Serie - John Molson Case Competition - André Felipe Torres Testimonial

André Felipe Torres é aluno da turma 11 do International MBA Part Time do Profuturo FIA, e é “International Trader” na Oxiteno desde 2014 mas atua na empresa desde 2012. Em 2016 o aluno integrou o time do Profuturo FIA na John Molson Case Competition e deu seu depoimento de como foi esta experiência:
(Saiba mais sobre nossos cursos: http://www.fia.com.br/executivo)

André Felipe Torres is a student at Profuturo FIA’s Part-time International MBA, an International Trader at Oxiteno since 2014, although he’s been at the company since 2012. In 2016, he became part of the Profuturo FIA Team in the John Molson Case Competition and shared his experience:
(Learn more about our course: http://www.fia.com.br/internationalmba)

"Participar do John Molson Case competition foi uma das experiências mais enriquecedoras que pude viver como pessoa. O ambiente é extremamente internacional, 19 países, o que nos permite viver relações interculturais intensas. Trabalhar no grupo da FIA envolvendo três nações foi desafiador e estimulante, pude desenvolver muito técnicas de negociação, trabalho em equipe e aplicar conceitos multiculturais. Os cases são desafiadores e o limite de tempo nos força a desenvolver o raciocínio não linear de forma eficiente e prática. Ter seu trabalho avaliado por profissionais mais experientes e empreendedores é fonte de aprendizado e estímulo para desenvolvimento da sua carreira.

“Participating in the John Molson Case Competition was one of the most enriching experiences I’ve had as a person. The environment is extremely international, 19 countries, which allowed us to experience intensie intercultural relations. Working in the FIA Team with three nationalities was challenging and stimulating. I developed further my negotiation skills, team work and apply multicultural concepts. The cases were challenging and the time constraint pushed us to develop non-linear reasoning in an efficient and practical way. To have your work assessed by more experienced professionals and entrepreneurs is a source of learning as well as a stimulus to career development.

Sinto que fiz a escolha certa ao participar do MBA internacional da Fia que possibilita experiências como essa. Me sinto mais preparado para lidar com meus desafios do dia a dia no trabalho, fiz um importante network que me ajudará em projetos futuros na África e ganhei confiança para atuar em ambientes globais."

I feel I’ve made the right choice when deciding to participate in FIA’s International MBA, which makes possible experiences such as this. I feel better prepared to face the day-to-day challenges at work, made some important networking contacts that will help in future projects in Africa and I’ve gained confidence to operate in global environments."

Serie - John Molson Case Competition - Felix Haubold Testimonial

Felix Haubold a German student at International MBA Full Time at FIA Business School give his opinion about the Competition at John Molson Business School. 

Participating in the John Molson MBA Competition 2016 was a truly inspiring and decisive part of the MBA Program. Having the chance to exchange ideas and perspectives on challenging cases with students from across the world and a variety of judges was exceptional. The cases and structure of the competition forced the team to improve and enhance its level of communication as well as improving our analytic and presentational skills, lifting our post graduate learning curve exponentially. The analyses that were required to solve and win the cases were challenging and provided a great insight into a far more competitive and professional experience beyond a purely academic factor.

An important part of the competition is the coach whom holds a crucial part to the team’s success through feedback and advice. Participating in this competition allows business schools to extend its network and outreach and creating academic exchanges which lift the competitive level of each participating school.

Competing in a global event with 36 of the best teams from globally renowned business schools spanning 19 countries and 6 continents is a truly uplifting experience, and, for an MBA, can only be described as a defining moment during his MBA program.

