Eurico Gonçalves Assunção
“Passionate about empowering people, fostering innovation, and transforming new ideas into impact across manufacturing industries”
Graduation Year: HEC Paris Class of 2025
Current Role: Deputy Director at the European Welding Federation (EWF) and Co-Founder of FAN3D
Why did you decide to pursue an Executive MBA?
Coming from a technical background, I felt it was time to expand my horizon. Over the years, I had complemented my career with programs in business and leadership, but I wanted to go deeper, to strengthen my ability to lead at a strategic level. Another strong motivation was to immerse myself in the startup ecosystem, to understand how entrepreneurs turn ideas into scalable businesses, and to bring that mindset into my work in manufacturing and innovation.
What lead you to the HEC Paris EMBA, and how did you know this school and this program was the right fit for you?
I chose HEC Paris because it combines academic excellence with a unique entrepreneurial ecosystem. The school’s strong international reputation, regularly ranked among the best business schools Worldwide, provided the rigorous academic framework I was looking for. Equally important was HEC’s deep integration with innovation and startups, through initiatives like the Startup Launchpad accelerator and the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Institute, which offer unmatched access to mentorships, venture-building, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Finally, the diversity and caliber of the cohort meant I would learn just as much from my peers as from the curriculum- and that was a deciding factor.
Which track did you join?
I joined the September intake, which gave me the flexibility to balance professional responsibilities with the program’s intensity. The timing also felt right because I already had an idea for a startup that I wanted to mature further, and the EMBA gave me the perfect environment to explore it. What I valued most was being part of a highly international cohort where diverse perspectives shaped every discussion.
How did you balance the demands of work, family, and the program while studying?
Balancing work, family, and the EMBA was challenging, but it taught me a lot about priorities. I had to become more disciplined with my time, delegate more effectively at work, and be fully present with my family whenever possible. At the same time, I realized that the demands of work are only manageable when you have people around you who can support you and share the load. I still remember a professor saying that your impact is directly linked to the time you can dedicate to a given activity — and I found that to be absolutely true. The support of my family and colleagues made the journey possible, and it became something we all embraced together.
How did you customize your learning experience?
I tailored my learning experience by focusing from day one on the ‘Test Your Startup’ specialization, which aligned perfectly with my objectives and did not disappoint. To make the program even more personal, I used the different modules and essays to go deeper into my startup idea, applying each learning directly to my project. This approach allowed me to shape the EMBA around what mattered most to me: exploring and maturing my entrepreneurial vision.
What’s a standout memory from your time at HEC Paris?
There are so many, but two experiences stand out the most. I really enjoyed the weeks dedicated to the ‘Test Your Startup’ specialization, where we had the chance to pitch our ideas to colleagues, entrepreneurs, VCs, and experts. The feedback we received, and the opportunity to immediately improve and do better, made it an intense but very rewarding experience. I also have great memories of the Outdoor Leadership Seminar, where we were pushed outside our comfort zones through challenging team activities, rotating leadership roles, and receiving direct feedback. That combination of entrepreneurial focus and leadership development made a lasting impression and truly shaped my journey at HEC.
What are some of the biggest takeaways you gained from the experience?
One of my biggest takeaways was learning how to better structure complexity. The EMBA taught me to break down large, multifaceted challenges into clear priorities and actionable steps, which has been invaluable in both business and leadership. I also gained a much stronger sense of how to listen and adapt in diverse groups — working with classmates from so many different industries and backgrounds challenged me to see problems from perspectives I would have never considered on my own. Perhaps most importantly, I came away with the confidence to take bigger risks, knowing that growth often comes from stepping into the unknown.
How has the program helped you grow personally or professionally since graduating?
The EMBA has given me a stronger strategic mindset and the ability to approach challenges with more structure and clarity. It has also helped me connect better with diverse stakeholders and apply new perspectives to my roles at EWF and to the continued growth of FAN3D. Most importantly, it gave me the confidence and the right tools to chase a completely new and innovative startup idea — outside of both EWF and FAN3D — that suits the entrepreneurial environment and is already progressing.
I always knew I wanted to stay connected to manufacturing and innovation — it’s the industry where I feel most at home. What changed through the EMBA was not the sector, but the scope of what I envision for myself. I now see my role not just in advancing technology, but also in shaping strategies, building ecosystems, and taking innovative ideas and solutions into the market to create real impact.
What advice would you share with someone thinking about pursuing an Executive MBA?
Be clear about why you want to do it. An EMBA is demanding, and there will never be a “perfect time” to start — but if you have a strong motivation, it becomes one of the most rewarding journeys you can take. For me, it was about expanding my leadership and exploring the startup ecosystem, and that clarity kept me focused even when things got tough. My advice: commit fully, embrace the diversity of perspectives around you, and don’t be afraid to use the program as a safe place to test your boldest ideas
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