During the Bentley MBA cohort’s trip to Greece, MBA candidate Pawel Czoczys is filing reports on his experience.

A nation without its history is like a person without their memory.

Here we are, packing and getting ready for our second field trip at the Bentley MBA program. This time we are going to Athens, Greece. I know that, for some of my colleagues, the idea to visit Acropolis of Athens is not as fancy or interesting as visiting BMW headquarters in Germany. However, as future leaders, we have to keep in mind what is important for society, not only from a business perspective. If we don’t know where we have been, we could not decide where we want to go. Heritage plays a significant role in our history and future.

I was born in Gdansk, Poland. This city played a significant role in the history of Europe: In 1939 World War II began; in the 80s it was the place where Solidarity was established, and 10 years later communism in Eastern Europe collapsed. With Gdansk’s history, I’m trying to find relations to Greece’s vast history. I also expect that during our trip to Athens I’ll better understand the significant role of heritage management. How is this important for business, tourism, citizens? How can you take advantage of your national heritage? How your history can influence your national identity? And last but not least, how national identity is perceived by others?

Stayed tuned, I’ll let you know more once we get on the plane!