Lifelong Learning: the (real) skill of the future

On the agenda: two masterclasses and a round table bringing together academic and operational experts. Three key moments that highlighted the need to make continuous learning not only a skill but a true shared culture.

Masterclass 1 – Artificial Intelligence: Business Models and New Power Dynamics

Julien Malaurent, Deputy Dean of ESSEC, opened the discussions with a fascinating dive into the world of artificial intelligence. His presentation helped decode the main principles of AI, from machine learning to generative models, but above all to grasp their economic and strategic implications.

Using the metaphor of the iceberg, he reminded that behind the visible uses of AI lie powerful infrastructures, colossal data challenges, and international actors reshaping power dynamics. “By 2030, 90% of online content will be generated by AI. The question is no longer whether AI is transforming our reality, but how we adapt to this probabilistic world where the truthfulness of information is at stake.”

A strong message for alumni: understanding AI is no longer a matter of technical specialisation, but an essential skill for leading, innovating, and anticipating.

Watch the Masterclass replay (in French) 

Masterclass 2 – Geopolitics: Upheavals Redefining Business

Aurélien Colson, Professor at ESSEC and Academic Director of the Geopolitics for Business institute, gave an overview of the “post-globalisation” era. In a world where cooperation logics give way to power logics, companies must integrate geopolitics at the heart of their strategy.

Through concrete examples – energy dependence on Russia, fragility of global supply chains, tensions around Taiwan – he demonstrated how economic prosperity and stability now rest on fragile balances. “We have shifted from a world of optimisation to a world of predation: the fluidity of trade is no longer guaranteed, and every company must learn to manage geopolitical uncertainty.”

This observation calls for a new skill for managers: to develop a geopolitical culture and to anticipate global risks in order to adapt their business models.

Watch the Masterclass replay (in French)

Round Table – Cross Perspectives on Lifelong Learning

The evening concluded with a round table bringing together Muriel Pénicaud (former Minister of Labour), Amal Louis (Grand Port Maritime de Marseille), Jérémy Lamri (entrepreneur and speaker), and Julien Malaurent (ESSEC).

Vincenzo Vinzi, Dean and President of ESSEC, introduced the debate with a striking metaphor: “Yesterday, a degree was a passport for professional life. Today, it is a visa, which must be regularly renewed.”

All stressed the need to place Lifelong Learning at the heart of both professional and personal paths. Muriel Pénicaud reminded that “the validity period of higher knowledge has fallen from thirty years in 1987 to only two years today.” A striking figure that illustrates the urgency of continuous training.

From the need to remain employable in the face of the accelerated obsolescence of skills, to the importance of cultivating curiosity, versatility, and agility, the speakers shared a common vision: lifelong learning is not an option but a condition for individual and collective resilience.

Watch the round table replay (in French)

'For now, AI tools are only as good as the people who use them.'

Jérémy Lamri, entrepreneur and speaker on the future of work

‘65% of our children's future professions are not yet known.’

Muriel Pénicaud, former Minister of Labour, business leader and co-author of the book "Travailler demain"

'I took a continuing education course out of curiosity and a need to get away from my daily routine. It was a wonderful experience.'

Amal Louis, Director of Business Development at Grand Port Maritime de Marseille

This event demonstrated how ESSEC and ESSEC Alumni share a strong conviction: preparing ESSEC graduates to meet the challenges of a transforming world requires an ambitious offer of continuous education, adapted to the needs of both individuals and organisations. Because AI, geopolitics, and ecological and social transitions demand constant reinvention, Lifelong Learning becomes the key skill. For alumni, it is also an opportunity: to keep learning, exchanging, and growing within a dynamic and committed network.

👉 ESSEC graduates, discover now the ESSEC Alumni services available to you so that you never stop learning: 

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Discover the ESSEC Executive Education programmes for which you can benefit from discounts* thanks to the strengthened partnership between ESSEC Executive Education and ESSEC Alumni: 

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*30% off for lifetime ESSEC Alumni members, 20% off for annual contributing members, 15% off for non-contributing graduates

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This translation was generated automatically.