The fourteenth edition of the Executive MBA of the Faculty of Economics at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) officially started on 14 November, opening a new chapter in the University’s long-standing commitment to developing responsible, future-ready leaders. The new cohort was welcomed during a rich and engaging Orientation Day, followed by the first days of the Leadership module, creating an atmosphere filled with curiosity, ambition, and a desire for transformation.
Orientation Day
Led by Professor Paulo Gonçalves, the Orientation Day encouraged participants to introduce themselves through creative storytelling using images, symbols, and personal narratives.Participants shared visual metaphors of their professional and personal journey revealing the motivations, values, and ambitions they bring to the EMBA. These first exchanges set the tone for a programme that is not only academically rigorous but also profoundly personal, reflective, and connected to the real experience of leadership.
Learning from Experience: Keynote Speeches by EMBA Alumni
A special highlight of the inaugural day was the session with two distinguished EMBA alumni, whose testimonies offered participants a vivid insight into how the USI Executive MBA shapes careers, mindsets, and leadership trajectories.
Nicola Roberto Tettamanti (EMBA8),
CEO of Tecnopinz SA and President of Swissmechanic,
shared how the EMBA equipped him with strategic thinking, confidence in decision-making, and the ability to steer organisational innovation. He emphasised how the programme strengthened his capacity to guide teams through change and fostered a more structured approach to leadership challenges.
Karolina Frischkopf (EMBA1),
CEO at HEKS/EPER (Swiss Church Aid),
offered a powerful reflection on how the EMBA supported her transition toward executive responsibility in the humanitarian sector. She highlighted the programme’s impact on her leadership identity, her ability to navigate complex, multicultural environments, and her commitment to ethical and sustainable organisational development.
Their stories provided an inspiring introduction to the transformative potential of the EMBA experience, resonating strongly with the aspirations of the EMBA14 class.
A Diverse and International Cohort
The EMBA14 class brings together 11 professionals with significant work experience and diverse roles across industries such as business, technology, public service, non-profit organisations, and international development.This heterogeneous group enriches the programme by fostering a dynamic exchange of perspectives, generating fertile ground for peer learning, and cultivating a collaborative mindset essential in today’s interconnected world. Participants share a common objective: developing advanced organisational and leadership capabilities while embracing innovative tools to navigate a global market undergoing continuous transformation.
A Swiss Perspective with a Global Outlook
The programme maintains a strong connection to the Swiss economic landscape and its values—precision, reliability, sustainability—while offering an international perspective that broadens professional horizons. Lugano serves as both a familiar reference point for local professionals and an international gateway for participants joining from abroad.This blend of local grounding and global exposure is a defining feature of USI’s Executive MBA.
Commitment to Ethics, Sustainability, and Responsible Leadership
As in previous years, the EMBA continues to strengthen its focus on ethics, sustainability, and responsible leadership. The programme seeks to develop leaders who can generate positive impact, combine analytical rigor with strategic vision, and guide organisations with integrity. This commitment is expressed through an international faculty, personalised teaching methods, and learning experiences that integrate theory with real-world application.
