How the WHU Global Online MBA Changed My Perspective

Why I Chose the WHU Global Online MBA

Eighteen months ago, I embarked on a journey that would test my limits, reshape my perspective, and push me toward the professional and personal growth I had always aspired to. As a Head of New Business in the events industry, my role demands agility, strategic thinking, and an ability to adapt to an ever-changing landscape. I pursued the WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management Global Online MBA to refine my leadership skills, expand my global business acumen, and build a strong network of like-minded professionals.

The decision wasn’t just about career advancement—it was about transformation. I wanted to challenge myself beyond the daily responsibilities of my job at INTERPLAN Congress, Meeting & Event Management AG and immerse myself in modern business strategies. Little did I know how much this program would reshape not only my professional approach but also my understanding of balance, resilience, and growth.

Challenges & Key Insights

The journey was far from easy. Managing a full-time career, social commitments, and MBA coursework required a level of discipline and adaptability that I hadn’t fully anticipated. Three key challenges stand out:

Balancing Time Zones and Team Collaboration – Late-night calls, early-morning meetings, and working across different levels of commitment in group assignments became a norm. I had to learn patience, clear communication, and adaptability when navigating diverse perspectives and expectations.

Maintaining Work-Life Balance – Juggling professional responsibilities with academic deadlines often meant making tough choices—leaving birthday parties early, sacrificing weekend downtime, or logging study hours when I’d rather be unwinding. The structured four-week course modules with breaks in between helped, but ultimately, it was about prioritization and learning when to pause.

Redefining Productivity – One of the biggest mindset shifts I experienced was realizing that pressure does not equate to productivity. Initially, I operated with a ‘higher, faster, further’ mentality, believing that pushing myself harder would yield better results. Over time, I learned that true progress comes from focus, intentionality, and understanding when to step back and recalibrate.

Professional & Personal Growth

The WHU Global Online MBA has had a profound impact on both my career and personal development. Professionally, I’ve gained a broader strategic perspective, refined my leadership approach, and strengthened my ability to navigate complex business challenges with confidence. Applying newly learned frameworks directly to my role at Interplan has reinforced my belief in continuous learning as a key driver of success.

Beyond the technical skills, the experience has reshaped how I view leadership. I’ve moved from a task-driven approach to one centered on empowerment, fostering collaboration, and aligning long-term vision with actionable strategies. The diverse cohort I had the privilege to learn from expanded my understanding of global business dynamics, and many of these classmates have now become trusted colleagues and friends.

Reflections & Conclusion

As I approach the final stages of this journey, I find myself reflecting on how much I have grown—not just as a professional, but as an individual. The WHU Global Online MBA challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, re-evaluate my approach to productivity, and embrace a more sustainable way of pushing my limits.

While this chapter is coming to a close, the lessons will stay with me. I look forward to the final courses and thesis work ahead, knowing that this experience has not only equipped me with valuable knowledge but also reinforced my ability to adapt, lead, and grow in ways I never anticipated.

If I had to summarize what this journey has taught me in one sentence, it would be this: Growth isn’t just about reaching the next milestone—it’s about the process of becoming a more self-aware, capable, and fulfilled version of yourself.