Advertise on podcast: LearnShift

Today on LearnShift: A student who organised Romania's first capital markets conference after the fall of communism, because there was no knowledge in the room, so he brought the knowledge to the room. A finance leader who opened 107 Kaufland stores in 24 hours across Romania. A CFO who sold 15 Baumax stores in a crisis M&A, and was the only country in the group that found a buyer, keeping every employee in a job. A regional MD running 10 countries, Finance, HR, Logistics and IT. A chairman of a bilateral Romania–Austria business platform. A member of Austria's national retail Präsidialrat — in a room with the CEOs of SPAR, IKEA Austria, and Hofer. And a current WU Executive Academy EMBA student. All at the same time. Radu's 5 insights you won't hear anywhere else: 1️⃣ Going back to school at the peak of your career isn't humility — it's the sharpest strategic move you can make 2️⃣ The imposter syndrome is an invitation — it tells you exactly where your next investment in yourself should go 3️⃣ CEE is not a footnote — GDP growth of 2–4% per year while Western Europe flatlines. The opportunity is hiding in plain sight. 4️⃣ "Balkan" — in Turkish, it means honey and blood. That's the most honest description of a market most executives never bother to understand 5️⃣ Frameworks from an MBA minimise the probability of error. Experience from the boardroom builds the instinct. You need both — and neither is optional. 💬 "I always hire alphas in their specific domain. And then I build a team around them. Hire for attitude. Train for skills." Real stories. Real transformations. Real insights. Hosted by David Fischanger & Ramona Bordea, eMBA CHAPTERS: 00:00 - Introduction to Radu Stoijke and his unique leadership journey 02:01 - Why pursue an MBA at 48 after decades of success 03:57 - Effects of structured learning on leadership style after 20+ years in the field 07:23 - Discovering new self-awareness through modules in executive education 09:12 - The significance of curiosity and imposter syndrome in continuous growth 10:38 - Transition from financial journalism to retail management: lessons learned 12:02 - Building Lidl Romania from scratch during rapid expansion 15:49 - Managing open stores during intensive restructuring in retail operations 18:11 - Navigating local market differences while adhering to international standards 21:17 - Leadership in matrix organizations: balancing decision-making and empathy 23:39 - Leadership qualities during crises, exemplified by Baumax and COVID-19 27:15 - Creating Romania Connect: a bridge driven by purpose and opportunity 30:42 - Myths and realities about investing in Central and Southeast Europe 33:27 - Insights from top retail discussions: sharing perspectives and frameworks 36:51 - The value of continuous physical and mental discipline, exemplified by Radu’s fitness routine 37:19 - Using AI as a strategic board of advisors: benefits and limitations 39:14 - The importance of combining human intuition with technological tools 41:17 - The ongoing hunger for knowledge: why leaders pursue lifelong education 42:12 - Strategic growth goals for Romania Connect in 2030 44:45 - Reflection: key lessons and points from Radu's story 45:14 - The significance of preparedness, discipline, and seizing opportunities 47:41 - Embracing lifelong learning as a career-long endeavor 49:38 - How imposter syndrome can be a growth signal rather than a barrier 52:05 - AI as a supplement, not a replacement, for human judgment in leadership 55:25 - The deeper purpose behind Romania Connect: giving back and bridging cultures

