Wall of Love

Never in my time at university have I had the pleasure of learning from and being able to talk to such a passionate, honest, intelligent, humorous professor. The effort and dedication Andrew puts into each and every fibre of the experiences he shares with his students is remarkable. He may initially seem like a hard ass, but trust me you’re in for a treat, the course will be so raw and real. It will test and push you to levels where you didn’t think you’d be able to operate. It may feel uncomfortable but that’s how we grow and Andrew has shown me who I can become. Big thanks Andrew!

There are some teachers who exceed the expectations of the class and who set the bar high for everyone who comes after, Andrew was one of them. The energy he had, they way he taught and how we learnt and applied at the same time, was a really good experience because it was really similar to real work world. Things were not easy but they were worthy. Thanks Andrew for your passion.

This course was simply ground-breaking. Truly. We had the unique opportunity to learn so much more than in traditional courses, because of its unusual fast-paced format! Learning by doing, meeting people, discovering new ideas and really diving into the entrepreneurial spirit was not only refreshing and intellectually rewarding, but also an experience to remember: impactful and bold. Mr Paterson truly is the heart of this project and we all thank him for it. Don’t hesitate one bit to participate if you ever have the opportunity!!!

The Sports Entrepreneurship course helped me explore how sport can be used as a powerful tool for social impact. It pushed me to think creatively and practically about how to design a sports-related initiative that engages underserved communities. The course gave me the structure and confidence to develop an idea from scratch, validate it, and present it with purpose. I particularly enjoyed the session on the feasibility-impact matrix—it was eye-opening to evaluate our ideas not just for how inspiring they were, but also for how realistic and implementable they could be. Pitching our idea in front of the class was a highlight for me. Seeing how a simple concept could grow into a concrete, actionable project was incredibly fulfilling. I also enjoyed developing my individual journal, as it allowed me to reflect on the course through a personal lens and connect my experience to the class content. Other students would enjoy this course because it’s hands-on, engaging, and truly different from traditional academic settings. It combines creativity with real-world thinking, and gives students the chance to work on something meaningful, with a tangible connection to sport and community. Your unconventional and interactive teaching style made the course dynamic and immersive. You gave us space to explore our ideas freely while guiding us with thoughtful feedback and frameworks. You created a safe environment for experimentation and creativity, which made it easier to take risks and learn from them. You brought energy, authenticity, and encouragement to each session. You listened to our ideas with genuine interest, and helped us shape them into something with real potential. The course felt personalized and empowering. Your passion for the subject and belief in our projects made the whole experience truly memorable. Very sincere thanks!

Prof Andrew doesn't teach theory in a vacuum. He brings real scenarios, real stakes into the classroom. You're doing something that matters, not sitting through lectures. He's direct and honest. He'll tell you when something isn't working, and push you to think deeper—back up your ideas with evidence, actually understand why things work. He genuinely cares. His energy is real. He answers questions quickly, listens with actual interest, gives specific feedback. You feel seen. He challenges you on purpose. He'll push you further than you think you can go, make you uncomfortable in a growth way. That's where the real learning happens. He respects your intelligence. You don't feel like a kid in his class. You feel like someone doing real work with real responsibility. Thanks Andrew!

Throughout my four years at university, this course has been the closest I've come to a real-world professional experience rather than a purely academic one. What I appreciated most was that the professor always treated us as equals, never making me feel that my perspective was less valuable simply because I was a student. He constantly challenged us to step outside our comfort zones, putting us in unfamiliar and sometimes uncomfortable situations that pushed us to adapt, think critically, and develop confidence. His teaching approach also stood out for being genuinely aligned with the realities and challenges of today's professional world, rather than relying solely on traditional academic methods. More than just learning concepts, I felt that I was developing skills and a mindset that will actually matter beyond university. Thank you Prof.Paterson!

Andrew is the most unconventional professor I have ever had and I learned so much in just two weeks. He flips learning on its head and focuses on the messy and beautiful struggle that is what real world innovation is really about. You will cycle through emotions in his class starting with fearing the unknown, some frustration, but you will come out the other end with clarity, a sense of accomplishment, and the feeling that you just owned something from start to finish that you can directly apply to the real world. Keep an open mind, approach this class like the real world, and you will thrive! Thank you so much Andrew,

Zero Resource Innovation was definitely one of the most inspiring and memorable experiences of the MBA. I really appreciated the opportunity to step outside the traditional classroom setting, challenge my usual way of thinking, and experience firsthand how creativity and innovation can emerge even when resources are extremely limited. What made the course particularly valuable was its practical and unconventional approach, which encouraged us to embrace uncertainty, work together, and look at challenges from a completely different perspective. I also truly appreciated Andrew's energy, passion, and ability to create such a unique learning experience. If I could suggest one improvement, it would simply be to dedicate even more time to this course, allowing for deeper preparation, more experimentation, and reflection afterward. Overall, I am genuinely grateful for this experience. It reminded me that innovation is not necessarily about having more resources, but about having the right mindset, creativity, and courage to make things happen. A truly valuable lesson that I will carry with me beyond the MBA. Big thanks Andrew!

I think the biggest takeaway from the course is innovation by re-allocation and not re-invention. Often, in product development, we try to think big and build something that takes a lot of resources but alternatively we could just look at our current capabilities and see if we can move the needle by re-structuring or borrowing some of those existing capabilities with minimal additional resources. Its similar to a lean approach we are all familiar with but packaged differently and Professor Andrew tried to drive home this point throughout the course. Thank you Andrew and best wishes for the future classes!

Andrew's class was absolutely amazing. It opened my eyes to how to break down the complexities and extract meaningful insights from them. I especially appreciated how practical the course was and how much it pushed me to think for myself rather than simply apply frameworks. I came away with a completely different way of approaching difficult problems and making decisions. Thanks Andrew!

What made this course different from others was: the teaching style. Instead of being given answers, we had to think things through ourselves, build our own argument and defend it live. At the beginning, that was genuinely confusing, even frustrating, because it wasn't always clear what was expected. But after a few weeks, I could see real progress, and reaching that point felt earned rather than handed to me. One thing I will actually use after this course is: looking at what you already have before reaching for something new. Before investing in or starting something completely new, personally or in business, it's worth first checking your own environment: what resources have I not fully used, or used the wrong way, that I could reallocate instead? That's something I'll take with me, and I'll also pass it on to people around me who are always full of startup or innovation ideas. If a future student asked me about this class, I would tell them: that Andrew's teaching style might seem tough at first, but it pays off, and he's a lot nicer than he first appears. We Berlin locals tick quite similarly: „Hart jesaht, aber nett jemeint." which means in Berlin dialect "bluntly said, but kindly meant". I think that sums Andrew up pretty well. Thanks again Andrew!

I really enjoyed this course. I didn’t expect to learn so much from working on one business case, but it made the concepts much easier to understand and apply. It definitely changed the way I think about making decisions and backing them up with evidence instead of just assumptions. Andrew was very approachable and genuinely invested in helping us learn. He always took the time to answer our questions, explain things clearly, and make sure everyone was following. It never felt like he was just trying to get through the material, it really felt like he wanted us to get as much as possible from the course. That made the sessions much more engaging and enjoyable. Thanks for a great course ✨

I took some time during my internship by looking backwards, of what was the class I enjoyed the most during this first year of my MSc, and it was a no doubt about putting the one of Andrew. What we learned ? A lot of different things, and not only about strategic thinking. We discovered new tools to be more productive, try to push the limit regarding AI and challenge it, work as a team on a real project and scenario regarding multiple criteria : financial, geopolitical etc. I also appreciate the fact during that course that you are not entirely sure to succeed throughout the whole project. If you fail at some point. Andrew won’t hesitate to say that you didn’t succeed but he will make you a concrete and real feedback to make you better understand what was going wrong through it. But what I liked the most is everything around that course, you can be sure without any doubt that Andrew will always try to do his best to answer as quick to your question, try to challenge it again your thinking to make you understand better and give you a different perspective of your thinking of your project. Andrew is the kind of teacher you don’t forget as a student. And one of the rare which can bring you a real professional context on the study case but also to push yourself to your limits to make you growth. I’m very thanksful to had this course, and I’m sure that other students shared my feelings.

