Between July 14 and 18, the Getulio Vargas Foundation, through its International Affairs Division (FGV DINT), held the second Brazilian edition of the international week for MBA and Master's students from the Universidad de los Andes (Uniandes) in Colombia in São Paulo. The executive program, part of the “Doing Business in Brazil” initiative, had the theme “Navigating Innovation, Digital Transformation and Fintech in Brazil” and brought together 21 Colombian executives. 

During five days of activities, participants deepened their understanding of the Brazilian business and sociocultural environment, with a focus on innovation, digital transformation, and fintech. The agenda included classes with FGV professors and technical visits to Natura and Mercedes-Benz facilities, which addressed sustainability, innovation, and Industry 4.0. 

Felipe Reinoso-Carvalho, professor at the Uniandes School of Business, emphasized the value of the experience for strengthening regional connections. “I am sure that our students enjoyed every minute of their experience and took away key insights about the many similarities—and also certain differences—between Brazil and Colombia, as well as the enormous opportunities that exist for cooperation and business between the two countries.”

For Marisol Carantón, CEO of Up Holdings SAS, the week was remarkable: “Before this week, I saw digital transformation merely as the adoption of new technologies. But what I learned in Brazil made me understand that true transformation involves culture, purpose, and people.“ 

With an increase of about 30% in the number of participants compared to the previous edition, the program has established itself as a strategic bridge for the training of Latin American leaders. “We are living in a time when regional collaboration is becoming strategic in the face of increasingly complex global challenges. Investing in the training of leaders aligned with the reality of Latin America is essential for building joint, effective, and sustainable solutions”, says Rafaela Machado de Oliveira, manager of FGV DINT.