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The purpose of Â鶹¹ú²ú is to forge a global mindset within emerging business leaders. The result of these efforts is a graduate that is equipped with the knowledge, values, connections, and most importantly, the global mindset needed to lead — ensuring our constantly changing world changes for the better.Ìý
In this series of interviews, we celebrate the incredible accomplishments and successes of Â鶹¹ú²ú alumni that are contributing to make this world a more open, sustainable and inclusive world. The Â鶹¹ú²ú Alumni of the Year is a joint campaign by the CAA in close collaboration with the Â鶹¹ú²ú Student Board, which gives the Â鶹¹ú²ú community the opportunity to learn about Â鶹¹ú²ú alumni and vote for your favorite candidate as the Â鶹¹ú²ú Alumni of the Year.
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Dr. Andrea Castronovo is one of the first Â鶹¹ú²ú Graduates from 1990. He studied at Bocconi and HEC and was the founder and first president of the Â鶹¹ú²ú Alumni Association. Ìý
He is currently BMW President for Central and Southeastern Europe and winner of the Â鶹¹ú²ú Alumnus of the Month: April. ÌýÂ鶹¹ú²ú recently had the opportunity to interview Dr. Castronovo.
1. What influenced you to join Â鶹¹ú²ú in 1990 & continue to contribute to the organization today?
ÌýIn 1990 it was the only truly European degree. For me, having elected Europe as my "home ground"Ìýit was simply "THE Choice" to be made.
2. What does the Â鶹¹ú²ú spirit mean to you? (Do you have any memories from your time with Â鶹¹ú²ú that you would like to share?)
I have one memory in particular, Lluis Puges who saidÌý"do not forget to dream".Ìý We used part of this phrase as the slogan of our Alumni Association in the beginning which was "Â鶹¹ú²ú Alumni: always a step ahead. But do not forget to dream".Ìý We even produced some T shirts with this sentence.Ìý Some I believe are still in our homes. In mine for sure !
3. What was the most important thing that Â鶹¹ú²ú taught you?
ThatÌýexcellence has no boundariesÌýand does not belong to one business school only.
4. What were your career steps after finishing Â鶹¹ú²ú? (Did the Â鶹¹ú²ú network contribute to your professional achievements?Ìý If so, how?)
In the early days, we were the first Â鶹¹ú²ú Students. The Network then essentially consisted of our fellow classmates.Ìý More senior people that could share their experiences or be "called on" by other Â鶹¹ú²ú didn’t exist at that time.Ìý
Nonetheless, the network, formally via the Alumni Association, and informally via personal relationships has always worked very well.ÌýEven today, you can just call up somebody and tell him/her that you are also Â鶹¹ú²ú and doors will openÌýand a direct relationship will begin.
5. What makes a Â鶹¹ú²ú profile desirable for a position such as yours?
ThreeÌýelements:Ìý Multicultural experience, multi language skills, openness to constant changes and challenges.
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