Academy of Management Review, Production and Operations Management, Long Range Planning, Journal of Management, Journal of Management Studies, Journal of Product Innovation Management, Business Strategy Review, Business History, Academy of Management Review, California Management Review, and Harvard Business Review. Gianvito’s research has won several academic prizes and has been widely featured in the business media – e.g. Financial Times, the Economist, CNBC, CCTV, Wall Street Journal – and in policy papers. His latest book (with C. Markides) is on “Corporate Diversification in the Digital Age” (Cambridge University Press, Summer 2024).
He has delivered more than 100 keynotes speeches to corporate and policy audiences. An accomplished executive instructor, Gianvito teaches “Strategic Leadership”, “Diversification and Growth”, “Strategy Execution”, “Digital Innovation in Action / Silicon Valley” and “Leading Digital Transformation” to Executive and Full-Time MBA students, both in Cass’s London and Dubai campuses. He has yearly been awarded several teaching excellence prizes.
Gianvito holds an MSc in Mechanical Engineering (Dean’s list) and a PhD in Strategic Management. Before joining academia, he was the founder and managing director of “e-change ltd”, an e-business transformation provider which in 2002 he sold to a leading software company.
This initiative is part of https://ai-weeks.ch/ , the Largest open movement for artificial intelligence.
Agosto 24, 2026 | NEWS
15 September 2026 | 18:00–19:30 | USI Executive Center, Blue Room (also available online)
There comes a point in every career when progress is no longer just about working harder — it’s about thinking differently.
Many accomplished managers and entrepreneurs consider an Executive MBA at some stage. Yet even when the value is clear, hesitation often follows: Is this the right moment? How do I balance work, family and study? Will my company support the investment? Is it truly worth it?
If these questions sound familiar, EMBA Stories was designed for you.
An Evening of Honest Conversations
Rather than a standard information session, EMBA Stories brings together USI Executive MBA alumni and current participants to share what the brochures don’t: the real story behind their decision.
Expect candid insights on:
- What ultimately motivated them to pursue the programme
- The doubts and hesitations they had before enrolling
- How they approached the conversation with their employer
- How they balanced work, study and personal life
- The professional and personal impact the EMBA has had on their leadership path
Meet the Academic Director
Prof. Paulo Gonçalves, Academic Director of the USI Executive MBA, will join the discussion to answer your questions and share insights into the programme — followed by an open Q&A and a networking aperitif.
A Practical Takeaway
Every participant will receive our exclusive guide, “How to Discuss Your EMBA with Your Company” — a practical resource to support conversations with HR and senior management about sponsorship, study planning and organisational support.
Is This Evening for You?
Whether you’re actively exploring an Executive MBA or simply curious about your next professional chapter, EMBA Stories offers an honest look at what the journey really involves — directly from those who’ve lived it.
📍 USI Executive Center, Blue Room — also available online
🗓️ Tuesday, 15 September 2026
🕕 18:00–19:30
Free participation — registration required
Register Now → emba@usi.ch
Luglio 29, 2026 | NEWS
There comes a moment in every professional career when the next step is no longer about working harder—it is about thinking differently.
Many experienced managers and entrepreneurs consider pursuing an Executive MBA. Yet, despite recognising its value, they often hesitate. Is this the right time? How can I balance work, family and study? Will my company support the investment? Is it really worth it?
If these questions sound familiar, EMBA Stories was created for you.
On 15 September 2026 at 18:00, the USI Executive MBA invites prospective participants to an evening of authentic conversations with alumni and current participants who once faced exactly the same doubts.
Rather than a traditional information session, EMBA Stories offers something far more valuable: genuine experiences from professionals who transformed uncertainty into one of the most important decisions of their careers.
Throughout the evening, speakers will share:
- what motivated them to pursue an Executive MBA;
- the concerns they had before enrolling;
- how they approached the conversation with their employer;
- how they balanced work, study and personal life;
- the professional and personal impact the programme has had on their leadership journey.
The discussion will be joined by Prof. Paulo Gonçalves, Academic Director of the USI Executive MBA, who will answer questions and offer insights into the programme, followed by an open Q&A and networking aperitif.
To help participants prepare for the next step, everyone attending will also receive the practical guide “How to Discuss Your EMBA with Your Company”, developed to support conversations with HR departments and senior management about sponsorship, study planning and organisational support.
Whether you are actively considering an Executive MBA or simply exploring your future professional development, EMBA Stories is an opportunity to hear honest experiences, ask your questions and discover whether the USI Executive MBA could be your next step.
