Five questions to: Ana Procopio Schön (Senior Learning & Development Manager EMBA ETH HSG)

Interview with Ana Procopio Schön

School for Continuing Education: What stages in your career have shaped you the most?

Ana Procopio Schön: I would rather say that multiple experiences shaped me and my career. In particular, resuming an academic and professional life in Europe coming from Latin America was one of my life’s most humbling and challenging times. Those experiences, however, also forced me into self-knowledge and allowed me to go through paths that brought me where I am happy now.

What or who inspires you the most at ETH Zurich, in general and in particular?

I have a passion for the education sector, and I truly believe in our responsibility of producing and transferring knowledge, shaping society by tackling fundamental questions. Therefore, I couldn’t be more honoured to work for one of the most prominent universities in the world. I’m inspired by the growing diversity and the efforts made to give women more equal chances at ETH and by my colleagues at the Technology and Management chair (TIM).

What expectations did you have when you started in the first emba X cohort?

I joined the emba X still in an early phase, although significant hurdles had been already overcome. I was attracted by the team’s vision and mindset, and therefore, my expectations were the best possible. It was challenging to create a programme from scratch, and we had to deal with uncountable elements to make it happen. However, it was and still is, immensely gratifying for me to be involved in such a complex and multifaceted programme, working on the intersection of two great institutions and being part of an amazing team.

In one sentence, please summarise the benefits to you of emba X.

emba X is an incredible and demanding programme, where we invite participants – faculty, and students alike – to take one, or many steps further to deliver a truly unique and life-changing educational experience.

How does one learn to innovate? Or better: How does one teach others to innovate?

I wish I could have a simple answer. Well, there’s an entire body of knowledge and scientific evidence on how organisations innovate. Learning the concepts, theories and tools is important. But, not surprising, innovation is multifactorial. In a nutshell, there’s less to do with simple luck or creativity. On one hand, it’s linked to a well-aligned strategy, consistent efforts, and resources, and learning how to deal with failure. On the other hand, there’s no recipe that fits all contexts. We have to try things out, reflect, change perspective and try again.