Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA)
DBA GEM & HEG-Genève

I undertook my DBA from Grenoble EM and Sant'Anna di Pisa (joint cohort) because I wanted to dig deeper into how people interact across cultures. For me a PhD would have been too far from concrete applications, whilst a DBA contains an "implications for business" part which fully suited my purpose. Once admitted, the first step was to sharpen my research, which I wanted to center around Cultural Ignorance. Being in a mixed cohort with 14 other people from 4 different continents was extremely helpful to maintain sharp focus and get me through the research, and new friendships were born (and are still vibrantly alive). I also had a constant support from my supervisors and from the DBA program directors.

Doctoral research is hard work: it takes time, effort, some talent and lots of determination. Grenoble EM is well equipped to get students through the process, thanks to their excellent faculty and staff, who provide constant support. I managed to successfully finish my thesis on "Cultural Ignorance: the Dark sides of Cultural Intelligence" thanks to the combination of all the above factors.

The DBA studies made me also enter another dimension: teaching at executive levels. I had been doing quite some university level teachings before undertaking the doctoral studies, but my studies also worked as an "upgrade" - I was now asked to teach to MBA and EMBA students in Switzerland and abroad. This has now become a regular request.

Today, I am part of the Grenoble EM alumni network, and also the academic community. My day job is - as it has been throughout my whole career - all about making people thrive in their jobs and helping companies choose their talent well. The DBA study gave me depth and a stronger methodology for my work, and also a worldwide network of academics that I can reach out to for specific needs, in order to enhance my knowledge and effectiveness in my activities.

Doctoral degrees are the highest academic level you can get to and it can be as tough as the Everest at times. My advice to potential DBA students is : be sure to have the time and the support from your families and employer, be sure to have the determination and stamina to pull through your academic effort over many years, and finally: listen well to your supervisor's advice in the starting phases, so that you save time and rework when it really gets going!

Best wishes!

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Frode Hvaring DBA

My name is Federico Perillo, and I am Business Development and Sales Manager for Europe at Honeywell.

Prior to Honeywell, I have gained more than +15 years of international professional experience at Eaton and Landis+Gyr, primarily in energy transition including smart buildings, smart meter infrastructure, power conversion, battery energy storage, energy management systems, EV charging infrastructure, and industrial automation. I have held multiple roles, from engineering to strategy, marketing, sales, global product line management, and leadership positions.

Beyond my professional and academic pursuits, I find joy in exploring different cultures, cities and natures. I also like playing sports such as basketball and going to the gym. Additionally, I take pleasure in cooking and eating Italian foods while spending quality time with my family and friends.

Why a DBA is interesting?

The prospect of pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) program at Grenoble École de Management (GEM) in Grenoble, France, with a specific focus on sustainable business models, has been a compelling aspiration for me since 2020. This aspiration is driven by several key motivations.

I am deeply passionate about the energy transition and its profound implications, particularly the pivotal role of digitalization and its seamless integration into modern business practices. I firmly believe that sustainable business models are not merely an option, but a critical necessity in addressing the pressing environmental and social challenges that confront our planet and communities today. The DBA program at GEM presents an invaluable opportunity to delve into the intricate complexities of sustainable business models, equipping me with the requisite knowledge and skills to be a catalyst for positive organizational change.

GEM enjoys a well-established reputation for its expertise in addressing grand challenges, such as affordable energy and the transformative power of digitalization. Moreover, the institution is renowned for its innovative approach to business education. My research emphasis on sustainable business aligns perfectly with my career aspirations, providing an ideal platform for intellectual growth. This platform facilitates the expansion of my knowledge base, active engagement in cutting-edge research, and the invaluable opportunity to network with like-minded professionals and industry leaders. My research endeavors are aimed at exploring how digitalization can effectively contribute to the delivery of sustainable value for multiples stakeholders including investors and company customers, and the successful implementation of novel sustainable business models within established organizations. The ultimate objective is to actively support the achievement of the European Union's ambitious 2050 decarbonization targets and to actively participate in this strategically significant investment trend.

