Walter Yee, EMBA '25 candidate, is an executive leader at the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada. Throughout his career, he has specialized in driving change, helping organizations transform by combining strategic vision, a strong culture, and unwavering execution with hands-on leadership. In the following blog, he shares his experience on the EMBA Discovery Expedition in Brazil, including learning from local entrepreneurs, being immersed in the culture, and thinking about the legacy he wants to leave. Note: Future EMBA Discovery Expeditions to South America will go to Chile instead of Brazil.
Going in with open eyes
Before landing in Brazil, I carried no specific expectations—only an open mind, open eyes, and open ears, ready to absorb its culture and economy. This trip was my first visit to South America and a chance to truly immerse myself in a world vastly different from my own. While my MBA journey had already equipped me with solid fundamentals—spanning accounting, finance, marketing, governance, and strategy—it was the Ivey case method module discussions that deepened my understanding of how cultural and economic factors interplay.
However, knowing about a place and experiencing it firsthand are two very different things. Our visit to Brazil was a real-world immersion—an opportunity to live, breathe, and observe the nuances of a country filled with promise. The Ivey program allowed me to see Brazil not just through the eyes of a tourist but through the lens of a business professional. That perspective brought a richness I couldn’t have gained otherwise.
The Power of Perspective
One of the most profound lessons I learned is the importance of keeping an open mind to different perspectives. In Brazil, it’s not about labelling things as one way or another; it’s about understanding that they’re simply unique. This mindset encouraged me to stretch my thinking and reflect on how these differences can enhance my own approach.
Brazil is a study in contrasts. During a Startup and Innovation Panel, we heard from the founders of Hera.Build, Vom, SupplyLabs, and Movestax (pictured right). Each of them shared that, despite Brazil being an emerging market with natural challenges—uncertainty, regulatory complexities, and rapid change—there is an undeniable sense of optimism. Startups brim with confidence, and established businesses are expanding their operations to meet the demands of a growing, opportunity-filled economy.
At the same time, these founders spoke about the personal side of their journey. Beyond presenting the numbers, they emphasized the importance of promoting their own values and demonstrating why they are the right leaders to take their companies to the next level. Some even shared stories of turning down investors whose values didn’t align with their professional compass. This duality—navigating the tension between optimal environmental conditions and staying true to personal values—taught me to evaluate opportunities not just through the lens of risks and rewards but also through the values I bring to the table.
I began to see opportunities as multi-faceted, shaped by the idea itself, the person driving it, and the context in which it exists. Brazil’s vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, driven by seasoned second- and third-time founders, reinforced the importance of experience, adaptability, and staying grounded in one’s values to drive success.
To my EMBA 2025 Cohort
My journey to Brazil was an unexpected exploration of culture, economy, and self. It taught me to embrace differences, recognize opportunity even amidst uncertainty, and think more intentionally about the legacy I wish to build. But beyond the company visits and economic insights, what truly stood out was the inspiration I drew from my classmates.
Traveling together, sharing meals, toasting to the experience, and reflecting on our learnings built a sense of camaraderie that transcended the trip itself. Each and every one of my classmates leaned into this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the table. I found myself inspired by the talent, passion, and dedication of those around me – leaders from Canada’s coast-to-coast-to-coast across diverse sectors, all committed to growth, learning, and making a difference.
To my classmates: your insights, questions, and shared enthusiasm pushed me to think bigger and inspired me to bring my best to every moment. As I reflect on this experience, I’m grateful not only for the Ivey EMBA program’s ability to open doors but also for our group who turned this journey into something far greater than I could have imagined.
Building a Legacy
Amid these reflections, I found myself drawn to a more personal insight. One of the companies we visited was Beam Suntory (South and Central America), where we had the privilege of hearing from Managing Director Lizandra Freitas. Freitas highlighted the company’s culture of building with a 50-year planning horizon, focusing on delivering a quality product without compromise. This long-term perspective serves as a way to ensure both enduring quality and strategic focus. That idea of looking far ahead struck a chord with me - it made me reflect on my own legacy.
What do I want to leave behind for my community, my family, and especially for Wolfgang, my young son? The trip inspired me to dare to dream bigger, to think beyond the immediate, and to consider how my actions today might shape a sustainable world of tomorrow. It’s not just about professional achievements but also about the lasting imprint I leave on those I love, as well as the classmates and community who have played a pivotal role in my evolving story.
Brazil wasn’t just a destination; it was a catalyst for growth - and a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of shared experiences and collective ambition.
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