Benjamin Deblicker

Class / Grad Year: 2024

Current Employer / Role: Sportfive / SVP Sales

Best Memory at School:

I have many memories when I think about my time at HEC, but if I had to choose one, it would probably be the night we organized a boat event in Paris. It was an apéro on the Seine, and we found ourselves enjoying a truly unique evening together as colleagues. It was a memorable night, both for the atmosphere and the bonds we formed.

Biggest Achievement at School:

My greatest achievement was earning an A on my Capstone. This project represents months of intense work, into which I poured a great deal of effort. Working long hours, over several days, and even weekends helped me achieve this outstanding grade. But beyond the A, what makes me most proud is that the project allowed me to work on key development topics for my employer, which has been beneficial not only for my current job but also for my future career prospects.

Your Advice To New EMBA Students:

My advice would be to commit 200% to this journey. The EMBA requires a lot of sacrifices, particularly on the personal side, so being well-organized is crucial to managing everything. That said, it’s just as important to live each moment fully. While the program may seem long at first, it actually flies by. Take advantage of every opportunity: connect with your peers, learn as much as you can, enjoy all the social activities, and remember that this is a unique experience that will transform you in many ways.

Where do you currently live?

I live in Paris (France)

Fun fact about you:

I’m not sure if I’d define myself as “fun”… I think I’m a bit like Marmite: you either love me or hate me! But that’s part of my personality, and it’s what makes me unique in the end.

Why did you choose your school?

When I was younger, I took a different path in my studies, but HEC has always been, to me, the top business school in the world. I remember playing team matches against HEC (on the HEC campus) back in the day and telling myself, “One day, or in another life, I have to go to HEC.” Now, 20 years later, I’ve made it happen. It was a dream and an ambition I always kept in mind, and today, I’m proud to have turned that dream into reality.

Aside from Your Coursework, What did you Take Advantage of?

I was able to take full advantage of the infrastructures and resources HEC provides, whether through the campus facilities, workspaces, or the various events organized. These opportunities allowed me to integrate into the HEC community and have a fulfilling experience, even without joining an association.

Favorite Trait in Others:

I value sincerity and honesty above all. I’m not fond of hypocrisy. In life, I believe that as long as we communicate openly, we can face and overcome anything. I appreciate genuine relationships, where people can be themselves and engage in honest conversations.

One Thing You Would’ve Changed in the EMBA Experience?

Honestly, I wouldn’t have changed much. I enjoyed every moment of this experience. I believe there’s no point in trying to change the past, as every step taught me something valuable, whether it was lessons, connections, or moments of reflection. All of it is part of the journey that helped me grow.

Favorite Class?

The leadership courses were my favorite, both in terms of content and format. From the very first leadership classes to the seminar, these sessions had a significant impact on how I view and develop my leadership skills. A special mention goes to Emmanuel Coblence, whose added value was outstanding. His teachings, advice, and follow-up with students were incredibly insightful and greatly enhanced my experience.

One secret to Success:

Just like in sports, success comes from constant practice, often behind the scenes without immediate recognition. You have to work hard, persevere, and fully commit to achieving your goals. The ‘‘work hard, play hard’ mindset captures my approach well: push yourself to the limit, but also know how to enjoy moments of rest and reward.

What is your biggest regret?

Life is too short to have regrets… However, I do wish I had been more present for my fellow classmates at times. But I hope they know they can count on me in the future. For me, the most important thing is being there when it truly matters, and I am ready to support them as we move forward.

What is the next thing you’re going to do on your bucket list?

My bucket list is full, and I’m always eager for new challenges. To me, life is a series of challenges to tackle. My next one will probably be a new sporting challenge, and ideally, I’d love to share it with my daughters. We’ll see what it is, but I’m excited to find out and dive into this new adventure.