The thirteenth Executive MBA, a management training programme of the Faculty of Economics of Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), began on 14 November. It was a special opening day that provided participants with an opportunity to share and reflect. During the orientation session, students presented their stories using newspaper clippings, images, and photographs.

Some represented their lives as a tree, with deep roots in the past and branches reaching out towards new goals. Others chose a flower, a symbol of growth and renewal. For some, life is a pyramid, a work in continuous construction, where the EMBA represents both an achievement and a new beginning for personal change. This introductory moment laid the foundation for a journey that is both academic and personal, marked by positivity, determination, and the importance of having a vision.

A connection with the region and the Swiss spirit

EMBA13 embodies a strong connection to the region and the unique values of Switzerland. For local participants, the programme represents an opportunity to enhance the economic and cultural fabric of the territory. For those coming from abroad, Lugano serves as a hub for innovation and networking opportunities. The programme encourages a global perspective while still emphasising the significance of the local context.

A heterogeneous class

The EMBA13 class is made up of 14 professionals, each with an average of 13 years of work experience. Participants come from various fields, including energy, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and consulting. They share a common goal of gaining organisational skills and innovative tools to tackle the challenges of a changing global market. The diverse personal and professional backgrounds of the participants enhance classroom discussions, fostering a stimulating and collaborative learning environment.

A path for personal and professional growth

The inaugural day ended with an event organised by USI and the UBS Center for Economics in Society, an opportunity to explore the role of corporate culture, with illustrious guests such as Sergio P. Ermotti (CEO of UBS Group AG), Ernst Fehr (University of Zurich), Luigi Guiso (Einaudi Institute for Economics and Finance) and Luisa Lambertini, Rector of USI. In the following days, the new class had the opportunity to attend the Leadership course with the EMBA12, the previous edition, giving rise to opportunities for exchange and networking.

With a programme that includes a Study Tour in Boston (USA) and innovative courses, USI’s EMBA is not just a master’s programme but a path of transformation. An ethical approach, a focus on sustainability and responsible leadership guide every aspect of the Master’s programme. For participants, this represents a springboard to face future challenges with confidence and vision.

When: 16 October, 18:00
Where : USI Executive Center, Blue Room, Via Buffi 13
Guest Speaker: Amin Jadavji, co-founder of Elevate Farms

Join us for an event on the future of agriculture, focusing on vertical farming and the transformative role of space technology in food production. This event will feature a keynote presentation by Amin Jadavji, co-founder of Elevate Farms, a leader in vertical farming solutions that significantly reduce water and land usage while improving the sustainability of local food production.

As climate change and resource scarcity challenge conventional farming methods, Elevate Farms is at the forefront of providing an innovative solution. Their automated systems, developed from space research with ESA and NASA, allow for efficient, sustainable production of leafy greens using 90% less water and land than traditional agriculture—without the use of pesticides. These advancements hold the promise of revolutionizing Switzerland’s agricultural sector by bringing fresh, locally grown produce directly to consumers with minimal environmental impact.

During the event, Amin will delve into how this technology is already being implemented in Switzerland and globally, and why vertical farming is essential for reducing reliance on imported produce. From pioneering research in controlled-environment agriculture to practical applications in local supply chains, this event will offer unique insights into the future of farming.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about cutting-edge agricultural technology and its potential to transform food systems both locally and globally.

About Elevate Farms
Elevate Farms is an innovative company co-founded by Amin Jadavji and Per Aage Lysaa, combining decades of research in photobiology and plant growth systems. Their technology focuses on controlled environments that optimize light, humidity, and nutrients for growing plants, reducing waste and enhancing productivity.

Book your place: emba@usi.ch

Take advantage of this opportunity and book your free session for the upcoming course.

Course: Strategic and Creative decision making
19 October (08:30-12:30), USI, Executive Center, Blue Room

Dr. Soyer is a behavioral scientist and the founder of SOYER Decision Advisory. He has contributed to graduate and executive programs at INSEAD, Bayes, TUM, USI, EDHEC, ESSEC and MIP, among others. He has provided talks, workshops and/or projects to a wide range of organizations, including Google, Airbnb, Amazon, Microsoft, Continental, BBVA, ING, BASF, Pfizer, Turkish Airlines, EY, TBWA. Beyond his scholarly publications, he has co-authored The Myth of Experience (with Robin Hogarth), and written for Harvard Business Review and MIT Sloan Management Review on decision making. He has also co-created and managed social enterprises.

Course Description and goals

This course focuses on improving critical thinking and strategic decision making skills of today’s and tomorrow’s leaders.
TOPICS
Recognizing Main Decision Traps
Learning the Right Lessons from Data & Experience
Improving Intuition, Critical Thinking & Influence
Designing & Communicating Decision Objectives
Mitigating Uncertainty with Communication & Creativity
Improving Decisions of Groups & Organizations

Book your place: emba@usi.ch