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In this episode, I speak with Pascal Chabaneix and Rodrigo Quintanilla Gonzalez (FTMBA ’26) about their Full-time MBA journey, the learning experiences that shaped them, and the unexpected moments that pushed them further than they imagined. Before starting the programme, Pascal moved to the Netherlands with his wife to settle into a new environment. “Arriving in December 2024 helped us get to know the country and the new life we were expecting to have,” he shares. Rodrigo reflects on how much he has grown during the programme, especially after the Living Management Project: “You don’t realize how much you’ve been growing until you face the world.” We also dive into one of the most memorable experiences of their year: the MBAT. With 1,800 participants from MBA programmes across Europe, the event required months of preparation. Listen to the full conversation and their inspiring stories!

In todays podcast I chat with Ritika and Ashley as they are getting closer to graduation. During their Full-time MBA experience, they have learned what leadership looks like for them on a personal level. We also discuss their motivation to do an MBA and what they were looking for when embarking on this journey. Ritika shares: “I realised I am in my comfort zone, and I need to get out of my comfort zone and try something new. This pushed me to look for other jobs and then I landed in E-commerce. I loved it. But I knew there had to be something more.” Ashley shares: “I have always been someone who needs change. I’d rather move than stand still. Every time I hit a wall in life, I asked myself “what can I change and do to get out of this situation?” Listen to the full podcast to hear about their journey and looking forward to life after the Full-time MBA!

For Dircki Taljaard (EMBA '26), one of the most challenging - and rewarding - parts of the Executive MBA has been the Life Journey course. It’s given him space to reflect, grow, and approach his work with a new perspective. "And of course, I’m also building the hard skills - like accounting and business - which are priceless. You learn the language by doing the course.” Listen to the full interview to hear more about Dircki’s journey, insights, and advice!

In today’s podcast episode I talk to Charles Mangwiro, one of our Full-time MBA students (Class of 2026). We chat about his background in investment management, insurance, and Fintech after which we dive into his FTMBA journey. During the MBA Charles learned to be more intentional about his work every day. The Personal Leadership Development component of the Full-time MBA programme raised his awareness on looking beyond the tasks. “I was more task oriented. Personal Leadership Development made me more aware that empathy is part of leadership.” When looking back on the highlights, he shares a few. “The Living Management Project, where we had to go to actual businesses and solve actual challenges and cases was a big highlight. We also had the opportunity to go to London for the study trip. All of that was inspirational and insightful.” Listen to the full episode to learn more about the MBA journey, and his advice if you’re on the fence!

In this episode I sit down with Hannah Foster, Recruitment and Admissions Manager at RSM. She shares what the admissions process looks like for the Full-time MBA and we debunk misunderstandings one may have about this process. ‘It is an important decision, so you do want to put your best foot forward, but don’t overthink the process. It’s not too intensive,’ says Hannah. And as a cherry on top we also dive into the new ‘MBA student for a day’ experience that we now offer. ‘The MBA Student for a day experience is a more complete programme that aims to give you the full experience of what a day in the life might be like for you as a student here.’ Listen to the full interview to learn more about this great opportunity!

In this episode, Ana Muraro was looking forward to and preparing for her Executive MBA Class of ’25 graduation. Now, she’s officially an alumna and has joined a powerful global network of over 50,000 alumni. In this episode, Ana reflects on: • Her very first week of the EMBA journey • The impact of the Personal Leadership Development component • How SDGs resonated with her - and came to life during the South Africa study trip 🎧Her advice is invaluable if you’re considering an Executive MBA.

In this episode Shilpika Basu, one of our Executive MBA students who joined the programme earlier this year, reflects on her EMBA journey so far: “Finance was always such a dry subject for me - but during the MBA, I had the most fun and camaraderie in accounting classes with Dennis Jullens. The lively discussions and banter made learning so much more engaging, and he was such an amazing person to learn finance from." Listen to the full episode to hear more about Shilpika’s EMBA experience, highlights of the programme so far and her advice!