Today on LearnShift: Explore Wolfgang Zodl's inspiring journey of continuous learning, leadership during crises, and pioneering digital transformation in media. Discover how persistence, adaptive leadership, and strategic data governance can reshape careers and organizations. In this episode: Wolfgang's career journey at ORS and his dedication to further education despite early challengesLeadership insights during the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of trust and virtual communicationThe role of data governance as a foundation for successful AI and digital transformationChallenges of corporate rebranding and cultural integration post-acquisitionFuture trends in media consumption driven by AI, 5G, and personalized contentWolfgang’s personal leadership style: calm, calculated, and environment-focusedPerspectives on data-driven decision making in sports and beyondReflections on international experiences and lessons learned from Harvard immersion Chapter: 00:00 Introduction to Wolfgang and his career at ORS 00:44 Wolfgang’s early education and the challenges faced during his technical studies 01:40 Why Wolfgang pursued an MBA and the importance of data governance in digital transformation 02:34 Leading IT teams during a pandemic: trust and virtual leadership strategies 03:22 Building a calm and secure leadership style in a fast-changing environment 04:27 Bridging IT and business: real-world implementation of alignment strategies 05:40 Navigating corporate rebranding: from Austria-based media to a global streaming tech player 06:15 Cultural integration challenges and managing cross-border teams 07:07 Personal balance: managing finances for local football clubs alongside IT leadership 08:00 The future of media consumption: personalization, AI, and content delivery trends 09:15 The critical role of independent media for democracy amidst misinformation risks 10:00 Wolfgang’s reflections on Harvard immersion and lessons from the US 11:20 Leadership lessons: perseverance, adapting roles, and staying true to values 12:50 Data governance as the backbone: from silos to AI-ready data 14:10 The importance of metadata, context, and lean data strategies in small to mid-sized companies 15:50 The impact of trust, vision, and leadership under pressure during crises 17:00 Personal leadership style: calm, Security, environment empowerment 18:15 Managing team responsibilities and aligning OKRs with trust and autonomy 19:20 Handling project failures and turning challenges into growth opportunities 21:00 The day-to-day of bridging IT and business with real examples 22:25 Wolfgang’s approach to organizational culture and change management post-acquisition 24:00 The significance of data governance in AI and machine learning initiatives 25:45 Emerging media technologies: 5G, personalized content, and associated risks 27:00 Personal pursuits: balancing sports, hobbies, and leadership roles in a small community 28:20 Quick-fire section: tools, advice, and reflections in rapid answers

Today on LearnShift: A girl from a wine farm in Styria whose grandfather traded wood. A student who joined an economics association in 1992 and felt the iron curtain open in real time in a room in Prague. A finance professional who went from tax manager to plant controller to CFO across Russia, Norway, Austria, Germany. Four supervisory board seats. A dual Executive MBA, Vienna and Minnesota. And a business idea she's not ready to share yet. Gabriele Schallegger didn't build a career. She built a portfolio of bets, each one compounding on the last. Gabriele's 5 insights you won't hear anywhere else: 1️⃣ The best CFO framework she knows came from a hailstorm when she was ten years old, watching her parents lose an entire harvest and rebuild anyway 2️⃣ Sitting on a board and running a company require a genuine cognitive switch and most executives never learn to make it 3️⃣ The most convincing AI presentation she ever witnessed wasn't from a consultant, it was a shift leader in a roof factory, apologising for his imperfect English 4️⃣ Companies can absorb cost. What they cannot absorb is regulatory uncertainty and that distinction is killing Europe's sustainability agenda 5️⃣ The one thing the MBA gave her that no job ever could: a safe space to be wrong, with no political stakes attached Chapters: 00:45 - Gabriele’s diverse industry experiences and her roots in Austria’s wine farm 01:41 - The role of persistence during crises, inspired by childhood hailstorm story 02:28 - The impact of her executive MBA and international networking in shaping her career 03:33 - How childhood role models fostered courage and curiosity 04:31 - Transition from traditional finance to storytelling and strategic positioning 05:40 - Characteristics that propelled her forward: persistence and adaptability 07:06 - Diversification vs. focus — connecting the dots across sectors 08:52 - Leading people versus leading businesses: a holistic perspective 10:20 - The differences between executive and board roles in strategic oversight 12:44 - Her experience balancing international education with European career development 15:10 - The value of peer learning and honest feedback during MBA studies 16:39 - How the MBA environment fosters a safe space for innovation and experimentation 19:04 - The evolution of finance from numbers to storytelling in capital markets 22:08 - Industry trends: AI in manufacturing and energy, digital twins, and sustainability tech 26:30 - Practical insights on AI readiness, pilot projects, and operator-led innovation 29:53 - The landscape of regulation and the importance of stable, long-term strategies 35:56 - Success stories of grassroots AI projects driven by operational staff 37:23 - Managing the rapid pace of technological innovation and industry experimentation 42:45 - Sustainability reporting, regulatory costs, and the market-driven versus policy-driven approaches 46:26 - Advice to MBA students: embracing risk, experimentation, and building trust-based networks 55:55 - Reflections on resilience, roots, and growth inspired by childhood stories 58:42 - The significance of a safe space in MBA for failure, feedback, and identity testing 62:03 - The unpredictability of regulatory environments and strategies for adaptive planning 64:05 - Closing thoughts: the importance of curiosity, resilience, and continuous learning in careers