(Learn more about our course:http://www.fia.com.br/internationalmba)

Serie - John Molson Case Competition - Depoimento de Marco Aurélio Gehlen

Marco Aurélio Gehlen é aluno da turma 8 do Americas MBA do Profuturo FIA, e é “Reliability Engineer” na Embraer desde 2014 mas atua na empresa desde 2012. EM 2016 o aluno integrou o time do Profuturo FIA na John Molson Case Competition e deu seu depoimento de como foi esta experiência:

Marco Aurélio Gehlen is an Americas MBA student at Profuturo FIA and Reliability Engineer at Embraer since 2014, working at the company since 2012. In 2016, he joined the Profuturo FIA team in the John Molson Case Competition and gives his testimony on the experience:

“A competição de resolução de cases realizada na John Molson School of Business de Montreal é um desafio que vai além das fronteiras acadêmicas e profissionais. Trata-se de um desafio pessoal. Em um ambiente extremamente competitivo, durante uma semana, cada participante vive fora de sua zona de conforto ao ter pouco tempo de preparo para defender estratégias que são extremamente estressadas por bancas de juízes experientes de todo o mundo. Ao mesmo passo, competidores de escolas de negócios renomadas buscam dar o melhor de si para apresentarem coerência na tomada de decisão, utilizando seus melhores alunos, ferramentas e métodos.

"The case resolution competition held at the John Molson School of Business in Montreal is a challenge that surpasses academic and professional boundaries. It is a personal challenge. In an extremely competitive environment for one week, participants live outside their comfort zone, having scarce preparation time to advocate strategies that are scrutinized to the extreme by panels of experienced judges from all over the world. To the same end, renowned business schools seek to give their best to present consistency in decision-making, making use of their best students, tools and methods.

Mesmo líderes experientes encontrarão no evento um chamariz para se superar. O tempo é escasso, a vitrine que expõe a reputação da escola e do participante é abrangente e a cobrança pessoal a fim de se provar um estrategista, fazem da semana uma experiência intensa. Clichês sobre trabalho em equipe se põe a prova trazendo à baila diferenças culturais, “mindsets” provenientes de diferentes “backgrounds” e uma mistura de sentimentos e ações que rapidamente, e necessariamente, se concretizam em um planejamento estratégico para um problema complexo recém conhecido. A combinação necessária de pensamento não-linear com pensamento orientado a processo para fazer acontecer, tornam a experiência ainda mais agregadora. É preciso inovar e vender ao mesmo tempo em que a implementação deve ser viável (exatamente como o cotidiano nos exige), porém o evento extrapola um ambiente de pressão que alguém possa clamar “realidade do dia-a-dia”. Com 36 escolas e com seus respectivos melhores alunos e orientadores de 19 países somados a mais de 200 juízes interagindo, vivem-se os conceitos de liderança em ambientes multiculturais, gestão de conflitos e tomada de decisão em meio a incerteza acrescidos de um desconforto constante que só resulta em crescimento. Independente dos desafios profissionais prévios, o John Molson Case Competition é um ambiente intenso em que o aprendizado certamente acontece. ”
(Saiba mais sobre nossos cursos: http://www.fia.com.br/executivo)

Even experienced leaders find allurement in the event to overcome themselves. Time is scarce, the showcase that exposes school and participant reputation is comprehensive and the pressure to prove oneself a strategist, make this week an intense experience. Clichés about teamwork are put to the test, bringing up cultural differences, mindsets from different backgrounds and a mixture of feelings and actions that quickly and necessarily must materialize into strategic planning for a complex issue just recently uncovered. The required combination of non-linear thinking with process-oriented thought to make it happen, make the experience even more valuable. We need to innovate and sell at the same time that implementation must be feasible (just like everyday demands), but the contest goes beyond a pressure environment one can call "day-to-day reality". 36 schools with their best students and coaches, from 19 countries, added up to more than 200 judges, all interacting, participants experience the concepts of leadership in multicultural environments, conflict management and decision-making amid uncertainty, plus a constant discomfort that only results in growth. Regardless of previous professional challenges, the John Molson Case Competition is an intense environment where learning certainly happens." (Learn more about our courses: http://www.fia.com.br/internationalmba)

