Veterans Spotlight: Pepperdine Graziadio Global Business Intensives
Pepperdine Graziadio Business School offers MBA students the opportunity for global learning through its one-week Global Business Intensives (GBIs). These programs, led by esteemed faculty and designed to fit easily into the schedules of working professionals, provide students with immersive experiences in international business hubs.
Recently, three Pepperdine Graziadio student veterans received funding support from Pepperdine's Veteran Affairs office in order to gain valuable insights into global business operations through Graziadio GBIs. Eric Leshinsky, Director of Student Veteran Affairs at Pepperdine, spearheads this donor-provided funding support for veterans to study abroad. "Study abroad opportunities are a big part of the Pepperdine tradition and experience. We're very fortunate to have the support of donors, like the Ahmanson Foundation, to help veterans participate in these trips that are so impactful both personally and professionally. Over the last few years, we've helped with nine trips. Many of the veterans would not have been able to participate without this small, yet requisite, support to help cover some of their out-of-pocket expenses," Leshinsky said. Pepperdine has been serving veterans and their family members for more than 75 years and is an active participant in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program (Yellow Ribbon Program), proudly offering tuition support to Yellow Ribbon-eligible students.
Ervin Mercado (MBA ’24), Navy veteran and an assistant vice president at Bank of America, participated in the spring 2024 Switzerland program as well as our spring 2023 trip to Morocco. A recent Graziadio alumnus, Mercado was commissioned as a naval officer in 2008, where he specialized as a surface warfare officer, managing sailors, administration, combat equipment, and weaponry, while navigating and driving US Navy warships. Jeffrey Montanari, a current MBA student and Marine Corps veteran joined Mercado on the Switzerland trip. During Montanari’s time in the Marines, he managed a unique aspect of the special operations community as a military working dog handler. Chris Saylor, Coast Guard veteran and current MBA student, attended the spring Ireland program as well as the winter Austria trip. Saylor’s military background is unique; he began with the Coast Guard Reserves in Santa Rita, Guam, in 1999. After 22 years of service, Saylor retired as a machinery technician chief petty officer.
The GBIs offered these experienced student-veterans new perspectives on global business operations and cultural contexts, underscoring the profound impact of these programs.
Geneva and Vevey Region, Switzerland (Spring ’24): Food for Thought: Managing Food and Beverage Products for Global Markets
The Switzerland GBI explored the dynamics and paradoxes of globalization and localization in the food and beverage industries. Visits to leading company headquarters and international organizations offered insights into the major forces affecting brand development and management. Participants learned about the crucial role of consumer research inproduct development, branding, and marketing, and about the sustainability and health challenges faced by global and local companies. This immersive experience led by professors Cristel Russell and Dave Smith equipped attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and strategies essential for success in the global market. Companies visited included: UN Food Assistance Organization, the World Trade Organization, Laudate Deum: Apostolic Exhortation on the Climate Crisis (hosted by the Vatican and the UN), Partage, Nespresso, Obrist, Macheret Fromage, Nestle Switzerland, and EHL Hospitality Business School.
Montanari shares, “The Switzerland GBI was out of this world, as I remained in constant awe. Flying into Geneva from London for the first time truly set the tone, making it a flight I will never forget, filled with unmatched anxiety and excitement. Excursions began Monday morning across Geneva, including visits to the United Nations, learning from two upper-echelon personnel of the Food and Agriculture Organization, and visiting the World Trade Organization. Geneva was a brilliant welcome to such a beautiful country, but the best was yet to come."
While in Switzerland, the students also visited Pepperdine’s newest international campus, the Château d’Hauteville. Montanari reflects, "We arrived at Pepperdine’s very own château, which instantly reminded me of the Palace of Versailles. We received an unforgettable welcome there by two representatives of Nespresso’s legal counsel, who provided an endless supply of Nespresso and pastries. Who would have thought my career would take me to one of the most beautiful countries in the world, especially to a palace sitting on a vineyard overlooking crystal water that reflected the heavenly white-capped Alps? Lastly, the chocolate . . . words cannot express my new appreciation for Maison Cailler and the most wonderful, inviting chocolate makers I could have imagined. Switzerland GBI 2024 was a trip for the ages. I am so grateful to the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School for the opportunity."
