I want to start by thanking the incredible administration team in the MBA office at IMD. Not only have they enabled us to attend classes in person all year, but they organized (and re-organized) a fantastic trip to Berlin. Here we were able to explore a progressing (and progressive) start-up ecosystem with multiple founders, investors, and activists.
The week was a whirlwind of activity. We dove into entrepreneurship and design thinking at a co-working office, saw the potential for sustainable cities through Berlin’s abandoned airports and the EUREF campus, and looked into the future at the Futurium Museum.
But perhaps my favorite part of the week was the net-walking dinner. During this time, we visited some of Berlin’s best restaurants to meet IMD alumni and entrepreneurs in the Berlin ecosystem. Along with my classmate, Anou Sewano, I had the pleasure of dining with alumnus and investor, Gerhard Beinhauer; digital systems thinker, Pascal Morgan; and sustainable entrepreneur, Henri Cuin. Across the three restaurants, we discussed transitioning to sustainable agriculture, bionic humans and progressing in a more digital world, and how businesses can pivot to more sustainable business models that will continue to meet the needs of today without compromising the future.
In all, I left Berlin with an incredible appreciation for the energy and possibility that exists in the city. An energy that is present in its vibrant and welcoming start-up scene, and one that is ferociously striving to create a better and more sustainable future.
I leave you with a selection of photos from our time in Berlin:
