The professor and program director at EGADE Business School earns a "Highly Commended" mention in the Teaching Award category for his Responsible Leadership course.

By JOSÉ ÁNGEL DE LA PAZ | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL

Eduardo Aguiñaga, National Director of Full-Time Programs at EGADE Business School, received a Highly Commended mention in the Teaching Award category of the Financial Times (FT) Responsible Business Education Awards 2025 for his core course "Responsible Leadership."

Now in its fourth edition, these awards recognize business schools worldwide that are redefining their curricula to address global challenges through sustainability, social justice, and business ethics.

A COURSE TRANSFORMING BUSINESS EDUCATION

The "Responsible Leadership" course is part of various graduate programs at EGADE Business School, including the EGADE MBA, EGADE-UNC Charlotte MBA in Global Business & Strategy, EGADE MBA Online, Master in Finance, and Master in Business Management.

"The course aims to develop a comprehensive vision of sustainability and ethical decision-making in business among leaders, moving beyond the traditional corporate social responsibility approach. To achieve this, it fosters systemic, self-critical, and strategic thinking," explained Aguiñaga.

The 2024 Inspirational Professor Award winner from Tecnológico de Monterrey added that the "Responsible Leadership" course's innovative pedagogical approach sets it apart. It combines simulations, real case studies, guest speakers, and theoretical-practical methodologies developed by the SWIT research group at EGADE Business School, which focuses on circular economy and sustainable economic growth.

"The course provides theoretical knowledge and encourages students to apply what they have learned in their professional environments, generating tangible changes in their companies and communities," added the professor.

A RECOGNITION FOR RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS EDUCATION

Receiving this distinction from the Financial Times is, according to Aguiñaga, "a testament to EGADE Business School’s commitment to responsible business education."

"This award validates the importance of developing leaders who seek to maximize financial profits and integrate ethical, social, and environmental criteria into their decision-making. At EGADE, we are training the leaders who will make the right and necessary decisions to tackle the most pressing challenges in our society," he stated.

This recognition marks the second consecutive year that EGADE Business School has been honoured in the FT Responsible Business Education Awards. In 2024, the school was recognized as Highly Commended in the Best Schools category, reaffirming its global leadership in integrating responsible business principles into teaching, research, and operations.

This FT publication contains the complete list of winners and Highly Commended mentions in the Teaching Award 2025 category.

The award, presented at the AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards 2025, recognizes postgraduate alumni whose actions positively impact the business world and society.

By JOSÉ ÁNGEL DE LA PAZ | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL

Maryangel García-Ramos Guadiana, a graduate of the EGADE MBA, was honoured with the Postgraduate Leadership Award, one of the distinctions presented at the AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards 2025, held on January 24 in London.

This award is presented annually to outstanding leaders from business schools accredited by the Association of MBAs (AMBA) and the Business Graduates Association (BGA), whose achievements and impact have significantly influenced their fields.

In a statement, AMBA and BGA highlighted the EXATEC EGADE’s efforts for her “incredible advocacy for diversity, inclusion, and disability rights.”

EGADE Business School is among the select institutions worldwide that hold the prestigious "Triple Crown" accreditation, granted by the three most influential global accreditation bodies: AMBA, AACSB, and EQUIS.

A LEADERSHIP THAT DRIVES CHANGE 

With over 16 years of experience, Maryangel García-Ramos has established herself as a transformative leader in human rights, inclusion, and gender and disability equity. She has worked with legislators, governments, corporations, and universities, advocating for reforms to protect the rights of women with disabilities.

She founded the Movimiento Mujeres Mexicanas con Discapacidad, an initiative that championed legislative changes to promote equity and protection for this group.

Additionally, she has held key positions in high-impact institutions, such as serving as Director of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion at the Center for the Recognition of Human Dignity at Tecnológico de Monterrey.

She currently serves as Executive Director of Women Enabled International and chairs the State Council for People with Disabilities of Nuevo León.

Her leadership has been recognized multiple times with awards such as the Premio Mujer Tec 2019, the AACSB International 2022 Influential Leader, and the Top Voice Gender Equity 2022 distinction from LinkedIn México.

A MESSAGE OF RESISTANCE AND COMMITMENT

Upon receiving the award, García-Ramos shared her excitement on social media, emphasizing the importance of her work and the need to amplify the voices of people with disabilities in decision-making spaces.

"This is so powerful. My leadership is strong and exists because of all the women with disabilities around me. Thank you for recognizing me and putting the spotlight where it is most needed right now. On disabled leaders' voices. Thanks, EGADE, for putting me in the centre of the conversations for decision-making and impact. We will keep on resisting and fighting for rights and justice,” she expressed.

The AMBA & BGA Excellence Awards annually bring together global leaders in business education to recognize excellence and the impact of students, alumni, business schools, employers, and strategic partners.

In its 2025 edition, the ceremony welcomed over 200 business school leaders, category finalists, judges, and media representatives.

Business and academic leaders discuss North America's trade reconfiguration and challenges for SMEs.

By JOSÉ ÁNGEL DE LA PAZ | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL

To mark its 30th anniversary, EGADE Business School at Tecnológico de Monterrey, in collaboration with the School of Government and Public Transformation (EGyTP) of the same institution, hosted the event "Economic and Political Outlook for Mexico 2025" in Querétaro, where specialists analyzed the country’s challenges and opportunities in the current global context.

During the forum’s opening, Pascual Alcocer, the General Director of Tecnológico de Monterrey Campus Querétaro, emphasized that 2025 marks the campus's 50th anniversary, reflecting its regional consolidation. He outlined three strategic priorities: academic excellence, applied research, and social impact, reaffirming the institution’s commitment to quality education and collaboration with national and international universities.

Meanwhile, Marco Antonio Del Prete, the Secretary of Sustainable Development of Querétaro, warned about the economic and political uncertainty that will mark the beginning of 2025. This uncertainty is driven by international conflicts and economic reforms in Mexico that have yet to provide certainty.

“Although Querétaro ranked fifth nationally in job creation in 2024, we observed a decrease in the absolute number of new positions, which led us to implement strategies to strengthen the labour market,” he stated.

Del Prete highlighted the state's role as a technology investment hub, citing the presence of companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google and stressing the need to strengthen knowledge development and innovation to diversify the economy beyond manufacturing.

MEXICO FACING GLOBAL ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY 

The event on January 31 at the Residences Building of Campus Querétaro featured a keynote speech by Everardo Elizondo, former Deputy Governor of Banco de México and Distinguished Professor of Economics at EGADE Business School.

In his lecture, titled "The 'Yesterday' and 'Tomorrow' of the Mexican Economy: Conjectures and Perplexities," Elizondo noted that, while the U.S. government has announced 25% tariffs, it remains unclear whether their implementation will be gradual or selective.

“We are facing a set of challenges that we do not yet fully understand because we still don’t know the exact scope of the problem,” he explained.

He criticized the notion that Mexico's trade surplus with the U.S. constitutes a subsidy, emphasizing that trade is mutually beneficial.

“There is no such thing as the subsidy the president refers to. There is, however, a long-standing mercantilist belief that exports are good and imports are bad,” he argued.

Elizondo also warned that Mexico’s economic growth has remained below 1% annually for decades, reflecting insufficient investment and productivity.

On inflation, he explained that despite a decline, public perception remains negative.

“People ask: ‘If inflation goes down, why do things still cost more?’ And both perspectives are correct. The government claims inflation has dropped, but that only means prices are rising at a slower rate, not that they have stopped increasing,” he clarified.

Regarding monetary policy, he affirmed that Banco de México has maintained its independence and will take a prudent approach amid global uncertainty.

PERSPECTIVES FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND ACADEMIA 

The event included a panel discussion on Mexico’s economic and political outlook, featuring business leaders and academics from Tecnológico de Monterrey.

Beatriz Hernández Rojas, President of Coparmex Querétaro, pointed out that political and economic uncertainty affects investment and business competitiveness, particularly for SMEs, which struggle to integrate into supply chains.

“Supply chains do not always leverage the potential of SMEs, often because they are not sufficiently prepared,” she stated.

The business leader explained that lack of certifications, limited access to financing, and high talent turnover are key barriers to their growth.

Federico Quinzaños, Founder of The Grand North America, discussed the trade reconfiguration between Mexico and the U.S.

“The United States has realized that, after 2020, it needs less globalization and more regionalization,” he noted.

Quinzaños explained that Mexico and Canada are no longer seen solely as trade partners but as part of a North American geo-economic strategy.

“The U.S. cannot compete against China without ‘food and fuel’—Canada’s energy and Mexico’s food supply,” Quinzaños emphasized.

Alejandro Díaz, Research Professor at EGyTP, analyzed how political stability in North America influences Mexico’s bilateral relationship with the U.S.

“44% of federal judges were appointed by Trump during his first term. In the Supreme Court, most rulings now favour Republican interests,” he explained.

Finally, Pablo Necoechea, Regional Director of EGADE Business School in Mexico City and Querétaro, moderated the discussion and underscored the significance of trade shifts in the global economy.

“It is important to understand all factors influencing these new trade reconfigurations and the key elements needed to make strategic decisions that lead to sustainable economic development,” he stated.

The panel highlighted the complexity of Mexico’s economic and political landscape, addressing challenges facing businesses, shifts in trade dynamics, and the impact of megatrends on global competitiveness.

With complementary insights from the private sector and academia, panelists agreed that talent development must be strengthened, innovation must be fostered, and business strategies must be adapted to navigate today's uncertainty.

The Mujer Tec Award recognizes the contributions and talent of women within the Tecnológico de Monterrey community and its institutions. The award ceremony will take place on March 12.

By JOSÉ ÁNGEL DE LA PAZ | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL

María Concepción del Alto, National Director of the Master in Finance at EGADE Business School of Tecnológico de Monterrey, has been honoured with the 2025 Mujer Tec Award in the special category of "Trajectory", in recognition of her leadership and impact in education and finance sectors.

Del Alto was among the 19 awardees of the 13th edition of the award, announced on January 22.

With more than 25 years of experience, the academic has fostered a culture of equity, inclusion, and professional development for women in leadership positions, contributing to educating generations of students and strengthening various organizations in Mexico.

A LEGACY IN EDUCATION AND FINANCE

At EGADE Business School, Del Alto has held various roles, including Full-time Professor in the Department of Finance and Business Economics and Research Director of the Burkenroad Program Mexico.

Previously, within Tec, she served as Director of the Bachelor’s Degree in Financial Administration at Monterrey Campus and National Coordinator of the Finance Academy. She is currently a member of the Savings Fund Council for Tec employees.

Her academic expertise covers business valuation, corporate finance, financial analysis, and money and capital markets, fields in which she has contributed through publications, conferences, and workshops. Her teaching excellence has been recognized with distinctions such as “Professors Who Leave a Mark”, awarded during Tec’s 70th anniversary edition.

Before joining Tec, Del Alto taught postgraduate courses at other educational institutions and worked in auditing for international firms.

ADVOCATE FOR EQUITY AND FEMALE LEADERSHIP

Beyond her academic career, Del Alto 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 promotes the Work Life-Balance Forum.

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

 

 

 

 

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Upon learning about the award, Del Alto expressed her gratitude towards Tec and reaffirmed her commitment to education and advancing female talent in business.

"It is a great joy to receive this recognition from my alma mater, the place that has allowed me to flourish in what I am passionate about: teaching, which goes beyond transmitting knowledge also to instil values such as empathy, ethics, and a joy for life," she stated.

She also emphasized the importance of supporting women in their professional growth: "Throughout my life, I have had a clear commitment and responsibility to support passionate and talented women who face daily challenges due to their nature but never give up; who aspire to develop themselves and be recognized in business, where their contributions are valued and appreciated. Recognizing and supporting women is not just about justice but a strategic necessity for organizations."

ABOUT THE MUJER TEC AWARD

The Mujer Tec Award recognizes and highlights the career achievements, contributions, and talent of students, alumni, collaborators, professors, and executives within the Tecnológico de Monterrey community and its institutions, emphasizing their impact on society, politics, and the economy.

The 2025 award ceremony will take place on March 12 and will be broadcast live via live.tec.mx.

In Guadalajara, experts warn that the international landscape has changed irreversibly, requiring Mexico to redefine its foreign and economic strategy.

By JOSÉ ÁNGEL DE LA PAZ | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL

Opening the year celebration of its 30th anniversary, EGADE Business School of Tecnológico de Monterrey, in collaboration with the School of Government and Public Transformation (EGyTP), hosted the event "Economic and Political Outlook for Mexico 2025" in Guadalajara, where experts analyzed the country's challenges and opportunities in the new global context.

At the forum’s opening, Raúl Montalvo, director of EGADE Business School Guadalajara, emphasized the importance of fostering strategic dialogue at a crucial moment for the country and the world.

“This year marks the beginning of many changes—new administrations, new circumstances, new geopolitical dynamics—all of which invite us to reflect on the role we play, individually and collectively,” he stated.

Montalvo pointed out that Mexico’s economy faces significant challenges but also opportunities. He highlighted Plan México, which aims to position the country among the world’s top ten economies by 2030. This requires sustained growth of 6% per year, well above the 0.8% average of recent years. He stressed the need for a strategic approach to driving economic development in the face of global uncertainty.

ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION AND STRATEGIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR JALISCO

The event, held on January 29 at the Congress Center of Tec’s Guadalajara Campus, featured Cindy Blanco, the Secretary of Economic Development of Jalisco. She presented her perspective on the state's economic agenda in the context of global transformations.

In her speech, Blanco highlighted the shift in the world order, the impact of the U.S.-China rivalry, and strategic opportunities for Jalisco.

She noted that global competition demands a more ambitious approach to attracting investment by creating jobs and fostering intellectual property and technology transfer.

“If we want Jalisco to be an ‘investment oasis,’ we must ensure a business-friendly environment,” she stated.

Regarding Jalisco’s economic plan, she identified five key sectors with high potential for the state:

• Software and Information Technology, where Jalisco has been an innovation hub since the 1990s.
• Semiconductors and electronics, an industry in which the state already accounts for 70% of national activity, offer an opportunity to reconfigure global supply chains.
• Agroindustry, focusing on decentralizing economic development across the state’s 12 regions.
• Health and Medical Tourism, leveraging the growing demand for accessible healthcare from the United States.
• Automotive is not in traditional manufacturing but in the development of future mobility technology, with software and semiconductors as key differentiators.

Blanco also stressed that regulatory improvements are essential for Jalisco to solidify itself as an investment destination.

“We can offer land and train the workforce, but without clear rules and a business-friendly environment, investment won’t come,” she warned.

MEXICO AMID GEOPOLITICAL UNCERTAINTY

The event also featured a panel discussion on Mexico’s political and economic outlook with experts from Tecnológico de Monterrey.

Beata Wojna, former Polish ambassador to Mexico and professor of International Relations at the Tec, highlighted that the Claudia Sheinbaum administration seeks to maintain stability in its relationship with the United States. It avoids direct confrontations and cooperates on key issues such as migration and security.

“We shouldn’t take Trump’s statements at face value. One day, he says the relationship with Mexico is fine, and the next, he threatens sanctions,” she cautioned.

