In a business landscape shaped by technological acceleration, uncertainty, and constant transformation, the 2026 MBA Reunion invited Alumni to pause and reflect on a fundamental question: what role do emotions play in leadership today?

Held in Milan and centered around the theme "Beyond the Podium: Emotion, Legacy and the Art of Leading", this year's Reunion brought together MBA Alumni from different generations for a day of discussion, inspiration, and reconnection.

The keynote conversation featured Silvio Campara, CEO of Golden Goose, who shared an unconventional perspective on leadership and value creation. Drawing on his experience of transforming Golden Goose into one of the most distinctive global brands in the luxury sector, Campara reflected on the power of authenticity, human connection, and what he describes as "imperfect beauty." Rather than focusing exclusively on products or performance, he emphasized the importance of building meaningful emotional relationships with customers, employees, and communities.

Throughout the day, SDA Bocconi Faculty explored the many dimensions of emotions in contemporary organizations.

Paola Cillo, Associate Dean for Research at SDA Bocconi, examined the evolving relationship between brands, technology, and artificial intelligence, questioning whether algorithms can truly understand and generate emotional connections. Fabrizio Castellucci, Associate Professor of Organization Theory at Bocconi University, explored how emotions influence leadership and organizational dynamics, while Valter Lazzari, Affiliate Professor of Banking and Insurance at SDA Bocconi, reflected on the role of trust, judgment, and human behavior in financial decision-making.

The conversation continued with insights from Enzo Baglieri, Associate Dean for the Masters Division at SDA Bocconi, and concluded with a dialogue between Stefano Caselli, Dean of SDA Bocconi School of Management, and Silvia Candiani, President of the Bocconi Alumni Community and Vice President Telco, Media & Entertainment, Gaming at Microsoft. Together, they explored what it means to lead for the long term in a world that continues to accelerate, highlighting the importance of balancing adaptability, responsibility, and human impact.

Across all sessions, a common theme emerged: leadership can no longer be defined solely by power, expertise, or performance. In increasingly complex and high tech environments, the ability to understand people, inspire trust, and create meaningful connections is becoming one of the defining qualities of effective leadership.

Throughout the day, conversations repeatedly returned to the same idea: while technology continues to reshape the world around us, it is our humanity that ultimately shapes the impact we leave behind. The leaders who make a difference are those who can combine vision with empathy, ambition with authenticity, and results with genuine care for people.

This MBA Reunion was a reminder of what makes the MBA experience endure long after graduation: a shared set of values, lifelong relationships, and a community that continues to inspire growth, reflection, and meaningful leadership. In a world that never stops changing, these connections remain among the most enduring sources of learning, inspiration, and impact.