Global Engagement

A professor of pediatrics at the University of Chicago, Gozal speaks seven languages fluently and has practiced medicine in six continents. As he took on greater administrative roles as physician-in-chief at Comer Children’s Hospital, Gozal looked for a program that would help him develop additional analytical tools and build on these global life experiences.

With the Global Executive MBA’s “global emphasis, academic reputation, and module format,” Gozal says he found the perfect fit.

Georgetown-ESADE Global Executive MBA

Launched in June 2008 as the first program of its kind, the Georgetown-ESADE Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) is designed for practicing managers who seek to further their international careers while continuing to work full-time. The program consists of six 12-day modules held in Washington, Madrid, Barcelona, São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Doha, Bangalore, Shanghai, Beijing, and New York.

The purpose of this “moving classroom” is to immerse participants in highly diverse business cultures while building skills in management and global operations.

“What we try to do is not only give them the tools and skills, but also allow for the evolution of their mindsets and culture,” said Paul Almeida, senior associate dean of executive education and a professor in the McDonough School of Business.

In each module, students develop a deeper understanding of the different locations through coursework, projects, networking events, and briefings on special topics.

International Cohort

Executives in the GEMBA program often bring a high level of experience from their respective fields. On average, participants have 15 years of work experience from industries including energy, oil and gas, banking, healthcare, sports, sciences, non-profit, government, and technology.

The program cohort itself also contributes to the international nature of the program. Since GEMBA began, participants have represented 48 different countries from six different continents.

For Gozal, one of the highlights has been getting to know his colleagues, as the students rely on each other’s expertise in projects and develop close friendships.

Overall, the program allows participants to use the global residencies and diversity of experiences as opportunities to extend their skills and capabilities.

“GEMBA is a great opportunity for those who already have significant experience and training,” Gozal said. “It allows you to build on those skills to go further in your career.”

Partnership with ESADE

The Georgetown-ESADE Global Executive MBA represents a unique partnership with ESADE, a private Jesuit university located in Barcelona, Spain. The degree combines the interdisciplinary strengths of Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business and School of Foreign Service with ESADE’s strengths in entrepreneurship and social innovation.

The Georgetown-ESADE Global Executive MBA is distinct for the amount of collaboration between the schools.

“We coordinate on every module, play off each other, and build off the depth of experience,” Almeida said.

The partnership also reflects Georgetown and ESADE’s shared values as Catholic and Jesuit institutions. Every year, the program sponsors a Jesuit or priest to participate in the GEMBA cohort.

“I want them to influence us and I want us to influence them,” Almeida explained. “You can’t just educate the best people in the world. We have to educate the best people for the world.”