A week in Germany – a learning experience that goes far beyond the classroom. In July 2026, the Export-Akademie Baden-Württemberg had the honour of hosting a group of executives from Brazil for a summer school in Tübingen. The 23 managers, who come from different regions in Brazil, are completing their Executive MBA in Leadership and Executive Management at Instituto PECEGE and the Luiz de Queiroz College of Agriculture at the University of São Paulo (USP).
The comprehensive programme included company visits and seminars at Export-Akademie Baden-Württemberg. The companies visited were Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, ABB AG in Mannheim, Adolf Würth in Künzelsau, ANDREAS STIHL AG in Waiblingen and the traditional Zwiefalter Brewery. Visitors were able to gain insights into how operational excellence drives innovation in all of the companies. The executives could also observe production processes and the integration of engineering, innovation and customer experience, as well as an ecosystem connecting manufacturing, research and development. A particular highlight was the visit to Alfred Kärcher SE in Waiblingen, where the managers had the opportunity to meet Johannes Martin Kärcher, Honorary Consul of the Federative Republic of Brazil.
At the Export-Akademie, there were lectures and discussions. Bertram Lohmüller from EABW provided an insight into the IMLead® Heptathlon concept for management and leadership. Swen Heinemann from Integrata Stiftung demonstrated the importance of humans using artificial intelligence to manage the digital transformation. Global competitiveness was also discussed. Jennifer Lee from the Würth Business Academy in Rorschach provided insight into how Würth develops leaders for sustainable performance. And Dr. Christopher Gohl from the Weltethos Institute in Tübingen gave a lecture on ‘Leadership and Management from a Global Ethic Perspective’.
Vanice Escobar said, “I return from this experience with an even stronger conviction: the professionals who generate the greatest impact are those who learn from different cultures, connect perspectives, and turn knowledge into results”.
We look forward to further collaborating with PECEGE in Brazil on study and research programmes.
