Over the course of three days, from March 13th to 15th, the event dove deep into geopolitical uncertainty, institutional resilience, and future-ready skill development—all under the Summit's central theme: "Navigating Global Complexity in a Multipolar World."
Things kicked off with a thought-provoking lecture by Professor David Wood, Ivey Business School, who challenged participants to rethink leadership in a world where power is no longer centralized. From the diffusion of global influence to the need for adaptive decision-making, Professor Wood reminded students that in today’s environment, there’s no single roadmap—just the ability to read signals and respond strategically.
That theme carried into the e-Academic session, where students had the privilege of hearing from Vitorino Mello Oliveira and Tarcisio Alvarez-Rivero of the United Nations. They spoke about the critical role institutions play in stabilizing global systems—despite the many pressures they face. Their session sparked questions like: How do we engage with global institutions meaningfully? How can businesses become proactive players in shaping international cooperation?
Of course, theory only takes one so far—so the afternoon was all about practice. Thanks to Palak Diwan, Deloitte led a skill seminar on structured problem-solving, walking through the tools consultants use to navigate complex client challenges. From frameworks to real-time exercises, CEMSies left with insights could be applied instantly. Later, Daryn Osman from L’Oréal, a CEMSIe of 2023 (IVEY/NOVA) flipped the script with a branding-focused session on risk management in marketing—because whether it’s a financial forecast or a product launch, uncertainty demands sharp strategic thinking.
But it wasn’t all PowerPoint and case studies. During the second day began with Professor Dr. Vanessa Hasse (Ivey Business School), who engaged participants in hands-on simulations that exposed unconscious biases in understanding global systems. It was part geography quiz, part reality check—an eye-opener to how assumptions can mislead people in international business.
Later, the event then welcomed six inspiring CEMS alumni for a panel discussion on career growth, resilience, and leadership: Alex Li (2023 IVEY/HEC), Isabela Sagan (2023 IVEY/USYD), Wenyi Zheng (2022 IVEY/UoC), Celine Zollinger (Salesforce, 2017 IVEY/NHH), Lilla Kovacs (2009, CUB/UoC)
Their stories weren’t just about landing impressive jobs—they offered real, relatable advice for building a meaningful career in uncertain times:
✨ “Your network is your net worth.”
🔍 “Curiosity gets you further than having all the answers.”
💪 “Adaptability is your competitive edge.”
🎯 “Leadership means deciding even when the path isn’t clear.”
Of course, a CEMS event wouldn’t be complete without connection and fun. From downtown dinners to social events and alumni cocktails, CEMSies made memories (and a few inside jokes) that they will carry long after the weekend is over.
To all 45 participants—thank you for showing up with curiosity, humility, and a global mindset. And to future CEMSies: if you get the chance to join a North American Summit, take it. You’ll leave with more than just notes—you’ll leave with a new lens to see the world and your place in it.