Alejandro Díaz, research professor at the EGyTP, noted that Mexicans perceive Trump as more aggressive than in his first term. While most believe the government has acted with prudence, they also demand a stronger response.

“Mexico must prepare for high-volatility scenarios. We can’t wait to react once the damage is done,” he emphasized.

Roberto Durán, research professor at the EGyTP, explained that the geopolitical landscape poses challenges for Mexico’s economy, mainly due to U.S. pressure to reduce China’s presence in the region.

“If uncertainty with the United States isn’t resolved, the Plan México will struggle to move forward,” he stated, emphasizing the need for a clear strategy.

Finally, Azucena Rojas, Dean of the Western and Northern Region of the Tec School of Social Sciences and Government, who moderated the discussion, concluded that Mexico must adapt to a reality in which geopolitics plays an increasingly decisive role and move away from its traditional policy of ambiguity.

“The world of geopolitics is one where choices must be made, and that doesn’t align with Mexico’s traditional political culture,” she remarked.

Experts agreed that 2025 will be a complex year for Mexico, with key decisions shaping its position in the new global order.

The "Economic and Political Outlook for Mexico 2025" event was previously held in Monterrey on January 23 and in Mexico City on January 27. Its final session is scheduled for January 31 in Querétaro.

"Reducing interest rates is premature as long as inflation remains uncontrolled," warned Everardo Elizondo.

By JOSÉ ÁNGEL DE LA PAZ | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL

As part of "Mexico's Economic and Political Outlook 2025," Everardo Elizondo, former deputy governor of Banco de México and distinguished professor of Economics at EGADE Business School of Tecnológico de Monterrey, analyzed the Mexican economy's structural and cyclical challenges. He noted that Banxico's recent interest rate cuts are premature and could lead to confusion.

In his keynote lecture, “The ‘Yesterday’ and ‘Tomorrow’ of the Mexican Economy: Conjectures and Perplexities”, delivered on January 27 in Mexico City, Elizondo highlighted that while general inflation has decreased significantly—from levels above 9% in 2022 to less than 4% currently—inflation control remains incomplete.

"The 3% target has not been consistently achieved, and until it is sustained, inflation control cannot be guaranteed," he stated.

He also criticized the misconception of a "tolerance range" for inflation set by Banco de México, calling it a "space of ignorance" necessary for managing external shocks.

Regarding economic growth, Elizondo emphasized that Mexico has faced a structural weakness for over 25 years, with an average growth rate of 2%, which has declined further in recent years.

For 2025, he anticipates that economic activity will continue to weaken, with growth that “at best will not reach zero.” He attributes this stagnation to the lack of investment in human capital, technology, and infrastructure and to regulatory uncertainty negatively impacting the investment climate.

"There is insufficient investment in human capital and technology, which keeps us stagnant," he noted.

The international context was also analyzed. Elizondo warned about the threat posed by protectionist policies in the United States, particularly the potential use of tariffs as a political tool on issues like migration and drug trafficking.

While he expressed concern about these measures, he also underscored that the growth of Mexican exports remains tied to the strength of the U.S. economy.

Finally, Elizondo reaffirmed his hawkish stance on monetary policy, stressing that Banco de México must focus exclusively on its mandate to control inflation.

"Banco de México is not designed to be a green bank or to promote employment; its sole objective is to preserve price stability, which has not yet been fully achieved," he concluded.

"Mexico's Economic and Political Outlook 2025" is an event organized by EGADE Business School to commemorate its 30th anniversary in collaboration with the School of Government and Public Transformation of Tecnológico de Monterrey.

In addition to Elizondo, the program also featured a lecture by Carlos Elizondo Mayer-Serra, professor and researcher at the School of Government and Public Transformation.

The event began with a welcome by Pablo Necoechea, Regional Director of EGADE Business School in Mexico City and Querétaro, and concluded with a panel discussion featuring Mariana Campos, general director of México Evalúa; Carlos Aurelio Hernández, president of the National Energy Commission at COPARMEX, and Roberto Durán, professor and researcher at the School of Government and Public Transformation.

