Executive MBA student profiles

David Dankwerth, Israel, Executive MBA 2006
Development Director, RI3K, London

A Year of Changes

"When I applied to the Executive MBA at London Business School, I researched very thoroughly and I was delighted to be short-listed for an interview.  As a director of software development with a depth of skill and experience in the technical world, I was successful in my area, but wanted to equip myself to take on new challenges.

Since joining the EMBA Programme, in the last year I have undertaken projects that are business driven rather than technical, and, working directly with our customers, have been able to make significant contributions to several key clients.

This switch in focus has led me to initiate a campaign to support customer satisfaction and to understand customer needs and priorities and to deliver this across our products and services.

I can, with no doubt, attribute the initiatives and challenges I have taken and their success to the learning I got from my first year at London Business School in the Executive MBA programme – and delivering on my core job, as well as managing the demands of a growing family meant that it has been a real "year of change" as well as challenge."

Alex Letts, Chief Executive RI3K commented

"I am delighted with the programme and the investment we have made in sponsoring David.  There has been a real growth in his mature understanding of the business environment.  Part of our investment is about allowing time for the programme, but more significantly, we invested time and planning in giving David exposure to business related projects in order for him to get experience that aligned with the demands and benefits of the EMBA programme.

My primary goal is ensure that RI3K delivers what the market needs in every aspect of its service, technology and solution."

RI3K creates award winning and innovative technology solutions for the re-insurance industry.

http://www.ri3k.com/

Amy Brown, USA, Executive MBA 2006
Head of Membership and Events, The British Academy of Film and Television Arts

"I had not anticipated when beginning the Executive MBA just how much I would value not only the faculty at London Business School, but also my other classmates.  Being in an environment with students from 30 different countries who work in a variety of global industries has been hugely rewarding.  The faculty here encourage classroom discussion, whether the subject be Corporate Finance or Organisational Behaviour, and there is almost always a student in class with experience relevant to the industry or organisation we are discussing.  This wealth of knowledge would be difficult to replicate in a less global school.

Working in a study group, and also working informally with other students, has also helped me tremendously to strengthen my skills in areas I had not previously studied.  Coming from an Arts background, many of the subjects are new to me, and my classroom learning has been complemented by collaborations with other students.  Each Monday, when I return to the office after a weekend at London Business School, I have new ideas and skills to apply immediately in my work."

Julian Henley-Price, UK/France, Executive MBA 2006
Group Legal Counsel, Baltimore Technologies plc, London

"Perhaps the least considered, but certainly the most daunting aspect of undertaking an Executive MBA, is the sheer quantity of work involved - much of which is exploring new areas of learning - while simultaneously maintaining a full time job.  However, I have found this to be counterbalanced by the quality of the teaching staff and the diversity of materials covered.  This, with the sheer diversity of the background and quality of fellow students, has made for a thoroughly inspiring and enjoyable experience.  The spectrum of nationalities represented and professional experience gained is staggering, and lends itself to not only enriching the learning experience significantly, but also providing the students with entirely new perspectives.  This diversity was something not as apparent at other schools I considered.  Since I made my decision to do an Executive MBA at London Business School I have not looked back and consider this to be the most inspiring and worthwhile academic pursuit I have ever undertaken."

Nadine Pieper Bosch, Spain/Germany, Executive MBA 2006
Associate Architect, Foster and Partners, London

"What is an architect doing in a Business School? Is artistic creativity compatible with business acumen? My colleagues in the studio at first could not understand how an MBA could be compatible with the qualitative approach of a profession that focuses on the visual dynamics of space and light.  However, the two disciplines are very much interdependent, both art and business rigour are required to enable projects to become feasible.  Unfortunately, architectural training rarely delves into the financial foundations of projects.

The London Business School programme is unique in its combination of international professionals and scholars imparting world-class tuition to a select group of executives from diverse fields in order to equip them with the skills and insights to lead their respective businesses into the future.  The faculty is exceptional and the collaborative format of the discussion and work groups succeeds in capturing the interest of our diverse backgrounds and experiences with clarity and passion.

Initially my lack of an economics and financial background was worrying, especially in an accounting class sitting next to a seasoned banker.  However, fellow students are as much tutors as tutored in this programme where real-life situations are contrasted and studied in a disciplined manner.  My study group for instance, composed of an engineer from Paris; an actuary from Rome; an industrial engineer from Tehran; an economic analyst from Donetsk; and myself an architect from Barcelona has become a stimulating source of appraisal and discussion that greatly enriches our experience in these endeavours.

The Executive MBA not only offers a distinguished degree, but also a privileged opportunity to make the most of the great resources the School has to offer via its faculty, students, alumni and multiple activities, which are pioneering in their international outlook.  The bonds and friendships created will certainly complement our social and business network in the future.  At a personal level, it will also create a solid platform for my future as an entrepreneur with a proven skill and knowledge base."

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