Very interesting course with a professor who is passionate about his job, which makes the course more enjoyable. He does his best to prepare us for the reality of working in a company. The course is easy to follow, and the group work makes it much more engaging and interactive. Thanks so much for the great course Mr.Paterson!

Incroyable prof ! Cours tres interessant avec de vrais mise en situation et 100% de challenge - inoubliable !

I really enjoyed this class, it was constructive and I didn’t feel like I was wasting my time. Having great teacher is very refreshing because learning is, for me, key to grow, learn and become someone else. I’m sure what you teach us will help me in my future, because with all my sincerity, it was something I really enjoyed, something in which I felt great, I loved working on the project. Maybe the only negative point was that I wish we could have more theoretical at each beginning of the day, like an hour maybe. Otherwise, it was great and it’s sad for the other Kedge students that will not have the opportunity to have you as a teacher. I was glad to be part of the student that had it. Have a nice day and thanks a lot Mr.Paterson.

I went into the course thinking we were going to have a boring, strict teacher with all the rules written on Notion. That wasn’t the case at all! Andrew was understanding, easy to communicate with and always challenged us to question our work to create something better. I loved that the course included so many concrete examples and real-life situations from his own experience which made it so much better. Highly recommend!

This course was one of the most interesting I took during my first year at Kedge Business School. Mr. Paterson is genuinely passionate about what he teaches and deeply cares about his students' success. Throughout the course, he always took the time to engage with every student and share valuable advice to help us achieve our goals. Thanks again Prof.Paterson!

This was a very interactive course and we learned a lot of things, tips... Thank you very much Andrew for your implication, happiness and teachings. You really care !

This course stood out from other courses because the professor used a different and more engaging approach to teaching, showing how the startup world works in reality rather than only focusing on theory. While many professors mainly rely on lectures, this course was much more practical and interactive, giving students the opportunity to learn through practice, develop their own ideas, and think independently. I also want to compliment the professor for being a very kind and approachable person with a great sense of humor, which made the learning experience even more enjoyable.

The course was super engaging and honestly really allows you to cooperate with others and understand different situations while working in a group. What really marked the course was honestly the amazing teacher we had. Mr Paterson was dedicated and supportive all along the way. Amazing!

I was delighted to accept Andrew’s invitation to join his class and share my professional perspective. It’s rare to find a learning environment that bridges the gap between academia and the ‘real world’ so effectively. I was genuinely impressed by the students' engagement and their openness to being challenged; they showed a level of curiosity and professional maturity that is a testament to Andrew’s teaching style. He doesn't just deliver a curriculum; he creates a dynamic space where students feel supported yet pushed to think like entrepreneurs. These types of interventions are crucial for helping students understand the practical expectations of the industry. Andrew has a remarkable ability to guide his students with a mix of high standards and genuine kindness. I’m already looking forward to the next collaboration!

I had taken a similar course before, but it was mainly focused on applying methods and frameworks in theory. This course felt much more practical and realistic. We were constantly challenged to test ideas, rethink assumptions, and improve our pitches, which made the experience feel like working in a real startup rather than just doing a university project. What I liked most was the strong connection to real problems and real people It was one of the most practical and engaging courses I have taken so far. Thank you so much Mr.Paterson.

This was one of the most hands-on courses I’ve taken. Instead of studying made-up examples, we actually went on-site and worked with something real, which made the course way more engaging and practical. Andrew was also very straightforward and communicative with all students, which I really appreciated. He was clearly well-equipped to teach the course and stayed very involved throughout the learning process, which made a big difference overall. Would take again. Thanks again Andrew!

Unconventional teaching style - very engaging and meaningful course content - not your usual pure academic sleeping course but rather an experience that sticks. 100% a very refreshing experience to what we experience in EDHEC (I definitely recommend). The degree is worth not a lot in the economy nowadays, but courses like yours really do help to develop skills and get a better feeling for what really counts. Big thanks, I hope paths will cross again someday!

At first, I found Andrew’s teaching style difficult to adjust to. He is very direct, intense, and pushes people to think beyond superficial answers, which can feel uncomfortable in the beginning. I honestly wasn’t sure I would enjoy the course at first (read till the end please), and I even challenged him during class once because I was frustrated. But over time, I realized that this intensity came from the fact that he GENUINELY cares about what he teaches and wants students to TRULY understand the process, not just complete assignments mechanically. (THIS IS RARE). What also changed my perspective was seeing that he is capable of reflecting on himself, admitting mistakes, and taking responsibility when needed. That level of honesty is rare. I appreciate these traits a lot. What surprised me most was how much the courses on Design Thinking and Lean Startup by Andrew changed the way I think. Before this, I had already taken a Design Thinking course in Hong Kong. It was focused heavily on theory and frameworks, but I never fully internalized the process itself. This course felt different. Gradually, I started noticing friction points, systems, and simple but powerful ideas in everyday life. My mindset genuinely shifted from “learning concepts” to naturally observing and applying them in real situations. (We were even joking with classmates when we started noticing some frictions and opportunities). Andrew’s style will probably not work for everyone, but for me, that challenge became part of the learning experience itself. One moment that especially stayed with me happened near the end of the course, when I was struggling mentally because of technical problems during the exam and became overwhelmed. Instead of reacting formally or dismissively, Andrew spoke to me with real empathy and helped calm me down. I did not expect that level of human support from a teacher, and I genuinely appreciated it (thank you so much). By the end of the course, I realized this was one of the few learning experiences that actually changed the way I approach problems and think about the world around me, not just something that gave me another certificate or framework. Thank you again Andrew.

The course wasn't like a typical one in school just slides and memorising, here it was actually doing and through actions and trying I think we learned more and this made the class really interesting and stand out. Thanks so much Mr.Paterson for everything you did for us!

One of the few courses I enjoyed being in. What I liked about the course in terms of education was the fact that we really had to think outside the box rather than memorise a formula. The moment Mr Andrews stepped in the classroom I immediately realised thats a person who actually cares about teaching. I enjoyed the fact that we experienced going out of the classroom for research purposes. I am happy we had a teacher who told us the truth about success and motivated us with his chicken/eagle story. Maybe I looked up to him that much because of his unconventional way of teaching and I love the fact that he is a man of principle but at the same time you can speak to him as a friend. I hope one way to have more than teacher/student relations but rather partners in a successful startup. Thanks Andrews!

This Start-Ups course was the highlight of my school year here at EDHEC. The course was a breath of fresh air as we actually did a lot of hands on work. The moment that stuck with me was when we actually had to pitch our product to a potential investor. The biggest challenge for me was deciding on a product that could actually work and is needed in the real world. Something that can make a difference in the traveling industry. I know that the course was short, but if we had more time it would benefit everyone as we could truly simulate the start-up experience. In addition to the course, the professor was amazing. The energy that was in the room when he was speaking was phenomenal. This was the main reason why I enjoyed the class so much. The passion shown by the professor was something I have never seen before. I enjoyed that I could speak to him about my work outside of the course as he helped me understand the startup process from a more experienced perspective. This was by far my favorite class, thank you so much for everything you have done for not only me but everyone in our class! I hope we can stay in touch! Thanks Andrew!

The course was taught in a completely different mannerism, almost mimicking a liberal arts type of structure. This was very different compared to the typical class at EDHEC in a positive manner. The professor was relevant, had good takes, and let the students do their own thing while just giving soft guidelines for creative work. Class felt very down to earth and I have throughly enjoyed it. Thanks again Mr.Paterson!

I really liked the course, it allowed me to understand clearly the different step of building a startup. I believe the strongest point of the course is the way we do stuff and not only study it. It gives real hands on knowledge. If I could give one point to improve, I would advise to let the students chose their teams as it is usually how it works in real life. I really thank you for this class and wish you a nice summer!