Série - John Molson Case Competition

Essa semana daremos início a série de “John Molson Case Competition”, que aconteceu em Janeiro no Canadá. Vamos compartilhar os desafios enfrentados por nossa equipe do International MBA do Profuturo FIA. É a terceira vez que tomamos parte nesta competição internacional e fomos a primeira escola de negócios brasileira a participar.
Esse a equipe formada pelos alunos do International MBA e Americas MBA, da esquerda para a direita na foto: André Felipe Torres, Marco Aurélio Gehlen, Felix Haubold, Adam Dugan Strott e pela “coach” Samantha Mazzero. No início da competição nossa equipe foi desafiada pelos cases da UNIQLO e Maggi Noodles. Samantha comenta como foi esta etapa: 

This week we will begin a series of posts relating to the "John Molson Case Competition", held in January in Canada. We will share the challenges faced by Profuturo FIA’s International MBA team. This is the third time we take part in this international competition, being the first and only Brazilian business school to participate. This team is formed by International MBA and Americas MBA students, from left to right in the photo: André Felipe Torres, Marco Aurélio Gehlen, Felix Haubold, Adam Dugan Strott and the team’s Coach, prof. Samantha Mazzero. At the beginning of the competition, our team was challenged to provide solutions to the cases UNIQLO and Maggi Noodles. Samantha shares her experience in this round:

“UNIQLO: A supply chain going global”

“Embora o título levasse a acreditar que se tratava de um problema relativamente tático de “supply chain”, o problema central ultrapassava esta questão e solicitava por endereçar novas estratégicas de crescimento global, como se posicionar em novos mercados considerando suas respectivas culturas e perfis de consumo. O Caso também requeria um plano estratégico de crescimento a longo prazo, prioridades nas escolhas dos novos mercados e principalmente como manter a alta qualidade a baixos preços, especialmente nos mercados ocidentais. Um caso longo, complexo e profundo. Nesta rodada enfrentamos a Universidade de Kent (EUA), considerada como grande revelação de 2015. Desta vez a equipe FIA venceu a batalha por unanimidade dos juízes e o “feedback” oficial fornecido pelos mesmos destacou a forma criativa de pensar “fora da caixa” e muito bem estruturada em termos de posicionamento de marca. Outro ponto alto destacado pelos juízes foi a consistência do plano estratégico com a viabilidade financeira e a capacidade de argumentação durante a sessão de perguntas e respostas. ”

“UNIQLO: A supply chain going global”

"Although the title led to believe that the case involved a relatively tactical supply chain problem, the central issue surpassed this and asked to address new strategies for global growth, how to position oneself in new markets considering their respective cultures and consumption profiles. The case also required a strategic plan for long-term growth, priorities in the choice of new markets and, mainly, how to maintain high quality at low prices, especially in Western markets. An extensive, complex and profound case. In this round, we faced the University of Kent (USA), considered the great revelation of the 2015 edition. The FIA team won the battle by unanimous vote of the judges with official "feedback" emphasizing our creative "out of the box" thinking and structured thought in terms of brand positioning. Another point highlighted by the judges was the consistency of the strategic plan with financial viability and reasoning ability during the questions and answers session."

”Maggi Noodles in India: The revival challenge”.

“Um caso extremamente instigante sobre gestão de crise e de como retomar o crescimento após um incidente de controle de qualidade que estava em desacordo com a regulamentação alimentar imposta pelo Governo Indiano. O caso demandava a elaboração de um planejamento estratégico de comunicação para gestão e contenção de crise. A equipe propôs uma solução inteligente e consistente, onde uma parceria junto ao Governo Indiano e o desenvolvimento de uma versão com nutrientes do antigo “noodles” seria lançado, subsidiado por uma campanha de alimentação saudável no país. O “timeline” proposto foi elogiado pelos juízes, assim como a demonstração financeira de sua viabilidade. Com esta proposta, ganhamos da Porto Business School, que obteve a segunda colocação em 2015 e foi um dos semifinalistas de 2016. Uma das equipes mais fortes e preparadas.”

(Saiba mais sobre nossos cursos:http://www.fia.com.br/executivo)

”Maggi Noodles in India: The revival challenge”.

