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How EADA’s International MBA is Evolving: A Conversation with the Programme Director
July 26, 2026

Today's business leaders must navigate a world shaped by artificial intelligence, sustainability, digital transformation, and global uncertainty. To prepare professionals for these challenges, EADA's International MBA has evolved with an updated curriculum that combines cutting-edge business knowledge, responsible leadership, and hands-on learning. In this interview, Programme Director Ella Boniuk, shares the vision behind the programme redesign and explains what's new in EADA's International MBA

The business world is changing rapidly with AI, sustainability and geopolitical shifts. Why was this the right moment to redesign EADA’s International MBA?

At EADA, we have always embraced the principle of continuous improvement, implementing incremental enhancements to our International MBA each academic year. However, from time to time, we introduce more substantial changes. There were several reasons why the upcoming academic year (2026-2027) was the right moment for such an overhaul.

Our sustainability and business impact specialization reached a level of maturity that allowed us to identify the key value-adding tools we believe every EADA graduate should possess upon completing the program. At a time when sustainable business practices are increasingly being questioned—and, in some cases, even abandoned—it is more important than ever to ensure that future business leaders are educated in sustainable business principles and equipped with practical tools they can apply in the organizations they will go on to lead and support. This is why we have incorporated the core content of the previous specialization into the MBA curriculum, while creating space for a new Path of Development focused on leading AI-driven transformation in organizations.

It is important to highlight that the International MBA already provides participants with knowledge and practical experience in AI, ranging from workshops on tools that improve project efficiency to the exploration of current industry trends and discussions on the implementation of AI in organizations. This year, we are simply giving participants the opportunity to explore the different dimensions of leading AI-driven transformation in organizations in greater depth.

At the same time, we are developing new and innovative enhancements to our already highly successful leadership development modules, which we look forward to sharing later in the year.

Sustainability is one of EADA’s strategic core pillars. How is sustainability now integrated across the MBA curriculum?

Sustainability has been an integral part of the MBA curriculum for several years, with virtually every course incorporating sustainability principles and fostering discussions around this approach to business. The key difference for the upcoming academic year is that we are introducing more specialized tools into the core curriculum, ensuring that all of our graduates develop a deeper understanding of this important topic.

Sustainability requires a systemic approach to solving business challenges. Therefore, all participants will learn systems thinking tools to strengthen their strategic capabilities. We have also incorporated two intensive weeks dedicated to developing specialized knowledge under the umbrella of Leading Sustainable Transformation. During this period, students will explore topics such as double materiality assessment, the B Corp movement, emerging governance structures, the circular economy, sustainable finance, impact measurement, and ethical decision-making. They will then apply these concepts to the Sustainability Corporate Challenge, which is built around a real client project.

We currently see a wide range of perspectives among our participants, from sustainability advocates to sceptics, and we believe that both groups can strengthen their critical thinking and debating skills by engaging more deeply with these topics throughout the core program.

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AI is transforming every industry. How does the updated International MBA prepare participants to lead in an AI-driven business environment? 

As mentioned above, the core of our International MBA program already includes workshops on AI tools that improve project efficiency, as well as courses that explore current industry trends and foster discussions on the implementation of AI in organizations. More broadly, our faculty integrate AI into their courses with the aim of teaching participants how to use these tools to enhance their performance within specific functional areas, while maintaining their ability to think critically and understand the broader context of the challenges they face—something that AI cannot fully replicate.

Additionally, with the introduction of our new specialization, Path of Development: AI-Driven Organizational Transformation, participants who choose this path will be well prepared to:

  • Lead AI-enabled transformation initiatives
  • Evaluate and oversee AI deployments
  • Redesign workflows and operating models
  • Manage AI governance, risk, and compliance
  • Make informed investment and vendor decisions
  • Collaborate effectively with technical teams and AI vendors

Employers today are looking for more than technical expertise. What skills does the new International MBA focus on developing? 

The new International MBA aims to provide participants with strong business foundations and the digital capabilities needed in today's rapidly evolving workplace. It also helps them strengthen the skills that we believe will make a difference in a hybrid work environment where humans will be increasingly supported by AI. Now more than ever, we need to foster capabilities such as systems thinking, critical thinking, interpreting contextual information, communicating effectively across cultures, and leading diverse teams. Throughout the program, participants develop the confidence to navigate uncertainty and strengthen their decision-making and problem-solving abilities, enabling them to drive innovation and meaningful change within organizations and society.

What kind of mindset and professional profile thrives most in EADA’s International MBA? 

We are the right fit for ambitious individuals with a strong collaborative spirit who are looking to challenge the way they think and act within a business context. We welcome participants from a wide range of industries and with diverse areas of expertise. The professionals who thrive most in our program are those who are willing to challenge their assumptions and fully commit to their learning and growth journey.

For candidates currently comparing full-time MBA programmes in Europe, what makes EADA’s International MBA unique? 

In order not to repeat some of the topics addressed in the previous questions, I would say that our approach to the leadership development modules is truly unique. It goes beyond the fact that we have a dedicated campus for hosting these modules. I believe that it is the highly personalized process, together with the expertise of our facilitators, that truly makes the difference for our participants. They consistently describe the Collbató experience as a defining part of their personal and professional growth. We are also looking forward to announcing some exciting new innovations in these modules in the near future.

The future of business demands leaders who can combine strategic thinking, digital capabilities, responsible leadership, and adaptability. Through its redesigned curriculum, EADA's International MBA prepares participants to lead sustainable transformation, harness the potential of AI, and create meaningful impact across industries. Whether you're looking to accelerate your career into a leadership role, transition to a new industry, become a responsible entrepreneur, or gain a global business perspective, EADA's International MBA offers a transformative learning experience designed for the challenges—and opportunities—of tomorrow.