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September 2026

Class of 2026 Reflections

Congratulations to the TRIUM Global EMBA Class of 2026!

The TRIUM Global EMBA experience is often described as transformational, but for the Class of 2026, transformation came not from any single module, lecture or destination. It came from the people.

Over two years, classmates from different industries, cultures and perspectives challenged one another to think differently, question assumptions and see the world through a wider lens. Many arrived seeking new knowledge, a stronger network or a roadmap for the future. They leave with something deeper: greater confidence navigating complexity, a clearer sense of purpose and a renewed curiosity about what is still possible.

As the Class of 2026 reflect on their TRIUM journey, they shared with us how the program’s  interdisciplinary approach  helped them embrace ambiguity rather than avoid it and think beyond conventional definitions. For some, this meant launching new ventures. For others, it meant reimagining career paths, expanding leadership perspectives or developing a stronger understanding of global business and its challenges.

Yet the most enduring impact has been the relationships formed along the way. This is not just the power of a senior international network, it’s the depth, the close bond and the will to do great things without limitation as well as better things.  What began as a cohort became a community of trusted peers, close friends and lifelong sources of learning and inspiration. Together, they discovered that leadership is not about having all the answers, but about bringing diverse perspectives together to create better ones.

As the Class of 2026 joins the global TRIUM alumni community of  over 1,300 in more than 95 countries around the globe as well as the alumni communities of each of the three partner schools, NYU Stern School of Business, the London School of Economics and Political Science and HEC Paris, they carry forward new knowledge, broader horizons and an enduring sense of belonging. United by shared experiences and lifelong friendships, they leave with a common conviction: the world is larger, the possibilities are greater and the journey of learning continues.

Class of 2026 Reflections

Dessislava Zaharieva Dessislava Zaharieva
Andreas Neumann Andreas Neumann
Dmitrii Koltunov Dmitrii Koltunov
Kayran Abasali Kayran Abasali
Jose Santos Jose Santos
Shirley Haylett Shirley Haylett
Sebastian Dicke Sebastian Dicke
Vimal Persaud Vimal Persaud
Jacek Popławski Jacek Popławski
Julian Grieve Julian Grieve
Dessislava Zaharieva

Dessislava Zaharieva

Class of 2026

I came to TRIUM accustomed to carrying responsibility and finding answers. I leave with a more expansive understanding of leadership: not certainty from one person, but the judgement to bring together different perspectives, make decisions amid ambiguity and enable others to contribute at their best. As I join the alumni community, I take with me lifelong friendships and a group of people from whom I know I will continue to learn. That, for me, is TRIUM’s most enduring value.

Andreas Neumann

Andreas Neumann

Class of 2026

Two years of people from industries I had never worked in, challenging assumptions, sharing experiences and opening up new perspectives more generously than I had any right to expect. I came for a network and I am leaving with close friends. Thank you to the faculty, and to the Class of 2026.

Dmitrii Koltunov

Dmitrii Koltunov

Class of 2026

Moving constantly around the world, studying alongside a cohort representing dozens of countries, and engaging with such a wide range of ideas and perspectives made me feel much more a part of global business. Now I better understand its challenges and am equipped with new tools to address them.

Kayran Abasali

Kayran Abasali

Class of 2026

Randy White and the leadership classes were the most impactful and invaluable to my personal experience throughout the program. It provided a grounding that was necessary and reinforced a lot of what I needed confirmation and a deeper understanding on how to navigate my professional development.

Jose Santos

Jose Santos

Class of 2026

The first module made a very strong impression because it truly unveiled the thought process of both the cohort and team, as well as it was the first time in my academic or professional career that I can say I had fun in an accounting class! This program has allowed me to explore that knowledge and brought some inspiration of how my creative strengths can combine with business specialties that in the past seemed to be in the opposing end of the spectrum.

Shirley Haylett

Shirley Haylett

Class of 2026

This amazing group is exactly the kind of people you want around if you are serious about being challenged. People here make you realise how much there is to discover, even when you think you know. The programme and the people inspired me to unlearn and rewire, bringing out a genuine curiosity and excitement that I believe will last a lifetime. I’m grateful to be part of it. TRIUM pushed me to rethink what is possible. Truly life-changing.

Sebastian Dicke

Sebastian Dicke

Class of 2026

Being surrounded by such an accomplished group of people from completely different industries, countries and backgrounds really changed my frame of reference. It made me question some of the standard assumptions about what a career path is supposed to look like and, instead of simply thinking about the next role or title, gave me the confidence to think much more deliberately about what I actually want to create. I went in looking for a roadmap and I’m leaving with a much clearer sense of what I want to build next.

Vimal Persaud

Vimal Persaud

Class of 2026

If you asked me at the beginning of TRIUM, I wouldn't have guessed that I'd have a Capstone idea that became an actual company. Let's see what happens as we work to launch this thing - but either way, it's going to be a wild (and fun) ride to give it a shot! Now that the program is over, I'm excited to join the alumni community and the rich set of events and experiences around the world that come with being an alumnus. Even more good times ahead :)

Jacek Popławski

Jacek Popławski

Class of 2026

TRIUM did not make me less opinionated; it put my opinions in better company. The world feels larger now. I intend to keep my life large enough to meet it.

Julian Grieve

Julian Grieve

Class of 2026

The TRIUM immersion was like learning that the window is not the horizon: the excitement that there is still so much more to learn and that the possibilities are more expansive than imagined. This is coupled with a deep sense of belonging, formed from having spent so long with this cohort of incredible people, and a sense of shared humanity that guides what is worth doing, rather than just what can be done.