In today's episode of LearnShift, Professor Maurizio Poli reflects on over 30 years of experience in decision science, the disruptive power of AI, and the cultural shifts needed to harness data effectively. This episode offers insights into teaching across borders, integrating AI into education, and managing societal trust in machine decision-making. In this episode: Maurizio Poli’s journey from data enthusiast to global lecturer in decision scienceThe evolution of teaching methods from physical slides to Generative AI promptsHow data science is viewed as the 'raw material' in top corporationsKey differences in learning and engagement across Mumbai, Milan, and HarvardThe challenges and opportunities of AI adoption in enterprises and societal trust issuesPractical implications of AI in supply chain, decision-making, and automationThe importance of data culture and responsibility in data-driven organizations Key Chapter Timestamps: 00:17 Introduction to Maurizio Poli 01:04 Why Maurizio was drawn to decision science and the value of data assets 05:41 Insights into Maurizio's experiences teaching across different cultures 09:28 Discussion on sacrifices and choices in balancing career and family 19:01 How AI is transforming educational methods and tools. 26:31 The importance of AI in modern management education 32:39 Managing data quality and fostering a data-driven organizational culture 41:58 Challenges of societal trust in AI systems and accountability issues 54:59 Comparing human decision-making instincts with AI capabilities 62:03 Discussing responsibility and ownership in AI's future landscape

Today, we dive deep into Robert's incredible journey through finance, exploring how education and curiosity can unlock new opportunities. From Bucharest to Vienna, his story showcases how moving beyond comfort zones can lead to profound personal and professional growth. Curious about the impact of structured education? Robert's experience reveals the unexpected value of learning, even after two decades in the field. His insights on adapting to new environments and embracing change are golden nuggets for anyone looking to pivot in their career. Key Topics: The importance of challenging oneself early and the danger of safety being an obstacle, not an achievementThe transformative power of international living and full-body learning experiencesThe role of continuous education in mastering complex fields like liquidity risk managementHow an MBA shifts perspective: from technical details to effective communication with non-specialistsThe value of diverse cohorts and conflict-free feedback in executive educationAI's potential to disrupt banking processes, enhance decision-making, and introduce new risksManaging risks associated with AI, market manipulation, and data sovereigntyThe importance of explaining complex concepts simply: a marker of true understandingBalancing professional growth with family responsibilities and personal reflection Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to learning's impact on career 00:29 Robert's international career path 01:25 Decision to pursue an MBA 02:23 Complexity of liquidity risk management 03:50 Key career motivations 05:44 Value of an international profile 09:36 Diversity in MBA cohort 20:11 AI's transformative potential in banking 29:22 Opportunities and challenges of AI deployment 33:24 Importance of continuous learning 49:24 Concluding thoughts and anticipation for upcoming episodes

In this episode of LearnShift, hosts Ramona and David engage in a captivating conversation with Dr. Irina Schreiber, a particle physicist who played a pivotal role in the discovery of the Higgs boson at CERN. Irina shares her unique journey from growing up in Arkhangelsk, Russia, to working at one of the world's leading research centers in Geneva. She discusses her decision to pursue an MBA while working in a scientific environment, emphasizing the importance of bridging the gap between science and business. Irina's passion for science is evident as she explains how her experiences have shaped her approach to project management and communication, highlighting the significance of curiosity and continuous learning in her career. Keywords Higgs boson, particle physics, MBA, project management, CERN, lifelong learning, science communication, career pivot, women in science, curiosity Takeaways Science doesn't have borders and nationality. You have to dive in; it's scary, but it helps. There is no failure; only additional learning steps. Follow your heart and be curious about what you do. Don't be afraid to ask stupid questions. Sound bites "You should do science only because of love." "You have to dive in; it's scary, but it helps." "In nine out of ten approaches you will fail." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to LearnShift and Guest Introduction 05:05 Irina's Journey from Russia to CERN 12:17 Challenges of Learning and Adapting in a New Environment 17:05 Understanding CERN and the Higgs Boson 22:47 Transitioning from Science to Business 29:26 Connecting Science and Project Management 35:54 The Importance of Diversity in Science 40:01 Advice for Women in Male-Dominated Fields 42:55 Framework for Communicating Complex Concepts 45:15 Rapid Fire Questions and Closing Thoughts

