Why Hitotsubashi ICS’s EMBA program?
What was the most memorable moment during your EMBA?
What would you say were the 3 key lessons from the program?
- Thinking outside the box is essential when creating new business models and adapting to the high speed of business.
- The importance of networking and acquiring valuable cross-industry knowledge, which is a global trend and has shown remarkable successes.
- It is possible to solve social issues and run profitable businesses at the same time.
How did the EMBA program impact your career?
The program was a reminder that knowledge is always evolving, and expertise is clearly an asset, but it requires curiosity, creativity, and being ready to embrace uncertainty, bigger challenges, disruptions, calculated risks, and game-changers. Now, in times of crisis, the knowledge acquired during the EMBA and all the experiences in my company are the foundation that is helping me navigate these very difficult times for the aviation industry and the world economy. I changed my decision-making process, combining the Japanese and European ways of doing business for value-added, innovative solutions.
Advice to “Kohai” or future EMBAs
Change is constant in life. Always be ready for the unexpected and adapt at high speed, while keeping valuable traditions. Help others to grow and reach their noble aspirations. It is not just good for you, but also for society and business.
Naheel Wafa Dajany's career
Before : Global Corporate Communications Director in ANA
After : Senior Director, Alliances & International Affairs in ANA

Why Hitotsubashi ICS’s EMBA program?
I was looking for an EMBA program to brush up my managerial and leadership skills that offers
- Good mix of academics and practical contents
- Taught by reputed and knowledgeable faculties
- Provides access to partner global schools and business leaders without leaving job.
I was very fortunate to find Hitotsubashi ICS EMBA program that meets all.
What was the most memorable moment during your EMBA?
The three Immersion programs. We learned how a small NGO in India and tech giant Google are similar in making our world a better place with a great vision and purpose. The bond we made during our Immersion programs with classmates, faculty members, and supporting organizations is a life-long asset.
What would you say were the 3 key lessons from the program?
- Taking no risk is a risk
Getting out of comfort zone, keeping a positive growth mindset and purpose to contribute for greater good will help us to navigate during difficult times to achieve success/happiness. - Business is a combination of science and art.
The program helped us develop soft skills and not just hard skills, which are important for one’s leadership capabilities to make data driven and at times human-calculated decisions. - Both the Design and System Thinking approaches and application can innovate good outcomes or solve a problem
How did the EMBA program impact your career?
When Manzur participated as a guest speaker in the Digital Transformation Forum
Advice to “Kohai” or future EMBAs
In sports, if you want to be a good player, you need to play with best players. If you are considering an EMBA in Asia, I strongly recommend this program.
Manzur Mahtab's career
Before: Head of Digital and Technology, CBRE, Japan (June, 2010 – June 2018)
After: Senior Manager, Digital Transformation and IT Strategy Office, Fast Retailing (July, 2018 – Jan, 2020); Currently Manager, Digital Platform Operations, Philip Morris International, Japan
Also, read the second edition |One year after graduation.