Driving Global Leadership
COPPEAD Executive MBA International Week
From September 14 to September 18, 2026, the Ahlers Center for International Business at the University of San Diego's Knauss School of Business, hosted the Executive MBA cohort from COPPEAD UFRJ. The week-long program focused on innovation, multicultural leadership and design-driven business strategies.
A Week of Academic Discovery
The experience began on Monday morning in the Nexus Theatre, where Professor Afsaneh Nahavandi set the stage with an immersive discussion on multicultural leadership. Participants explored how inclusive perspectives power creativity in cross-border teams before touring the campus and connecting over a welcome reception in the KCBE Courtyard.
On Tuesday, Professor Jaime Alonso Gomez led sessions examining how large organizations navigate structural complexity to execute new ideas. Wednesday brought dual perspectives: Professor Tara Ceranic Salinas addressed the vital role of organizational culture and ethics, while Professor Carsten Zimmerman highlighted agile and reverse innovation strategies. The academic series concluded on Thursday with Professors Karen Henken and Eileen Daspro detailing how corporate strategy and global social impact work hand-in-hand to build resilient business models.
Industry Site Visits
On Monday afternoon, the half of the participants visited Aquacycl to examine bio-electrochemical wastewater technologies, and the other half ateended a site visit at ASML to observe advanced high-tech engineering up close. Friday morning brought the full cohort to Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine and JLABS San Diego, offering a firsthand look into life sciences incubation and commercialization.
Conclusion
The week concluded on Friday afternoon at Farmer & The Seahorse with a luncheon and certificate ceremony. Celebrating their achievements, the visiting executives and faculty highlighted the strong partnership between the Knauss School of Business and COPPEAD UFRJ. A collaborative bond rooted in shared learning, international community and global innovation.