Executive MBA, Universität Zürich

EMBA UZH at Yale School of Management

We're thrilled to share that the Executive MBA University of Zurich continued its Learning Expedition to the USA with an exciting week-long module on "Negotiation and Leadership" at Yale School of Management in New Haven, USA! This immersive experience at this top Ivy League East Coast institution is an essential part of our EMBA journey. Beyond the enriching academic content, we're gaining valuable insights into Anglo-Saxon management culture and education.

We kicked off an inspiring week with a warm welcome program by Kristen McKee Beyers and Daylian Cain, followed by engaging sessions by James Baron on Building High Performing Teams and Decision Making for Leaders taught by Julia DiBenigno.
The day concluded with a walking tour through Yale’s campus. The group then gathered for dinner at The Well, located in the Schwarzman Center, providing a relaxed setting for networking, reflection, and continued exchange after an intensive day of learning.

Second day’s focus was Innovation, Negotiation & Leadership
Participants of the EMBA program explored key topics shaping modern leadership:
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship with Barry Nalebuff
- Advanced negotiation strategies, including the Pie Framework and Art of Discovery
- Practical insights into storytelling and decision-making in negotiations by Daylian Cain
The day combined theory with hands-on learning, equipping leaders with tools to create value, think entrepreneurially, and negotiate more effectively.

The energy, collaboration, and insights shared from the very beginning set the tone for what promises to be an exceptional learning journey.

Here are the initial impressions of our participant, Ferry Unger, BizDevOps Engineer by SBB CFF FFS AG:
“The first two days at Yale highlighted that exceptional results rarely come from individual expertise alone. Whether building high-performing teams or launching new ventures, success depends on creating the conditions for collective intelligence, challenging assumptions, and deeply understanding the problems we are trying to solve. Coming directly from our Silicon Valley experience focusing on startups and VC, it was particularly valuable to explore the less visible side of innovation: how leaders create the conditions for effective collaboration, how teams avoid poor decisions, and how successful entrepreneurs identify opportunities by understanding the underlying customer problem rather than focusing on the product itself.”

Looking forward to the days ahead filled with innovation, negotiation, and impactful discussions.

EMBA UZH at Yale School of Management

We're thrilled to share that the Executive MBA University of Zurich continued its Learning Expedition to the USA with an exciting week-long module on "Negotiation and Leadership" at Yale School of Management in New Haven, USA! This immersive experience at this top Ivy League East Coast institution is an essential part of our EMBA journey. Beyond the enriching academic content, we're gaining valuable insights into Anglo-Saxon management culture and education.

We kicked off an inspiring week with a warm welcome program by Kristen McKee Beyers and Daylian Cain, followed by engaging sessions by James Baron on Building High Performing Teams and Decision Making for Leaders taught by Julia DiBenigno.
The day concluded with a walking tour through Yale’s campus. The group then gathered for dinner at The Well, located in the Schwarzman Center, providing a relaxed setting for networking, reflection, and continued exchange after an intensive day of learning.

Second day’s focus was Innovation, Negotiation & Leadership
Participants of the EMBA program explored key topics shaping modern leadership:
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship with Barry Nalebuff
- Advanced negotiation strategies, including the Pie Framework and Art of Discovery
- Practical insights into storytelling and decision-making in negotiations by Daylian Cain
The day combined theory with hands-on learning, equipping leaders with tools to create value, think entrepreneurially, and negotiate more effectively.

The energy, collaboration, and insights shared from the very beginning set the tone for what promises to be an exceptional learning journey.

Here are the initial impressions of our participant, Ferry Unger, BizDevOps Engineer by SBB CFF FFS AG:
“The first two days at Yale highlighted that exceptional results rarely come from individual expertise alone. Whether building high-performing teams or launching new ventures, success depends on creating the conditions for collective intelligence, challenging assumptions, and deeply understanding the problems we are trying to solve. Coming directly from our Silicon Valley experience focusing on startups and VC, it was particularly valuable to explore the less visible side of innovation: how leaders create the conditions for effective collaboration, how teams avoid poor decisions, and how successful entrepreneurs identify opportunities by understanding the underlying customer problem rather than focusing on the product itself.”

