Mihai Dobre, Alumni Representative Executive MBA 2024
Good evening, everyone! I’m delighted to see so many of you here; it seems you all have plenty of free time now that school is over, right? Just kidding!
I want to start by saying that it’s truly an honor to be here today, alongside family, friends, professors, mentors, distinguished guests, and my fellow graduates.
When Bianca called me last week to tell me I would have to give a five-minute speech tonight, I wondered what I could possibly talk about for that long. Over the weekend, I relived the entire journey from when I first heard about the ASEBUSS Executive MBA program to today. It’s been incredible! I recommend you take a moment, every now and then, to pause and relive the beautiful moments in your life—not just related to school, but in general.
After reliving the past weekend, the next question was: How will I manage to capture everything in five minutes? Five minutes seems too short. Maybe I’ll stick to five minutes, maybe I won’t. Maybe I’ll capture the best experiences, or maybe not. That’s life! It isn’t perfect; we can improve it through what we learn and what we do, but the pursuit of perfection drains us of all our energy. Life needs to be lived! And lost time can never be regained!
Speech
Speaking of time, let me start my speech… When I began the Executive MBA program, I was full of enthusiasm but also full of questions. Like many of you, I wondered how I would balance work, family, and studies. I questioned if I was ready for this commitment, if the late nights during the week, long weekends, and endless study hours would be worth all the sacrifices. Now, standing here, I can confidently say that every moment, every challenge, and every victory shaped me in ways I couldn’t have anticipated.
Looking at each of you, I feel a strong sense of pride—not just for my accomplishments, but for all of us who persevered, learned, and grew together over the past two years. I know… grades are given individually, but behind them is a tremendous team effort!
Each of us brought unique experiences to this program. We came from different industries and career stages, yet we shared a common goal: to become better leaders, better-prepared professionals, and, ultimately, individuals capable of making a meaningful difference. Looking back, I realize how much we’ve evolved—not just in terms of knowledge gained but also in personal growth.
The journey wasn’t always easy. There were moments when deadlines seemed impossible, when balancing work, family, and classes felt overwhelming. But despite all the challenges, we pushed forward. We learned to manage our time, prioritize our goals, and support each other. These challenges not only prepared us for the future but also made us more resilient and adaptable.
The ASEBUSS Executive MBA program, with its approach, helped us learn not just from professors but from each other through every discussion, debate, and team project.
This blend of theory and practice allowed us to see the immediate impact of our education in our work and personal lives.
I remember the study trip, as I’d call it, to Atlanta, where we learned from American professors how they achieve academic excellence. We experienced a business environment different from Romania’s through the companies we visited and, of course, had a lot of fun. It was a unique experience, one I can’t repeat, but I can relive in my memories.
As we look back, it’s essential to recognize the contributions of those who supported and guided us along the way.
Thank you to our professors and mentors for their expertise, patience, and dedication. You inspired us to aim higher, think critically, and approach every challenge with curiosity and determination. The lessons we’ve learned from you will guide us for a long time to come.
My dear colleagues, I am grateful to each of you. The bonds we formed over the past two years have been a source of strength and encouragement. We worked together late into the night, had intense discussions, and faced challenging projects. We celebrated our successes and supported each other during difficult moments. These connections are perhaps the most valuable legacy of this program.
Of course, none of this would have been possible without the support of our families and friends. Your encouragement, patience, and understanding make this achievement something we share with you as much as with each other.
A special thank you goes to Mihaela, who, by chance or fate, became my fiancée during the trip to the U.S. thanks to ASEBUSS! She has been by my side in every moment of effort and doubt.
She sacrificed time and energy to support me in my efforts, and her belief in me gave me the strength to continue and be here today.
I appreciate the support, and thank you very much!
Dear colleagues… now graduates, I want to leave you with this thought: our mission doesn’t end here. Graduation was just one step, and now, a new beginning opens up. The world we live in is full of challenges, but also full of opportunities. I invite you to carry forward the resilience, knowledge, and connections we built here at ASEBUSS and continue learning. Learning is contagious!
Thank you, and congratulations to the Class of 2024!