This course was honestly one of the best experiences I’ve had at EDHEC because it was the first class that truly felt hands-on. It didn’t feel like just sitting and listening to theory. We were actually engaged, participating, and applying things in a real way. What really made the difference was Mr. Paterson. His energy and teaching style kept everyone involved, even people who are usually quiet in class. He created an environment where everyone felt comfortable participating and sharing ideas, which made the course much more dynamic and enjoyable. Overall, this class felt genuinely useful, engaging, and memorable, and it set a higher standard for what a course at EDHEC can be. Thanks again Mr.Paterson!

In one sentence, that's how teaching should be. Really glad that I had Mr. Paterson as a teacher, I did learn a lot in both design thinking and lean startup classes, and that's through practice! This is genuinely the best way to learn. Thank you for your efforts!

This course was very unique. I felt like I had a real responsibility and that I was really challenged from time to time. I thought this course would be more numbers-oriented, so I was obviously scared, but I was surprised and in a good way. The most useful thing I learned is the whole process of what real people go through to make their idea work, or fail... And understand why it failed (like the core problem, not just that people thought it was too expensive). I believe the only thing that needs improvement is how many sessions we have, unfortunately it kind of felt rushed to me and I was sometimes lost, had to go through early sessions and understand better where we are heading. Other than that, I really enjoyed it ! Thanks Andrew!

This course was my first real experience of “learning by doing” at EDHEC Business School, which is surprising given how central it is to the school’s message. Working on a real project for real people made it much more meaningful. At times, the process was challenging, but the detailed steps helped a lot. I found lean startup harder to grasp than design thinking, probably because it was new to me. You pushed us, but always with our progress in mind. The most valuable lesson was learning to unlearn, constantly test ideas, and deliver concise, impactful pitches. It helped me dive deeper into problems and understand them better. What surprised me most was how closely this course connected us to the professional world. It changed how I see design thinking, startup creation, and problem-solving methods. I also appreciated that the course was lead by someone lively and committed, concerned with the progress of each team and to move them in the right direction. Thank you Andrew for this great discovery that give sense to the minor international entrepreneurship !

Having already done the first course "design thinking" I knew already that this course would also be a really good one. Although I got to admit that at the start of the semester I didn't really have much expectations on both of them. But I have to admit. Those courses were probably the closest to how teaching and sharing wisdom and life experience should be. It was often challenging as we were learning new things and always pushed to the limit. I am very happy to have taken this class. It probably wouldn't have been as interesting if we had an other professor. So thank you very much for this semester (even if it was a short one) Wishing you good health. Odiano Giverso

I had the opportunity to serve as a jury member during the EDHEC Startups Lab-26 student session, and it was an excellent experience. I was particularly impressed by the quality of preparation led by Andrew, as well as the smooth and consistent communication before, during, and even after the event. His professionalism stood out, both in his interactions with the students and with external participants like myself. What truly made a difference was his genuine sense of care and support. It clearly had a positive impact on the students, who delivered strong, well-structured, and confident pitches. Overall, a highly valuable experience that I would gladly repeat anytime.

The class held by Mr. Paterson is simply perfect. You don't just go in there for attendance like most of the other classes, but you actually do something. Mr. Paterson has this way of teaching where he actually challenges you to go further, and he also very direct. You don't feel like a kid in his class, you feel valued, you have a purpose, and you bring an extra value to the class and the people around you. This class allowed me to think and to act, not only in a scolar way, but also in my personal life, by actually trying to find business ideas and work on steps to get there. A big thank you for this awesome experience, I recommand it to everybody !

This might be weird but it is probably the only course this year which made me feel human. I feel like I have learned a lot and it’s so refreshing to have a teacher who is genuinely passionate about his work, I feel it in the energy. Having funny teachers is something we deeply lack in France, so I am glad I have taken this course, the most funny and interesting one this year. I recommend it !

I really enjoyed the deglamorisation of startups throughout the course. This course was not easy yet I would easily place it in my most recommended class to take. The learning curve was very steep and I appreciated that as I felt genuinely challenged throughout the process. The implementation of hard constraints was a superb way of really pushing us to dig deep and find real friction and difficulty in our target sector, in this case travel and aviation, pushing us to be truly creative. The feedback loop was good and messaging was clear and consistent. My learnings of this course will, I’m sure, stick with me for many years to come. Thank you Prof.Paterson!

First of all, I felt struggling with the lesson, then when the professor explain clearly, I can understand the course and it attract a lot and help me a lot with the innovation recently when a company want to innovation. Andrew's teaching make me not fully understand from the beginning but after few class i can fully understand. The energy was so good, he cared, and cheer everyone up and offer us a coffee, chocolate,... I'm so glad to having Andrew's class , i hope in the future i can have a connect with Andrew in professional career. Thankyou.

Hello Andrew, Thanks a lot for this course it was honestly (by far) the most challenging and instructive since the beginning of my studies! Wish you all the best! Anna

I really enjoyed this course !! What stood out the most was the practical approach and how every concept was connected to real-world applications. The way the sessions were structured made it easy to stay engaged and actually understand, not just memorize. I especially appreciated the clarity of explanations and the focus on developing a way of thinking rather than just learning content. It pushed me to approach problems more strategically and with more confidence. Overall, this course added real value to my learning experience, and it definitely raised my expectations for future courses. Thanks Professor Paterson!

Out of the ordinary course because it was necessary to redefine our entire way of thinking. It was a great challenge, and I'm really looking forward to trying to apply this in the future! And what a great teacher!! Thanks Andrew!

I can see a lot of passion from Andrew in teaching and interacting with students. He really likes his career, as a gardener shining flowers, rather than a rigid speaker standing in front of students. Innovative ways of thinking and delicate methods with logic inspired me a lot. I still remember the story of phoenix (chicken) and will remember it on my whole way. Thank you Mr.Paterson.

Once upon a time, I struggled to find the right direction to take. I could not understand the meaning behind the course because it was the first time in my academic life I would do such thing. Whenever we submitted an assignment I was not sure our work was good, it was hazy in my head and my brain was upside down. But as soon as I left everything I was taught, and I stopped thinking like a student, and started thinking like a company, it made much more sense. Thanks for the mental reset ! Hind

This course was very satisfying, and I believe it will be useful for what comes next. I understand that the topics covered and the methodologies taught can be applied in everyday life, as they help develop a critical analysis of the environment around us. The ability to identify and analyze opportunities is especially valuable in an entrepreneurial context. It also offers a way of looking at society and bringing new solutions. This approach requires both creativity and rigor, while remaining accessible to everyone. The professor is very enthusiastic and fully masters his subject. He is highly appreciable, particularly because of his ability to understand the expectations of his students. Even with six consecutive hours of class, the sessions do not feel that long or boring. Through his pedagogy, we can clearly see and understand the effort put into teaching. Group work was very appreciated and contributed to a good class atmosphere. The working method is not very conventional, but it is effective. As for points to improve, the course takes place over too short a period of time. There is not enough time to properly implement the solutions developed during the sessions. It should be spread over more than two months. Overall, I would recommend this course to anyone who wants to enter the world of entrepreneurship or develop a sharper vision of the world. I would especially recommend the professor, who successfully managed to transmit his passion to his audience. We need more lecturers like this, who teach because they genuinely want to share their vision of the world and their knowledge, rather than simply fulfill a required number of hours. In this course, if one wants to succeed, it is possible, and it is not that complicated. Thanks Mr.Paterson!

The design thinking course, unlike theory based ones, made me feel challenged - which is something quite rare that was needed. The outcomes expected had many requirements and constraints yet working towards it never felt like a chore. With every lecture and workshop done, I was more determined and felt like I was gaining real knowledge, and not the kind that we study solely for exams. I now am a lot more aware of all the opportunities around me. Thank you professor !

i really love the way Mr Paterson teaches, it makes him stand out and even with the slides ; they are much better. i also really liked that this is a completely hands-on course and not only theorical. the crazy 8s stood out for me, and also the one pager we always send at the end of each class it makes you feel like you've actually done something important and you benefit from your presence. Thank you Mr Paterson!

