Omnium Goes to Switzerland
Although a small country at the periphery of the EU, Switzerland has developed numerous large, successful international companies—Swatch, Nestlé, Holcim—whose brands are famous worldwide. How have the Swiss succeeded in competing in Europe and around the globe? What lessons can their companies teach other non-EU enterprises seeking to thrive in European and global markets?
Hungary is at the forefront of the new Europe—the nations of the central and eastern regions that have joined the West but whose economies are still relatively immature. In travelling to Budapest, Omnium participants gain direct experience of emerging markets in Hungary and elsewhere in the region. The sites visited include the regional offices of companies based throughout central and eastern Europe.
Meeting the Challenge at Nestlé
“I remember in particular a visit to Nestlé. I believe everyone will. We did a case study with a very senior executive team around their coffee business. They challenged us to analyze and develop solutions for a significant challenge they’re facing. They have clearly identified competing priorities between sustainable development/farmer support and price/quality. That was the challenge they set for us, to answer the question: How do you balance sustainability with profitability? You could really feel the energy in the room. All my colleagues with so much talent and experience really put pressure on themselves to deliver results. Everybody was pushing and pushing for the optimal solution. Nestlé wasn’t just engaging in a public relations exercise. They actually wanted answers from us. In the end, after our presentations, due to the relevant insights, they asked our professors for copies of our papers. The whole experience had a consulting feel to it.”
Omnium graduate James Tucker
Consultant, Boston Consulting Group
Toronto, Canada
