Previously, we met two professionals – Simon Joseph and Michelle Tang – who’d signed up for our new Executive Master’s in Luxury Management and Guest Experience. Now the program is up and running, we’ve been asking participants for their first impressions, beginning with Alexandra Alves Gaspar, Chief Executive Officer of Harbour Wealth Management…
“I strongly believe that, once I finish the program, it will have added infinite value to the services we can offer in wealth management. I have no doubt that, after completing my studies, I will become a better version of myself, which will help elevate my company into an efficient and meaningful luxury brand.”
For Harbour Wealth Management CEO Alexandra Alves Gaspar, Glion’s new Executive Master’s program was the perfect opportunity to improve the offer of her organization while also adding another string or two to her bow.
Originally a law graduate with a postgraduate degree in business law, Alexandra then moved into the financial services industry, working for 15 years with a prominent Portuguese banking group before taking up her current, Dubai-based role in 2015. Alongside a team of dedicated colleagues, Alexandra is committed to the growth of her business and her clients’ wealth.
“In wealth management, we serve the financial interests of high and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, who often value a holistic approach to satisfying their needs, desires and dreams,” she says. “There is a deep connection between wealth and luxury, since affluent investors tend to have a penchant for the finer things in life.
“We are frequently called upon to help clients acquire, finance, insure and tax-efficiently bequeath the paraphernalia of wealth. So with this in mind, I wanted to enhance my knowledge of hospitality and its unique qualities as well as to obtain further experience in a luxury business environment.”
“There is a deep connection between wealth and luxury, since affluent investors tend to have a penchant for the finer things in life. We are frequently called upon to help clients acquire, finance, insure and tax-efficiently bequeath the paraphernalia of wealth. So with this in mind, I wanted to enhance my knowledge of hospitality and its unique qualities as well as to obtain further experience in a luxury business environment.”
Alexandra Alves Gaspar
So why opt to take another Master’s degree some 23 years after completing her first postgraduate studies? And why the Glion Executive Master’s?
“I decided to invest in this program because stronger marketing capability should help improve our overall brand image and position our services more as authentic luxury management,” says Alexandra. “Also, the characteristics of affection and humanity so prevalent in the luxury industry have become imperative in the increasingly competitive and uncertain financial world we have today.
“The other factor in my decision was the flexibility. Distance learning is an ideal option for those like me with hectic lifestyles. It makes the study experience as plain sailing and enjoyable as possible. Free from the constraints of the timetable, we can study at the times that suit us best, at a pace that works for us. I’ve also found having complete control over my learning is liberating and helps maximize productivity.”
Fabulous experience
As well as the distance learning, our Executive Master’s begins with a residential week of on-campus activity; something Alexandra found particularly valuable.
“Everything about Glion – the facilities, the environment and the city of Montreux all mesmerized me,” she says. “Meeting my companions on this adventure was also a great pleasure, while the opportunity to meet the teachers and get acquainted with the program in full was incredible and helped put aside any doubts I may have had beforehand.
“I managed to attend the field trip to Clinique La Prairie, and that was remarkable. I already knew about them, but seeing up close what they do, their facilities, the miracles of luxury medicine and the environment were unforgettable. These field trips are critical to our learning as they allow us to see how the company operates in reality and meet the players in the luxury market.”
Valuable connections
With the residential week giving Alexandra the opportunity to connect in person, she believes studying the Executive Master’s program has enabled long-lasting relationships that will prove extremely valuable in future.
“Specialists agree the most connected people are often the most successful,” she says. “Investing in your relationships can pay you back throughout your life and learning from the best senior professionals – which we do at Glion – is crucial. It helps you grow and improve your skillset, stay on top of the latest industry trends, keep abreast of the job market, meet potential mentors, partners and clients and gain access to the necessary resources that will boost your career.”
Given her experience of the Master’s program so far, it’s fair to say Alexandra would recommend it to others, though she does have some advice for prospective students.
“It’s important you prepare your personal and professional life to accommodate one more significant thing – completing the Executive Master’s,” she notes. “Allocate time to study, investigate and respond to all the challenges of the course, but most importantly, enjoy the path. Education is one of the best things in life if done properly; and it certainly is at Glion.”
To find out more about Alexandra’s company, visit the website by clicking here
Immerse yourself in luxury
Our new Executive Master’s is purpose-designed for professionals with at least five years of professional experience on their CV – offering flexible study that means there’s no need to give up your current role.