Very passionate teacher, compelling subject, always a pleasure to listen to someone who truly loves what they do.

I really enjoyed this course. I could tell Andrew was very passionate about Design Thinking and this showed in his teaching. I liked the non conventional teaching and found I could apply the concepts learnt more to the real world than I can concepts in other modules. I found myself noticing design thinking all around me. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this course and would definitely recommend it to other students! Thanks again Mr.Paterson

The professor's style and energy really made every class feel very short. He stands out from other professors, and his way of teaching is unconventional, which I loved. I think all schools should include teaching methods like his and encourage students to be more participative. The course was very exciting! We applied what we learned in class immediately to real-life activities. He made a concept that would take a long time to grasp into something tangible and understandable for us in 2 months. It was challenging getting out of my comfort zone, but it really changed the way I look at innovation and also learning. I liked this approach to learning, and it made me eager to know more about the topic. I wish I could have had more classes, it was way too short in my opinion. Keep up the great work! (100% recommend :)

This was a truly rewarding experience. The creative freedom we were given for the presentation allowed us to unleash our imagination and deliver a project that felt authentic to us. A huge thanks Andrew for this opportunity!

Fast-paced and rewarding! I loved the intensity of this course! Even though we had to solve complex problems under deadlines, Andrew provided excellent guidance throughout. It really helped us maximize our output and stay focused. I finished the course with a huge sense of achievement. Highly recommended if you want to level up your skills! Thanks Andrew!

Dear Mr Paterson, I would like to take the time to deeply thank you for these two intense days dedicated to Business Model Transformation. Your words truly mean a lot to me. When I decided to do an MBA and go back to school, my main concerns were whether I would be able to stay focused throughout the entire class and whether the professor would succeed in passing on the fundamentals in such a short time. I won’t keep you in suspense. Your way of teaching—by making us do, discuss, and challenge ideas—and your selection within this very broad subject were truly appreciated. It was so interesting that we made no effort to stay and work longer on it (we could even have missed lunch if you had not insisted). As an engineer, I had already heard about most of the concepts presented during the class, but I had never had the chance to apply them to a real project and fully understand them. It was definitely a challenge for me to present something I was not in full control of; my engineering side suffered quite a lot on this. I sincerely thank you for making me 100% uncomfortable at the end of the second day. I will remember it. It has been a long time since this happened, and I realize that I need to work on it. Thank you as well for introducing us to tools such as Notion—I really like it. Many thanks again.

Overall, I enjoyed the Strategy and Business Diagnostics course. I especially appreciated your energy and preparation; it was a refreshing change, as it feels quite rare in Europe to have a passionate and dynamic professor in the classroom. I also enjoyed your teaching style and your sometimes direct and bold approach to students. The only minor critique I have concerns the tone of your Session Recaps, which felt a bit too "rich" for my personal taste, making them occasionally demotivating to read. On the other hand, I wanted to mention that I appreciate your strictness regarding phones and laptops. I know it must be annoying to constantly reprimand students, but it really helps maintain focus during the lecture. I’m glad you stick to this approach because it definitely makes a difference. Thank you!

It was a very interesting course, not only on a company’s strategy but also on our way of approaching strategy and thinking. It’s clearly the kind of courses we expect when we paid for a business school. Through your business experience, the rigor and level of demands you placed in the various works completed, and also through your lessons, you enabled us to develop our knowledge and skills exponentially despite the difficulty. It is personally in this difficulty that I enjoy evolving, as I love taking on challenges and challenging myself. And despite the difficulty and demands, I greatly appreciated the various resources you provided us through your continued presence during and outside of classes, but also through the different articles and sources you made available, which allowed students who wished to deepen their understanding and explore certain concepts further. A course that I appreciated and that I would have liked to have more often and over a longer period. Because this course is the best place to debate, confront ideas and visions, bring forth new ideas and solutions where minds work and develop. Unfortunately, the difference in intellectual and cultural levels as well as the level of involvement and interest of the students reduces the level and beauty of the course. Because I would have loved to have this course in a small class with only a few people to allow this eruption of ideas and observe an exponential development of the participants. I have always been passionate about competition and sport. While I initially envisioned myself achieving success in motorsport as a team manager, this course has reignited a deeper conviction: I am destined for greater challenges and more significant responsibilities. This realisation is fueled by my genuine desire to contribute to ambitious, high-impact projects. My natural curiosity has driven me to develop an large culture and diverse knowledge across multiple domains, and combined with the analytical and strategic skills I continue to cultivate, I am confident these will enable me to take on meaningful leadership roles. Thank you again for your devotion to teaching!

I very much enjoyed this class, i have always been interested in the decision process of big companies, how they plan they future (long or short term) and this course offered me an insight on how thing are thought and done internally. I absolutely love the way you teach with humour that really kept me engaged through the whole class. i had a real hard time at first (and for a long time) with the "non scholar" way of evaluating our work. I have alway been used to work through a predetermined pattern which helped me shape my work but in this class i had a lot of freedom on how i could write my essays and it was very disturbing at first but then i learn how to think by myself and outside the box and that's the major thing i take from this class "critical thinking". I enjoyed the debate i'm a big fan of debates and this exercise was really exciting for me. Overall the course + the teacher = the winning formula. Thanks you sir it has been a pleasure!

I clearly remember the very first class it really stuck with me. What immediately made an impact was the way Mr. Paterson spoke to us so naturally, almost like he was telling stories rather than delivering a traditional lecture. I didn’t disconnect for a single moment. Even the fact that he handed out Red Bull cans that day somehow set the tone for what was coming next: a course that wouldn’t be conventional at all. That first session genuinely intrigued me and made me want to continue. To be completely honest, marketing has never been my favorite subject. But this course showed me no matter the topic, even one I thought I disliked, it can become interesting if the professor is engaging. Mr. Paterson’s energy, the interactivity of the classes, and his original way of teaching completely changed the way I experienced the subject. The intensity of the group work was also a real turning point for me. It pushed me to discover both my strengths and my weaknesses when working in a team, and it taught me a lot. What I appreciated most is that every class included something unexpected whether it was going to a shopping mall to study things directly in the field, or welcoming a professional from the industry to evaluate our work, challenge our ideas, and help us draw meaningful conclusions. These moments made the learning experience feel real, concrete, and alive. Thank you again Andrew for a memorable course!

Course was fast paced and packed full of interesting and useful knowledge. Some would say Andrew was harsh but he was never unjust and that’s what made this class great. It was a lot of work at times but at least I feel like I came out of this course better than I was before entering. Thanks Andrew for the really detailed feedback on our presentations and your complete dedication to us!

I really enjoyed this course. It was a far completely different experience than what I was accostumated with. The interactive learning approach, the team meetings during and outside class, the tools provided for support, and overall the opportunity to meet new colleagues with the same passion for learning, but coming from completely different backgrounds and cultures. But most importantly, thank you professor Andrew for delivering such a valuable, diversifying experience. I'm certainly going to remember this course for a long time. All the best, Gonçalo

That was something. Not a classic course where you just sit, listen (or not) and learn everything at the end for the exam. This course took my by the gut, because before starting it I thought that strategy was boring, and it made me realize all the amazing things that we can do with it if we use at as a tool. Some teachers really leave a mark in your head, not so much because of their subject but rather because of who they are. Mr Paterson is one of them. He didn't just spill out knowledge, he made my brain work in a way it (unfortunately) rarely does in school. Thank you for that.

Thank you Andrew for your energy, your passion and for those memories we made in class. I had the chance to have you as a professor during 3 different courses and that was always great moments, and today thanks to your support, I can now attend to a Master in Berlin as I wished for ! So yeah, Thank you Andrew for everything !

Initially, I thought this class was going to be hard and boring to get through. However, Mr. Paterson's approach in teaching kept me invested. He somehow managed to make me like the course. Consulting was never my goal since majoring in business management due to it's complicated and compact studies, but somehow Mr. Paterson made it fun to learn. So, props to him for making it fun and enjoyable, even though the course material itself is quite annoying to learn. Thanks Professor!