Former Deputy Governor Everardo Elizondo believes that, although inflation has decreased, it remains far from the 3% target, and Banco de México's monetary policy has not been restrictive enough.

By JOSÉ ÁNGEL DE LA PAZ | EGADE BUSINESS SCHOOL

On January 23, Monterrey hosted the first session of “Mexico's Economic and Political Outlook for 2025,” organized by EGADE Business School and the School of Government and Public Transformation (EGyTP by its acronym in Spanish) of Tecnológico de Monterrey.

This series, part of EGADE Business School’s 30th anniversary celebration, will continue with upcoming editions in Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Querétaro.

In her welcome address, Eva Guerra, Associate Dean of EGADE Business School, highlighted the significance of the current context for Mexico and the United States, which is marked by the start of Claudia Sheinbaum's and Donald Trump's presidential terms.

“This context calls for us to assess scenarios, analyze trends, reflect on the challenges that may arise in this increasingly complex and competitive global environment, and identify the opportunities that emerge from strategic cooperation, innovation, and long-term vision,” Guerra said.

ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVES

The event featured Everardo Elizondo, former Deputy Governor of Banco de México and Distinguished Professor of Economics at EGADE Business School, who delivered the keynote address, "Mexico's Economy: Past and Future—Preliminary Conjectures."

Elizondo emphasized that Mexico's economy struggles with weak investment, stating that “physical investment, human capital, and technology are not receiving the attention needed to drive economic growth.”

“There isn’t enough investment in Mexico,” he stressed, pointing out that most investment comes from the private sector while public investment remains historically low.

Additionally, he highlighted that foreign trade remains a strength due to Mexico’s relationship with the United States, but he warned about the risks of potential tariffs under the Trump administration.

“The threat of Trump-era tariffs remains unclear, but they will certainly have significant repercussions,” he said.

Regarding inflation, Elizondo noted that while rates show a downward trend, they remain far from the 3% target.

“There’s a difference between inflation declining and prices actually decreasing,” he clarified.

He also criticized Banco de México’s monetary policy for not being restrictive enough to combat inflation.

Elizondo predicted that, depending on inflation trends, interest rates could drop to around 8% by the end of the year.

Elizondo reflected on the challenging outlook: “We’re facing a year of limited growth, with inflation unlikely to hit the 3% target.”

PANEL OF EXPERTS

The event also featured a panel discussion with Jorge Martínez, Professor of Economics and Finance at EGADE Business School; Ernesto Stein, former BID representative in Mexico and Distinguished Professor of Public Policy at EGyTP; Cecilia Carrillo, Director General of COPARMEX Nuevo León; and Alejandro Díaz, a researcher at EGyTP.

Martínez described the current situation as a "mosaic of storms" characterized by global populism, a strengthening dollar, and trade tensions.

“In the darkest moments, great transformations are born. Mexico has the talent and creativity to turn storms into new opportunities,” Martínez said.

Stein highlighted the impact of nearshoring as a competitive advantage for Mexico but cautioned: “There is no single Mexico in nearshoring. The north is advancing, but the south faces structural challenges that limit its participation.”

Carrillo addressed the challenges SMEs face, pointing out that “economic uncertainty affects companies unevenly, and regulations don’t always translate into tangible benefits.” She also noted the lack of skilled labour in the North and talent migration issues in the South.

Díaz discussed populism as a divisive phenomenon: “Populism is not a sustainable model; its divisive rhetoric creates gaps between elites and the population, making it difficult to build long-term consensus.”

The event concluded with remarks from Miguel Treviño de Hoyos, Director of the Monterrey site of EGyTP.

The “Mexico's Economic and Political Outlook for 2025” series will continue on January 27 in Mexico City, January 29 in Guadalajara, and January 31 in Querétaro.