Last Friday, I had the privilege of joining 19 fellow MBA students on a visit to the Nestlé Research Centre in Lausanne – an experience that was as eye-opening as it was inspirational.
As someone who came to IMD with a passion for sustainability and innovation, stepping into the heart of Nestlé’s research and development was like walking into the future of food and consumer goods. We were welcomed by Martin Pucek, who gave us a glimpse into the global network of research institutes that drive Nestlé’s innovations. His insights reinforced how deeply research is woven into the fabric of Nestlé, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the FMCG industry.
One of the most impactful moments of the day was our session at the Institute of Agricultural Sciences, led by Jeroen Dijkman. Hearing about the challenges of climate change and how Nestlé is working to make crops more resilient hit close to home. I’ve always believed in the power of sustainable practices, but seeing how a global leader like Nestlé is tackling these issues on a massive scale was nothing short of extraordinary.
We then moved on to the Institute of Packaging Sciences, where Nico Galaffu walked us through the complexities of packaging innovation. The balance between sustainability and cost is a tightrope that every company must walk and seeing the practical steps Nestlé is taking to address this was enlightening. It’s one thing to learn about these challenges in a classroom, but witnessing the real-world application was a reminder of why I chose this path – to make a tangible difference.
Perhaps the most exciting part of the day was learning about Nestlé’s Accelerator program from Mar Serra. The opportunity that startups can collaborate with Nestlé to bring innovative ideas to market within just six months is incredibly motivating. It’s a testament to how fast-paced and dynamic the business world can be, and it left me thinking about how I can apply this mindset of rapid innovation in my career.
The day wasn’t just about listening, it was also about contributing. Along with my peers, I had the opportunity to pitch ideas on how Nestlé could leverage their R&D work. Standing in front of industry experts, presenting our ideas, and receiving their feedback was a moment of realization. This is what it means to be at the intersection of education and real-world impact.
The day ended with an informal session where we heard the career stories of Nestlé’s business and HR leaders. Their journeys, filled with unexpected challenges and turns much like our own, were truly inspiring. Witnessing how they navigated these hurdles to rise to leadership was both motivating and reassuring.
Leaving the Nestlé Research Centre, I was filled with profound appreciation. The opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders, address real-world challenges, and benefit from the dedicated support of our IMD MBA Career Development Centre was truly transformative.
This experience went beyond a simple visit; it offered a clear vision of the future we are destined to shape. This day strengthened my commitment to being a driving force in creating that future.
