Class of 2020

David Gutierrez

David Gutierrez discusses the highlights of his TRIUM experience so far and offers his advice to incoming TRIUMers.

Be prepared for an amazing journey

Can you tell us a bit about your professional background and what your motivations were for pursuing a Global EMBA?

In my current role as Operational Planning Manager, I empower myself and other leaders within my organization to make data driven decisions through analytics. I have spent my career in the energy sector, and in that time, I have been exposed to multiple areas within the value chain; from field operations and engineering to crude sales, joint venture and performance analysis. In addition to varying operational opportunities, I have worked around the world, which provided me the chance to learn and lead teams in my home country of Colombia, as well as Nigeria, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and the United States.

Throughout my career, I have witnessed the incredible transformation of industry standards within the energy sector at all levels. Most impressive, however, has been the digital transformation and how we have been able to leverage decades of data through technology resulting in a more efficient and environmentally friendly industry.

Attaining a global EMBA allows me to formalize the knowledge I have gained through my experiences, challenges my current methods and improves my understanding of the best path forward for the industry and my career. I wanted a program that would address core MBA topics like business management, finance and strategy while also addressing key points every global executive needs to address such as geopolitics, globalization, technology and digital disruption.

What would you say has been the highlight of your TRIUM experience so far?

The highlight of the program thus far has been the integrated learning experience. By integrated learning experience, I mean the specific combination of class material, globally recognized professors, challenging assignments and insightful conversations with a tenured cohort that I feel I would have only experienced with TRIUM.

Valuation Class with Professor Damodaran

Can you tell us about a favourite class or speaker event?

Being a man who loves numbers, I have to say our Valuation class with Professor Damodaran was a unique experience. His mastery of the topic along with his ability to convey complex business scenarios in a simple and entertaining fashion is impressive.

Additionally, professors like Frederic Dalsace and Corinne Dauger, changed my perspective on subjects like marketing, demonstrating how related it is to numbers and analytics.

What would you say have been your key takeaways from the modules so far?

London (LSE): Political consciousness as a critical factor in a globalized or centralized business environment.

San Francisco (SU/NYU): How digital disruption can and should remove roadblocks to provide better solutions.

Paris (HEC): The real power of new digital marketing and its influence on the world.

New York (NYU): Strategy and financial instruments which are required to operate in a global market.

What are you most looking forward to during your upcoming modules?

I’m most looking forward to witnessing Chinese business models in action through our site visits as part of our Capstone Project.

I’m also excited at the opportunity to continue to deepen the lifelong friendships I have made with everyone in the 2020 cohort; they are all impressive leaders and global experts within their respective fields and countries.

What advice would you give to students who are considering TRIUM?

Be prepared for an amazing journey. From day one you will need stamina, you will read, you will learn, you will have more fun than you’d expect, you will make friends; and last but not least, you will be part of an elite community of globally minded leaders.

How would you describe your TRIUM experience in three words?

Expand Your Vision!