Seminars

The Induction Seminar held at ESCP’s Paris campus is a cornerstone of the EMBA journey, offering participants an intellectually rich and immersive introduction to the programme. This week-long experience is designed to help executives and leaders gain a nuanced understanding of the major transformations reshaping business and society at the beginning of this decade.

Participants will delve into key global challenges such as geopolitical instability, climate change, the ethics and evolution of artificial intelligence, diversity and inclusion, and the increasing strain on natural resources. They will be invited to critically evaluate how current business models may need to be fundamentally rethought in light of these interconnected issues.

To push beyond conventional thinking and surface new perspectives, the seminar features "Improbable Intelligence", a multi-day Art Thinking experience led by Professor Sylvain Bureau. Through a series of creative and provocative workshops, such as The Opening, The Label, The Monster, and The Embodiment Workshops, participants explore ambiguity, challenge assumptions, and confront complexity in a highly experiential setting. These sessions cultivate skills essential for modern leadership: creative problem-solving, negotiation, collaboration, and the ability to engage in healthy, constructive confrontation.

Complementing this artistic and reflective journey are sessions with expert faculty and guest speakers. These include forward-thinking dialogues on AI and human-centered automation with representatives from OpenAI, the Climate Fresk systems-thinking workshop, and deep dives into leadership for the Anthropocene era.

Throughout the week, participants also connect during curated social events, such as the Vernissage: The Improbable Opening and a networking dinner, reinforcing bonds that will last throughout the programme and beyond.

The Induction Seminar sets the tone for the EMBA experience by cultivating an environment of curiosity, challenge, and creative exploration, preparing participants to lead with insight and impact in an increasingly complex world.

The Inside EUrope seminar takes place in Brussels, at the very core of the European Union. It offers Executive MBA participants a unique, immersive experience to understand how the EU functions, its internal dynamics, and the critical issues shaping its agenda. Throughout the week, participants explore the structure and workings of European institutions, key EU policies such as the Green Deal, Digitalization, Geopolitics, and Diversity & Inclusion, as well as lobbying techniques and the EU’s relations with other regional markets.

A key feature of the seminar is a dynamic simulation held at the European Parliament, where participants assume the role of Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). This hands-on experience allows them to negotiate and collaboratively adopt a resolution, honing their negotiation, critical thinking, and leadership skills.

Beyond gaining knowledge and skills, the seminar fosters a spirit of cultural curiosity, mature dialogue, and network-building among the Executive MBA cohort, enriched by visits such as to the Brussels Comics Museum and interactions with experts, alumni, and EU leaders.

The program builds on previous seminars and sets the stage for future global-focused sessions, reflecting the ESCP EMBA’s commitment to developing globally aware and culturally sensitive leaders.

In the current context of globalisation, an ability to lead projects and take advantage of business opportunities in other regions of the globe is an asset for participants’ career paths. During these “Global Horizons” seminars, participants review major issues that firms and executives have to deal with when developing projects, venturing, or doing successful and responsible business in these regions.

Participants have the choice of travelling either to Asia (India, China – online and Singapore), Africa (South Africa) or Latin America (Brazil). Seminars that don’t reach the minimum number of registrations might be cancelled.

The seminars are organised in cooperation with partner institutions, and are flexibly designed to maximize participants’ learning experiences.

The "Leading for Innovation and Growth" seminar is proudly hosted by the prestigious McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin, a renowned institution recognized for its commitment to excellence in business education and cutting-edge research. This immersive program offers participants a comprehensive exploration of the dynamic landscape of innovation and entrepreneurship within the United States.

Through a carefully curated combination of engaging lectures, inspiring keynote presentations from industry leaders, and exclusive visits to leading companies, attendees will gain firsthand insight into the distinctive culture of innovation that drives the U.S. economy. The seminar is designed to deepen understanding of the strategies, mindsets, and organizational practices that foster rapid growth and transformative breakthroughs in business.

Set against the backdrop of Austin, Texas, one of the fastest-growing and most vibrant cities in the United States, participants will experience a thriving ecosystem known for its entrepreneurial spirit and technological advancement. Austin’s unique blend of creativity, diversity, and business dynamism has earned it a spot among the top nine global tech hubs, as recognized by the World Economic Forum. This makes it an ideal living laboratory for studying innovation in action.

In addition to professional and academic enrichment, the seminar offers a distinctive opportunity to immerse oneself in the quintessential American university experience. Participants will explore the lively campus culture of the University of Texas at Austin, engaging with students and faculty while experiencing the vibrant community spirit that defines one of America’s leading higher education institutions.

Overall, this seminar promises a rich, multifaceted learning journey that combines theoretical frameworks, practical exposure, and cultural immersion, equipping participants with the knowledge and inspiration to lead innovation and growth in their own organizations and communities.

The Closing Seminar for the Executive MBA is held in Madrid Campus under the theme "What’s Next: People, Profit, and Planet," serves as the final integrative experience of the program. Designed as both a culmination and a transition, the seminar brings together the core lessons of the MBA and applies them to a dynamic, simulation-based learning environment that challenges participants to think strategically, lead effectively, and act responsibly.

Throughout the week, participants engage in an intensive business simulation that mirrors real-world complexities, requiring them to make decisions under pressure, balance competing priorities, and work collaboratively in teams. The seminar is structured around the interplay of people, profit, and planet, encouraging future leaders to consider how business success is shaped not only by financial outcomes but also by ethical responsibility, sustainability, and human impact.

Beyond the simulation, the week includes plenary sessions, faculty-led discussions, and exercises focused on team development, stakeholder engagement, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategy. It is a time for reflection as well, on the journey through the program, the personal and professional growth achieved, and the leadership path ahead. The seminar fosters a forward-looking mindset, preparing participants to graduate not only with knowledge, but with purpose and clarity about the role they intend to play in shaping the future of business.