<p class="ql-block" style="text-align:center;"><b style="font-size:20px; color:rgb(255, 138, 0);"> Building the Mindset for Innovation: A Journey Through Entrepreneurship, Impact, and Cultrual Exchange</b></p> Advance preparation <p class="ql-block">Although the study abroad trip is relatively short, preparation begins well in advance and spans the entire semester. To kick off the process, the new cohort meets with the previous group for an informal meet-and-greet, where they exchange questions and stories about the experience. They are also invited to attend a keynote talk focused on key topics in entrepreneurship. In addition, the students participate in three preparatory classes led by Dr. Hartley and me, where they are introduced to core entrepreneurship concepts and theories. As part of their preparation, they also conduct research on the host country’s business environment. Together, these activities help equip the students for the international portion of the program.</p> <p class="ql-block">Here we are, Barcelona—excited to immerse ourselves in entrepreneurship in this culturally diverse and vibrant startup hub.</p> <p class="ql-block">Barcelona is an ideal study abroad destination, offering a dynamic blend of culture, innovation, and academic excellence. Beyond its sunny climate, beaches, stunning architecture, and rich history, the city is a hub for entrepreneurship, technology, and international business. Students enjoy a vibrant lifestyle, diverse culinary scene, and a welcoming, multicultural environment—perfect for both personal growth and global learning experiences.</p> Our Host University <p class="ql-block">Our host, Geneva Business School, is a dynamic and innovative partner, committed to academic excellence, global collaboration, and ethical leadership. Their international focus, professional faculty, and industry-aligned programs create valuable opportunities for joint ventures, research, and student exchange, making them ideal for impactful educational initiatives.</p> <p class="ql-block">Dr. Elena Emma is a seasoned entrepreneur, executive coach, and professor with deep expertise in HR, accounting, and startup finance. She has served as a consulting CFO, co-founded a global company that raised $1.7 million, and is currently developing a business diagnostics tool. With a PhD in Management and multiple advanced degrees, she is also a TEDx speaker, published author, and adjunct professor at Geneva Business School. Our students were fortunate to learn from her expertise and dynamic teaching style in this course.</p> <p class="ql-block">In her class, Dr. Emma covered seven key topics relevant to global entrepreneurship, including the entrepreneurial mindset, the impact of culture, opportunity identification, the roles and responsibilities of founders, team dynamics, effective use of tangible and intangible resources, and risk management. She employed active and innovative collaborative learning methods, incorporating practical stories, personal experiences, group discussions, and artistic elements to enhance classroom engagement. For example, to deepen students’ understanding of cultural influence, Dr. Emma thoughtfully merged two groups，13 students from BGSU and 8 from Geneva Business School，representing over 13 cultural backgrounds. This facilitated rich, cross-cultural group discussions, offering valuable insights into how culture shapes global business and entrepreneurial practices. Additionally, she creatively integrated art into classroom discussions to help students explore factors that influence opportunity identification.</p> <p class="ql-block">For Dr. Emma, the learning environment is the most critical element of the classroom experience. She fosters a space where students feel comfortable expressing their ideas and thoughts freely—even if that means sitting on the floor or lying on their backs—while using well-structured prompts to guide and stimulate meaningful discussion.</p> Company Visits <p class="ql-block"><span style="font-size:18px; color:rgb(255, 138, 0);">Company visits enrich study abroad programs by connecting theory to real-world practice. They inspire entrepreneurial thinking, show social impact in action, and enhance cultural understanding. Students gain valuable insights, networking opportunities, and firsthand exposure to global business operations, leadership styles, and sustainable, purpose-driven ventures.</span></p> <p class="ql-block">ONCE (Organización Nacional de Ciegos Españoles), a leading Spanish organization dedicated to supporting individuals who are blind or visually impaired. As one of the largest social enterprises in Spain, ONCE employs thousands of individuals, many with disabilities. It serves as a powerful example of how entrepreneurial initiatives can drive meaningful social change through investments in education, accessibility, and employment—demonstrating how business can be a force for inclusion and equity.