9.5.2025
As they embark on their journey, ESSEC Weekend EMBA class of 2026 took a moment to reflect on what motivated them to join, how they experienced their first weekend, and what they hope to gain in the months ahead.
In the testimonials that follow, they share their first impressions, key moments, and personal aspirations for the transformative journey to come.
“ I’m genuinely excited to grow alongside this group over the next 18 months not just as a professional, but as a person.”
The first weekend on campus was intense, inspiring, and energizing. From the Managerial Economics class to the Geopolitics masterclass, everything struck the right balance between challenge and engagement. What stood out the most was the incredible diversity of the cohort so many stories, backgrounds, and perspectives coming together. It’s rare to be surrounded by such a high concentration of talent and openness. I’m genuinely excited to grow alongside this group not just as a professional, but as a person.
Michele LETTIERI
CEO - Groupe Cider
ESSEC EMBA ‘26
Joining the program is a personal and professional milestone a commitment to growth, a step outside my comfort zone, and "an incubator” for my career.
The first weekend on campus was intense! I was truly energized by the opportunity to engage with such impressive people, from my fellow cohort members to the professors, speakers and the program team. The sense of community and shared purpose was immediate, and it makes me genuinely excited for what lies ahead in this journey.
Caterina LANNAZZO
Group Health Safety Environment Director - Modulaire Group
ESSEC EMBA ‘26
“After just one weekend together, it already feels like we’ve begun building a new kind of family one rooted in kindness, attentiveness, and active listening.”
After experiencing the first weekend, I feel even more inspired and confident about the next 18 months. I know this journey will be intense, transformative, and rich in personal and collective growth. My success will not only be defined by academic outcomes, but also by the connections I forge, the skills I refine, and the impact I aim to create. I’m fully committed to embracing every step of this experience.
“I decided to join to Program not only to challenge myself, but to question myself, to keep learning not only with the modules content, but through my cohort”
“I decided to join to Program not only to challenge myself, but to question myself, to keep learning not only with the modules content, but through my cohort. For me, this Program represent a unique opportunity to widen my business comprehension and nourishing it not only by connecting with my unique peers and professors, but to confront ideas and perceptions from my professional & personal experiences.”
Jacobo IBARRA
Supply Chain Program Manager, Entrepreneur
ESSEC EMBA ‘26
“My decision to join the Executive MBA at ESSEC stems from this very conviction to go beyond the familiar, to break comfort zones, and to awaken the leader, strategist, and innovator within.”
From the moment I joined, I felt the pulse of something extraordinary. The curriculum is not just rigorous; it is intellectually stimulating, contemporary, and deeply rooted in practical relevance. It challenges conventional thinking and inspires us to reimagine how leadership, business, and society intersect. What makes it even more special is that this learning does not happen in isolation it happens in the company of exceptional individuals.
Aman KEDWAII
Project Management, Development Practitioner, Water Management Expert
ESSEC EMBA ‘26
“As an HR professional, I find it incredibly exciting to learn from this range of backgrounds and perspectives.”
I chose the ESSEC EMBA program because the curriculum aligns closely with what I'm looking for not just in terms of academic growth, but also the opportunity to learn from and alongside a diverse group of 52 peers from 26 countries. I’m confident the next 18 months will be an incredibly enriching journey. I believe the program and the chance to engage with professionals working across different organizational functions, will deepen my understanding of the experiences and challenges colleagues face in their respective roles.
Sean MAHENDREN
Global Talent Acquisition, L-Acoustics
ESSEC EMBA ‘26
“This initial phase has been rich in both human and professional aspects, laying a strong foundation for collaboration and mutual growth.”
I joined the Executive MBA at ESSEC to enhance my leadership skills and expand my professional network. This program represents a significant step in my career development. After the first weekend focused on team building, I feel energized and optimistic about the next 18 months. The diverse cohort promises a rich and rewarding journey ahead.
Jeremy GUAZZAGALOPPA
R&D Team Leader & Group Expert @ Hutchinson
ESSEC EMBA ‘26
Interested in embarking on a transformative journey of your own by joining our ESSEC Executive MBA program?