This course was a genuine discovery for me. You managed to push us beyond simple research and encouraged us to think more deeply about how companies make decisions, shape their future, and build their strategy. I appreciated this course because it was comprehensive: the concepts were clearly explained and immediately applied through a concrete case study based on the company we selected. It also made me realize that artificial intelligence should not replace our own thinking. Instead, it should be used wisely as a tool to help us go further in our reasoning and improve our performance. Thanks so much Andrew!

Hello, I wanted to send you a quick message to sincerely thank you for the quality of your course. I really enjoyed attending your sessions: they were clear, structured and enriching. I felt like I learned a lot, but more importantly, I really understood the material, which is not always the case in other subjects. One thing that particularly struck me was not having to stare at a screen all the time. This approach allowed me to stay more focused, immerse myself in the content and participate more easily. I found it really positive and different from what I'm used to in class, and it helped me progress and get more involved. Thank you again for your teaching, your patience and your approach to teaching. It makes a real difference, and I wanted you to know that. Charline

Working on my thesis with Andrew was a great experience. As someone who tends to prefer working independently on my task, I still required slight guidance on aspects to improve and paths to pursue. When faced with multiple challenges and options to dig deeper, Andrew was never strictly encouraging one or the other, but always presenting the pros and cons of each. The critical thinking and choice was always left to me as the student, which I find highly encouraging and a fantastic way to learn without just being told exactly what to do. All questions and uncertainties were faced with clear answers. Each progress step was responded to with feedback, encouragement and a vision with what to follow it with. Very grateful and appreciative to have had Andrew as my thesis advisor and mentor.

Hello Andrew, this course was very interesting and the energy you shared with us was very inspiring. I was happy to come to class and contribute to group projects / go out in the park and receive your advice on real life entrepreneurship. The group projects were very interesting - however, I feel like in the first classes we could have been given a little bit more context and guidance for the project to come and the direction of the course. But it was very interesting and extremely different from what we normally do. Thank you

I'm so happy I got to do this project, on such an amazing topic, with your help !! Even when I was doubting my methods, my analysis, and the conclusions I was drawing, you never did. You always encouraged me and helped me to take a stand for what I wanted to achieve with this thesis, not water-down my ideas, and keep what makes my work stand out. During the whole process, even if we only planned one kick-off call, I knew I could just @ you and you'd give me both reassurance and advice. Using Notion was great because it really helped me stay organized, visualize my progress, and gave me autonomy in a safe environment dedicated to the thesis. Most importantly, I always felt comfortable being honest about the way I was working and what was on my mind. The way you kept cheering me on allowed me to make the best of this experience ! Thank you Andrew, it was a pleasure conducting the grand finale of my BBA this way, I hope I'll see you at graduation !

Human, personal, and honest: these are the three words I would use to describe this course. It's truly rare to have a professor so mentally and emotionally invested, who genuinely cares about the students. The good sense of humor, along with the unique hospital experience, made it even more special. Thank you for an unforgettable semester Andrew!

I really really really enjoyed this course. I was very engaged in the project and it even sparked a passion for the beverage industry. Yes, the classes like many students say are very fast-paced and the structure sometimes didn’t allow to fully go in depth and think about the tasks we had to do, but I also believe that it was up to us to just make most of the time we had in class with you, and then continue working on the project at home. I enjoyed how direct and “real” you were with us, no BS when speaking, helpful when giving life and academic suggestions. I felt even inspired at times. I will be forever grateful for this course. Thank you Andrew! PS* I know you probably would like to hear negative sides or points for improvement, but I don’t see any hahaha! And I hope you are enjoying the summer, and I hope we’ll cross paths again in the future.

I enjoyed this course massively. From the first lesson, I had high hopes for the course and was relatively sure I was going to enjoy it, and luckily my hopes were fulfilled. One can really tell that Andrew teaches not because he has to, but because he enjoys it. Highly recommend the course for anyone who wants something different and inspiring!

The course was mind blowing. The concept is essential for us to be more connected to the society when we work for companies in the future. This will at least give us an idea to think in the way a social intrapreneur would and hopefully lead us to making an impact in the workplace. One of the mots refreshing courses I have ever taken, thank you again Professor Paterson!

The course provided valuable hands-on experience in a real-world context. It challenged us to think outside the box and approach problems by understanding their root causes. Moreover, it introduced us to the concept of human-centered design, where we focus on creating solutions that truly address human needs. I believe this is the best approach, as it ensures the impact of our solutions can be meaningful and long-lasting. Thank you again Prof.Paterson!

Professor Andrew doesn’t just teach — he rewires how you think. Every session feels like a plot twist you didn’t see coming, but needed. Sharp, unconventional, and absolutely brilliant. You walk in expecting slides… you walk out seeing strategy like a negotiator in a Guy Ritchie film. Thanks for the lasting memories Prof.A!

I truly enjoyed this semester's course, which required a lot of energy and time but for an excellent cause. We will be able to reuse these skills in our future careers. I loved the professor’s accessibility and availability, always open to answering our questions. The moments of brainstorming and creativity around our prototype stood out to me, particularly when presenting our project through drawings to others. Now, I can confidently say this course boosted my creativity and allowed me to contribute to a project I deeply cared about. Mr. Paterson is a passionate, energetic, and resourceful teacher, always introducing new tools for us to adapt and integrate into our work. Thanks so much for a memorable course!

Thank you Andrew for the 3 years of courses with you - exceptional moments in my student life! I learnt a lot for my personal culture but also about the different ways of carrying out projects in a group format. Concerning this course (Social Intrapreneurship), what I loved was that current issues are addressed (things facing society today) and the course enabled us all to carry out an impactful practical project in an increasingly virtual world. Thanks again, and see you soon!

Andrew was kind enough to ask me again to be jury for “New beverage entrepreneurship” in his “International marketing” module at Kedge Bordeaux. I was struck at how thorough and precise Andrew’s preparatory information was. Very clear, useful and relevant - higher standards than I have sometimes experienced elsewhere. On the day, Andrew’s dynamic, approachable and straight-to-the point tone of voice was obviously much appreciated by the students. The presentations from both classes where of professional quality; kudos to the students and also reflecting the quality of Andrew’s coaching & expertise. Throughout the day, Andrew imposed high energy and clockwork time keeping on the students. Great upbeat & professional atmosphere all round ! Love to come back again!

Invited by Andrew, I had the chance to meet brilliant students, capable of identifying real-world problems, rapidly prototyping hybrid solutions digital, and most impressively pitching them with conviction and creativity. It was a demanding exercise, but an incredibly valuable one. Congratulations to all participants for their commitment and the quality of their ideas. And a big bravo to Andrew for designing a challenge so close to real-life conditions—this is exactly the kind of experience that shapes strong, entrepreneurial profiles. Thank you for the invitation, looking forward to doing it again! — Jean-Charles Chemin President of Legapass & Nice Startup

Une expérience très enrichissante rendue possible grâce à Andrew! Le partage de connaissances et de problématiques concrètes afin de trouver des solutions opérationnelles (et de grande qualité!) pour l'Hôpital, les échanges avec les étudiants facilités, toutes les conditions étaient réunies pour favoriser la naissance de beaux projets. Rien de mieux que les exemples concrets et la confrontation au terrain pour apprendre en conditions réelles et grandir professionnellement ! Une véritable chance pour les jeunes professionnels d'avoir croisé le chemin d'Andrew dans leur parcours et une dynamique inspirante pour la professionnelle que je suis ! Merci pour tout,

This course was very different from others I’ve taken, and I really enjoyed that. Instead of just teaching us how to make the right decision, it taught us how to make our own decisions and turn them into the right ones. I found this way of thinking very interesting and useful. Mr. Paterson was very involved and did his best to make sure we learned as much as possible. I really appreciated his effort and the unique style of the course. Thank you!

