Dario Ciapponi
New York University, Stern School of Business
TRIUM Global EMBA (joint partnership with the LSE in London, NYU Stern in New York, and HEC Paris)
Age: 35
“International business lawyer bridging legal and business strategy with accuracy, empathy and cross-cultural insight.”
Hometown: Milan, Italy
Family Members: Awesome wife.
Fun fact about yourself: Despite being a textbook Italian who’s obsessed with soccer and fast cars… I’ve never liked coffee. Espresso lovers, forgive me!
Undergraduate School and Degree: (Include Graduate Schools and Degrees If
Applicable):
NYU School of Law – LL.M. in Corporation Law
University of Milan Law School – J.D., Summa Cum Laude
Where are you currently working? (List Company and Role)
Greenberg Traurig LLP – Senior Associate, Corporate M&A (NYC)
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles: Recognized for pro bono legal work supporting humanitarian and nonprofit initiatives; named a “Rising Star” by Super Lawyers magazine; avid traveler; member of a competitive NYC soccer team.
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during
business school? (And why?) I am most proud of working on a healthspan and preventive healthcare startup during the TRIUM Global EMBA capstone alongside an interdisciplinary founding team spread across continents. I genuinely believe this is where healthcare is headed, and I’m excited by its potential to meaningfully redefine how we live healthier, longer lives.
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? The balance of building a demanding international legal career without losing sight of personal relationships – and doing it all without ever compromising my integrity.
Who was your favorite MBA professor? This is a hard choice, but probably Professor Larry Franklin. His Deal-Making in China and Asia course stood out for its practicality: real deals, real challenges, and a sharp mix of business strategy and legal thinking. It felt like being in the room where decisions actually happen.
Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? What drew me to TRIUM wasn’t just the curriculum; it was the opportunity to learn alongside accomplished professionals from across the globe, in cities at the heart of business and policy. Walking that path together created bonds and insights I genuinely wouldn’t trade for anything.
What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? Professor Aswath Damodaran’s classes and assignments were a game-changer: they reshaped how I approach investing by introducing a structured, disciplined lens. Equally impactful were the leadership modules, which pushed me to evolve as a people manager – an area often overlooked in traditional legal training.
Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? While closing a multi-billion cross-border transaction at work, I was finalizing the Capstone project and helping organize a TRIUM-led panel. This was a great reminder that structure and delegation – not just stamina – are key, and alone you don’t go far.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? Investing in your own growth is rarely a bad decision, but be honest about your goals and make sure they go beyond just adding a credential. Do your homework, and choose a program that truly aligns with where you want to go.
What was your biggest regret in business school? Not always having the time to fully prepare for classes due to work demands. However, that is just part of the balance of being part of an executive program.
What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? Traveling and learning together with an experienced, international cohort – not just in the classroom, but on the ground in key global markets – creates deep bonds that are rare to form at this stage in life, let alone in such a short time.
How did you finance your EMBA and what did you do to make tuition and associated costs more affordable? Self-funded.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? To become the best version of a business lawyer: one who makes a meaningful, lasting impact on clients, colleagues, and the broader world.
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