On 4th March, ESCP Business School’s London campus hosted a special event with Professor Mario Monti, whose remarkable career included European governance, academia, and Italian leadership.
The event, titled "Crisis and Change: Sharing Experiences from a Career in EU Institutions, Academia and the Italian Government", offered a unique opportunity to hear a keynote from one of Europe's most influential figures, followed by a lively panel discussion and a networking session.
It was a great pleasure to host Professor Mario Monti at ESCP London Campus. His keynote address and the follow up panel discussion with Professor von Wiese and Gian Maria Gramondi were timely reflections on leadership in the times of crisis. The event continues ESCP’s efforts in hosting intellectual debates on key global issues, in this case on geopolitics and responsible leadership.
Prof. Kamran RazmdoostDean of ESCP Business School London
Professor Monti, former European Commissioner for Competition (1999–2004) and former Italian Prime Minister (2011–2013), shared his deep insights on navigating transformative periods in European and national institutions.
Drawing from his extensive experience, the lecture highlighted the delicate balance between responding to immediate challenges and implementing reforms that foster long-term stability. Prof Monti explained the reform process within the European Competition Commission and the strategies to bring everyone onboard with the change process. His words on the dynamic relationship between global competition commissions were particularly relevant to current world issues, bringing examples from companies operating in both the US and EU.
The keynote was followed by a panel discussion with Gian Maria Gramondi, Co-Founder of Shop Circle, and Irina von Wiese, former European Parliament member and ESCP Affiliate Professor. The discussion was moderated by Prof Kamran Razmdoost, Dean of ESCP London Campus.
The discussion explored topics such as governance, institutional resilience, and the strategic responses needed to address geopolitical and economic shifts. It provided insights into identifying a crisis using economic and political signals, referencing current geopolitical developments, and how crises can be seen as opportunities to drive and legitimise change. The panel also emphasised the importance of deregulation to maintain agility and freedom for enterprises, while ensuring that regulations remain effective in creating a fair and sustainable business environment.
The evening culminated with a live Q&A and networking session. This allowed attendees to ask more questions and gain a deeper understanding of the issues raised during the lecture and panel discussion, facilitating a rich conversation on the evolving role of European leadership in a complex global environment.
This event emphasised ESCP London’s commitment to enriching its academic and professional community by providing a platform for high-level discussions on European governance, leadership, and institutional transformation, addressing the dynamic challenges shaping the global landscape.
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