The MBA students of Pforzheim University had the unique opportunity to engage with Vishal Gajjar, Director at Lidl and a proud alumnus of the MBA program at Pforzheim University. His return to campus was marked by a compelling lecture on some of the most pressing issues in modern business practices, including strategic sustainability, compliance and regulations in supply chain, circular economy, and living wages in the banana supply chain.
"Stay with the basics and stay humble", Vishal Gajjar's remarkable journey from being a student at Pforzheim University to becoming a prominent leader at Lidl is a testament to this philosophy. His humble demeanour and profound expertise captivated the audience by setting a perfect example for future business leaders.
During his talk, Vishal emphasized the critical importance of sustainability in the current business landscape. He showcased company’s dedicated efforts to integrate sustainable practices into their operations, highlighting various sustainability initiatives and achievements.
Vishal introduced the MBA students to the strategic sustainability framework, a comprehensive model to balance profitability with sustainability. He detailed how this framework guides decision-making processes, ensuring that economic activities also benefit society and the environment. "Our aim is to create long-term value that transcends mere financial gains," he explained.
One of the highlights of Vishal's lecture was his discussion on the circular economy. He explained company’s approach to minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency by adopting circular economy principles. This strategy involves reusing, recycling, and repurposing materials to create a sustainable business model that significantly reduces waste. Vishal's insights offered a clear vision of how businesses can operate sustainably while remaining profitable.
In a powerful segment of his talk, Vishal addressed the importance of ensuring living wages for workers in the banana supply chain. He shared the challenges that companies face and the successes achieved in implementing living wage practices. “We are finding ourselves in the time of a paradigm shift where more ethical business practices must be considered as one of the key strategic business parameters” he stated. His commitment to ethical practices underscored the role of business leaders in promoting social justice and equity.
Vishal's visit was more than a lecture; it was an inspiring session that left a lasting impact on the students. His practical insights and real-world examples provided valuable lessons on how to integrate sustainability and ethical practices into business operations. The students were not only informed but also motivated to pursue careers that contribute positively to society and the environment.
The MBA students at Pforzheim University extend their heartfelt gratitude to Vishal Gajjar for sharing his knowledge and experience. His visit exemplifies the power of alumni engagement in shaping the future of business education. 🌍
Text: Avik Chakraborty, Class of 2026
Photos: Fei Teng, Class of 2026
In an enlightening excursion, the MBA students from Pforzheim University had the privilege of visiting La Biosthétique, an internationally renowned family-owned business based in Pforzheim, known for its premium hair and beauty products. This visit was a blend of educational insight and real-world business exposure, offering the students a unique opportunity to delve into the world of luxury beauty production and marketing.
The visit kicked off with an engaging session led by Edwin Teiber, Head of Online Marketing & E-Commerce, and Leopold Jonas, responsible for E-Commerce France. These industry experts shared invaluable marketing insights, providing the students with a deeper understanding of the strategies that drive La Biosthétique’s success. The discussions covered a range of topics from online marketing tactics to the importance of e-commerce in today's digital landscape.
Edwin Teiber and Leopold Jonas emphasized the significance of a robust online presence and the innovative approaches La Biosthétique employs to maintain its competitive edge in the beauty industry. The students were particularly intrigued by the behind-the-scenes look at how La Biosthétique crafts its marketing campaigns to resonate with a global audience, ensuring brand consistency and customer engagement.
One of the highlights of the visit was the production tour, guided by Dr. Christian Ader, the COO of La Biosthétique. Dr. Ader led the students through the state-of-the-art production facilities, showcasing the meticulous processes involved in creating the company's renowned beauty products. From the selection of raw materials to the final packaging, every step was demonstrated with precision and passion.
The tour provided a close-up look at the innovation and quality control measures that ensure La Biosthétique products meet the highest standards. Students witnessed firsthand the integration of sustainability practices in the production process, reflecting the company's commitment to environmental responsibility. This practical exposure complemented their academic knowledge, offering a holistic view of product development and manufacturing excellence.
This immersive experience at La Biosthétique not only broadened the students' understanding of international management practices but also inspired them with real-world examples of successful marketing strategies in action. The insights gained from the visit reinforced the importance of integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications, preparing the students for their future roles in the global business landscape.
A huge THANK YOU to Edwin Teiber, Leopold Jonas, and Dr. Christian Ader for their time and effort in making this visit a memorable and educational experience. The students left with renewed enthusiasm and a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of the beauty industry, ready to apply the lessons learned in their careers.
This visit to La Biosthétique was a testament to the value of industry engagement in business education, underscoring the university's commitment to providing its students with enriching experiences that bridge the gap between academia and the real world.
Fei Teng and Avik Chakraborty, Class of 2026
Brand Management
"A brand is a promise. A good brand is a promise kept" - Muhtar Kent.
The Brand Management course with Professor Anja Forster was an enriching experience as we learnt about Brand Identity, Brand Positioning, Brand Association, Brand Relationship, Brand tonality and the formulation and implementation of Branding Strategies.
The interactions during the lectures about the theories and the exercises to think and apply them to real-world examples helped us to cement our understanding of the concepts. By presenting on exciting brands like Airbus, Boeing, Michael Jordan and UPS, we discussed their holistic branding strategies and did a critical analysis of the same. A splendid learning experience! The course encouraged us to think critically, and equipped us with the necessary tools for holistic Brand Management.
European Financial Markets
The success of an economy depends on the integrity and success of financial markets. Hence understanding them is imperative. In the European Financial Markets course with Professor Dirk Wentzel, we discussed the cycle of flow of funds, the infrastructural elements such as payment systems, and the combination of agents like banks that act as intermediaries.
'Learning by doing' was the approach. We chose industry relevant topics like Quantum Computing in Finance, benefits and risks of Cryptocurrencies, Digital Euro, Green and Blue Financing initiatives, the role and strategies of Fintech companies in the financial markets and learnt through fruitful interactions and feedback.
The couple of insightful sessions with Alexander Del Toro Barba, a Machine Learning and Quantum Computing Expert at Google Cloud, on the pros, cons, potential and future of Quantum Computing in Financial Markets blew our minds on the promising future.
The cherry on top, was the excursion to Deutsche Bundesbank and Deutsche Börse in Frankfurt to observe and learn how money and the related institutions function. We are truly grateful to Professor Dirk Wentzel and Alexander Del Toro Barba for an immersive, insightful and fun shared learning experience.
Multicultural Marketing
The Multicultural Marketing class led by Lydia Michael, author of the book Brand Love and one of our MBA alumni from the US. From the very beginning, the elective course was an enriching experience. The class, consisting of over 20 students from various parts of the world and different programs within our university, brought diverse perspectives to the class. Lydia introduced us to the concept of brand love and guided us through the different stages that brands go through to build strong emotional connections with consumers. The highlight of the course was the final project, where we had to modify a commercial to suit the cultural sensibilities of a different market and effectively market it there. This exercise was both insightful and a lot of fun, providing a practical understanding of how cultural differences impact marketing strategies. We also learned from the best brand campaigns, including the dos and don'ts of multicultural marketing. This module was undoubtedly one of the highlights of the semester.
We are convinced, that a variety of electives as offered in the MBA at Pforzheim University, gives students the freedom to shape their educational journey based on their passions and career aspirations, while also encouraging versatility and interdisciplinary learning.
Text: MBA
Write-ups and photos: Aditya Yardi, Gaurav Singh Chouhan, Girish Rama Varma, all Class of 2025
