Program

Friday, 20 June 

We open the alumni weekend with an evening of reflection, recognition, and inspiration. Join former classmates, faculty, and friends for this signature day that blends tradition with forward-looking dialogue. From anniversary celebration to university updates and a compelling conversation on sustainable leadership, the evening sets the stage for a powerful weekend ahead. 

17:00 - 18:00  Anniversary Class Reunions

Class reunions are a cherished tradition at ESMT, offering a unique opportunity to share life updates and rekindle old friendships. Whether you're celebrating your 5th, 10th, or 15th anniversary, you will be surrounded by warm and festive atmosphere that brings our community closer together.

18:00 - 19:30  Opening of the Annual Alumni Meeting and Executive Dialogue

• Town Hall with ESMT President Jörg Rocholl (25 min)

  A cornerstone of our annual gathering, the Town Hall offers a space to hear directly from the school president. He will share reflections on recent milestones, the university’s strategic direction, and ESMT’s growing global impact. The session also includes time for your questions and feedback - a chance to engage in shaping the future of our community together. 

• Alumni Achievement Awards (20 min)

  Join us in celebrating the recipients of this year’s Alumni Achievement Awards - individuals whose exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment reflect the best of the ESMT community. This year, we are proud to present four distinct honors: Alumni Leadership Award, Entrepreneurial Excellence Award, Social Impact Award, and Award for Service to the School. 

• Executive Dialogue with Benedikt Bösel (45 min)

  Moderated by ESMT EMBA alumna and award-winning journalist Jennifer Cabala

  Join us for a powerful conversation with Benedikt Bösel, a former investment banker who is redefining the future of farming. As Managing Director of Gut & Bösel, a 3,000-hectare estate just outside Berlin, Benedikt has transformed his land into one of Europe’s leading hubs for regenerative agriculture and climate-positive innovation. His work combines agroforestry, holistic grazing, and soil restoration, offering a compelling vision of how agriculture can drive environmental, social, and economic transformation. 

19:30 - 21:30  Evening Reception 

We conclude the opening evening with a standing reception - a chance to relax and network over light food and drinks. Let the conversations continue as we raise a glass to the start of an inspiring weekend together. 

Saturday, 21 June

Our second day marks a full-day celebration of connection, insight, and community. We start the day with a light lunch followed by inspiring talks and interactive workshops and finish with a summer garden BBQ and evening party. This is your chance to reconnect, learn, and grow alongside ESMT alumni community.

12:00 - 13:00  Registration & Lunch

Join us for a relaxed and welcoming start to the day. Check in, pick up your badge, and enjoy lunch while reconnecting with classmates, or meeting alumni from different cohorts, and settling into the atmosphere of the annual alumni meeting. 

13:00 - 14:30  Beyond the Bio: The People Behind the Titles

A thriving alumni network is built on more than impressive résumés — it’s built on generosity, connection, and the willingness to lift each other up. Under the theme “The People Behind the Titles,” this community session brings ESMT alumni together to celebrate one another and spark meaningful conversations that go beyond introductions. This session includes:

• Introduction of the Restructured Alumni Council (15 minutes) 
  An update on the new Alumni Council structure, what it means for alumni engagement, and how you can take part in shaping its future.
• ESMT Community Impulse (36 minutes) 
  Four alumni share TED-style mini talks that provoke thought, offer insight, and represent the diverse voices of our community.
  • Introducing career guardian by Bin Yan, MBA alumnus
  • Diversity in chips: no turning back by Kartikey Srivastava, MBA alumnus
  • AI and the workforce: disruption or evolution in a human-AI partnership? by Dmitry Kharchenko, EMBA alumnus
  • The age of monsters: why we must disrupt to lead by Radhika Rajvanshi, MIM alumna
• Lift Someone Up (39 minutes) 
  In this interactive ritual, alumni step on stage to introduce and celebrate fellow graduates, highlighting who others should connect with and why. It’s a celebration of the people behind the bios — and an invitation to deeper connection. 

14:30 - 15:00  Coffee & Networking

Take a break, grab a coffee, and catch up with fellow alumni in between sessions. A perfect moment for spontaneous conversations and reconnecting. 

15:00 - 17:00  Parallel Sessions

Choose your own learning journey for the afternoon. A variety of engaging sessions led by alumni, faculty, and research centers will run in parallel.

• Session 1. Resilient leadership: navigating mental health in the professional world with Dr. Nathalie Brunkhorst-Kanaan

  Join us for this interactive workshop designed to empower leaders with the skills necessary to manage mental health in the workplace. This session will explore the crucial role of resilience in leadership, focusing on the physiological and psychological effects of stress, the significance of emotional intelligence, and practical strategies for building mental resilience. Through a mix of case studies, group discussions, and hands-on exercises, participants will learn to identify early signs of mental health challenges, understand their impact on professional effectiveness, and apply resilience-building practices in their leadership roles. 