Looking forward to the days ahead filled with innovation, negotiation, and impactful discussions.

https://www.emba.uzh.ch/en.html

From Stanford to the Heart of the Innovation Ecosystem – EMBA UZH in Silicon Valley

The second half of our Learning Expedition to the West Coast took our Executive MBA participants beyond the classroom and directly into the companies, founders, and ecosystems shaping the future of technology, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.

Over the past two days, our cohort had the privilege to engage with some of the most exciting organizations driving innovation today, including visits to:
• Hacker Dojo – learning about one of Silicon Valley’s most vibrant builder communities with Qi Diaz
• Sierra with insights from Pol Peiffer and Florian Dahlhausen
• Y Combinator startup pitching sessions hosted by Max Arnold
• Harness AI with perspectives from Adeeb Valiulla
• A special evening reception hosted by HE Jonas Brunschwig at the private residence of the Consul General of Switzerland in San Francisco
And on our final day in San Francisco:
• Internet Archive with inspiring conversations with Brewster Kahle and Mark Graham on preserving the world’s digital knowledge
• Salesforce at Salesforce Tower, discussing enterprise AI transformation with Manjeet Singh, Casey Magnuson and Augustin Hamm – with an amazing view from the “Ohana Floor” – 61 floors up in the sky
• Yes SF and swissnex with insights from Samantha Wong, Luna Duttli and Ben Leutwyler

From startup communities and venture ecosystems to enterprise AI at global scale, these final days perfectly demonstrated what makes Silicon Valley unique: the combination of bold ideas, speed of ex*****on, and an ecosystem designed to turn vision into reality.

A huge thank you to all our hosts, speakers, and partners for opening their doors and sharing invaluable insights with our cohort. Particular thanks to Prof. Dr. Tamara Carleton – our host and module leader.

https://www.emba.uzh.ch/en.html

What really changes through an Executive MBA?
Our alumna Helen Gloor (EMBA UZH 2024–26), Communications & PR at Ayus Medical Group, shares valuable insights from her experience.

From ex*****on to decision-making
The EMBA shifted the focus from translating decisions into communication to actively contributing to strategic decision-making – with solid knowledge in strategy, finance, and operations.

Rethinking leadership
“Leadership is less about having all the answers and more about creating clarity and asking the right questions.”

Developing a broader perspective
Moving beyond isolated challenges toward understanding systems – how strategy, people, operations, and finances are interconnected.

International Learning Expeditions brought theory to life:
• Yale University – Negotiation as a tool for value creation
• Stanford & Silicon Valley – Experiencing innovation at its source
• Helsinki / Slush – Immersed in Europe’s startup ecosystem

The power of the network
The cohort became a true sparring partner – cross-industry, inspiring, and impactful.

Helen’s advice for future EMBA participants:
“Step outside your comfort zone. Take on roles you would normally avoid and use the program as a space to experiment and grow.”

Learn more and get inspired:
https://www.emba.uzh.ch/de/aktuelles/Insights-into-the-EMBA-Journey--Helen-Gloor-on-Leadership%2C-Perspectives%2C-and-Learning.html


Universität Zürich | University of Zurich OEC ALUMNI UZH UZH Faculty of Business, Economics and Informatics UZH Alumni Executive MBA University of Zurich Executive Education Universität Zürich

EMBA UZH with a Focus on Digital Transformation landed in Silicon Valley!

From June 9–12 2026, our Executive MBA participants from the University of Zurich are immersed in one of the world’s most innovative ecosystems. Hosted by Prof. Dr. Tamara Carleton at Stanford University, with visits across Silicon Valley and San Francisco, this Learning Expedition is an intensive week of foresight, bold thinking, and hands-on discovery.