Event details
EMBA Stories – Real experiences. Real impact. Your next step.
Tuesday, September 15, 2026
6:00–7:30 p.m.
USI Executive Center, Blue Room
Participation is also available online.
Participation is free. Registration is required.
Luglio 15, 2026 | NEWS
From June 28 to July 4, 2026, participants of the USI Executive MBA traveled to Boston, one of the world’s most influential ecosystems for innovation, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence, for an immersive study tour that combined cutting-edge research, practical simulations, company visits, and cross-sector dialogue. The program, hosted primarily at Swissnex Boston and enriched by contributions from leading scholars and industry experts, prepared participants to face the challenges of an increasingly complex world — and by every measure, the week was a resounding success.
A Transformative Learning Experience
Throughout the week, participants took part in a carefully curated program exploring the interconnected dynamics that shape modern organizations, industries, and societies. Through lectures, workshops, simulations, and networking opportunities, executives gained new perspectives on leadership, innovation, sustainability, and strategic decision-making.
The tour opened with an in-depth exploration of Business Dynamics and Systems Thinking, led by internationally recognized experts from Harvard University and MIT Sloan. Participants learned how feedback loops, delays, and nonlinear interactions influence organizational performance, strategic growth, project execution, and long-term value creation. Through simulation models and real-world case studies, they built practical tools for understanding complexity and improving decision-making in dynamic environments.
A key theme running through the program was the ability to lead in uncertainty. Sessions explored how organizations can avoid capability traps, design more resilient strategies, and balance competing priorities such as growth, quality, cost, and time. By adopting a systems perspective, participants gained deeper insight into how leaders can anticipate unintended consequences and drive sustainable performance.
Innovation, AI, and Organizational Transformation
Innovation took center stage in sessions dedicated to emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and organizational design. Participants examined the transformative impact of Agentic AI and its implications for business models, leadership, and competitive advantage.
Further discussions focused on innovation management and the different modes through which organizations create and scale new ideas. Drawing on expertise from leading academic institutions, participants explored how innovation ecosystems foster collaboration between startups, corporations, researchers, and investors, generating sustainable growth and long-term strategic value. An Innovation Trail and networking opportunities within Boston’s renowned entrepreneurial ecosystem gave participants firsthand exposure to one of the most vibrant innovation hubs in the world.
Sustainability and Climate Leadership
Sustainability remained a central pillar of the study tour. Through dedicated sessions on climate change, environmental systems, and resource management, participants examined the growing responsibility of leaders to navigate global sustainability challenges.
Interactive experiences such as the Sustainability Game and the EN-ROADS Climate Action Simulation allowed participants to explore the consequences of policy decisions, stakeholder actions, and strategic interventions across interconnected environmental, economic, and social systems. A special session featuring industry leaders working at the forefront of climate innovation further connected theory and practice, showing how organizations are translating sustainability ambitions into measurable impact.
An Evening at the Residence of the Swiss Consul
Among the many highlights of the week was a special evening at the official residence of Philippe Roesle, CEO of Swissnex in Boston and New York and Consul of Switzerland in Boston. Located in Lexington, Massachusetts — a town known for its rich historical heritage and close proximity to Boston’s thriving innovation ecosystem — the residence offered a unique setting for an evening of dialogue, networking, and cultural exchange.
Participants were welcomed with genuine warmth, and the evening became one of the most memorable moments of the entire tour. The USI Executive MBA extends its sincere gratitude to Philippe Roesle and the entire Swissnex team for their hospitality and for fostering meaningful connections between Swiss institutions and the academic, entrepreneurial, and innovation communities of the Greater Boston area.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The study tour also included visits to organizations operating at the intersection of technology, research, and innovation. Participants engaged directly with experts from Helbling, a global leader in engineering and product development, gaining insights into how innovation is transformed into real-world solutions across industries including healthcare, robotics, and advanced technologies.
Networking receptions and informal exchanges with professionals, researchers, and innovators from the Boston ecosystem further enriched the experience, fostering valuable international connections and broadening participants’ understanding of global business challenges and opportunities.
A Week That Delivered on Its Promise
The USI EMBA Boston Study Tour 2026 offered far more than an academic experience. It gave executives a unique opportunity to challenge assumptions, expand their perspectives, and strengthen their ability to lead systemic transformation.
By combining rigorous academic insights, practical simulations, industry engagement, and international networking — including the memorable evening at the residence of the Consul of Switzerland — the program equipped participants with the tools needed to navigate complexity, foster innovation, and create sustainable value. Participants returned to Switzerland energized, inspired, and ready to apply what they had learned: a true testament to how leadership extends beyond the classroom.
