A legacy of excellence: former MBA Directors reflect on the Program’s journey

The opening week of the 50th Full-time MBA edition concluded with a round table that brought together former Directors. Moderated by current Academic Director Stefano Pogutz, the event explored the program's journey and lasting influence. Gualtiero Brugger, Franco Amigoni, Enrico Valdani, Luigi Tava, Stefano Gatti, and Gianmario Verona shared their unique perspectives and contributions to its evolution, each drawing on a keyword that provided inspiration for reflecting on their respective tenures. 

Gualtiero Brugger, the first MBA Director highlighted the entrepreneurial drive behind the MBA’s creation. He recounted the challenge of introducing a new managerial culture at a time when the business world was transitioning from mass production to a focus on diversity and personalization. Despite the initial skepticism, the course's innovative approach gradually set it apart from other new business schools.

Franco Amigoni, who received the baton from Prof. Brugger described the effort to establish the program's credibility in a competitive landscape. He noted how its academic rigor and research focus played a crucial role in overcoming these challenges, while also planting the foundational "seeds" for its future growth and integration into the broader academic community.

Enrico Valdani reflected on the significance of challenging conventional boundaries. He elaborated on how embracing innovative and unconventional approaches has been crucial in maintaining and strengthening the MBA’s relevance and success, fostering a dynamic learning environment. 

Luigi Tava discussed the strategic push towards internationalization, detailing the extensive efforts to broaden the program’s reach. His reflections underscored the transition from a regional focus to a global presence, aiming to bolster its standing on the world stage and attract a diverse, international cohort.

Gianmario Verona addressed the importance of aligning the program with international standards. He spoke about adapting its structure and content to meet the criteria for excellence set by leading global institutions. Verona’s discussion emphasized the need to stay relevant and competitive in the global educational landscape.

Stefano Gatti focused on the necessity of harmonizing the various course’s elements, highlighting the importance of seamless coordination among class, faculty, career services, admissions and other components to ensure a cohesive and effective educational experience.

“The six keywords chosen by the directors highlight the consistency of the School's flagship program across time,” comments Dean Stefano Caselli. “Established with the intent not to be a mere copy of Anglo-Saxon models, it retains features that make it unique. Launched within a school that aimed to pursue ‘the search for more equitable economic and organizational structures,’ in the words of founder Claudio Dematté, today it knows how to create value, grounding it in the values we seek to express.”

 “The round table offered current students a wealth of managerial insights, illuminating the strategic decisions and visionary thinking that have shaped the program,” commented Stefano Pogutz, Academic Director. “The event vividly illustrated the cultural and professional context in which the MBA 50 class is navigating their journey, with each former Director providing intriguing perspectives that made the discussion both engaging and enlightening. This equipped the students with a deeper understanding of the program's legacy and the challenges they will encounter along their path.”

SDA Bocconi School of Management