Launching a Business with Classmates from the HEC Paris Executive MBA Program

Gabriela Ivancu, EMBA ’23, had a long and successful legal career before she started her Executive MBA at HEC Paris. The program’s richly textured academics, diverse cohorts, and highly focused Specializations helped her develop the confidence she needed to pivot to the startup world shortly after completing her EMBA.

Embarking on an Executive MBA journey at HEC Paris offers a transformative experience beyond conventional classroom settings. Former lawyer Gabriela Ivancu, EMBA ’23, found the program’s vibrant entrepreneurial atmosphere ripe with potential fellow co-founders. With a personal and professional background marked by consequential international experiences, it should come as no surprise that her next venture, a startup aimed at helping aspiring expats move across borders with transparency and ease, has been co-spearheaded by fellow international transplants she met at HEC Paris.

Here, she joins us to discuss how the international experience in general and the Executive MBA in particular has been such a catalyst for her career.

1. How did the international classroom experience impact your perspective on global business dynamics?

Gabriela Ivancu: The international classroom experience at HEC Paris was transformative for me. As a serial startup co-founder and ex-lawyer with a highly international background spanning Romania, France, Singapore, Switzerland, the US, and Luxembourg, I found the program’s content, high-caliber teachers, and diverse participants to be instrumental in my entrepreneurial journey.

For instance, as a co-founder at Simplify Term, the second startup I am co-founding with my EMBA classmate Yige Huang that simplifies the contract review with AI, the EMBA's insights on monetizing Big Data were invaluable. Learning to select the appropriate strategy based on our business context allowed us to refine our approach to data-driven decisions, optimizing our digital strategy for enhanced user experiences and operational efficiency.

Moreover, the program deepened my understanding of how enabling technologies shape digital platforms. This knowledge has been critical in strategically aligning the stealth startup projects I am currently helping building, such as—an innovative mobile network platform combining mobile and web3 technology. The co-founder of this project is also an EMBA colleague. The emphasis on cultural differences within the program not only

broadened my perspective but also provided me with lenses that bring clarity, focus, and vision into startup management. These experiences have been pivotal in my ability to navigate and thrive in a global business environment, making the HEC Paris EMBA an indispensable part of my entrepreneurial toolkit.

Can you share a specific instance or project where cross-cultural collaboration enabled by the EMBA’s international atmosphere added a unique dimension to your learning?

GI: One of the most significant instances of cross-cultural collaboration was during the EMBA Specialization called "Test your Startup Project", which takes place at Station F in Paris and in Silicon Valley. This unique program module provided an unparalleled understanding of both the European and American ways of building a startup and fundraising from venture capitalists and business angels. Working alongside peers from diverse cultural backgrounds, among which were also some of my current co-founders, advisors and mentors, we navigated through different business norms, practices, and expectations. This exposure enriched my strategic approach to Simplify Term, where I applied hybrid strategies tailored to fit several markets. The insights gained from cross-continental collaboration proved invaluable in refining our business model and pitch strategies, ensuring they resonated well with both European and American investors.

2. In what ways did networking with fellow EMBA students from diverse backgrounds contribute to your professional growth?

GI: Engaging with individuals from varied backgrounds provided me with a rich tapestry of experiences, contributing significantly to my growth. This network has facilitated valuable business connections, including VCs, marketing and IT specialists, co-founders, mentors, and advisors, while also forging lifelong friendships.

The accessibility and openness of the professors added another layer to the networking experience. They willingly engaged in discussions and brainstorming sessions, offering insights and strategies applicable to real-life business scenarios. Connecting on LinkedIn and sharing relevant contacts further emphasized the collaborative environment fostered by the program.

The learnings focusing on digital mindset, change, and strategic reframing, have been instrumental in fostering agility and adaptability within my professional network. These insights not only enriched my understanding of digital transformation but also empowered me to navigate and contribute effectively to our strategic goals in an ever-evolving business landscape.

3. Did the experience influence your ability to navigate and thrive in a global business environment?

GI: The international experience at the EMBA has enhanced my capability to navigate and excel in the global business landscape. The exposure to disruptive technologies and digital transformations has proven invaluable, profoundly shaping our approach to innovation and strategic decision-making.

Collaborating with EMBA peers from diverse cultural backgrounds has been a transformative experience, providing insights into new perspectives on thinking, living, and conducting business. This cross-cultural engagement not only broadened my understanding but also enriched my ability to adapt business strategies effectively in an international context.

4. In which way(s) has your EMBA program at HEC Paris enabled you to immediately apply your learning at work?

GI: The HEC Paris EMBA program has been instrumental in my career pivot from over 15 years in law across different continents and diverse specializations to building businesses as a co-founder and mentor. It allowed me to integrate my legal expertise with comprehensive business acumen, evolving my understanding of business in its entirety. The program has completely changed my life perspective, giving me the confidence, knowledge, tools, and network to transcend my fears and dare to chase my business instincts.

The practical, hands-on approach of the curriculum, particularly through case studies and real-world projects, enabled me to implement innovative strategies directly into my startups. The emphasis on agile methodologies and lean startup principles during the "Test your Startup Project" Specialization helped streamline our product development process, ensuring we remain responsive to market needs and investor expectations. The immediate application of these learnings has significantly accelerated our growth and positioned us more competitively in the global market.