</p> <p class="ql-block">A heartfelt thank-you to Professor Enrique and the wonderful team at ONCE for their warm hospitality and for taking the time to share their impactful business model with us. Your passion and commitment continue to inspire and empower these young minds!</p> <p class="ql-block">Tech Barcelona is a leading innovation and technology hub located in the heart of Spain’s vibrant startup ecosystem. It serves as a collaborative platform that connects startups, investors, corporations, and academic institutions to drive digital transformation and entrepreneurial growth.</p> <p class="ql-block">With a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, and internationalization, Tech Barcelona supports over 1,200 companies through networking events, co-working spaces, mentorship programs, and strategic partnerships. Its dynamic community and prime location in Barcelona make it a key player in shaping the future of technology and digital business in Europe. Thanks to Marina who provided us so much information about different companies at Tech Barcelona.</p> Interactive Talks <p class="ql-block">Jordi has brought together senior executives from multinational companies and emerging startup entrepreneurs to engage with students, answer their questions, and share firsthand insights. This unique opportunity allows college students to interact directly with both established and rising leaders in global business, gaining valuable perspectives on international strategy and the realities of today’s rapidly evolving business landscape.</p> <p class="ql-block">With over 30 years of experience at Nestlé, Jordi Llach, CEO of Nestlé Spain, shared valuable insights into his journey with the company and Nestlé’s strategy for transitioning to a sustainable food system. His engaging storytelling and sense of humor bridged the gap between his executive role and the students, sparking thoughtful conversations and meaningful dialogue.</p> <p class="ql-block">Despite having a flight to France just a couple hours later, Mr.Iker Ganuza , Vice President of North Europe Strategy & Transformation at PepsiCo—generously took the time to speak with our students who are currently studying abroad at Geneva Business School in Barcelona Spain about PepsiCo’s international business strategy, innovation, and transformation. His wealth of global experience with PepsiCo, particularly in Europe and Sub-Saharan Africa, offered our students an invaluable learning opportunity.Mr. Ganuza also shared his “10 Career Reflections,” offering students meaningful guidance as they begin shaping their own professional journeys. We are truly grateful for the time, knowledge, and inspiration Mr.Iker Ganuza shared with our students.</p> <p class="ql-block">Andrew Funk, founder of Homeless Entrepreneurs and a passionate advocate for social impact, shared his powerful personal journey and the mission behind his organization. His message left a lasting impression.</p> <p class="ql-block">Our students also had the chance to hear from young entrepreneurs Mattis Maerz and Elena Novikova, both current GBS students, who shared their startup journeys. Their stories were relatable and inspiring, offering meaningful insight into the challenges and rewards of early-stage entrepreneurship. Their advice resonated deeply with our students, leaving a lasting impression.</p> <p class="ql-block">Last but not least, Zachary Hunnell, a BGSU alumnus and Global Logistics Business Manager at HP, returned to share his career journey and offer valuable advice. As a fellow Falcon, his success and experience strongly resonated with the students, serving as an inspiring role model for their own professional paths.</p> History and Culture <p class="ql-block">Entrepreneurship is deeply shaped by a region’s history and culture, which influence values, risk-taking behaviors, and approaches to innovation. Historical experiences—such as trade routes, political change, and industrial development—help form the foundation for thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems. Cultural norms and a strong sense of local identity often inspire creative business ideas and community-driven ventures that honor and reflect a place’s heritage. Barcelona, the vibrant capital of Catalonia in northeastern Spain, embodies this intersection of history, culture, and innovation. With roots dating back over 2,000 years to its Roman origins, the city has evolved into a dynamic metropolis showcasing Gothic, medieval, and modernist architecture—most famously through the visionary works of Antoni Gaudí. Deeply connected to its Catalan identity, Barcelona places a strong emphasis on language, tradition, and the arts, all of which influence its entrepreneurial spirit. As a global hub for creativity, design, and tech innovation, Barcelona offers a rich, culturally immersive environment that makes it an ideal place to study and experience global entrepreneurship firsthand.