Je suis Augustin Penicaud, Vice Président de l’agence de communication Havas Play, notamment spécialisée sur tous les enjeux de la communication dans le sport et autour des passions en général. J’ai eu l’occasion de travaillé avec Andrew il y a 15 ans, quand il n’enseignait pas encore, mais menait des projets engagés et novateurs à fort impact RSE. J’avais ensuite suivi certains de ses projets de création d’entreprise avec intérêt. Quand il m’a contacté pour me proposer de participer à une de ses sessions de cours d’entreprenariat du cursus sport pour l’ESCP, je n’ai pas hésité un instant. Ce sont des types sollicitations que je reçois souvent et ne peux pas toujours accepter mais je savais que cela serait dans un cadre de qualité, avec un fort engagement de sa part et par ailleurs cela me faisait très plaisir de le retrouver. Je savais aussi que ce serait « différent ». J’ai donc passé un après midi entier avec lui et ses étudiants. À découvrir les présentations de différents projets de création d’entreprise / offre dans le sport, portés par différents groupes d’étudiants. Mon rôle était de les évaluer et de leur faire des retours très en direct sur leur travail. J’ai apprécié : - la très bonne préparation en amont. Je savais pourquoi j’étais là, ce que je pouvais apporter aux élèves, mon rôle attendu. Mais juste avec le bon niveau, sans être noyé de documents que je n’aurais pas eu le temps de lire - la clarté et lisibilité du cadre d’évaluation des projets - le poids et respect de mes retours dans l’évaluation finale de ces travaux : vraie responsabilité et impact, je n’étais pas là pour faire de la figuration - la manière dont Andrew poussait les étudiants le plus loin possible , avec exigence et fermeté , mais toujours beaucoup de respect pour ceux qui se donnaient du mal Ce qui m’a le plus marqué c’est la relation qu’il avait visiblement construite avec chacun d’entre eux. Il les connaissaient tous très bien, passait visiblement beaucoup de temps sur chacun de leurs projets, avec un niveau de proximité d’engagement remarquable pour un professeur par rapport à beaucoup que j’ai connus… Sur le fond, il leur apporte une approche sur mesure, travaillée, spécifiquement pour ce cours,, issue de tout ce qu’il a pu apprendre et construire dans sa carrière, pas un simple copier coller de modèles existants. c’est remarquable pour les étudiants d’avoir ce niveau de engagement, de personnalisation, et d’intérêt pour leur développement. J’espère qu’ils s’en rendent compte. Nous avons pu prolonger la journée en discutant à bâtons rompus avec Andrew sur de nombreux sujets en suivant. J’ai continué moi-même à apprendre à ce moment-là. Il a visiblement l’enseignement et la transmission chevillées au corps. En un mot, un cours à ne pas manquer ! ​​

The course was good and was real fun to work in an interactive way. Professor Andrew was great and highly energetic which made it easier to listen up even though I may have been tired sometimes. He was also very engaged and ambitious in his teachings (the course is very innovative) which may have been somewhat of a double edged sword since there was a lot of course materials that had to be compressed which meant that some things may have gotten lost in translation, which personally is fine since you're suppose to study some of the material outside of class. In general I had a really great time :) Thanks

I had the opportunity to take part in both of Andrew’s courses: Design Thinking and Lean Startup. Having both in one semester gave me a deeper and more complete experience – not only of the subjects themselves but of Andrew’s teaching approach, his energy, and the overall mindset behind the courses. What stood out most to me was how immersive both courses were. The group work was so active and intense that it was almost impossible to detach yourself from the process. Week after week, through both setbacks and small breakthroughs, I felt like I was actually building something – something that belonged to me and my group. The best way I can describe it: it was like going from just coloring in someone else’s Mandala to finally being able to draw your own picture. That’s what growth in these courses felt like. For the first time in my bachelor’s degree, I wasn’t just learning theory. I was applying it. I was getting real-time feedback. I was discovering genuine interest. These courses didn’t just fill my head – they inspired and motivated me. They showed me that my ideas can turn into something meaningful. That creativity can have structure. That a personal drive can actually become a project. Andrew as a teacher had a lot to do with that. He wasn’t just "teaching a class" – it was clear that he was aware of the personalities sitting in front of him. He treated us like people with potential, not just students fulfilling a curriculum. And his mission seemed to be: helping us see that potential – whatever that looked like for each one of us. He respected our differences, encouraged our ideas, and never imposed a single way of thinking or working. His teaching style was dynamic. He made an effort to make even the online sessions engaging – and they were! We weren’t just sitting in front of a screen, but interacting, creating, thinking together. Still, the in-person sessions were something else entirely. We had debates, gave and received feedback, and really got to know one another’s working styles. It wasn't just academic; it felt real. We went on excursions, spoke with real people, worked on projects we were emotionally connected to. That kind of experience stays with you. What surprised me most was how much space there was for everyone to contribute in their own way. Even if you’re not the “creative” type, there was always something you could bring to the table – analyzing markets, building financial models, understanding customers, giving structure to ideas. And if you are creative, there was so much room to grow: designing solutions, building prototypes, pitching ideas. It was never about fitting into one mold – it was about recognizing where your strengths could shine. For me, the biggest impact was the human connection. Working in a team over weeks – sometimes months – forced me to really reflect on how I collaborate, how I communicate, what I contribute. I learned just as much about myself as I did about the subject. I discovered strengths I hadn’t recognized before – and weaknesses I needed to face. That kind of self-awareness is something I’ll carry with me far beyond university. Although this course offers incredible opportunities, it ultimately depends on each individual to take ownership of that chance and make the most of it. The people you collaborate with and the energy you bring to the project can have a huge impact. The class can only be as meaningful as you allow it to be. That said, compared to Design Thinking, I personally felt a slower sense of progress in Lean Startup. I’m not entirely sure why – perhaps it was due to external factors like the semester pace or overlap with other commitments. At times, it felt a bit repetitive around the halfway point, though that could just have been a natural dip in momentum. What I do think could improve the course is more depth in areas like Customer Analysis, Validation, and Discovery. These topics felt rushed and could really benefit from deeper exploration. Personally, I would have loved to see real-world examples – perhaps from Andrew’s own experience with startups and companies – showing where things went right or wrong. Understanding why some ventures failed and others succeeded would have added tremendous value. So, to sum it all up: I’m deeply grateful. For the skills I’ve learned, the insights I’ve gained, the people I’ve met, and the mindset these courses have planted in me. These weren’t just business courses. They were creative challenges. And they were the beginning of friendships and ideas that I hope will last for a long time. Thank you, Andrew, for believing in the value of what you teach – and for helping us believe in what we’re capable of. Warm regards, Vanessa

The start-up course with Mr. Paterson was truly unforgettable. The hands-on, immediate and vibrant energy that was transmitted really gave me the feeling that i could make a change in the world right here, right now. It gave me passion, drive and curiosity to go and make something while i am young and have the resources. Never before have I felt so empowered and driven as through Mr. Patersons energy and drive. Thank you so much, i will never forget this experience and hope to become a successful entrepreneur as you are!

Hello, first of all I would like to say thank you for the course, it was a pleasurable experience to be able to learn so much in a fun and friendly way. I liked how Andrew explained everything easily, and we were able to implement it in our groups later. Sometimes I felt like we could use more time in our debates, however, that's not the fault of the course. Thanks Andrew!

Interesting and ambitious course. I really appreciated the “just do it” approach that I often miss in the French education system, and Mr.Paterson was intensely engaged at all times which made it super meaningful!

Mr.Paterson's Startups course at EDHEC was truly engaging and impactful. The professor went straight to the point, provided useful information, and the course was super practical and hands-on the whole time. While it was kind of intense and shot, I learned more than I have learned in classes that last a whole semester. He is very passionate about teaching and I would enjoy taking more lessons with him. Fantastic!

An amazing course! I was a bit nervous at first, thinking one week wouldn’t be enough to really understand the startup world and dive deep into everything. But Mr. Paterson went all in he explained what a startup is, how it works, and so much more in a super engaging way. What I appreciated the most was how present and supportive he was throughout the whole week. Whenever we were working on our project or struggling with the proof of concept, he was always there to help and give advice. I never felt stuck or on my own, and that really made a difference for me. I’d recommend this course without a second thought, and I really hope it’ll be offered again for future Global Business Track students! Thank-you so much Mr.Paterson!

