The emba X Executive MBA focuses on societal impact, personal development, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology. Learn how Daniela Schomaker’s skills, mindset, and comprehension of the intricate relationship between business and society underwent a profound transformation during her emba X journey.
In the middle of the COVID pandemic, Daniela Schomaker, a German business administration and informatics professional from northern Germany, found herself thrust into managing the global crisis team at her company. This role exposed her to many business defects and revealed flaws in global supply chains, healthcare systems, and social safety nets, to name only a few.
Daniela discovered emba X during this tumultuous time and began her transformative journey into sustainable business. The emba X program is jointly offered by two of Switzerland’s leading educational institutions: ETH Zurich and the University of St.Gallen.
Daniela appreciated how emba X focuses not only on new developments and new technologies in the business environment but also on how companies can positively impact society.
“We, as companies, need to think about wider society and how society can benefit from our operations at the end of the day. So, not having a narrow view only on business, but also a wider view, looking into the different aspects and the ecosystem as a whole,” Daniela explains. (00:21)
This Executive MBA goes beyond the traditional courses and frameworks. It helps uncover participants’ unique strengths to address pressing global business challenges.
The emba X program is designed for senior-level leaders who have already gone far in their careers. A typical cohort comprises around 30 highly motivated and experienced senior executives from diverse backgrounds.
However, what truly stands out about this Executive MBA is its community. “The network is awesome,” Daniela says. “It is one of the unique factors that is really outstanding from my point of view. It turned out to be a perfect and diverse cohort with a lot of respect for the different viewpoints and perspectives brought to the table. If this is the C-suite level of the future, the future will be amazing.” (01:00)
After all, times are changing fast, and new times call for new leadership models. New ways of thinking and doing. Therefore, inspiring a mindset of adaptability at the C-suite level will be crucial for companies that want to make a positive impact.
To qualify for the program, applicants must possess at least ten years of work experience, including five years in leadership roles. Additionally, they must hold a recognized undergraduate degree and be fluent in English.
Experience and seniority are important. However, what truly distinguishes emba X candidates is their commitment to positive social impact. They embark on a transformative journey, aiming for both personal and professional development.
The majestic Swiss mountain ranges that surround emba X’s location have had a strong influence in shaping the program itself. Dubbed an “alpine journey” by emba X, this Executive MBA spans 18 months and takes students on a personal development adventure. The path takes students from “base camp” along an adventurous route encompassing peaks and valleys.
emba X is designed for students to experience a “change in altitude”, an elevation that can only be achieved after overcoming challenges. Learning through experience entails failures, teamwork, self-discovery, and broadening horizons toward new possibilities.
The core leadership, management, and technology courses equip students with valuable tools and insights to navigate the volatile business landscape. Meanwhile, emba X empowers them to approach their roles with a fresh perspective and make a positive impact.
Through this self-discovery process, students identify weaknesses and strengths in their own organizations and apply their learnings to real-life challenges. By engaging in self-analysis, emba X students enhance their leadership value.
The emba X program encourages senior executives to explore the interconnectedness between business and social change. This fosters a mindset beyond profit and considers environmental sustainability, social equity, and ethical practices.
When asked about her experience during the emba X program, Daniela says, “It has boosted my own skills, and also the understanding of how things connect to each other. How sustainability, for example, connects to business. It’s not an ‘or’ connection. It’s an ‘and’ connection. We really understood here that business with sustainability aspects can benefit each other, leading to better results on all ends. That is a great understanding that I take with me.” (01:52)
By integrating cutting-edge technology, business strategies, and social impact projects, this Executive MBA program empowers leaders to bring change to the C-suite. It pushes them to harness the power of innovation and entrepreneurial thinking to pursue more sustainable solutions.
Instead of maintaining separate silos for leadership, sustainability, and technology, emba X harmoniously merges them through the lens of social impact. The program amplifies the impact of individual participants and creates a network of like-minded leaders who can collaborate and support each other on this shared mission.
emba X is more than an Executive MBA for senior leaders. It’s a transformative journey that empowers candidates to leverage their skills, knowledge, and influence for the betterment of society. By putting senior leadership at the service of societal impact, emba X paves the way for a brighter future.
Ready to transform not just your career but also the future of sustainable business leadership? Connect with an emba X student ambassador and embark on your own alpine journey.
