Standing at Sokhna Port in Egypt after delivering our final ICP (International Consulting Project) presentation, I was overcome by mixed emotions. Pride and joy from completing a challenging project blended with the bittersweet realization that my IMD MBA journey was nearing its end.
Our consulting project in Egypt wasn’t just another assignment, it was an unforgettable experience that tested my resilience, adaptability, and teamwork. Together with five classmates, we crafted strategic recommendations for a multinational client’s five-year country strategy in Egypt. The country’s limited digital infrastructure presented significant hurdles – business intelligence relied heavily on personal networks, with access coming at a high cost.
IMD’s network and reputation opened doors, enabling us to hold meaningful interviews and gather insights that helped us overcome these challenges. In the end, our hard work paid off. Both the client and our faculty director acknowledged the value of our delivery. As I reflect, the project taught me more than just strategy, it showed me how to lead in an uncertain and complex business environment.
Six continents in one year
One of the most defining aspects of my IMD MBA journey has been the sheer diversity of experiences across the globe. Upon returning to Switzerland after Egypt, I received a “Missing in Action” medal from our Indian ICP team – a playful and heartwarming gesture. Initially, I was assigned to an India-based ICP team, but visa complications unexpectedly redirected me to Egypt. In hindsight, this twist of fate was a blessing. It marked the sixth continent I visited this year, capping an incredible journey that included expedition trips to Silicon Valley and Argentina, a two-month internship in Australia, and a six-week consulting project in Egypt.
This year wasn’t just about traveling, it was about building connections across cultures and embracing diverse perspectives. IMD has given me far more than an MBA degree. It has provided me with clarity about where I thrive in a global context and what truly matters. Professors like Ralf Boscheck didn’t just teach us theories, either – they imbued every lesson with wisdom that extended far beyond the classroom. Their passion for truth, goodness, and beauty, and their commitment to leadership that transcends industries and cultures, left an indelible mark on me.
Coming home and looking ahead
Returning to Switzerland after Egypt felt like coming home, both physically and emotionally. On my first weekend back, I couldn’t wait to reconnect with the essence of Swiss life. Together with Pekka, I hiked through the crisp Alpine air, indulged in cheese fondue and chocolate, and savored Swiss wine. After weeks of intensity in Egypt, this was the perfect way to recharge.
As elective courses wrapped up, preparations for graduation began in earnest. My family has started arriving in Lausanne, and the countdown to graduation day on 13 December feels both thrilling and bittersweet. While I look forward to celebrating this milestone with my IMD family, I can’t help but feel nostalgic for the incredible year that has passed.
None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my family and friends. From the runner who saved me from hypothermia during a grueling 100km ultramarathon to the family who generously gave me Swiss francs during a leadership challenge where I practiced approaching strangers on the street, I’ve been deeply moved by the power of human connection.
Of course, my classmates have been an anchor throughout this journey. From late-night study sessions to spirited debates over case strategies, they’ve challenged me, supported me, and become lifelong friends.
Real learning, real impact
This year wasn’t just an academic journey; it was a personal transformation. The nights spent solving cases, the challenges of working across cultures, and the moments of triumph have prepared me for a future filled with both uncertainty and opportunity.
As I look ahead, I know that real learning doesn’t end with graduation, it evolves with every new challenge and step forward. IMD has equipped me with the courage to embrace change, the clarity to navigate complexity, and the relationships that will last a lifetime.
Wherever life takes me next, I carry this journey with me – a journey across six continents, shaped by unforgettable people and invaluable wisdom that has left a lasting imprint on me. For that, I am deeply grateful.