I really liked the course and the way of teaching, as it was interactive and passionate. The « learning by doing » method was really emphasised and our trips to the airport helped us understand properly the needs of our target customers. In a week I learned more than I could have in months with a different way of teaching. All in all, I would say this course was very valuable and immersive. 100% recommend :) Thanks Andrew!

Mr Paterson is a professor who in my opinion you will only experience once in your educational journey, on top of being a genuine person, he is an amazing professor whom I will remember for the rest of my life. Thanks again Mr.Paterson!

In this very innovative styled course, we were taught not how to make the right decision, but instead, how to make our decision, the right one. I truly enjoyed this approach as it stands out from the majority of courses I've taken. Mr.Paterson was extremely engaged and did everything he could to make our learning as useful as possible. Thanks!

Professor Paterson's courses were undoubtedly a highlight of my semester at EDHEC. His unconventional approach to teaching, rooted in creativity and real-world application, made every class engaging and memorable. He truly cares about his students, helping their ideas come alive while imparting valuable and tangible lessons along the way. He encourages his students to think like entrepreneurs, and I can confidently say I am leaving EDHEC with a renewed passion for creativity, curiosity and entrepreneurial thinking thanks to him. I highly recommend taking Design Thinking/Lean Start-Up to anyone who wants to be challenged, inspired, and genuinely supported in their academic and personal growth. Thanks again Mr.Paterson for these memorable classes!

Honestly, I wasn’t expecting to see such quality in the projects (most of them at least). Some really do show an entrepreneurial maturity that I definitely didn’t have myself when I started my own project. The only consistent gap with reality I noticed was in the company valuations (probably overvalued) most of the time. I was also surprised that no one chose a B2B approach, even though in some cases it might have made their lives easier. On a personal angle, I really loved my interactions with the students, and when I think back to the morning I spent there (and the passion I saw in some of them), I’m genuinely happy I went! Finally, collaborating with Andrew was amazing. He’s a genuine and smart person with deep knowledge and experience across all aspects of the startup world (which makes him incredibly valuable as a teacher!). He brings far more than just theory to the table. He’s very tuned in to how to work with students and guide them in the right direction, which likely explains why they love him and why they’re better prepared than most if they ever decide to launch a startup! Thanks :)

This course will remain one of the most memorable in my academic journey, both for the quality of the teaching and the relevance of the projects we worked on. Our teacher Andrew managed to combine high standards with accessibility, offering classes that were structured, enriching, sometimes more theoretical, and often focused on self-awareness and understanding the group. This made a lot of sense in the context of our program. He gave us plenty of space for personal expression and creativity. His classes were extremely well organized. I have never seen such a clear and reassuring course platform. Expectations, deadlines, and instructions were always clearly explained. Everything was designed so we could focus on what really matters: the core work. It made us want to fully commit and give our best. We were very lucky to have Andrew as our teacher, thank you again Professor!

Andrew is one of the most impactful professors I have had in my time at university. From day one, Andrew showed that he cared more about our learning than anything else. I always looked forward to attending his lean startup and design thinking courses due to the passion and dedication he brings out. His unique approach to teaching is refreshing and energizing if you're willing to learn. If you approach these classes with a willingness to learn, it is not a simple class but a learning experience. If you put in 110% effort, you will come out a better learner. I was consistently challenged with new perspectives from my team members and by the input Andrew would give our teams. I also appreciated the various exercises that Andrew did in class to help us better understand ourselves as people. Andrew is a true professional. He brings the energy every single day, never counts a student out, and has gained a lot of my respect. Thanks Andrew!

So far, the best teacher and class I had in my life. Andrew shapes the course in a way that you can fully understand how it would be in the real world. It makes you curious to think forward and it makes you want more! The way of teaching is FANTASTIC! Andrew is energetic, talkative and innovative 💡 😎 He pushes you out of your comfort zone to learn and experience, throwing away all the classic and boring uni experience you have in other classes. For me, the semester I had in Design Thinking (here we even went to the airport) and Lean Start-up (paper bitcoins and shopping mall visits were included) were honestly super fun and exciting. Be ready to feel challenged and happy to be in his classes. Lots of fun and good learning!!! Thanks so much Andrew!

Honestly, this was one of the best courses I’ve taken, not just at EDHEC, but across my university experience so far. What really stood out was how clear it was that Andrew actually wanted to be there, which unfortunatley is very refreshing nowadays. You could feel it in the way he ran lectures, it never felt like he was going through the motions, and everyone was constantly engaged and stimulated. The course made me feel genuinely excited to show up. Not in the “I want a good grade” way, but in the “this actually matters and is going to help me later in life” way. It was one of the only classes where I left the room thinking about how I’d use what I learned, in my own business ideas, in the way I see problems, even in how I interact with people and teams. This course actually prompted me to review lecture notes and concepts later on in the day in my own time, as the material is actually interesting and useful. What surprised me most was how practical everything felt. So many classes teach frameworks for the sake of frameworks. But this course gave me tools I actually want to use. It’s already changed the way I approach creative work, I find myself looking for the “real why” behind problems more naturally now. Andrew; Your energy, thought-provoking blunt but high-level insights, the care and effort you put forth every lecture, and the way you made the class human and alive shaped the course, and is what I deem every professor should be inspired by and strive for. You made the space feel safe to speak, to try, to fail a bit. And you showed us that good design thinking isn’t about being flashy, it’s about paying attention. That lesson, and many more, are going to stay with me for a long time. Thank you Andrew!

Before taking this course, I started to have serious doubts about business schools, but your course changed my perspective. Your dedication, the time you invested, and your ability to make the content engaging have been nothing short of inspiring. I felt like I was learning from someone who genuinely cares about student success. A profound thank you, Mr Paterson.

I started this design thinking course in a state of doubt. I had been questioning my career for three extraordinarily long years, being without any passion or sense of direction. This year, more than any, was tough—I was about to complete my bachelor's degree and was set to select a master's course, yet without guidance. It was all changed after this course. Professor Andrew, you didn't just teach us about design thinking—you opened my eyes to what I really want. I know maybe I'm being dramatic, but I'm telling the truth, this course turned everything around. For the first time in my life, I feel like I have a vision. I applied for two master's application programs in Entrepreneurship and Innovation because I finally know that that is where I should be. Anything else would be the wrong way. For the first time, I'm not questioning myself. I'm not wondering if I'm doing the right thing. I now have a dream, passion, and drive that I didn't believe could be possible. I don't want to learn anymore; I want to keep going, keep growing, for the rest of my life. Thank you for allowing me to discover who I am.

One of the best courses I had during my time of studying! Creating a course which is so near to to the real business world & combined with the ability to adapt this one every year is very unique and I liked it a lot. No matter how complicated it is to justify it in front of the university board, investing to bring people from the industry to the university contributes a lot to the experience of this journey. Thank you so much Mr.Paterson for your energy, insights and belief in your students!

Thank you Professor Andrew for this wonderful course. Although time was limited (only 5 sessions), I feel like I learned a lot for what was my first entrepreneurship course. The learning methods were innovative (field experience, original group work) and the classes were very interactive, which made them very enjoyable. This course made me want to learn more about entrepreneurial issues in my future studies (why not take an elective or specialization related to this subject in M2). Thanks again Professor Andrew and see you soon I hope!

This was by far the most valuable course I have ever attended. Not only was it incredibly fun, but it also taught me lessons that I believe will stay with me for life. Mr. Paterson’s passion for the subject and his genuine interest in each student’s ideas were truly inspiring — it was refreshing to have a teacher who cared so deeply. I genuinely believe this course has the potential to change lives. In just a few short days, our team built something we are all proud of, continually pushing past our perceived limitations and realizing that we are capable of far more than we thought in the beginning of the course. The only thing I didn’t like about the course was that it was only four days long — I can’t even begin to imagine what we could have achieved in a few weeks or even months. However, I am incredibly grateful for all the resources Mr. Paterson shared with us through his Notion page, which will allow us to continue exploring and building on everything we learned. Overall, this course provided a strong foundation, and I’m excited to continue building on it. Thank you again Mr.Paterson!

