Immersion Weekend 2025: Artificial Intelligence and Data for Business Transformation

Submitted by jose.paz on Mon, 03/10/2025 - 13:50

EGADE Business School brought together students from the Master in Business Analytics and the Master in Marketing for an immersive experience with experts from Microsoft, Wharton, BBVA, Dell, Starcom, Novartis, and more.

By JOSÉ ÁNGEL DE LA PAZ | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL

Generative artificial intelligence and data analytics are redefining the future of business. Within this context, EGADE Business School at Tecnológico de Monterrey hosted the 2025 edition of Immersion Weekend, an exclusive event that, for the first time, brought together students from the Master in Business Analytics and the Master in Marketing to explore, alongside global experts, the opportunities and challenges that AI presents for business strategy.

The event occurred on February 14 and 15, with sessions held at the Microsoft Mexico corporate offices and the EGADE Business School campus in Santa Fe.

In a welcome message, Horacio Arredondo, Dean of EGADE Business School, highlighted the importance of this space for learning and networking among emerging leaders.

"This is your space to learn, connect, and discover new perspectives in a world driven by artificial intelligence. We are at an unprecedented moment of transformation, where generative AI is redefining data analytics and marketing and reshaping how organizations create value. Beyond technical learnings, this is a space for networking, exchanging ideas, and forming strategic alliances that will enable you to transform your organizations," said Arredondo.

The first day of activities featured Rafael Sánchez, President and General Manager of Microsoft Mexico, who opened the event with a keynote address.

This was followed by Gideon Nave, Professor at The Wharton School, who presented the conference "Artificial Innovation: Idea Generation Beyond Human Limits," exploring how artificial intelligence surpasses traditional barriers in business creativity.

Jacobo Fernández, CEO of Starcom, delivered the conference "InnovAI: Transforming Advertising through Tech," analyzing the impact of AI on digital advertising and communication strategies.

Later, Gastón Fossati, Senior Vice President of Data for Hispanic America at Monks, presented the conference "AI & Data Strategy in Business," highlighting how artificial intelligence redefines data management and analysis in strategic decision-making.

The conference "Vision and AI: How to Optimize the Use of Prompts for Extraordinary Results" was also held, led by Shigueru Kato Maeda, Senior Technical Architect - Data & AI at Microsoft, discussing best practices for improving interaction with generative AI models.

The first day concluded with the panel "Mistakes and Myths in AI: What Future Leaders Need to Know to Avoid Them," featuring Alejandro Correa, Senior Global Director of Artificial Intelligence at AB InBev and Professor at EGADE Business School; Gastón Fossati, from Monks; Vania Uribe, CMO Lead at Microsoft; Andrés Ramírez, Commercial Director at Publicis Groupe; and León Palafox, Director of Innovation at Novartis.

Additionally, key conferences on the impact of AI in different sectors were presented, such as "Sales Targeting: Bringing Insights with GenAI," led by Zuleica Guiza, Mexico Marketing Leader at Dell Technologies, and "Impact of Generative AI on Business," by Fernando Fernández, Data Portfolio Management Principal Manager at BBVA.

On the second day, activities moved to EGADE Business School in Santa Fe, with new conferences and workshops on the application of AI in digital marketing strategies, customer relationship management (CRM), and sales optimization.

Juan Francisco Monroy, CEO of Publicis Media Exchange (PMX) Mexico, Miami, and Head of Partnerships LATAM, along with Andrés Ramírez, Commercial Director at Publicis Groupe, shared their insights on global marketing trends and the impact of AI on advertising.

Alejandro Correa, Professor at EGADE Business School and Senior Global Director of Artificial Intelligence at AB InBev, presented the conference "From the Classroom to the Real World: Innovative AI Applications in Business," while Matías Bossie, Regional Manager North Latam at Minders, and Joaquín Bossie, COO & Co-founder of Minders, conducted the workshop "CRM with AI," exploring AI integration in customer relationship management.

Later, Juan Carlos Morales Cardoso, CEO of Golden Companies, led the workshop "Digital Communication: Major Challenges and Opportunities for SMEs and Entrepreneurs," providing strategies for optimizing businesses' digital presence.

Lucía López Sarre, Director of Marketing and Innovation at Tim Hortons Mexico, delivered a conference on innovations in the retail industry and connecting with consumers in a digitized environment.

Immersion Weekend 2025 provided cutting-edge knowledge and the opportunity to build key connections for the future of business.

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Our Stories Shape The Future

Submitted by jose.paz on Fri, 03/07/2025 - 13:02

Leadership, innovation, and action: Four women from the EGADE community share their reflections and projects that drive change towards a more equitable future.

By INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL

On the occasion of International Women's Day 2025, 8M, EGADE Business School of Tecnológico de Monterrey recognizes the leadership and vision of four women from its community who are transforming the present and paving the way towards a more equitable and inclusive future.

Through their projects, Yuri Hirayama, Ana Karen Ramírez, María Concepción del Alto, and Eloísa Pérez drive concrete initiatives that generate significant change in their respective fields.

THE POWER TO TRANSFORM THE FUTURE

Each of them has built their path with determination and purpose. If they could speak to their younger selves, their message would be clear: the world needs their talent and perspective.

"If I could talk to my younger self, I would remind her that she, like her friends, has an incredible power to shape the future. I would tell her to trust her instincts, stay curious, and embrace her unique voice," shares Yuri, a Doctorate in Administrative Sciences student at EGADE Business School and an alumna of the EGADE MBA Online. As a School Director, Principal Educator, and Chief Sustainability Officer at the Yuri Education Center, she has promoted initiatives that combine education and sustainability in Japan.

For Ana Karen, an alumna of the EGADE Full-Time MBA and founder of Epic Queen, creativity and curiosity are superpowers: "I would tell that little girl that her way of seeing the world is precisely what will lead her to change it. She shouldn't be afraid to ask questions, make mistakes, and imagine the impossible because that's where the best ideas come from."

From a financial leadership perspective, María Concepción, professor and national director of the Master in Finance at EGADE Business School, emphasizes the importance of perseverance: "You can achieve anything with effort and determination, but not just for the short term—always with an eye on how you want to leave a lasting impact."

Eloísa, Director of Educational Innovation at EGADE Business School, highlights the importance of lifelong learning: "I would remind her that the passion for learning and curiosity are powerful tools for generating change. Every experience and challenge will expand her vision and strengthen her ability to make an impact."

INITIATIVES THAT CREATE IMPACT

The initiatives led by these women seek to transform their environments with tangible results.

Yuri leads the "You Lead" program in education, empowering young people from underserved communities with global leadership skills. Additionally, through the "Waste to Wow!" event, she promotes sustainability in education, aligned with the UN SDG 12.

"Epic Queen has impacted over 100,000 girls in Latin America, bringing them closer to science and technology so they can discover their potential in STEM," explains Ana Karen. "When a girl realizes she can be part of the future, it changes her story and many others as well."

María Concepción works to transform organizational structures and promote equal opportunities in the workplace. Through the Work Life-Balance Forum IMEF-EGADE, she drives initiatives that foster better conditions for women in their professional careers. As a Women Corporate Directors (WCD) Mexico Chapter member, she seeks to expand access for more women to decision-making spaces: "It is important to be in places where decisions are made and to hold leadership positions to promote better labour and social practices."

From educational innovation, Eloísa has strengthened EGADE Action Week, incorporating new experiences and participation methodologies that enrich this sustainability-driven initiative. She promotes the integration of Generative Artificial Intelligence in the classroom, aiming to optimize teaching and enhance decision-making with a sustainable approach: "This program has impacted more than 400 students, and now we seek to integrate technology to strengthen the learning experience."

NETWORKS OF SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR GROWTH

For these women, collaboration with various networks and communities has been key to the success of their initiatives.

"EGADE provided me with the tools to structure my ideas strategically and find allies who propelled my projects forward," says Ana Karen.

María Concepción's role in academic leadership has been a platform to promote female participation in executive education and connect talent with opportunities.

"We apply knowledge acquired in different training spaces to strengthen sustainability and leadership in education," highlights Yuri.

Eloísa emphasizes that collaboration within the academic environment has been key to innovation in teaching: "We have co-created projects with different teams, generating a tangible impact on the leadership development of our students."

ADVICE FOR WOMEN DRIVING CHANGE

The four leaders of EGADE Business School share an inspiring message for all women who are driving change.

"Never underestimate the power of your ideas. The future is not only built by large companies, but by each of us with every decision we make, every technology we create, and every door we open for those who come after us," says Ana Karen.

"If we want to make a lasting impact and build a better world, we must work hard and never give up," emphasizes María Concepción.

"As women, we balance innovation and the preservation of our traditions. We must continue driving change with respect for the past and a clear vision for the future," affirms Yuri.

Finally, Eloísa highlights the importance of breaking barriers: "Don't be afraid to build new paths. The future is built not only with ideas but also with action and collaboration."

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EGADE Business School Hosts the 2nd ESG Nuevo León Forum on Equality and Inclusion

Submitted by jose.paz on Thu, 03/06/2025 - 19:08

The event brought together business leaders and sustainability experts to discuss equality and inclusion in the supply chain.

By INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL

EGADE Business School at Tecnológico de Monterrey hosted the 2nd ESG Nuevo León Forum: Equality and Inclusion in the Supply Chain, a space for dialogue and reflection on integrating social sustainability criteria into business operations. Organized in collaboration with the Nuevo León Secretariat of Equality and Inclusion and supported by Clarios, the event brought together business leaders, academics, and ESG specialists.

The event opened with a welcome address by Eva Guerra, Associate Dean of EGADE Business School, who highlighted the institution’s commitment to sustainability and business transformation. "At EGADE, we seek to increase the visibility of corporate equality and inclusion tools, such as the award launched today, to promote and highlight the practices companies are implementing," she stated. Guerra also emphasized the importance of collaboration among government, academia, society, and businesses to drive equality and inclusion. "We want to position companies as agents of change that can make a difference," she noted.

SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENT BUSINESS MODELS

The forum featured prominent speakers, including Boyd Cohen, Director of the Master in Sustainable Business at EGADE Business School, who delivered the keynote speech "Abundance Capitalism." Cohen introduced the recent launch of the Master’s in Sustainable Business and discussed how companies can integrate sustainability, technology, and innovation to build resilient business models with real impact. "Companies play a key role in the transformation towards a sustainable future. If we align innovation with sustainability, we can create solutions that drive the economy while benefiting the planet," he affirmed. He also presented the Latin America Business Sustainability Index, a tool EGADE Business School researchers developed to measure ESG practices' impact in the region.

CORPORATE COMMITMENT TO EQUALITY AND INCLUSION

Martha Herrera González, Secretary of Equality and Inclusion of Nuevo León, closed the event with the conference "Leading with Purpose: The Role of Businesses in Nuevo León’s Social Transformation." She emphasized the importance of building alliances for social resilience during her speech. She highlighted tools such as the Social Contribution and Impact Certification, which has enabled many companies to measure and report their investment in social resilience, ensuring that every peso invested generates significant sustainable value.

“From the Secretariat of Equality and Inclusion, we have supported companies in creating strategies that generate social well-being while strengthening their competitiveness. Sustainability is not seen as an isolated issue but rather as a collective commitment involving the private sector, government, and civil society,” the official emphasized.

The 2025 Corporate Equality and Inclusion Award was announced during the event, recognizing companies committed to social sustainability in two categories: Social Commitment and Social Investment Projects. In addition to highlighting best practices in equality and inclusion, the award will support enhancing corporate social impact, developing more effective strategies, and facilitating access to international certifications.

Registration will be open from March 5 to May 30, 2025, and interested companies can apply through the Nuevo León Secretariat of Equality and Inclusion’s portal. Winning companies will receive specialized consulting and access to a collaboration network that fosters the development of sustainable initiatives within their operations.

CONFERENCES AND PANELS WITH SUSTAINABILITY EXPERTS

The event also featured various conferences and panels with sustainability experts. Hernando Aguilera, President and CEO of the Social Value Institute, delivered the conference "ESG Trends and Their Impact on Business Competitiveness: A Global Perspective." Francisco Fernández, Executive Director of the Conscious Enterprise Center at Tecnológico de Monterrey, moderated the panel "Transforming Industry: Success Stories in Social Sustainability and Competitiveness," with participation from Griscelda Ramos, Sustainability Director at Natura México; Inti Pérez Casillas, Director of Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility at Heineken México; Ana Margarita Garza, Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability LATAM at Clarios México; and Carlos Alejandro Becerra Ortega, Manager of Shared Value Creation and ESG at Nestlé México.

Elida Godínez, Director of Data, Artificial Intelligence, and Sustainability at IBM México, presented the conference "Artificial Intelligence for ESG Measurement and Reporting." Juan Carlos Meade, Director of Strategic Alliances at the Secretariat of Equality and Inclusion, introduced the 2025 Corporate Equality and Inclusion Award. Francisco Rodríguez and Maru Pérezthe FIFA World Cup 2026 representatives, gave a special conference on "FIFA 2026 Legacy."

Through this event, EGADE Business School reaffirms its commitment to developing business leaders who drive social and environmental sustainability, contributing to the sustainable development of Latin America.

 

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Meet the EXATEC EGADE featured in ‘The 100 Most Powerful Women in Business 2025’ by Expansión

Submitted by jose.paz on Mon, 03/03/2025 - 19:07

Expansión’s ranking recognizes the most influential women in Mexico’s business world.

By JOSÉ ÁNGEL DE LA PAZ | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL

Eight alumnae of EGADE Business School at Tecnológico de Monterrey have been included in the 2025 edition of “The 100 Most Powerful Women in Business” by Expansión magazine.

The ranking highlights women leaders who have significantly impacted their industries and organizations, recognizing their influence in the business landscape.

The EXATEC EGADE featured in the ranking are:

  • Silvia Dávila (MNE’97), President of Latin America and CEO of Mexico for Danone, ranked #3. She is an alumna of the Master in Business Economics and recipient of the 2023 EXATEC EGADE Merit Award
     
  • Verónica Pérez (MBA'19), President of Dow North Latin America Region, an alumna of the EGADE MBA, ranked #12.
     
  • Mildred Villegas Sojo (MA'04), General Manager of Unilever Mexico and Foods Latin America, an alumna of the Master in Business Administration, ranked #23.
     
  • Ángela Gómez Aiza (MA'06), Chief Operating Officer of Grupo AXO and independent board member, an alumna of the Master in Business Administration and recipient of the 2022 EXATEC EGADE Merit Award, ranked #35.
     
  • Delice Cristal Cruz Guzmán (MBA'13), Chief Finance & Strategy Officer (CFSO) at Telefónica Movistar Mexico, an alumna of the EGADE MBA, ranked #48.
     
  • Mónica García Rodríguez (MA'98), Director of Purchasing and Supply Chain at General Motors Mexico, an alumna of the Master in Administration, ranked #61.
     
  • Elvira Sánchez Chapa (MMT'03), VP Executive CIO at Gartner, a graduate of the Master in Marketing, ranked #69.
     
  • Alehira Orozco Reyes (MBA'23), Director of Government Relations at Mercado Libre México, an alumna of the EGADE MBA, ranked #98.

The Expansión ranking, published in the March 2025 edition, evaluates the impact and relevance of these executives in the corporate sector. This year, 455 profiles were analyzed based on quantitative and qualitative factors, focusing on leadership, influence, and the scope of their responsibilities.

Key evaluation criteria include company position and size (40%), leadership influence (40%), scope of impact (15%), and corporate engagement (5%).

The companies led by or employing these ranked women collectively generate 6.8 trillion pesos in revenue, showcasing their significant influence in Mexico’s business environment.

This recognition reaffirms the EXATEC EGADE community’s leadership and commitment to transforming business in Mexico and beyond.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Expansion (@expansionmx)

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EGADE presents the Latin American Corporate Sustainability Index

Submitted by jose.paz on Thu, 02/27/2025 - 15:00

The ranking evaluates the performance of 13 countries in sustainable finance, climate innovation, corporate transparency, and sustainability education.

By JOSÉ ÁNGEL DE LA PAZ | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL

EGADE Business School at Tecnológico de Monterrey has introduced the Latin American Corporate Sustainability Index: Private Sector Analysis, a study that assesses sustainability progress in the region’s business sector.

The index was developed by a group of EGADE Business School faculty researchers, including Boyd Cohen, Christiane Molina Brockmann, Eduardo Aguiñaga Maldonado, Carlos Vargas, and Pablo Necoechea, the regional director of EGADE Business School in Mexico City and Querétaro.

This analysis ranks 13 Latin American countries based on their performance in corporate transparency, climate innovation, sustainable finance, and sustainability education.

COSTA RICA, URUGUAY, AND CHILE LEAD IN SUSTAINABILITY

The index results place Costa Rica as the leading country in corporate sustainability, followed by Uruguay and Chile. According to the Green Future Index, these nations excel in renewable energy, with more than 95% of their electricity generated from clean sources.

Mexico ranks seventh, showing progress in solar and wind energy but facing key challenges in regulation, access to sustainable financing, and standardization of ESG metrics.

The full ranking of the index is as follows:

  1. Costa Rica (9.08)
  2. Uruguay (9.07)
  3. Chile (7.23)
  4. Brazil (5.80)
  5. Colombia (3.02)
  6. Panama (2.39)
  7. Mexico (2.29)
  8. Ecuador (0.95)
  9. Argentina (-0.06)
  10. Peru (-1.00)
  11. Bolivia (-1.48)
  12. Guatemala (-3.51)
  13. Dominican Republic (-4.56)

"Mexican companies have increased their commitment to sustainability, but there is still room for improvement in integrating exponential technologies and regenerative business models, as well as ensuring equitable access to green financing", stated Boyd Cohen, director of the Master in Sustainable Business at EGADE Business School and leader of the research team behind the index.

TRANSPARENCY, CLIMATE INNOVATION, AND SUSTAINABLE FINANCE

The study reveals that countries with the highest number of companies reporting their environmental impact to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and adhering to the UN Global Compact have demonstrated a stronger commitment to sustainability.

Regarding climate innovation, Brazil and Chile lead in clean technology startups, while Mexico stands out in solar and wind energy, though its innovation ecosystem for energy transition remains in development.

The index also highlights Brazil's, Mexico's, and Colombia's progress in issuing green bonds and adopting ESG criteria. However, regulatory challenges and the lack of standardized sustainability metrics persist, limiting investors' and regulators’ ability to assess environmental and social risks.

SUSTAINABILITY EDUCATION REMAINS A CHALLENGE

The study underscores the need to strengthen sustainability education in Latin America. Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico lead in institutions affiliated with the Principles for Responsible Management Education (PRME), yet the integration of sustainability into business curricula remains limited.

"The future of corporate sustainability in Latin America will depend on countries' ability to establish strong regulatory frameworks, boost green financing, and promote sustainability education", Cohen affirmed.

The index was presented at EGADE Business School in Monterrey during the launch of the new Master in Sustainable Business, a program designed to equip leaders with the skills to integrate sustainability into business strategies.

The event also featured the panel discussion "Success Stories in Corporate Sustainability Management," with participation from Jimena Marván, executive director and co-founder of Chapter Zero Mexico; Marianela Santos, CEO of Kalpa Ventures and president of the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee of the American Chamber of Commerce Monterrey; and Vicente Saiso, global vice president of Sustainability at CEMEX.

Data from internationally recognized sources were analyzed to develop the index. The study considered B Corps certifications, which assess companies’ commitment to sustainability, as well as climate change and carbon management reports from CDP. It also incorporated data from Crunchbase on climate technology startups, the Green Future Index, which evaluates countries’ progress toward a green economy, and the Labour Rights Index, which measures labour rights standards across nations.

Additionally, the study included indicators from the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) and assessed business schools' participation in responsible education through PRME. It also reviewed companies that have adopted the UN Global Compact's sustainability principles and organizations affiliated with the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

For more information about the Master in Sustainable Business, click here.

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EGADE Business School launches the Master in Sustainable Business

Submitted by jose.paz on Thu, 02/27/2025 - 14:46

A new 18-month executive program with monthly in-person sessions designed to integrate sustainability into business strategies.

By JOSÉ ÁNGEL DE LA PAZ | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL

To develop leaders capable of embedding sustainability at the core of business strategies, EGADE Business School at Tecnológico de Monterrey celebrated the launch of the Master in Sustainable Business, which will begin in September 2025 in Monterrey.

This new 18-month graduate program, delivered in an executive format with in-person sessions once a month, offers a comprehensive approach covering topics such as regenerative business models, financial strategies for sustainability, and ESG metrics.

"More and more companies face pressure to incorporate sustainability into their operations and financial reporting. This new master's program is designed to equip participants with the tools to identify the opportunities presented by new technologies, which accelerate strategies based on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria while also being profitable," stated Boyd Cohen, director of the program.

The announcement occurred at the EGADE Business School campus in Monterrey, alongside the presentation of the Latin American Corporate Sustainability Index, a study evaluating the sustainability performance of 13 regional countries.

Boyd Cohen and Paul Juárez, director of Recruitment and Admissions at EGADE Business School, led the presentation of the new Master’s in Sustainable Business, highlighting its relevance in a global context where sustainability has become a key factor in business competitiveness.

"This program will enable students to develop a strategic approach that combines innovation, sustainability, and leadership, preparing them to drive the transition towards more responsible and regenerative businesses," explained Cohen.

The event also featured the panel discussion "Success Stories in Corporate Sustainability Management", with the participation of Jimena Marván, executive director and co-founder of Chapter Zero Mexico; Marianela Santos, CEO of Kalpa Ventures and president of the Corporate Social Responsibility Committee at the American Chamber of Commerce Monterrey; and Vicente Saiso, global vice president of Sustainability at CEMEX.

The new Master in Sustainable Business positions itself as a key addition to EGADE Business School’s graduate offerings, reinforcing its leadership in developing professionals with a global vision and a strong commitment to sustainability.

For more information about the Master in Sustainable Business, click here.

 

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María Concepción del Alto Joins Women Corporate Directors Mexico Chapter

Submitted by jose.paz on Wed, 02/12/2025 - 10:39

The Director of the Master in Finance at EGADE Business School becomes part of the world’s largest organization of women in corporate boards.

By JOSÉ ÁNGEL DE LA PAZ | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL

María Concepción del Alto Hernández, National Director of the Master in Finance at EGADE Business School, Tecnológico de Monterrey, has joined Women Corporate Directors (WCD) Mexico Chapter as a new member, reinforcing her commitment to advancing female leadership in business.

"Concepción joins our community of women leaders with a strong passion for fostering the development of women in all areas. Her experience and vision will be a great addition to our group," the WCD Mexico Chapter announced on social media.

For Del Alto, membership in this organization represents an opportunity to strengthen the role of women on corporate boards.

"I am deeply honoured to be accepted into this group of talented women, but it also comes with a great responsibility to add value to the boards I serve on, to the community, and, most importantly, to support women's development in all aspects," she stated.

For over two decades, WCD has been the world’s largest organization of women serving on corporate boards, with 76 chapters across 35 countries and a network of over 8,500 female board members in public, private, and family-owned companies.

In Mexico, the organization seeks to increase female representation on corporate boards and professionalize its role in facing governance challenges.

Through events, publications, and best-practice business and corporate governance toolsWCD connects and empowers women leaders and raises board service standards for global corporations.

Del Alto’s addition to WCD comes alongside significant recognition for her leadership in the financial and educational sectors.

Recently, she was awarded the 2025 Mujer Tec Award in the special "Trajectory" category, recognising her impact on talent development and the promotion of gender equity.

With over 25 years of experience, she has promoted a culture of inclusion and advancement for women in leadership roles in academia and various organizations across the country.

She is an active member of the Mexican Institute of Finance Executives (IMEF), where she serves on the Board of Directors, chairs the IMEF-MEF Gender Equity Award, and leads initiatives such as the Work Life-Balance Forum.

Del Alto holds a Ph.D. in Finance from the A. B. Freeman School of Business at Tulane University and a Master’s in Administration and a degree in Public Accounting from Tecnológico de Monterrey.

With this new role in Women Corporate Directors, she reaffirms her commitment to strengthening female leadership in the corporate world.

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EGADE addresses the future of education and work at IFE Conference 2025

Submitted by jose.paz on Tue, 02/11/2025 - 13:30

The faculty of EGADE Business School shares insights on educational innovation, talent, and the future of work.

By JOSÉ ÁNGEL DE LA PAZ | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL

The IFE Conference 2025, themed "Shaping the Future of Education with Innovation and Technologies," brought academic leaders, researchers, and experts together to explore the trends redefining learning and the labour market.

Now in its 11th edition, the conference, organized by the Institute for the Future of Education (IFE), took place from January 28 to 30 at the Tecnológico de Monterrey campus.

Professors and executives from EGADE Business School participated in various activities, sharing perspectives on education, talent, innovation, and the future of work.

TALENT AND THE FUTURE OF WORK

The Talent and Future of Work Summit was inaugurated by Horacio Arredondo, Dean of EGADE Business School and the Undergraduate Business School of Tecnológico de Monterrey, who invited attendees to rethink how talent is being developed in response to labor market shifts driven by technological disruption, artificial intelligence, automation, and industry relocation.

"At Tecnológico de Monterrey, we have embraced challenge-based learning models, where students develop critical skills by solving real-world problems in collaboration with companies and organizations," emphasized Arredondo, who is also a member of the International Advisory Board of the Institute for the Future of Education (IFE).

As part of the same summit, Osmar Zavaleta, Associate Dean of Research at EGADE Business School and the Undergraduate Business School of Tecnológico de Monterrey, and Lucila Osorio, Research Professor and Director of the Department of Marketing and Business Intelligence at EGADE Business School, participated in the panel "University Students: Thoughts and Expectations for the Future." They discussed the concerns and aspirations of new generations in an ever-evolving job market.

EDUCATIONAL INNOVATION

The book Horizons in Learning Linked to Sustainable Development: New Pathways in the Digital Era was presented during the IFE Conference.

This book includes the chapter "Minecraft as a Game-Based Learning Tool: Analyzing Its Impact on the Development of Critical and Creative Thinking in Problem-Solving for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)," co-authored by Eloísa Pérez González, Director of Educational Innovation at EGADE Business School, and Jairo Orozco Triana, Professor in the Department of Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation at EGADE Business School, along with other colleagues.

The study results highlight Minecraft's impact on academic experiences for graduate students at EGADE Business School between 2022 and 2023.

META-SKILLS: THE KEY TO THE FUTURE OF WORK

At the fireside chat "What Will the Future of Work Look Like and How Can We Prepare Students for It?", Juan Ignacio Sánchez, Distinguished Visiting Professor in Organizational Behavior and Human Capital at EGADE Business School, emphasized the importance of developing meta-skills to help professionals adapt to dynamic work environments.

"Today, we give employees objectives, but we rarely tell them how to achieve them," Sánchez stated in a conversation with Osmar Zavaleta.

Zavaleta underscored the importance of preparing students for a changing labour market, where strategic decision-making is crucial.

Sánchez stressed that education must become more interdisciplinary to foster flexible thinking. "Giving students a rigid identity, like 'I am a biologist' or 'I am an engineer,' is problematic. We need them to see the world in an interdisciplinary way," he explained.

On the evolution of hybrid work, Sánchez pointed out that new skills are needed for remote team management: "Remote supervision skills are not the same as on-site supervision skills."

Finally, regarding nearshoring, he warned that Mexico must focus on offering products and services with high added value to remain competitive. "Relying solely on lower labour costs in Mexico won't work," he concluded.

EDUCATION FOR HUMAN FLOURISHING

At the closing of the IFE Conference, Enrique Tamés, Professor in the Department of Strategy and Leadership at EGADE Business School, and Michael Stevenson, Senior Consultant at the OECD for High-Performing Systems for the Future, participated in the fireside chat "Education for Human Flourishing."

During the conversation, Stevenson argued that education should prepare individuals for a morally purposeful life rather than focusing solely on personal well-being.

"Discussing human flourishing is not about individual well-being, but about well-being in community, in human interactions," said Stevenson.

For his part, Tamés explained that human flourishing is a broad concept that fosters the development of various competencies to achieve the best version of oneself, society, and the planet.

This discussion aligns with the OECD's High-Performing Systems for the Future initiative, which seeks to redefine the purpose of education in response to advancements in artificial intelligence and other global transformations.

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