EMBA Alumni Wisdom – A New Global Webinar on March 27, 2025

What if, in 2025, a new global platform were created for EMBA alumni to share their wisdom and network? That’s exactly what’s happening! Join us on March 27, 2025, from 9–10 AM (EET), when Finland, jyuEMBA, and our esteemed EMBA alumni launch this global initiative. This blog offers insights into the reflections and ideas underpinning the creation of this webinar.

The Interplay of Thinking and Doing

Thinking is valuable, but it’s often the act of doing that opens new perspectives and drives real competence and effectiveness. Imagine a marathon runner who spends their time reflecting and planning meticulously for future races. What kind of performance goals would they dare to set for the summer’s competition? Conversely, a runner who trains endlessly without reflection or planning might also struggle to achieve success.

In various fields, we encounter the tension between thinking and doing—sometimes in harmonious interaction, sometimes in imbalance. Both are essential: thinking about doing and turning thoughts into action. Could one overarching goal, at both societal and organizational levels, be to create structures where the connection between thought and action is as close as possible, both temporally and mentally?

For example, consider educational systems where years of theoretical study precede practical application. Could there also be scenarios where people operate in action-oriented roles for years without engaging deeply with reflective thinking, potentially limiting innovation? In an ever-changing world, living exclusively in the realms of either thinking or doing cannot lead to success. Growth requires a continuous interaction between thought and action.

Each of us has our own definitions of what constitutes thinking and doing, as well as what is essential in each realm. From on person's perspective, another might seem lost in abstract thought, while the latter believes they're actively engaging in the real world. The nuances of these interpretations are left to each individual to explore and develop within their environment. 

Actors at the Intersection of Thinking and doing 

This blog highlights actors who, especially from a business science perspective, operate at the intersection of thought and action, opening new perspectives on competence and its development. EMBA alumni are such actors. They undergo a roughly three-year intensive phase of linking theory and practice, thought and action.

In EMBA studies, the latest scientific knowledge is consistently applied to the realities of one’s organization to uncover new avenues for development. The dialogue between thought and action is continuous, making it an integral part of EMBA alumni expertise.

A bold new Initiative 

In 2024—coincidentally the 40th anniversary of jyuEMBA—we began pondering whether we could do something truly innovative and impactful to amplify and spread the wisdom of EMBA alumni. As always, the world is full of opportunities, but the key question is: can we recognize them? Anaïs Nin's wisdom often comes to mind:

“We don’t see the world as it is, but as we are.”

This raises the issue of limitations. Do we accept certain constraints as given, failing to notice that the scope of possibilities is broader than we imagine? For instance, advancements in technology can enable entirely new ways of thinking and acting. What once seemed impossible may now be feasible. This question lies at the core of strategic thinking—particularly when dealing with AI and other emerging technologies.

At the same time, the decisive factor in utilizing technology in new ways is people: our readiness, willingness to change, and ability to experiment and genuinely learn.

Webinar on March, 2025

In 2025, our goal is to take a new step in sharing and networking EMBA alumni wisdom. We aim to embrace the possibilities enabled by modern technology and engage active, open-minded professionals.

On March 27, 2025, we will host the world’s first “Wisdom of EMBA Alumni” webinar. The theme will be New Strategic Arenas. This event would not be possible without our EMBA alumni, who have graciously agreed to share their insights. A heartfelt thank you to: Marjaana Kivioja, Jouni Flyktman, and Markku Hirvijärvi.

Webinar Concept in a Nutshell

The idea for the webinar originated within the JYU EMBA program. We have reached out to, and continue to contact, business schools and other institutions worldwide to attract participants from across the globe.

Our goal is not for this webinar to be a one-time event but to inspire business schools worldwide to organize similar webinars. When this happens, we’ll share updates with the jyuEMBA network, and these events will be open for participation.

The webinar will feature three keynote presentations by our EMBA alumni, showcasing remarkable perspectives on the interplay of thinking and doing within various organizations.

The webinar will be globally accessible and marketed through universities and organizations to their networks. We deeply appreciate your support in sharing information about this webinar with your own network.

Welcome to the Webinar

We wish you the best of success in 2025. Let’s make this another great year for innovation and achieving what was once thought impossible!

Ari Manninen, Director

University of Jyväskylä, 
Executive Education
ari.manninen(at)jyu.fi

linkedin.com/in/arimanninen/

JYU Executive Education

(Original text of this blog was written in Finnish by Ari Manninen and published 24^th January titled “EMBA-alumni viisaus - uusi globaali webinaari. That blog was translated in English by ChatGPT and checked by Ari Manninen 20.3.2025).