</p> <p class="ql-block">Its architecture is world-renowned, particularly the fantastical works of Antoni Gaudí, such as the iconic Sagrada Família and the colorful Park Güell, which showcase the unique Catalan Modernisme style. </p> <p class="ql-block">Montserrat is a stunning mountain range just outside of Barcelona, known for its dramatic rock formations and spiritual significance. At its heart lies the Montserrat Monastery, a sacred site that houses the revered Black Madonna statue, attracting pilgrims and visitors alike. The area offers breathtaking views, serene hiking trails, and a rich blend of natural beauty, religious heritage, and Catalan culture.</p> <p class="ql-block">Beach, sunshine, and mountains — the perfect recipe for fun!</p> <p class="ql-block">City walk! There’s a surprise around every turn and a story waiting at every corner.</p> <p class="ql-block">Barcelona’s food scene is a vibrant mix of traditional Catalan cuisine and modern culinary innovation. From fresh seafood and tapas to rich stews and artisan pastries, every meal is a celebration of flavor. Local markets, seaside restaurants, and cozy tapas bars offer unforgettable tastes rooted in Mediterranean culture and creativity.</p> Jordi’s Hospitality <p class="ql-block">In addition to organizing such an enriching academic experience, Jordi Rey’s hospitality was truly exceptional. As the director of the international development at Geneva Business School, He went above and beyond to make everyone feel welcome, arranging meals at some of the city’s finest restaurants and thoughtfully selecting delicious local dishes for us to enjoy. His attention to detail and warm, generous spirit added a personal touch that made the entire experience not only insightful, but also incredibly memorable and enjoyable.</p> Final Presentation <p class="ql-block">Over the past two weeks, we’ve had the pleasure of watching some truly outstanding student projects take shape. The creativity on display was nothing short of inspiring — from original ideas that tackled real-world problems to fresh approaches that challenged conventional thinking. Each group demonstrated not only innovative concepts, but also the ability to translate those ideas into well-structured, thoughtful business plans. It was clear that significant time, research, and collaboration went into every proposal. What also stood out were the strong presentation skills across the board. Students communicated their ideas with confidence, clarity, and professionalism, making their pitches engaging and persuasive. This combination of innovation, strategic thinking, and effective communication is exactly what it takes to turn ideas into impact. We’re incredibly proud of what you’ve accomplished in such a short time — and excited to see where these ideas take you next!</p> Our Testimonials <p class="ql-block">As the students gathered to say goodbye to Dr. Emma, emotions ran high and tears welled up in many eyes. Their heartfelt expressions of gratitude and the hugs shared spoke volumes about the deep appreciation and affection they felt for her. It was clear that Dr. Emma had not only guided them academically, but also inspired and supported them on a personal level. The emotional farewell reflected just how much they had learned from the program—and how profoundly she had impacted their experience.</p> <p class="ql-block">The students felt the program far surpassed their expectations, describing it as transformative and deeply enriching. They shared how much they had learned—academically, culturally, and personally—and many expressed a desire to stay longer or even live in Barcelona. Grateful for the experience, they said it had changed their lives and would highly recommend it to others.</p> The Team <p class="ql-block">Thank you, team! It has been a true pleasure working with such an amazing group of dedicated and kind individuals. I’m deeply grateful for everything you’ve done to make this program such a success.</p><p class="ql-block">Jordi, thank you for your outstanding coordination—both before and after the program. Your motivation and dedication have been central to its success. Elena, thank you for your engaging teaching and your genuine care for the students. You truly are the heart and soul of the program. And last but certainly not least, thank you, Jan, for your selfless and unwavering support. From revising the syllabus, teaching the class, and grading assignments to providing guidance and even staying with students when they were unwell—you consistently stepped in whenever needed to help us navigate challenges. You’ve done so much behind the scenes, and this program could not have run as smoothly without you.</p> The End! See you again next summer!