Meet the EDHEC Global MBA Class of 2025
Discover the excitement and transformative potential of EDHEC Business School's Global MBA programme as the latest cohort embarks on their journey. With diverse backgrounds, ambitious goals, and inspiring advice from alumni and the new Academic Director, learn how the GMBA is set to foster both personal and professional growth.
An intense, intentional, and international experience
At the beginning of this month, the EDHEC Global MBA’s Class of 2025 cohort kicked off their transformative MBA journeys. As ever, each student brings their own unique professional backgrounds to a vibrant tapestry of global leaders.
This cohort, which features participants from 25 different nationalities, already stands out in in one unprecedented respect, which GMBA Programme Director Sandra Richez highlighted as part of her opening remarks.
“For the first time, we have more women in an intake than men,” she announced.
"As we celebrate this achievement, we also recognize the ongoing efforts needed to maintain and build upon this progress, ensuring that diversity and inclusion remain core values of our program."
With its 58% women, the 69-student strong cohort is wasting no time in making waves in its early days on the French Riviera.
A diverse cohort with bold ambitions
With an average age of 33, and an average of 8 years’ work experience across a spectrum of industries and sectors spearheaded by 55% from STEM backgrounds, each member of the cohort brings unique value and perspective to contribute to the class.
It is that diversity and promise of learning-by-doing alongside bright and ambitious professionals from all around the world that appealed to Duncan Holzhall, a US native whose fairly unusual background of artist management in the classical music industry belie his MBA-orthodox ambitions for the GMBA: the vaunted “triple jump” of changing location, industry, and job function.
“EDHEC truly invested in me from the get-go. They understood I came from a unique background as far as MBA candidates are concerned, and I got the immediate sense that I would not be lost in the fold as part of the cohort,” he said.
EDHEC’s highly personalised and deeply international Global MBA programme held appeal for many more of the program’s diverse set of professionals.
Mohsin Sheikh, who moved from India to France for the GMBA, reflected on the challenges and opportunities ahead. “Choosing a path that leads me to a country with a language barrier, a totally new culture, and unfamiliar environment was not an easy choice. However, I have always believed in pushing myself beyond my comfort zone.”
The confidence he expressed that the knowledge gained from EDHEC’s diverse and talented cohort would be immensely valuable was echoed by his compatriot and fellow entrepreneur Disha Tandon, who bootstrapped a sustainable handicrafts startup in her native India, employing hundreds of women.
“While my entrepreneurial journey has been incredibly fulfilling, I recognized that an MBA would provide me with advanced strategic insights, global business perspectives, and a robust network, all of which are crucial for scaling my business and making a broader impact.”
The desire to make an impact is shared by her classmate Susanne Meisch, who holds a PhD in American Cultural History and is already a veteran of Boston Consulting Group.
“I hope that the GMBA provides me with solid business knowledge and exposes me to new opportunities,” Susanne said. She was drawn to EDHEC’s welcoming environment and the programme’s balanced class size.
“I liked the sustainability focus and the course on strategic foresight and of course the class size - you can both meet many people yet not feel like one sheep in a herd.”
Valuable advice from alumni
As part of the welcome in store for Duncan, Mohsin, Disha, Susanne, and their 65 new classmates, Jason Grant, a GMBA alum from the Class of 2014, shared his own MBA experience as he delivered remarks to the Class of 2025. “This journey is as much about your personal growth as it is about your professional growth,” He emphasised.
The Houston, Texas-based entrepreneur also stressed the importance of engaging fully with the programme’s community. “Learn as much from your classmates as you will from the coursework,” he advised, underscoring the value of collaborative learning and diverse perspectives.
He encouraged students to be proactive: “Don’t be shy—engage, ask a lot of questions, be inquisitive. Good luck to you all.”
A refreshed academic vision for a programme built on sustainable impact
The excitement of the opening day was further amplified by remarks from Dr. Ghassan Paul Yacoub, recently appointed the GMBA’s Academic Director. Dr. Yacoub shared his enthusiasm for accommodating the wide range of professional backgrounds and experiences within the cohort.
“Striking a balance between providing foundational knowledge and addressing advanced, nuanced topics can be complex as to manage respective expectations, but it is also what makes teaching so stimulating and rewarding,” he said.
Building a community
EDHEC’s GMBA programme stands out for its focus on practical learning, global perspectives, and fostering a close-knit community. As these new students embark on their journey, they are ready to leverage their diverse backgrounds and ambitions, contributing to a vibrant network of future leaders.
Will you be part of our next cohort?
Explore the EDHEC Global MBA programme and embark on a journey towards unparalleled opportunities and transformative experiences.