Honestly one of the only electives I was looking forward to. That excitement quickly settled down when we learnt it would be the week right before exams and would reduce our revision time compared to our classmates. Prayed day and night this class would be good because I had to cut short me visiting my family and honestly couldn’t have asked for better. You made the most out of a situation that was far from ideal. You were always engaged in our projects, always full of enthusiasm and made sure we always knew we could go to you if we had any issues. Your hands on approach is remarkable and in my opinion we didn’t have nearly enough of it throughout our year here at EDHEC so thank you! On top of that, when you said you didn’t believe in homework can I just say I felt 10kg lighter in just a couple of seconds. I had already envisioned my late nights juggling the course work and revisions so thank you for making sure that we maximised our time in class instead of just us listening to you talking for hours on end, it made a world’s difference! I’m really sad to hear you won’t be able to teach next years class and can’t possibly fathom why they would do that, I’m truly sorry but I fully believe you will find some place else (maybe even better in terms of organisation)! Best of luck and thank you again for everything Andrew!

The best course I took and I mean it. Loved the energy, the content and the fast paced approach. I think it was better to "jump in the water" and start our project without having too much time to think. It forced me to take action and rely on my feeling and my first instinct. I think the face paste environment helps me adapt quickly and stops me second guessing my decisions. I think the 70% doing, 30 % learning is a perfect split as well. The only thing I would change is the length... I wanted more, it was that good. Second week I would like for us to actually start building a prototype and get users on the platform to interact and improve based on feedback. Thanks so much Andrew for a memorable course and experience!

Thank you Andrew for this impactful course. This subject was a discovery for me and I thought it was very interesting to discover the thinking process of entrepreneurs when trying to launch a new product or service. I really enjoyed working with my group on a project linked to sports and social impact, I just wish we add more time to develop it a bit more. Thank you so much for all your time, resources, inspirational quote and for all the energy you put into the course !

This course helped me see marketing in a more practical and enjoyable way. I especially liked the group project, it was both engaging and fun to work on with my team. I believe other students would appreciate the supportive atmosphere during the presentations and the tasting afterwards. :)) Thank you for your 'unconventional teaching' (great) and especially for the photos, it’ll be nice to look back at them years from now!

Mr. Paterson's international marketing course helped me learn a bit more about the real world of marketing creativity that companies go through. His engaging and interactive approach works well, when you are interested in the topic. The course was very hands-on and open to discussions, so anyone who wishes to participate will enjoy the experience! Thank you again Pr.Paterson for your 'unconventional' approach that I will always remember!

I dreaded the moment I would write this testimonial, because it means my time as your student is coming to an end. Words truly can't describe the impact being in your class has had on my learning experience, personal growth, and shaping my projects for the future. I feel incredibly lucky to have been able to follow multiple classes with you during the BBA. Lean Startup, Design Thinking and Growth Marketing were all captivating and rich both in the content covered and the learning approaches we got to explore. I'll never say it enough but you are probably the only teacher I know who really gets what "learning by doing" means. The way you teach is always super relevant, fun and interactive, and I know many of the teachings from your classes will stick with me for life. You always compliment our efforts and encourage us to learn through our big successes, and most importantly through our mistakes. Each step of the way, whether for a group project, a personal assignment or something to do with my professional ambitions, I have always felt supported by you. It's touching how much you value your students and believe in us. I am convinced that if we listen to the words of Andrew (and not those of a chicken of course), each of us is promised a bright and successful future filled with doing things we love. Let's not forget to mention you helped me figure out what I want from my career (which is not a small feat), and gave me confidence to pursue a field I am deeply passionate about. Thanks a million times, for everything.

A totally different approach to a course that kept me and my class hooked on a sometimes boring subject. Thank you for always being present and involved with your students, whatever the time of day, and for your unparalleled responsiveness!

I had the chance to have Andrew as a professor throughout the year, and as a mentor for my last-year business game. Andrew is really precious to have in an education team & for students because he always ask and push people to go further the academic goals. By his genuine and kind personality, he manages to sort the best goodwill in people and that + the academic learning is really memorable ! Thank you Andrew !!

You were amazing during the business game at EDHEC. You were there when we had any kind of questions. Even when you didn't have an answer, you didn't shy away from asking the other administrators and were genuinely trying to help us all. We could say that you are kindness incarnate. A true altruist. Even if it was your first business game it was great. We all enjoyed it because we were all equally lost so everybody had a blast. Also as a last note, you don't need to apologize for it was your first business game. It's totally fine, don't worry too much about it. One thing that could be improved is the fact that you weren't one of my teachers in my whole 4 years of curriculum at EDHEC. I would have loved to see what you could have taught me and spend more time with you. You radiate positive energy, it felt good talking to you in those 3 days. Wish you the best, André

The business game was an unforgettable experience for me. I was so involved in each decision that I dreamed about it at night lol. More seriously, thank you for your support, learning together is also a beautiful form of tutoring and your closing speech touched me terribly, I left a little tear there...

Andrew's enthusiasm and dedication made the course highly engaging and impactful. It was exciting to see the direction the class was heading as the course progressed. While there were a few setbacks and challenges along the way, the overall experience was rewarding. It was also really cool that we got back to using arts and crafts to implement strategies! Thank you Andrew for your engagement and energy!

I highly recommend this course as it has provided me with practical skills that I can apply to both my future studies and career. I truly appreciated the hands-on exercises that connected theoretical concepts to practical application. In my opinion, the greatest strength of this course is the integration of AI. Instead of restricting its use (as in other university courses I've attended), Andrew has openly encouraged us to experiment with it and learn how to leverage its potential! Andrew Paterson’s passion for teaching, unconventional style and deep dedication created an inspiring learning experience that has enriched me personally. His enthusiasm and extensive knowledge captivate and engage students, making the learning process truly impactful. Thank you for the time you have dedicated to us and for enriching my semester abroad!

I am glad I took the Strategic Thinking course with Prof Mr. Paterson! From the very first class, the level of engagement was super high, making the whole learning experience fun and interactive. I learned so much, not just about strategy but also about real-world cases that are relevant right now. Plus, the tech used in the sessions was always up to date, making everything easier to understand. Each class had its vibe, and Mr. Paterson's warm and humorous approach made the atmosphere excellent. If you are taking this course in the future, my tip would be to leave your phone or laptop away unless asked (every part of the discussion is packed with helpful info, so you will not want to miss anything!) Huge thanks to Mr. Paterson for such an incredible experience! I wish you the best for the future, and I hope to meet you again.

Great experience, super enthusiastic teacher, one of the most engaged course I’ve ever done; thank you so much Andrew!

I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the past three months. Your teaching style and the knowledge you’ve shared have had a profound impact on me, both academically and personally. Your ability to teach with professionalism, skill, and humanity is truly inspiring. You not only as a professor but also as a mentor who demonstrates compassion and understanding. I deeply appreciate the effort you put into ensuring we learn and grow, and I feel fortunate to have had you as my professor. Thank you once again for everything you have done for us. May God bless you and your family abundantly.

This course was incredibly conducted. I loved the ease of communication from the professor through Discord. It made the atmosphere of the class more comfortable and casual in the best way possible. He was always available for help and discussion. Additionally, the Notion board had an abundance of extra ways to work on ourselves not pertaining to the class. He had ways for us to make a website for ourselves, tips for group works, and support systems. Andrew is the best college professor I have had during my Bachelors career thus far. Thank you for everything! Mary Kate Johnson

He is a highly knowledgeable individual who brings a wealth of expertise to every lesson. His passion for teaching is evident in the way he engages with students and makes complex concepts accessible. With a professional approach and genuine enthusiasm, he has significantly enriched our learning experience.