With «Building Moonshots» as a guiding theme and topics ranging from radical innovation and artificial intelligence to venture capital, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and global innovation networks, this experience is designed to help shape the next generation of leaders.
A big thank you to Prof. Dr. Tamara Carleton and all our hosts and speakers for such an inspiring start.
Stay tuned for more updates from the EMBA UZH at the heart of Silicon Valley!

https://www.emba.uzh.ch/en.html

Wir gratulieren unserem Alumnus Fabian Bürki (EMBA 2021–23) herzlich zu seiner Ernennung zum Bereichsleiter für Privat- und Firmenkunden bei der Hypothekarbank Lenzburg.

«Der EMBA UZH hat mir nicht nur wertvolles Fachwissen vermittelt, sondern auch den Austausch mit inspirierenden Persönlichkeiten ermöglicht. Viele der Impulse und Perspektiven, die ich dort gewinnen durfte, begleiten mich bis heute und unterstützen mich in meiner neuen Rolle bei der Hypothekarbank Lenzburg.»

Herzliche Gratulation, lieber Fabian – wir wünschen dir viel Erfolg und gutes Gelingen!
https://www.hbl.ch/de/ueber-uns/medien-news/medienmitteilungen-und-news/2026/hypothekarbank-lenzburg-ernennt-neues-geschaeftsleitungsmitglied/

Unsere Alumna und ehemaliges Vorstandmitglied der Alumni-Organisation EMBA UZH Gabriela Ursprung (EMBA UZH 2015-17) ist neu Leiterin Direktion Kunde und Mitglied der Geschäftsleitung bei der Genossenschaft Migros Zürich.

«Prägende Entscheidungen in meiner beruflichen Laufbahn, die ich nie bereut habe: die Wahl der Migros als Arbeitgeberin sowie der Entschluss, den EMBA an der Universität Zürich zu absolvieren»

Herzliche Gratulation, liebe Gabriela und gutes Gelingen!

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/genossenschaft-migros-zuerich_migros-z%C3%BCrich-setzt-auf-mehr-kundenfokus-activity-7443264810185605123-ta5E?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABqhPWwBKjR5SLNmooCE8RAsvN_EX_JBVg0

Change Management zwischen Strategie, Emotionen und Transformation

Das Change Management Modul des EMBA UZH unter der Leitung von Prof. David Seidl hat eindrücklich gezeigt, wie komplex und gleichzeitig essenziell Wandel in Organisationen ist.

Von den Auslösern des Wandels über Widerstand, Partizipation und Kulturwandel bis hin zur Entwicklung einer überzeugenden Change Story – die Inhalte waren praxisnah, aktuell und direkt anwendbar. Besonders im Kontext von Themen wie AI-Transformation, IT-Security und globalen Krisen bot das Modul wertvolle Perspektiven und Raum für exzellente Diskussionen.

Wie Marc Henklein, CTO bei Bontique (Gubemo AG), treffend sagte:
«Die Unsicherheiten eines Wandels methodisch bearbeiten und der Vielfalt menschlicher Emotionen und Reaktionen bewusst begegnen - das ist Change Management. Besonders im Hinblick auf aktuelle Herausforderungen wie IT-Security, AI-Transformation und globale Krisen war dieses Modul ein wertvoller EMBA-Beitrag, der spannende Einblicke und Raum für exzellente Diskussionen bot.»

Ein besonderes Highlight war der Live-Case mit Luisa Zettinig zum Umzug des gesamten Kinderspital Zürich (KISPI) – einer hochkomplexen Transformation mit hohem Risiko. Beeindruckend war der Einblick in die Planung, die Echtzeitsteuerung des Umzugs sowie den anschließenden Veränderungsprozess innerhalb der Organisation.

Die Besichtigung des neuen, von Herzog & de Meuron entworfenen KISPI-Gebäudes zeigte eindrucksvoll, wie moderne Gesundheitsarchitektur klinische Abläufe, Patientenversorgung und das Wohlbefinden von Kindern und Familien in den Mittelpunkt stellen kann.

Vielen Dank an alle Beteiligten für diese inspirierende Mischung aus akademischer Exzellenz, praktischen Einblicken und konkreter Anwendung.

www.emba.uzh.ch

Spring has finally arrived, bringing new energy and fresh perspectives!

Wishing you all a joyful and restful Easter holiday.

Greetings from the EMBA UZH!

https://www.emba.uzh.ch/