“If your customers start CRYING when you go out of business, you were not charging them enough!”[…]

“Charge them so some cry when you are still in business”

Hillarious comment from Prof. John Roberts during Advanced Marketing Strategy class discussion of the Webvan case.

Yesterday we had a memorable day long class, with the Andrea Formica (SVP Marketing and Sales of Toyota in Europe). On top of John’s outstanding and funny class, Mr. Formica displayed all his talent: Very clever, very market oriented, and a continuous effort into gaining customer insight through data and translating it into relevant action.

Toyota is executing a very ambitious strategy in Europe, with remarkable success in increasing its market share in a flat market. Top execution + insight into market reality is driving them to success. And a very focused, results oriented, no-trend of the day followers approach. Loved it!

In the afternoon, we discussed about Webvan, a fabulous case of ambition, VC money, marketing short-sightedness, and an unsuccessful final attempt to recover from near death experience.

A great Friday all day long class!

But the evening, with the YPO people, was even better… (pending post…)

Yesterday, I flew to Madrid, for the award cerimony of the Becas Fundación Caja Madrid.

Beautiful ceremony, with HM Principe Felipe, and, more importantly, the president of the foundation (he who is responsible for paying the scholarships!).

I had a great time, spent some time with my parents, and meet with interesting people, including next year LBS classmate David who, between rockets and satellites, is responsible for www.colocate.es, a Spaniard oriented portal to promote people getting themselves cool jobs.

Finally, a graphic game. This is the official picture, with all the scholars. So try to play “Where’s Waldo?” (called Wally in Spanish) and locate me in this tiny picture. (Hint: I stand out to the upper middle-right )

Great ceremony, and it’s been a great boost in terms of recognition of my education track and future project

The perfect ego boost!