"An extremely thought -provoking case of crisis management and how to resume growth after a quality control incident that was at odds with the food regulations imposed by the Indian government. The case demanded the development of a strategic communications plan for crisis management and containment. The team proposed an intelligent and consistent solution, comprising a partnership with the Indian government as well as the development and launch of a “noodles with nutrients” version, supported by a healthy food campaign in the country. The judges praised the "timeline" proposed, as well as the financial viability demonstrated. With this proposal, we won over Porto Business School, who won second place in 2015 and was a finalist in 2016. One of the strongest and most prepared teams."

(Learn more about our MBA programs: http://www.fia.com.br/internationalmba)

Depoimento da Aluna Taeli Salvador Tremarin Klaumann

Taeli Salvador Tremarin Klaumann é aluna do International MBA – Part Time – Turma 8 do Profuturo FIA. Formada em administração, iniciou sua carreira em Curitiba no banco HSBC onde atuava em Costs and Benchmarking e de lá para cá atuou em diversas empresas como Datasul (atual Totvs), Atos Origin, Syngenta e Danone.

Taeli comenta que “dentro da Syngenta pude navegar por algumas áreas buscando implementar alguns projetos em Supply, Finanças e Produção. Este período foi importante para construir uma visão mais sistêmica em relação a operação de uma empresa”. Após a Syngenta ela conheceu a Danone, empresa na qual teve a oportunidade de testar mais intensamente a gestão de pessoas, e o estilo de trabalho em uma operação menos madura que busca enraizar sua marca no varejo.

Durante estes primeiros 10 anos de carreira, Taeli buscou trabalhar em empresas que tivessem culturas diferentes, e se possível que trabalhassem com pessoas de diversas nacionalidades, com o objetivo de aprender não só com a prática do trabalho mas com o meio que a cercava.

Recém contratada pela Delta Airlines no cargo de Gerente Comercial – MBA Associate, soube da oportunidade através de um projeto de parceria entre o Profuturo FIA e a Delta, no qual uma colega de turma do MBA a incentivou a participar. O processo de recrutamento consistiu em uma primeira triagem de cv´s de alunos de MBAs pré-selecionados pela Delta, um conference call, 2 entrevistas no Brasil e a etapa final de entrevistas nos Estados Unidos. "O que me chamou atenção ao longo do processo foi o nível dos candidatos que estavam participando, a transparência da Delta e os grandes desafios que foram apresentados. O ano 2016 não será fácil para nossa economia, mas acredito que com um passo de cada vez podemos deixar nosso legado!

A oportunidade na Delta vem coroar tudo o que busquei até agora através da minha graduação, meu MBA na FIA e minhas experiências profissionais."

Desejamos a Taeli muito sucesso nessa nova etapa de sua vida profissional! 

Conheça nossos cursos: www.fia.com.br/executivo

FIA International MBA in 'The Economist' Case Competition:
Real Vision Investiment Case Competition 2016

We are very proud to announce the team representing FIA in the upcoming 'The Economist' Case Competition, as well as the publications of participating schools' "elevator pitch" and full presentation videos.

FIA's International MBA team has three Full-Time International MBA students. You can check out their profiles and videos, as well as of the other participating schools, by following this link: Real Vision Case Competition for The Economist - FIA Team

You can vote for them in the "People's Choice" category. have a look at their presentation and cast your vote!

FIA also participated in the "Muddy Waters" Investment Case Competition, and had its team awarded by the "People's Choice" vote. You can check out their presentation and of other participating schools by following this link: "Muddy Waters" Investment Case Competition - FIA Team"

For more information on our International MBA program, send an e-mail to internationalmba@fia.com.br or visit the course webpage here: FIA Full-time International MBA webpage

FIA International and Executive MBAs visit Foz do Iguaçú - Itaipu Hydro Dam and Iguaçu Falls

This past weekend, FIA’s International and Executive MBA students enjoyed a featured visit to the Itaipu Binational Hydro dam and the Iguaçu Falls.

