The EMBA European Edition

This essay is a reflection on my recent trip to Europe, which combined work and leisure. It might feel like a classic tale of two cities, but this is more akin to "Work Hard, Play Hard: The European Edition."

As an Irishman raised in a loving family and now with a family of my own, I've always considered myself fortunate. This feeling was amplified in March during my trip to Barcelona for the EMBA capstone project, with a special stop in Dublin to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Joining the EMBA program as a staff member, an elder and a father was a big decision. The Barcelona trip truly showcased the amazing qualities of our staff, faculty and students. We enjoyed delicious americanos and endless tapas, all while experiencing the city's relaxed pace and the warm hospitality of its people. Our A-Champs capstone business host was just as welcoming, providing us with a wealth of data and fostering a collaborative and generous environment.

The EMBA program culminated with the creation of 11 growth strategies for our capstone partner's U.S. market success. This achievement was a collective effort with enormous contributions from Gianna Bern, Mike Mannor, Megan Perisma and John Busenbark. Gianna likened their dedication to planning and executing the project to "organizing five small weddings" in a foreign country, all within a single week. Their commitment is a testament to the incredible people and resources we have access to. This trip truly made me appreciate our EMBA community even more.

The Irish leg of our journey was a magical experience, though a bit blurry, as is typical. Being there for the first time with four close friends made it even more special. During our trip, we paid our respects to my ancestors at the James Connolly statue, hiked the Howth cliffs and celebrated St. Patrick's Day in true Irish spirit at the Temple Bar. 

We also drew attention to ourselves by proudly wearing our ND gear, which added to the experience. On a fun side note, we learned from a cab driver that Nigeria holds the record for the most Guinness consumed globally!

This entire experience deepened my appreciation for the wonderful Notre Dame community and my Irish heritage.

Brian Connelly
Director of Marketing