We live in a world where connection has never been more accessible. Almost everyone owns a smartphone, social media is at our fingertips, and high-speed internet allows us to communicate across borders in an instant. When Facebook first took off, it was exhilarating—we reconnected with old high school friends, rekindled relationships that had faded over time, and found ourselves in digital spaces where experiences could be shared with just a click.
Technology has enabled us to find like-minded individuals, no matter how niche our experiences or unique our circumstances. Whether it’s a career challenge, a personal struggle, or a shared passion, the internet has reassured us that we are not alone. The ability to instantly share our lives, seek advice, and build virtual communities has been transformational.
And yet, despite this unprecedented level of connectivity, we are more disconnected than ever. Social media, once a tool for strengthening relationships, has in many ways diluted them—shifting interactions from deep, meaningful conversations to fleeting likes and scrolling through curated highlight reels. The way we work has changed too, with remote setups reducing spontaneous human interaction. The pandemic only accelerated this trend, leaving many feeling isolated and untethered from real-world communities. Nowadays, we find ourselves craving connection and even more, true belonging.
Psychologist and researcher Brené Brown has spent decades studying human connection, and her work highlights something we often overlook: belonging isn’t just a desire—it’s a fundamental need. In her book The Gifts of Imperfection, she explores the role of vulnerability in living an authentic life, arguing that without vulnerability, true connection is impossible.
Belonging, she explains, is more than just fitting in; it’s about being part of something greater than ourselves while still feeling accepted for who we are. It’s not about changing ourselves to be included—it’s about finding spaces where we can show up fully, without fear of judgment. And this is where communities become so important. When we are surrounded by people who see and accept us, we feel anchored. We feel safe. We thrive.
For much of our lives, school has played this role. Whether in high school or university, it’s where we find our tribe, where we test different identities, build lasting friendships, and experience a sense of shared purpose. But what happens when we move beyond those structured spaces? How do we continue to cultivate that sense of belonging in a world that often feels more disconnected than ever? This is where intentional community-building—especially within alumni networks—becomes not just valuable, but essential.
At ESMT Berlin, we recognized that the world had changed—and so had our alumni network. By the end of 2022, in the aftermath of the pandemic, it became clear that the sense of connection among our graduates had shifted. Engagement had declined, and many alumni felt disconnected—not just from the school, but also from one another. The usual ways of staying in touch no longer seemed to resonate in a world where virtual interactions had become routine, yet often impersonal.
We knew that to rebuild our community, we couldn’t rely on the same old approaches. Instead of focusing purely on networking for career advancement, we reimagined our alumni network with a deeper purpose—one centered on genuine connections and meaningful interactions that bring real value to our alumni. Because while professional opportunities matter, what truly sustains a strong alumni network is a sense of belonging, shared experiences, and mutual support.
Our goal was clear: to create a dynamic, engaged, and supportive community where alumni don’t just stay in touch, but actively benefit from and contribute to the network. This meant rethinking how we facilitate interactions, ensuring that every engagement—whether online or in person—feels purposeful, inclusive, and enriching.
What we came to recognize (and honor) is that the ESMT experience does not end with graduation. Rather, it is a lifelong journey, along which members of our alumni community can connect, learn, grow, and create an impact with like-minded responsible leaders from around the globe. We see these as the four pillars of engagement upon which the ESMT alumni experience can continue to grow.
Connect – networking and making valuable personal and professional connections within a diverse alumni community that spans industries, regions, and seniority levels through alumni events, chapters, and clubs.
Learn – continuing the lifelong-learning journey with executive education programs and Global Online MBA electives, and tapping into the rich knowledge and expertise of the alumni community through alumni-organized workshops and lectures.
Grow – growing careers through mentoring programs, consultations with the Career Development Center, and recruitment of successful talent from the ESMT community.
Impact – creating an impact with fellow alumni by supporting existing initiatives such as the Responsible Leaders Fellowship, the Social Impact Project, various consulting projects, and dedicated scholarships.
Since reimagining our alumni network, we have witnessed a genuine shift in the way our graduates interact with us and with one another. While challenges remain—lost connections, outdated email subscriptions, and occasional communication gaps—we are seeing clear signs of renewed engagement.
Attendance at our main alumni events has increased, with graduates eager to reconnect in person and strengthen their ties to the community. Our mentoring program has seen an overwhelming surge in interest, with both mentors and mentees recognizing the value of sharing knowledge and experience across generations of ESMT graduates. Beyond that, there is a palpable enthusiasm to contribute—whether through guest lectures, career guidance, industry collaborations, or simply being a resource for fellow alumni.
This momentum reassures us that alumni networks thrive not through passive affiliation but through active participation and meaningful relationships. The ESMT community is not just a network—it is a living, evolving space where every member has something valuable to give and receive.
Community building is a two-way street.
It’s not just about creating structures and opportunities—it’s about listening. Understanding what our members truly need, responding to their feedback, and adapting to their evolving expectations is at the heart of a thriving alumni network. At the same time, communities are not static; they evolve in response to both external shifts—like global events and industry changes—and internal dynamics, as individuals grow and their needs transform. To remain relevant and meaningful, we must stay agile, responsive, and intentional in how we nurture these relationships.
Ultimately, the success of any community depends on the engagement of its members. It is a joint endeavor. As individuals, we must recognize the impact our participation, mentorship, and contributions can have—not just for ourselves, but for those around us. As organizations, we must continue investing in community-building, dedicating resources, and creating spaces where genuine connections can flourish. Because when people feel truly connected, life becomes richer, and businesses become stronger.
At ESMT Berlin, we are committed to building a community that not only sustains itself but thrives, powered by the engagement, generosity, and shared experiences of its members.
I hope that as you reflect on your own communities—whether professional, personal, or academic—you approach them with intention, openness, and a willingness to contribute. Because in the end, the strength of any community is built on the care and commitment of the people within it.