Itaipu is the world’s second largest hydro power plant in capacity generation, just behind the Three Gorges in China. Nevertheless, it is still the bearer of the world record in accumulated generation, having produced 2.3 billion MWh since 1984.  This energy, generated from the Paraná River, supplies 75% of all Paraguayan demand and 17% of Brazil’s needs.

The Itaipu power plant has a very peculiar structure, as it is an international cooperation project between Paraguay and Brazil, which adds an interesting complexity to its management and operations.

During the visit, students experienced the international environment, discussing with executives about operations, renewable energy projects, new technologies and sustainability.

Operations were discussed in an increased efficiency perspective. Regarding new technologies, the group reflected on and debated biogas generation projects, which use technology to improve environmental conditions and generate local development.  Besides theory, they could see the biogas tests held in Itaipu’s Technology Park laboratories.

Additionally, students took test-drives of the electric cars under development in Brazil, and discussed the future of this technology in Brazil. The UN award-winning project Cultivating Good Water was also part of our program.

Nature was also a big part of the trip: the Visit to the Belavista Biological Refuge, the Bird Sanctuary and the Eco Museum, gave an interesting glimpse of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest fauna and its diversity.

The highlight from nature was certainly the Iguazu Falls. The tremendous water spectacle, which is the second top touristic attraction in Brazil, honored the title with glory.

 This trip is part of FIA’s efforts to increase our international MBA cohorts’ awareness regarding “Doing business in Brazil”, and at the same time allowing students to explore the famous natural beauties of the country.

For more information on our International MBAs, send an e-mail to internationalmba@fia.com.br

Full-time International MBA 2015: Doing Business in Brazil

Full-time International MBA 2015: Doing Business in Brazil

International MBA groupsduring an integration exercise
(Part-time, Full-time and Americas MBA)

Our Full-time International MBA group is composed predominantly of foreign students from North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia, aiming to enhance their knowledge of the Brazilian economy and improve on their international management skills through a one-year International MBA, taught in English in São Paulo, Brazil.

In 2015, as part of the "Doing Business in Brazil" subject, the group had a chance to take a closer look at local manufacturing sites and offices of major Brazilian enterprises with international operations.

Full-time International MBA at Natura

First stop was the headquarters of cosmetics multinational 'Natura', in Cajamar/SP, where the group learned more about their CSR and international business development strategies.

Next, at 'São Martinho' group's sugar cane plant in Iracemápolis/SP, the group discovered the intricacies involved in the production of ethanol fuel and raw sugar to serve changing local and global needs.

Full-time International MBA group at
Embraer's Historical Center

Concluding the series, the group enjoyed a featured visit to local aircraft manufacturer 'Embraer' in São José dos Campos/SP, gaining access to the manufacturing site and accompanied by Executive Aviation Sales executives.

More photos of the 2015 group during their visits can be found here: https://goo.gl/l5IleK


In November, the group will have yet another privileged view of the challenges arising to Brazilian business and infrastructure through a featured visit to the "Itaipú" Binational Hydro Dam, in Foz do Iguaçú/PR.

2014 Full-time International MBA group at Iguaçú Falls (Arg)

The Ombudsperson for Itaipú Binational, an International Executive MBA alumnus, usually makes time to join the group for institutional presentations, Q&A, and featured visits to the power plant, Hydro Dam, Eco-museums and the Electric Vehicle pavilion.



For more information on our AMBA accredited, one-year, Full-time International MBA, offered in Brazil and taught in English, follow this link to the program hotsite: http://www1.fia.com.br/internationalmba/

Applications are currently open for the 2016 International MBA groups!
To apply free of charge, follow this link to the program webpage and register through the "Apply now" button:http://www.us.fia.com.br/Educacao/MBA/Cu...