Dublin, Ireland (Spring ’24): Managing Global Business Operations in the Digital Economy
Graziadio’s recent course in Dublin, Ireland, a rapidly growing hub for US-based digital and financial services companies serving European, Middle Eastern, and African (EMEA) markets, explored the strategic rationale, operational realities, and management approaches underpinning this trend. Led by professors John Mooney and Cole Short, students gained insights into how Dublin has become a pivotal base for EMEA operations, examining the key factors that contribute to the successful globalization of the digital economy. The trip included company visits to Citibank Innovation Lab, Autodesk, Google, Stripe, Smurfit Graduate School of Business, Microsoft, Mastercard, LinkedIn, State Street Global Cybersecurity Center, and Fidelity Investments.
Casablanca, Marrakesh, and Rabat, Morocco (Spring ’23): Experience Business and Culture in Morocco
Businesses must continually explore new markets and opportunities, and Morocco represents a particularly unique and promising market. Our course examined the opportunities and challenges for US companies aiming to do business in Morocco. Participants explored the competitive dynamics driving US firms to globalize their operations and the attractiveness of the Northwestern African region. Co-led by professors Max Ellzey and Virginia Green, the course highlighted the similarities and differences in US and Moroccan business practices as well as the attributes, competencies, and development needed for effective global managers. This comprehensive exploration provided a strong understanding of how to successfully navigate and thrive in the Moroccan market. Company visits included Movenpick Hotel, Savola Olive Oil, High Atlas Foundation, Cosmetik Lab, Centre d'Art Le Real Mogador, and Universal Food Products.
About his study abroad experiences, Mercado, pictured in the image on the upper left, states, “Attending the Global Business Intensive trips to Switzerland and Morocco as a Navy Veteran was an extraordinary experience that broadened my horizons in ways I never imagined. In Switzerland, I had the unique honor of being part of the first GBI cohort to visit and stay at Pepperdine’s Château d’Hauteville, a breathtaking international campus. This opportunity, combined with engaging with foreign business leaders and immersing myself in the local culture, profoundly enriched my understanding of global business practices.”
Mercado reflects, “I was captivated by the warmth and hospitality of the Moroccan locals and business leaders. Engaging with them, learning about their rich culture and innovative business models, and enjoying their delicious cuisine and mint tea provided invaluable insights. The networking opportunities and cultural immersion in both countries were instrumental in honing my ability to navigate and lead in a global business environment."
Innsbruck and the Tyrol Region, Austria (Spring ’23): Tourism in Tyrol: Lessons and Insights from Multigenerational Family Businesses
Students explored the business landscape in the Tyrol region of Austria, focusing on tourism and family businesses. Led by professors Kevin Groves and Darren Good, students were introduced to the essential aspects of entrepreneurship within family business contexts and learned about the unique challenges and opportunities such businesses face. Students also acquired skills to develop and evaluate modern business concepts, learning fundamental approaches essential for entrepreneurial success. This hands-on experience provided a deep understanding of how traditional family businesses thrive and innovate in a competitive tourism-driven market. Companies visited included: Grassmayr Bell Foundry, Swarovski, Med-EL, Huter & Sohne, Alpenresort Schwarz, and SOS Children's Villages.
About his study abroad experiences, Saylor states, “Learning about tourism in Tyrol in Innsbruck, Austria, with professors Kevin Groves and Darren Good was spectacular, to say the least. The opportunity to explore a new culture and rich history challenged my thoughts on family businesses and their importance to economic stability. More recently, I had the privilege to learn about Dublin, Ireland, under professors John Mooney and Cole Short.”
These experiences in Switzerland, Dublin, Morocco, and Austria had a profound impact on the students. They expanded their global business knowledge through a mix of classroom learning, company visits, and cultural activities. The expertise of distinguished faculty and international experts provided them with a nuanced understanding of the global marketplace.
Pepperdine Graziadio Business School is dedicated to enriching students' education and preparing them for the global business landscape. The GBIs are a prime example of how students are equipped to succeed in an interconnected world. It is proud to offer student-veterans such exceptional and yet practical academic opportunities.