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ginelle van Tartwijk, Philanthropy Advisor at ABN AMRO MeesPierson and proud alumna of RSM’s Full-time MBA Class of 2024. Originally from the US, Ginelle moved to the Netherlands with an efficiency mindset – determined to fully dedicate herself to the MBA journey. During our conversation, she reflected on the role of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in her studies at RSM: “The SDGs are a very big component of what we talk about in class, what we try to focus on, and what we take with us as we graduate.” The SDG that resonates most with her? SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. “I always come back to that one as being most important, because ultimately we have to work together to achieve the other goals. It’s difficult to do it alone - and I see that both in my work and in the big philanthropists I follow.” For more insights and to hear her full MBA story, listen to the full interview!

During the Global Executive MBA at Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University (RSM), participants can choose a unique track: Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA). It’s designed for future CEOs who want to lead an existing company, rather than start one from scratch. In this episode, we speak with Leonardo Palú, a recent graduate from the Global Executive MBA Class of 2025. Leonardo took a bold step by launching a search fund in Brazil – a courageous career pivot that marks the beginning of his journey to acquire and lead a business. He’s just completed the fundraising phase and is now actively searching for the right company. We explore: - What the ETA track offers - What his experience has been like so far - And how he envisions himself stepping into the CEO role. As Leonardo puts it: “They’re not just investors, they’re invested in you.” 🎧 Listen to the full episode to find out more about this alternative path to entrepreneurship.

In this episode we sat down with Márcia Di Domenico - a seasoned finance professional and Executive MBA student - who brings over a decade of global experience in audit, controlling, and reporting. From PwC to leading finance at a startup in Brazil, and now Senior Group Financial Controller in Rotterdam, Márcia shares how her EMBA is transforming her view on leadership and reshaping her future. 💬 We dive into: - Choosing the right MBA programme - Redefining leadership & strategy - Navigating surprises along the way - Career vision beyond job titles - Growth as both a leader and a person 🎧 Tune in to hear insights from a finance professionals and advice for anyone considering the EMBA path.

“There’s nothing better than talking to alumni or current students. Sometimes there are limits to what you can find online – but reaching out can really open your eyes to what’s possible with an MBA.” – Beatriz Valenzuela, FTMBA Class of 2025 Beatriz graduated this March, completing the Full-time MBA alongside her husband. 💬 “Doing the MBA together made the experience even more meaningful – we grew as individuals and as a couple.” In this episode, Beatriz shares: - What it was like navigating the FTMBA – and why you should use your student card! - Why she and her husband moved back to Mexico after graduation - How she plans to apply her MBA experience back home 🎧 Listen to the full episode! #FTMBA #MBAJourney #WomenInBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #RSMMBA

When Tugay joined the GEMBA programme at RSM, he expected to sharpen his business skills, and he has. But what he didn’t anticipate was the depth of personal growth the experience would demand. When discussing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, Tugay speaks candidly about his personal connection to SDG #1 – No Poverty: “I was born and raised in the Netherlands, and that makes me privileged. But my ancestors weren’t. One grandfather was from Italy, the other from Turkey, and both grew up in poverty. I carry their legacy with me. I have a deep desire to break the cycle and help build a world where everyone has a fair chance at a better life.” This was just one of many powerful reflections Tugay shares - including his belief in leading by creating a safe environment. 🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear more from Tugay and the leadership insights he’s gained along the way.

With a degree in Chemical Engineering and over 15 years of experience in the Oil, Gas & Chemical industry across Europe, Australia, and the Middle East, Zaher Charaf joined the Executive MBA programme in January 2025. In this episode, we dive into how he found his way into this field, what led him to pursue an MBA, and how the programme is shaping his perspective on his career path. 🎧 Listen to the full interview here! #ExecutiveMBA #RSM #CareerJourney #LeadershipDevelopment #LifelongLearning #QualityEducation

In this episode I dove into the MBA journey of two of our FTMBA Class of ’26 students, Yen Pham and Pascal Chabaneix. With different stories about their personal and professional backgrounds, thoughts and insights on leadership, turning points in their lives and the whole decision making process to do an MBA, this podcast is full of inspiring stories and nuggets of wisdom you must hear!

‘Transformation is not optional in this programme. Especially because of the Strategic Leadership Development course.’ – Shreyas Kapse (GEMBA ’25) When asked about key take-aways of the Global Experiential Learning modules, Shreyas shared: ‘The GELS’s are truly the experiential part of the learning. It is the most pragmatic kind of learning that you can expect.’ Listen to the full episode to learn more about his journey, his experiences and some examples of the Global Experiential Learning trips.