If you'd like to contact the admissions team, please write internationalmba@fia.com.br

Posted by Joseph Pavão
International Admissions at FIA

FIA in Silicon Valley

FIA in Silicon Valley

In September 2015, the “International MBA” undertook a pioneer study trip to Silicon Valley and Seattle, focusing on entrepreneurship and innovation, coordinated by prof. James Wright with partners from Vanderbilt University. One of the high points in this new project is the chance to compare these two distinct entrepreneurship ecosystems, as well as their respective business models.

Usually, when we think about entrepreneurship, Silicon Valley comes to mind as the main reference. However, by starting in Seattle and getting to know the important innovative business and technology movements as well as artistic movements, such as the grunge scene, brought an interesting contrast to this vision, where companies were born and florished, such as Boeing, Starbucks, Microsoft and Amazon.

In Seattle, our program began with visits to Starbucks and Amazon. The major highlight, synthesizing conversations with both companies, was the total focus on “user experience”. At Starbucks, this is taken so seriously to the point of building a central roaster along the lines of "Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory", so that consumers and employees can witness in a playful manner the entire coffee production process. At Amazon, another interesting point was the agile way each department gathers to create distinct solutions for customers, although based on a basic internet platform, and how managers defy all with the question "Are you thinking big enough?”.

Starbucks along the lines of "Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory"

Source: Profuturo Photo Archive

On our second day, we visited Microsoft, where we were acquainted with its vision of the future regarding new technologies in a fully connected world. Check out this video:(https://www.dropbox.com/s/iveaqz0ukitd1nd/Microsoft%20Futurist%20Movies.zip?dl=0)

Also in Seattle, we visited the Bezos Innovation Center, focusing on education and stimulating innovation, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, with a vision of business efficiency oriented towards inspiring projects of high social impact.

For the second part of the trip, in the vibrant Silicon Valley environment, the group enjoyed Innovation lectures with Vanderbilt University Professor, David Owens, who led students to reflect upon the different factors on which great innovation depends. Owens also accompanied students to Stanford University’s D. School and shared his experience of working at IDEO, the most recognized design thinking company in the world.

In Silicon Valley, we had contact with the world of startups during visits to Google and Coursera, witnessing the great effort made to create informal environments that stimulate innovation, as an extension of the university environment. In fact, all companies we visited in Silicon Valley have great relationships with local universities.

Concluding our visits at HP Labs (HP's development laboratory) and Intel, where we could discuss not only the companies’ business strategies and innovation processes,  but also promising areas for the development of new technologies. Additionally, we talked with the Intel investment fund manager, responsible for investments in startups from several countries, including Brazil.

In Silicon Valley, we had an integrated view of the innovation ecosystem, from the sum of different players’ perspectives, such as startups, major technology companies, universities, investors, and even students were able to add to all of these experiences and critical discussions.

In both environments, Seattle and Silicon Valley, we visited companies that excel in their fields and possess a few common denominators: innovation in their DNA, a "maker" culture that encourages the swift validation of new ideas and prototypes, obsession with user experience and valuing errors as a critical part of the learning process, repeating at all turns the mantra "fail fast"!  

In conclusion, this pioneer study trip by a Brazilian business school to Silicon Valley consolidates FIA’s position as an innovative school, aligned with global tendencies and providing its students with the opportunity to study and experience highly innovative environments and bring new global outlooks to their professional performance.

Article by Andrea Resernde

 Assistant Professor at Profuturo-FIA
Translated by Joseph Pavão
Profuturo-FIA International Admissions

Study trip photos:

Source: Profuturo photo archive 

FIA no Vale do Silicio

FIA no Vale do Silício

Em setembro de 2015, o “International MBA” realizou uma viagem pioneira Vale do Silício e Seattle, com foco em empreendedorismo e inovação, coordenada pelo Prof. James Wright  em parceria com a Vanderbilt University.  Um dos pontos altos deste novo projeto foi a possibilidade de comparar estes dois ecossistemas distintos de empreendedorismo, e poder comparar os seus respectivos modelos e pontos de destaque.

