René Azeez

Class / Grad Year: 2022

Current Employer / Role:

I recently wrapped up my time at the MaRS Discovery District in Toronto, took some time off, and am working towards my next professional objectives to continue to create impact and solve for complex challenges.

Best Memory at School:

The 2022 convocation was an extraordinary memory as it brought together HEC Paris graduates from all the Covid-affected years, 2020 through 2022, in a unique joint ceremony. Thousands of graduates singing Les Lacs du Connemara in unison is something I’ll never forget. Together, we raised our executive capacity while overcoming a challenging shared pandemic experience. We were transformed and our resilience was fortified.

Biggest Achievement at School:

Graduating with the “Grading Distinction/Best Award” was cool, but truly my biggest achievement was the friendships I have made that will be part of my life for the rest of my life.

Your Advice to New EMBA Students:

The best advice I can offer is to embrace the process in its entirety and be prepared to un-learn as much as you learn. Transformation is a word that is used quite often when describing the Executive MBA journey and for good reason; some personal and professional transformation is inevitable. I would also remind all new students that simply by being accepted into this program, places you a privileged position. You must commit to using the benefits of that privilege to uplift others in your post-graduation life.

Where do you currently live?

Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

Fun fact about you:

I grew up in the Caribbean and have been a paid actor in two beer commercials back home!

Why did you choose your school?

Apart from their obvious strength in terms of rank, alumni, and faculty, HEC Paris presented me with a chance to create some real separation – physically and culturally – from my daily life in Canada. I believe that having this separation significantly improved my experience and my ability to prioritize the learning journey which was a major reason I chose HEC Paris versus schools closer to home.

What student organizations did you join? I have been an HEC Ambassador since graduating.

Favorite Trait in Others:

Humility.

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

If I could change one thing, I would be more aggressive in taking risks and seeking out adventures earlier in the program. It might seem like a long time in the beginning, but it goes by in a flash.

Favorite Class?

I’ve used the lessons learned in Business Strategy countless times. The frameworks presented were practical and a good part of any business toolkit.

One secret to Success:

There are no shortcuts to preparation. Always put in the time to prepare.

What is your biggest regret?

I wish I used the opportunity (my time at HEC Paris) to see even more of France!

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

Taking my little girl, who was born 6 months after graduation, to Paris to take a walk in the Jardin des Tuileries.