From Curiosity to Expertise: Filipe Grilo's Journey in Teaching at Porto Business School
In this interview, Filipe Grilo, economist and professor at Porto Business School, shares his journey from a young Economics enthusiast to a respected educator. He discusses his teaching philosophy, the value of continuous learning, and offers advice for Executive MBA students aiming to advance their careers in Finance and Economics.
Q1: Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you became involved in teaching at Porto Business School's Executive MBA courses?
FG: I hold a PhD in Economics from the University of Porto, with a specialization in financial crises. My passion for Economics began at the early age of 13, and from that point onwards, my curiosity for the subject only grew. Pursuing a PhD became a natural progression in my life. While completing my doctorate, I served as an invited assistant at the School of Economics at the University of Porto, where I discovered my true calling for teaching. Opportunities followed soon after. My first invitation to teach at Porto Business School came in 2019 through the custom service department, where I was asked to deliver an executive training course in Economics for managers. In 2021, I was invited to teach Economics in the Digital MBA (now the Global Online MBA) and to deliver the elective course on Global Economic Scenarios in the Executive MBA. More recently, I had the pleasure of teaching the inaugural edition of the pre-course in Finance.
Q2: What do you find most rewarding about teaching Executive MBA students?
FG: The most rewarding aspect is the impact it has on people. In my first class, I always tell my students that my subject has the potential to change their lives, and I genuinely believe that. The more influential the student, the greater the indirect impact they can have through their decisions and actions. The greatest satisfaction comes from knowing that, in those few hours, I can change the world—first directly, affecting dozens of people, and later indirectly, through those students, impacting hundreds or even thousands of lives.
Q3: What advice would you give to Executive MBA students interested in advancing their careers in Finance and Economics?
FG: First, never stop learning and always keep an open and curious mindset. The world is constantly evolving, and it is essential to stay informed and engaged. Use the tools and frameworks you learn in the classroom to critically assess current events and develop your own analyses. Rather than just relying on external reports, actively apply what you've learned to understand the shifting dynamics of society. As Confucius said, “I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand.” It is by actively engaging with real-world scenarios that you truly grasp the complexities of the world. Second, the economic principle of comparative advantage highlights the importance of networking. Since no one can excel in everything, your colleagues become invaluable resources, both for their expertise and for exchanging ideas. Building strong relationships with peers allows you to leverage their strengths while contributing your own. Networking is not just about career advancement; it’s about fostering a community where learning and collaboration thrive.
Q4: In your view, what role does continuous learning and education, such as Executive MBA programs, play in fostering innovation and success in Finance and Economics?
FG: Continuous learning and education are essential for keeping pace with the rapidly changing world, and the best way to slow down the accelerating rate of change is by staying ahead of the trends. This is precisely where an Executive MBA plays a crucial role. By exposing students to state-of-the-art knowledge, our program gives them a head start in thinking about the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. Those who engage with cutting-edge concepts and tools are better prepared to anticipate and address issues, gaining valuable time compared to those who are not confronted with these ideas as early. Mainly, in the world of Finance and Economics, the ability to innovate often comes from having a deep understanding of both theory and practice, and it’s through continuous education that professionals can bridge this gap. Programs like our Executive MBA offer not only the technical knowledge but also the critical thinking skills necessary to approach complex problems in new ways. Furthermore, they foster an environment where diverse perspectives, shaped by the different professional backgrounds of the cohort, come together, encouraging collaboration and creative problem-solving—both of which are essential for innovation.
Interview with Filipe Grilo, professor of the Executive MBA at Porto Business School
