Sustainability, Innovation, and a Swedish Edge at Stockholm School of Economics 

On the Stockholm School of Economics (SSE)’s Executive MBA, every student’s experience is different. However, alumni Emma Fredwall, Kelly O’Rourke, and Ryan Emge were all drawn by the program’s focus on sustainability and innovation. 

Emma explains, “One of the reasons that I was drawn to SSE specifically was the focus on sustainability and innovation. I really wanted to learn in a context and in a culture that was at the forefront of that, which is what Sweden is to me.” (00:00)

For Emma, returning to her hometown from the USA for her MBA added a personal layer to the decision. Studying for an MBA in Sweden meant reconnecting with her roots and the region’s leadership in ethical business practices. 

A Safe Space to Explore New Ideas

More than just an academic program, the Stockholm School of Economics Executive MBA offers personal growth. 

Kelly shares her view. “What was great is that it’s this safe environment, so you’re able to learn and grow and ask questions and take risks and experiment with things. I found it was an extremely exciting and enriching program.” (00:46)

This sense of safety means participants can explore topics outside of their current expertise. Without the pressure of always being right, they engage freely with new subjects and perspectives.

In addition, Kelly highlights the advantage of this openness. “I was reminded of the privilege I had (in Sweden) to step out of my professional swim lane and be exposed to new topics and new areas.” (00:34) 

Ultimately, the open nature of the SSE Executive MBA is what sets the scene for curiosity to thrive. It invites students to test out ideas, confront uncertainty, and develop confidence to navigate complexity in their careers. 

Developing Leaders with a Bias for Action

As well as openness and sustainability, these alumni highlight the LeadershipLive program as a major learning curve. Alongside a one-to-one professional coach, students cover academics, self-leadership, personal branding, and more. 

Ryan recalls a specific benefit to his leadership journey. “What I learned as an outcome of the program is having a bias for action professionally and personally.” (01:19) This “bias for action” reflects a mindset shift. Rather than waiting for the perfect conditions, students embrace ambiguity, act decisively, and refine their approach.

For Ryan, his Executive MBA journey was about putting himself into a “future state.” (01:15) Although that state was to be determined, he knew it would involve having a bias for action.

Subsequently, Ryan makes it clear, SSE’s LeadershipLive program is a training ground for students to grow personally as well as professionally. It pushes them to lead with confidence, empathy, and purpose, qualities that are increasingly important in modern business.

Interdisciplinary Advantages of the SSE Executive MBA

The SSE Executive MBA provides interdisciplinary advantages, with students linking subjects from day one. For Emma, Kelly, and Ryan, this structure was pivotal to how they now approach complex business challenges.

Emma outlines the course: “The SSE program has a very interdisciplinary approach. We were studying multiple subjects over these 18 months at the same time, which allowed us to build on different subjects at the same time and apply them continuously, which culminated in a final project.” (01:25)

Therefore, instead of learning in isolated modules, participants weave together threads from strategy, finance, innovation, sustainability, and leadership. As a result, this exposure equips students to see problems and opportunities through a wider lens.

Putting Theory Into Practice With the Final Project

In the final project, students use their new skills to solve a real-world business challenge, often drawing on their real organizations for inspiration. 

For the final project, they must imagine a realistic worst-case scenario or crisis for an organization of their choice, working together in groups of 6-7 people, and simulate a management team. Using what they learn during the program, they analyze the situation and come up with solutions on how to handle the crisis in all areas of the organization: finance, markets, organization and people, communication, and procurement.

Emma describes the benefits of the final project. “I think that final project, for me, was like a lightbulb moment because it really helped me understand all the things that we had learned and how powerful that could be when added all together and used to solve a specific crisis.” (02:03) 

Although group projects emphasize the hands-on aspect of this program, they form only one part of the overall interdisciplinary advantages. SSE points out the advantages on its website. “After graduating from the SSE MBA Executive Format, they know what to do, how to do it, why they are doing what they do, and will have a more holistic view on business.”

Defining Your Professional Path After SSE

For SSE Executive MBA alumni, graduation is not the end. It’s a launchpad. Participants leave asking bold questions about what’s next, and more importantly, how they want to lead going forward.

Reflecting on his time at SSE, Ryan comments: “Now that I’ve done this, what’s next? How do I include a global environment that’s collaborative and supportive, that has the same ethical leadership principles that I want to continue? How do I carry on a connection to Sweden in a business context? How do I choose the right um organization that aligns to that, and how do I apply that to my career trajectory?” (03:03)

In summary, the Executive MBA raises a new set of questions. However, these questions come from a place of much greater self-understanding and business know-how. Whether considering new roles, developing their leadership style, or choosing a sustainable company, SSE alumni leave with the confidence and skills to succeed. 

Is the SSE Executive MBA Right for You?

Choosing an Executive MBA is a complex question that goes beyond academics. Emma, Kelly, and Ryan’s stories show that the SSE experience uncovers fresh perspectives, deepens leadership abilities, and links new disciplines. If that sounds like the path you want to follow, check your suitability for the SSE Executive MBA.

Want to study at the Stockholm School of Economics? Take our eligibility quiz to see if you qualify!