  Dr. Nathalie Brunkhorst-Kanaan is a Specialist in Psychiatry and Psychotherapy based in Frankfurt am Main, where she leads a private practice. Dr. Nathalie has made significant contributions to psychiatric research, focusing on biomarkers in affective disorders and ADHD. She is also recognized for her extensive experience in providing culturally sensitive care to the international community in Germany, making her an invaluable resource for expatriates and global professionals navigating mental health challenges. 

• Session 2. How to build a company in the AI era: lessons from an AI Founder with Agnieszka Michalik

  In this workshop, our EMBA alumna Agnieszka Michalik, will share practical lessons from her then three-year journey building an AI-driven startup, covering everything from assembling the right team to fundraising, sales, and scaling.

  With over 22 years of global experience in tech leadership, Agnieszka Michalik have held diverse roles across the IT sector, driving innovation and scaling products. As the Founder, CEO, and CTO of Checkturio, Agnieszka has led the development of AI-powered solutions, shaping the future of automation. 

• Session 3. The human side of change: learn how people-first leaders work through resistors‘ fear and effectively build trust during transformation with Gianna Di Lorenzo

  Think back to a moment when change felt threatening to you – maybe at work, or in your personal life. Did you fear losing your influence? Your sense of belonging? Your control? These fears are valid and express underlying needs. They’re part of what makes us human – and they’re exactly what you or your team may be experiencing right now. In this interactive session, our MIM alumna Gianna Di Lorenzo, will explore what’s really going on beneath the surface of resistance. You’ll learn how to prepare for meaningful conversations with stakeholders, identify emotional drivers behind individual employees‘ behavior, and align your leadership with both your people’s needs and your company’s strategy.

  Gianna Di Lorenzo is a certified psychologist, systemic coach, change manager – and currently a PhD candidate in organizational psychology. She has accompanied change processes at Deloitte in their Organization Transformation & Behavioral Change practice and continues to support leaders and teams through transformation in the context of her own consulting and leadership development work. 

•  Session 4. From Alumni to Angel: a framework for investing in tech startups with Baris Efe

  Are you curious about angel investing but unsure where to start? This session, led by our MIM alumnus and the founder of Vali Berlin - Baris Efe - will offer participants a structured approach to identify, evaluate, and invest in promising startups. Gain insights, tools, and practical knowledge that will enable you to confidently embark on your angel investing journey. 

• Session 5. Re-defining power in leadership with Qiao Zhang 

  Sometimes, the word “power” in leadership could be associated with intimidating and manipulative figures, hence, driving some people (often the good-hearted ones) away from pursuing senior leadership positions that lead to a bigger impact. What is your definition of power in leadership, and what is your relationship with it? How would you like to use it for a positive impact? In this highly interactive and reflective session with ESMT Program Director of Executive Programs - Qiao Zhang - you will have a chance to broaden your perspectives on power and redefine power in leadership, on your terms 

• Session 6. Bonds without bondage: escaping entrapment in managerial networks with Prof. Matt Bothner  

  Please note, the title of this session is subject to change in order to reflect the latest research updates.

• Session 7. Master the ACE Framework: communicate with clarity with Jennifer Cabala 

  Effective communication isn’t just about being articulate, it’s about driving results. Whether you're influencing decisions, securing buy-in, building relationships, or aligning your team, how you communicate shapes outcomes. This focused, hands-on session will use the ACE (Audience-focused, Clear logic, Easy-to-understand) framework, a simple yet powerful approach to making your ideas and communication clearer and more persuasive in any professional setting. This session is designed for professionals who want to sharpen their communication style and want practical tools to improve clarity, precision, and impact. 

  Jennifer Cabala has been creating compelling stories for more than 20 years. Her journalistic work has won numerous awards and has appeared on CBS News, NBC News and CNN. Jennifer had also co-ran and co-created the first corporate accelerator with Microsoft and joined Techstars Global building and refining the accelerator program and helping coach founders around the world.

• Session 8. Sustainability, made in Berlin: The ESMT story with Joanna Radecke

  This session is run by the ESMT Institute for Sustainability and its Director - Joanna Radecke. It will include a special networking meetup of the new Alumni Sustainability Group. 
   

17:00 - 21:00  Summer BBQ in the Garden 

As the day winds down, we invite you to ESMT’s beautiful garden for one of the most cherished traditions of our alumni gathering - the Summer BBQ. In the heart of Berlin, this green haven becomes our space to relax, enjoy good food and drinks, and continue conversations under the open sky. Whether you’re catching up with old friends or making new connections, the garden BBQ is a highlight year after year - a place where the ESMT community truly comes to life.  

21:30 - 02:00  Alumni Party 

The celebration continues indoors as we move back into the building for a night of music, dancing and drinks. This is your time to close the day in style. Please note: from 21:30 onward, drinks will be available at a cash bar.