What has been the impact of the DBA on your career?

The DBA program has had a profound and transformative impact on my career trajectory. It has provided me with invaluable opportunities for skill enhancement and advancement, both professionally and academically. This enriching experience has significantly strengthened my leadership abilities and firmly established my credibility within both academic and business circles. Furthermore, I am deeply involved in mentoring initiatives, championing the principles of inclusion and diversity, actively contributing to academic discourse through scholarly publications throughout my DBA journey, and supporting pro-bono organizations dedicated to advancing the cause of sustainable energy. I frequently collaborate with various associations to effectively promote awareness of digitalization and the critical importance of environmental sustainability across a diverse range of sectors, including building automation, energy management, and the broader energy transition landscape.

What are the key aspects of the program?

The quality of the relationship with my supervisor, Professor Dr. Caroline Gauthier, proved to be an indispensable factor in achieving success throughout this demanding and extended journey. The DBA program necessitates commitment over an extended period, demanding exceptional time management skills and the ability to maintain unwavering focus on both long-term objectives and the successful delivery of short-term deliverables.

The most valuable takeaway from my DBA experience is the invaluable guidance I received from my supervisor, not only as a distinguished expert in the research domain but also as a mentor in the crucial soft skills that are essential for effectively navigating challenges and identifying expeditious solutions throughout this extended journey.

Furthermore, the nature of my relationship with my supervisor has evolved significantly, transitioning from a purely academic interaction to a mutually beneficial professional collaboration. This dynamic has profoundly enhanced my overall satisfaction with my selection of GEM and the enriching experience of the DBA journey.

How was your DBA experience?

My DBA experience has been immensely rewarding, successfully integrating my academic pursuits with the ongoing development of my professional career. I have been fortunate to accumulate a wealth of valuable experience through the guidance of honored academic professors who are widely regarded as luminaries in their respective fields. I have also had the privilege of engaging in insightful interviews with esteemed practitioner leaders, including prominent CEOs of global companies, and interacting with exceptional talents from across the diverse landscape of European countries. I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to contribute to a field that not only resonates deeply with my personal passions but also plays a crucial role in fostering my personal growth, nurturing the development of undiscovered talents, and ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.

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Federico Perillo

Pursuing a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) at Grenoble Ecole de Management (GEM) was one of the most transformative decisions and profound learning experiences of my life. The Triple-Crown accredited GEM DBA program (AACSB, EQUIS, and AMBA) stood out from other programs due to its academic rigor, applied research focus, and strong professional support structure. It deepened my understanding of business concepts and scientific research methods while equipping me with practical tools to generate new insights, create knowledge, and apply them to real-world challenges.

More than just a degree, the GEM DBA provided a unique bridge between academic research and real-world application. With a strong emphasis on applied research, the program challenged conventional thinking, encouraged innovative problem-solving, and developed my ability to conduct rigorous scientific research. These experiences have been invaluable to my portfolio career as a consultant, professor at various universities (including at GEM and HEG in Geneva), advisor, entrepreneur, and investor.

Since completing the DBA, these new skills have positioned me as a thought leader within my industry. The credibility and prestige of a DBA—an applied equivalent to a PhD—have opened doors to interesting opportunities and expanded my global professional network.

Key aspects of the GEM DBA that stood out to me included the personalized coaching from my supervisor, access to world-class faculty, and the diversity of my cohort, which brought rich, global perspectives to the learning experience. The flexibility to tailor research to my professional objectives made the program highly relevant and impactful. The journey was demanding yet incredibly rewarding, pushing me to my intellectual limits while providing the support and resources needed to succeed.

Reflecting on my DBA experience, I am deeply grateful for the rigorous academic environment, the lifelong connections I have built, and the personal and professional growth I have achieved. For aspiring leaders looking to elevate their impact and drive meaningful change, I wholeheartedly recommend embarking on this transformative journey with the GEM DBA at HEG in Geneva.

Raffi Chammassian Chargé de cours HES