In this episode of Learn Shift, hosts Ramona and David are hitting the dance floor – but they’re bringing their cameras along. Both are capturing quick video interviews with WU Ball 2026 guests about their biggest “LearnShift” moments. The result? A special video episode celebrating how this incredible community continuously learns and transforms. Explore themes of curiosity, collaboration, lifelong learning, and the importance of community in personal and professional growth. Participants share their experiences and insights on how diverse skills and connections have shaped their journeys, emphasizing the value of teamwork and continuous learning in achieving success. Big thanks to ⁠WU Executive Academy⁠ for the invitation! Takeaways: + Everything is possible when you believe in yourself. + Collaboration enhances potential and opportunities. + Lifelong learning involves challenging oneself with new ideas. + Staying connected to curious and bold people is vital. + Small steps lead to significant achievements over time. + Communication is essential for opening doors in careers. + Unexpected skills can lead to surprising career paths. + The power of community motivates individuals to succeed. + Diverse backgrounds enrich the learning experience. + Education is a journey that fosters personal growth. Chapters: 00:00 Exploring Curiosity and Connection 02:54 The Power of Collaboration 06:11 Lifelong Learning and Personal Growth 09:01 Reflections on Education and Community

In this episode of Learn Shift, hosts Ramona and David engage with Katarina Stanisavljevic, a life designer and founder of Amazing Next. The conversation explores the transformative power of lifelong learning and the importance of patience in career development. Katarina shares her journey from a successful media career to entrepreneurship, emphasizing the significance of community, continuous learning, and the concept of life design. The discussion also touches on the evolving nature of success, the role of mentorship, and the future trends in business and leadership. Takeaways: Lifelong learning is crucial for career transformation. Patience in career development can lead to greater success. Community support is vital for personal and professional growth. Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship requires careful planning. Life design integrates personal and professional aspirations. Success is now defined by impact rather than perfection. Continuous learning should be proactive, not reactive. Mentorship is essential for leaders at all levels. Collaboration across disciplines enhances problem-solving. Embracing change and being agile is key in today's business landscape. Sound bites: "Just do it!" "I aim to add value." "Now it means impact." Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Lifelong Learning and Career Transformation 02:40 Katarina's Early Career and Leadership Journey 12:58 The Importance of Patience in Career Development 19:06 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship 27:27 Understanding Life Design and Its Impact 31:13 The Role of Community in Leadership 33:34 Tools for Continuous Learning and Growth 36:51 Advice for Mid-Career MBA Seekers 40:30 Future Trends in Business and Leadership 42:27 Defining Personal Success and Impact

In this episode of LearnShift, hosts Ramona and David engage with Elena Petrova, a leader in media solutions and co-founder of HerBizz. They explore Elena's transformative career journey, the impact of education on professional growth, and the significant role of AI in reshaping the media industry. The conversation emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning, embracing failure, and the need for inclusive opportunities in the evolving landscape of work and technology. Takeaways Elena's career is marked by multiple transformations. Education, especially an MBA, can significantly change perspectives. AI is revolutionizing content creation and distribution in media. Future media leaders must be agile and curious. Embracing failure is essential for growth and learning. Networking and partnerships are crucial for success. The media landscape is shifting towards streaming and mobile consumption. Women empowerment in leadership is a key focus for Herbys. Small daily improvements can lead to significant success over time. Inclusivity in learning and development is vital for future growth. Sound bites "Curiosity rewrites career." "Dreams should scare you." "The future is inclusive." Chapters_ 00:00 Introduction to LearnShift Podcast 01:14 Elena Bedrova: A Journey of Transformation 05:42 The Impact of Education on Career Shifts 10:53 AI's Role in Media Transformation 20:42 Future of Broadcasting and Media 25:20 Skills for Future Media Leaders 30:51 Embracing Failure and Learning 34:38 Ensuring Inclusive Learning Opportunities 36:32 Emerging Trends in AI and Media