Normalmente, quando pensamos em empreendedorismo, logo o Vale do Silício vem à mente, como principal referência. No entanto, começar a viagem por Seattle e conhecer seu importante movimento inovador em negócios, tecnologia e movimentos artísticos como a musica grunge, trouxe um interessante contraponto a essa visão, pois ali nasceram e cresceram empresas como a Boeing, Starbucks, Microsoft, Amazon e outras.

Em Seattle, o programa se iniciou com visitas à Starbucks e Amazon. A característica de maior destaque, que sintetiza as conversas com as duas empresas, foi o foco total na  “experiência do usuário”. Na Starbucks, isso é levado tão a sério que eles construíram uma central de torrefação nos moldes da “Fantástica Fábrica de Chocolates” , para que os consumidores e funcionários possam presenciar de maneira lúdica todo o processo de fabricação do café. Na Amazon, outro ponto interessante é a forma ágil como cada departamento se reúne para criar soluções distintas para os clientes, ainda que baseadas numa plataforma básica de internet, e como os gerentes sempre desafiam a todos com a pergunta “Você está pensando grande o suficiente?”.

                               Starbucks nos moldes da "Fantástica Fábrica de Chocolate"

                               Fonte: Banco de Fotos do Profuturo

No segundo dia, visitamos a Microsoft, onde pudemos conhecer sua visão de futuro em relação a novas tecnologias em um mundo totalmente conectado. (https://www.dropbox.com/s/iveaqz0ukitd1nd/Microsoft%20Futurist%20Movies.zip?dl=0 )

Ainda em Seattle visitamos o Bezos Innovation Center, com foco em educação e estímulo a inovação e a Fundação Bill e Melinda Gates, com uma visão de eficiencia empresarial orientada a inspiradores projetos de alto impacto social.

Na segunda parte da viagem, já no vibrante ambiente do Vale do Silicio, tivemos aulas de inovação com o Professor da Vanderbilt University, David Owens, que levou os alunos a refletir sobre os diferentes fatores dos quais depende uma grande inovação. O Prof. Owens ainda acompanhou os alunos à D. School da Universidade de Stanford e compartilhou sua experiência de trabalhar na Ideo, a mais reconhecida empresa de design thinking do mundo.

No Vale do Silicio, tivemos contato com o mundo das startups durante visitas ao Google e a Coursera, e pudemos observar o grande esforço que é feito para criar ambientes informais, que estimulem a inovação, como uma continuação do espaço universitário. De fato, todas as empresas que visitamos no Vale do Silício tem grandes relações com as universidades locais. 

A vagem se encerrou com o HP Labs (o laboratório de desenvolvimento da HP) e a Intel, onde pudemos discutir não só as estratégias das empresas, seu processo de inovação, como também as áreas em que estão apostando para o desenvolvimento de novas tecnologias. Na Intel, adicionalmente, conversamos também com o gestor do fundo Intel de investimento, que investe em startups de vários países, inclusive do Brasil. 

No Vale do Silício pudemos ter uma visão integrada do ecossistema de inovação, a partir da soma da perspectiva de diferentes atores, tais como startups, grandes empresas de tecnologia, universidade, investidores e os alunos puderam somar a todas essas vivências, as discussões críticas feitas em aula.

Em ambos os ambientes, de Seattle e do Vale do Silicio, pudemos visitar empresas que se destacam em suas áreas, e que têm em comum a inovação no seu DNA, uma cultura “maker” que incentiva a validação rápida de novas ideias e protótipos, que é obcecada com a experiência do usuário e que valoriza o erro como parte do aprendizado, repetindo a todo momento a mantra “fail fast” !  

Por fim, essa viagem pioneira de uma escola brasileira ao Vale do Silício consolida a posição da FIA como uma escola inovadora, alinhada com as novas tendências mundiais, trazendo para seus alunos a oportunidade  de estudar e vivenciar ambientes de alta inovação, e trazer novas visões globais para sua atuação profissional. 

Por Andrea Resende

 Profª Assistente, Profuturo-FIA

Fotos da viagem:

Fonte: Banco de Fotos Profuturo