Benjamin Bruni
Class 21 Student Representative
Fudan University-Washington University EMBA Program
Head of Program Management
Leonardo s.p.a.
Distinguished Faculty, Esteemed Guests, Fellow Graduates, and Honoured Families,
It is a privilege to stand before you today as we celebrate a significant milestone in our lives—the completion of Class 21 EMBA, a unique collaboration between Washington University in St. Louis and Fudan University.
When I was asked to make today’s speech, I spent a lot of time thinking about what to say on such a special day. After much reflection, I decided to focus on why we are here and what has united us on this wonderful journey.
So, the main question for Class 21 graduates is: “Why did you choose to join this EMBA program and what allowed you to endure these 18 months?”
To answer this question, I personally went back in time to my childhood. When I started school, education was mandatory; I had to do it whether I liked it or not—it wasn’t my choice. Later, as I grew up and had the opportunity to attend university, my parents gave me the choice: work or study? My parents have a beautiful farm, and I could share stories of how I didn’t particularly enjoy manual labour, always finding a way to escape my duties. So, the choice was easy for me. But as someone who loves challenges, I chose to study aeronautical engineering in a foreign country. I am eternally thankful to my parents, who are here today, for supporting me in my choices and studies, as I struggled but eventually graduated.
After university, I landed the job I wanted and advanced successfully in my career. So, why chose to join this EMBA program after already having a successful career? Why invest 18 months of significant effort on this program? Why willingly “sacrifice” family time and personal free time? Why ask my wife, who is here today and most of you had the opportunity to know, to cope with me for my grumpy and stressed out attitude during this period? Was it because this is one of top recognized worldwide EMBA programs? Maybe yes. Was it to gain additional knowledge and further succeed in my career? Maybe yes. Was it because it’s one of the only programs in China taught in English, and my level of Chinese barely allows me to order a beer at a bar? Maybe yes, but I’d like to investigate a little deeper than this.
I’d like to reflect on what we learned with Professor Stacy about Managing Power and Influences in organizations. The foundation of an organization is based on its values. Values are important, enduring beliefs or ideals that guide specific standards of behaviour and thought to achieve a result. Valuing takes time, energy, and resources, and it reveals the difference between aspirational values and real values.
Today is not just a recognition of academic achievement, but also a celebration of the real values and principles that have led us here and guided us throughout this journey.
Washington University teaches us the importance of integrity, diversity, excellence, and collaboration. These values have encouraged us to lead with honesty, embrace different perspectives, and strive for the highest standards in all we do. Fudan University emphasizes perseverance, social responsibility, global thinking, and innovation. It has shown us the value of resilience in the face of challenges and the need to contribute to society meaningfully while fostering an international mindset.
These shared values have been more than academic ideals; they have been the threads that connect our class. We come from different industries, cultures, and parts of the world, yet we have found common ground in these principles. Together, we have embraced diversity, learning from one another’s experiences and viewpoints. We have collaborated, pushed each other to excel, and faced challenges with the perseverance and tenacity that both Fudan and Washington University champion. Most importantly, we have built a network of trust—grounded in truth and strengthened by our shared purpose.
As we leave this program and embark on new journeys, these values will continue to guide us. We will lead with integrity, drawing strength from truth and resilience from purpose. We will embrace the global mindset we have cultivated here, knowing that the world we face as leaders is interconnected and complex. And we will carry forward the spirit of collaboration, always striving to lift others as we rise.
To my fellow graduates: this is not the end of our journey but the beginning of a new chapter. We have been equipped with knowledge, strengthened by truth, and emboldened by purpose. We are ready to take on the challenges ahead, to lead with conviction, and to create lasting impact.
Thank you to the professors, mentors, family, and friends who have supported us every step of the way. Congratulations, Class 21, and let us continue to lead with purpose, integrity, and strength!