Giugno 17, 2026 | NEWS
A Week of Systems Thinking, Innovation, and Sustainable Leadership
From June 28 to July 4, 2026, participants in the USI Executive MBA embark on an immersive study tour in Boston, one of the world’s most influential ecosystems for innovation, entrepreneurship, and academic excellence. Hosted primarily at Swissnex Boston and enriched by contributions from leading scholars and industry experts, the experience combines cutting-edge research, practical simulations, company visits, and cross-sector dialogue to prepare leaders for the challenges of an increasingly complex world.
A Transformative Learning Experience
Over the course of the week, participants engage in a carefully curated program exploring the interconnected dynamics that shape modern organizations, industries, and societies. Through lectures, workshops, simulations, and networking opportunities, executives gain new perspectives on leadership, innovation, sustainability, and strategic decision-making.
The study tour begins with an in-depth exploration of Business Dynamics and Systems Thinking, led by internationally recognized experts from Harvard University and MIT Sloan. Participants learn how feedback loops, delays, and nonlinear interactions influence organizational performance, strategic growth, project execution, and long-term value creation. Through simulation models and real-world case studies, they develop practical tools to better understand complexity and improve decision-making in dynamic environments.
A key theme throughout the program is the ability to lead in uncertainty. Sessions explore how organizations can avoid capability traps, design more resilient strategies, and balance competing priorities such as growth, quality, cost, and time. By adopting a systems perspective, participants gain deeper insight into how leaders can anticipate unintended consequences and drive sustainable performance.
Innovation, AI, and Organizational Transformation
Innovation takes center stage through sessions dedicated to emerging technologies, entrepreneurship, and organizational design. Participants examine the transformative impact of Agentic AI and its implications for business models, leadership, and competitive advantage.
Additional discussions focus on innovation management and the different modes through which organizations create and scale new ideas. Drawing on expertise from leading academic institutions, participants explore how innovation ecosystems foster collaboration between startups, corporations, researchers, and investors, generating sustainable growth and long-term strategic value.
The program also includes an Innovation Trail and networking opportunities within Boston’s renowned entrepreneurial ecosystem, offering firsthand exposure to one of the most vibrant innovation hubs in the world.
Sustainability and Climate Leadership
Sustainability remains a central pillar of the study tour. Through dedicated sessions on climate change, environmental systems, and resource management, participants examine the growing responsibility of leaders to navigate global sustainability challenges.
Interactive experiences such as the Sustainability Game and the EN-ROADS Climate Action Simulation allow participants to explore the consequences of policy decisions, stakeholder actions, and strategic interventions across interconnected environmental, economic, and social systems. These evidence-based simulations provide a powerful framework for understanding how collective action can accelerate meaningful climate solutions.
A special session featuring industry leaders working at the forefront of climate innovation further connects theory and practice, demonstrating how organizations are translating sustainability ambitions into measurable impact.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
The study tour extends beyond academic sessions through visits to organizations operating at the intersection of technology, research, and innovation. Participants engage directly with experts from Helbling, a global leader in engineering and product development, gaining insights into how innovation is transformed into real-world solutions across industries including healthcare, robotics, and advanced technologies.
The program is further enriched by networking receptions and informal exchanges with professionals, researchers, and innovators from the Boston ecosystem. These interactions foster valuable international connections and broaden participants’ understanding of global business challenges and opportunities.
Key Learning Objectives
The Boston Study Tour 2026 reinforces several core pillars of the USI Executive MBA:
- Systems Thinking and Business Dynamics: Understanding complexity, feedback systems, and strategic decision-making.
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Exploring emerging technologies, AI-driven transformation, and innovation ecosystems.
- Strategic Sustainability: Integrating environmental responsibility into long-term business strategy.
- Climate Leadership: Developing the skills needed to navigate global sustainability challenges.
- Organizational Resilience: Building adaptive organizations capable of thriving in uncertain environments.
- Global Networking: Connecting with leading academics, practitioners, and innovators in one of the world’s foremost centers of innovation.
Leading in a Complex World
The USI EMBA Boston Study Tour 2026 offers far more than an academic experience. It provides executives with a unique opportunity to challenge assumptions, expand their perspectives, and strengthen their ability to lead systemic transformation.
By combining rigorous academic insights, practical simulations, industry engagement, and international networking, the program equips participants with the tools required to navigate complexity, foster innovation, and create sustainable value. In a world increasingly shaped by interconnected challenges, the Boston Study Tour empowers leaders to think differently, act strategically, and drive meaningful impact.
