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29 October 2020

Meet Luca Nizzola, Policy Associate at State of Geneva – Year 2 Geneva EMBA

Each month, a Geneva EMBA student shares insights about their studies and professional life.

What is your best quality as a leader?
My love of learning. I’m deeply curious and committed to growth, even when I don’t have all the answers. Pursuing this EMBA is part of that drive, allowing me to expand my skills and evolve both as a leader and a person.

What is your greatest professional achievement so far?
The work I’ve done as president of Première Ligne, a drug-related harm reduction association in Geneva. In two years, we’ve grown from 50 to nearly 100 employees, navigating rapid expansion and ensuring proper change management. Working alongside a team dedicating to make a real impact has been incredibly rewarding.

What is the most valuable skill you’ve developed during your EMBA?
Strategic prioritization. By applying the Pareto principle—focusing on the vital 20% of tasks that yield 80% of results—I’ve balanced my professional and personal responsibilities while maintaining my well-being by delegating where needed.

Which values guide you in taking on responsibilities?
Purpose, empathy, and learning. I’m driven to make a positive impact, treat people with respect, and stay open to new ideas. These values guide my actions and inspire a collaborative environment where people feel empowered.

What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career?
Failure can be a great teacher. A major setback in my twenties taught me the importance of humility, self-reflection, and accepting constructive feedback. That experience helped me grow and continues to shape my approach today.

What motivates you to succeed?
The challenges themselves. I’m driven by problem-solving, and overcoming complex obstacles fuels my determination and keeps me engaged.

How do you envision your career after the EMBA?
I have a vision for working in the public or non-profit sectors, but I’m also open to seeing where this journey takes me. The EMBA is already shaping how I approach leadership and challenges, and I’m excited about the possibilities.

What trait do you admire most in your peers?
Curiosity and openness. I admire colleagues who ask insightful questions and are willing to challenge their perspectives, enriching our collective learning experience.

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