In this episode of LearnShift, Martina Ernst, founder and CEO of FairEqualPay, talks about her career, the challenges of the gender pay gap, and the importance of fairness in corporate management. She shares her experiences with MBA programs, pivotal moments in her career, and the impact of the EU Pay Transparency Directive on companies. She also discusses the challenges of performance management and the need for transparency and diversity in the labor market. Takeaways: Fairness is not equality, but rather taking individual needs into account. Win-win situations are crucial for professional success. Transparency in compensation promotes employee trust. The EU Pay Transparency Directive will force companies to communicate more openly about salaries. Performance management should include continuous feedback, not just annual reviews. Diversity in the workplace is a challenge that requires creativity. Customer needs should be at the heart of every business idea. An MBA can be crucial for career development. Pivot moments can offer unexpected opportunities. Transparent processes are key to employee retention. Titles: Career paths and challenges in the workplace The mission for fairness in working life Sound bites: “Everyone should get a chance.” “Win-win is a magic formula.” “Fairness is not equality.” Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the podcast and guests 01:13 Martina Ernst: Career and mission 02:12 The path to fairness in the workplace 07:25 Pivot moments in Martina's career 12:07 The importance of an MBA for your career 21:10 The EU Pay Transparency Directive and its impact 29:22 Challenges in performance management 38:15 Preparing for changes in companies 44:07 The ideal compensation system 49:00 Talent shortage and diversity in the labor market 54:58 Closing thoughts and advice for MBA students

In this episode, Ramona and David chat with Martin Giesswein about the importance of learning and digital skills in today's professional world. Martin shares his experiences from different stages of his career and highlights the importance of change, trust, and self-education. He also talks about the challenges of knowledge management and gives advice for future career decisions. "I'm a very bad seller.
But I'm very good at identifying demands.
And if you know the demand, you don't have to sell as people buy automatically." Martin Giesswein, on the skill that changed everything LearnShift Bonus: Get your free 30min Personal Advice (Free for Students, Business Starters) from Martin: ⁠https://calendly.com/giesswein/pa⁠ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to learning and careers 02:06 The path from school to the digital industry 06:48 The importance of career changes 12:36 Challenges and opportunities in professional life 18:16 The balance between entrepreneurship and personal wellbeing 21:23 Important skills for entrepreneurs 24:20 The role of formal education in learning 28:32 The role of formal education in AI 29:57 Learning through interaction with AI 32:43 The importance of humility and reputation 36:07 Career change and the motivation behind it 38:55 Practical steps for getting started in AI 41:10 Reflection on career and life choices 44:06 The importance of relationships and joie de vivre 46:19 Reality and strategy in your career path 50:31 Error culture and learning from failures 52:25 The balance between career and personal happiness

"Do you think I can do that?" That's what Barbara Stöttinger asked when offered the role of Dean at WU Executive Academy. She had 48 hours to decide. No time for pros and cons lists. Just one weekend to choose between comfort and the unknown. She said yes. In our latest LearnShift episode, Barbara – now Dean of Executive Education at HEC Paris (#1 FT ranking) – shares what most people won't tell you about career transformation: ✨ Why she left corporate product management for a PhD (and what that risk assessment really looked like) ✨ How she championed "Responsible Leadership" when students literally said, "What kind of nonsense is that?" ✨ Why Paris at 50+ felt like the right move, not a crazy one ✨ What AI means for leadership development (spoiler: it's not about the technology) ✨ The one question that changes how you think about failure (00:00:00) Welcome (00:06:28) Curiosity is my superpower (00:15:30) The biggest misconception about MBAs (00:25:55) What's the worst that can happen? (00:27:32) The astronaut analogy (00:37:35) Responsible leadership comes in (00:47:35) A tool is only as good as your expertise (00:50:40) The question of serendipity (00:55:02) I don't like the concept of failure (00:57:25) Ready to move out of your comfort zone (01:03:00) Reflections & Wrap Up (01:10:50) Next Episode

Welcome to LearnShift – the podcast where CURIOSITY rewrites CAREERS LearnShift is a podcast that explores how education can transform lives. Each episode tells a real story of someone who used the idea of lifelong learning and unique background to create a different career path—often connecting business with other fields, from technology and healthcare to sustainability, arts, or leadership. The vision is simple: by hearing how others navigated their journeys—their challenges, turning points, and lessons—we can all gain fresh perspectives, learn from real experiences, and find inspiration for our own paths. It’s especially valuable for MBA students, graduates, and professionals considering a change, because it offers authentic, lived examples of how learning fuels growth and transformation beyond the classroom. In short, LearnShift is about sharing stories that help everyone see what’s possible. Welcome [00:00:33] Welcome to LearnShift – the podcast where CURIOSITY rewrites CAREERS About [00:00:50] Each episode, we sit down with professionals who've used education and lifelong learning to create remarkable career paths. Next Week [00:01:35] In next's week episode we have the pleasure to talk to Barbara Stottinger, Dean of HEC Paris