Female Leadership with the Kellogg-WHU Executive MBA
Breaking barriers. Redefining leadership. An EMBA that embraces diversity and gender equity. An EMBA for women who want to make a difference. The right network, a platform to excel, and the knowledge to create lasting change.
Claim your space. Amplify your voice.
A confidence-building environment so you can lead with impact.
The gap is narrowing, but progress is too slow. Women hold just 28% of senior management roles worldwide (McKinsey, 2023). While leadership representation is improving, systemic barriers remain. At WHU, we are committed to accelerating change. That means breaking down obstacles to leadership with fair, inclusive access to top-tier professional training and insights. A global network of peers and mentors advocating for female representation where it matters most. A team dedicated to ensuring a program that meets your career needs. And flexible study options so you can make your EMBA work for you.
Women of the EMBA
Empowering female leaders.
A confidence gap should never be a barrier to success. Yet too often, women in business lack the role models and networks that accelerate leadership growth. Our EMBA students change their trajectory: broadening their potential, forging influential connections, and redefining their impact. Discover how our program can elevate your career.
Uniting women to transform leadership.
A powerful alliance driving real change. This community unites inspiring women, 200 top companies, and leading business schools—each committed to advancing women in leadership. Members gain access to practical tools that accelerate careers: high-impact conferences, expert-led webinars, exclusive networking, and training. For those pursuing an MBA, financial support opens new doors.
Changing the balance of power.
Your path to a fulfilling career.
Your network just became even stronger. Go beyond the six partner schools in the Kellogg-WHU global network and an alumni base of 70,000 diverse peers. Now you can access the Forté network—expanding your connections, opportunities, and influence. Benefit from:
- A wider network of peers all committed to advancing women in business.
- Leadership insights from Forté: specialized conferences and events.
- Additional training and resources: professional development webinars with leading experts.
- Increased exposure: job openings, leadership programs and inclusion in the Forté Fellows resume book.
Financial aid for your goals.
![[Translate to English:] Drei Menschen, die zusammen Spaß haben.](/fileadmin/_processed_/3/b/csm_Kellogg-WHU-EMBA-Leadership-Hero_08664b3437.jpg "[Translate to English:] Kellogg WHU EMBA Leadership Hero")
Motivated to make a difference.
Opening doors. Creating impact. The Forté Fellowship empowers women to claim their place at the table. It’s more than simply offering financial support to rising female leaders pursuing an MBA. Beyond funding, “Forté Fellows” can reach out to a network of peers, accomplished women, and allies. Becoming a Fellow means fostering the connections, experience, and mentorship necessary to excel in leadership.
Atibo Onen
Class of 2024
"Women belong in leadership—not someday, but today. This program helped me see that I didn’t need permission to take my career to the next level."
Elke Nitz
Class of 2023
"There is an antidote to any kind of self-doubt and for me this antidote was to invest in myself, learn and broaden my horizon. The EMBA has proved that I can be confident about what I am capable of, and I can probably apply it to any environment."
Tolulope Ochonogor
Class of 2020
"I made a deliberate choice to invest in my personal and career development with Kellogg-WHU. It is a program with world-class faculty and amazing individuals with diverse backgrounds."
Marina Voudouri
Class of 2023
"When I started searching for an EMBA program I had a clear priority: it should be at a leading business school with a culture that aligns well with my values. At Kellogg-WHU those conditions are fulfilled completely."
Frequently Asked Questions
Time Commitment & Flexibility
How much time does an EMBA require, and how can I manage my workload?
The Kellogg-WHU EMBA is for leaders balancing demanding careers and busy lives. You can expect to study over extended weekends every 6-8 weeks. Managing this workload is not just possible—it is part of the learning journey. With a clear structure, practical tools, and the support of your cohort and program team, you will find ways to integrate your studies into your professional rhythm.
How can I balance an EMBA with work and personal responsibilities (family, social life, etc.)?
Balancing an EMBA alongside your career and personal life is a challenge. But it is one you do not face alone. Many of our participants simultaneously manage family life, boardrooms, and studies. The key lies in prioritization, planning, and leaning on the support network you gain from day one and a strong support network at home. You will find that the program is flexible in format and built on the understanding that success requires clarity in your goals for joining an EMBA.
What kind of flexibility does the program offer to accommodate different schedules?
Flexibility is embedded into the design of the EMBA. A modular structure offers space for your professional life, with only 60 workdays required out of the office. For everything else that life throws at you, the Kellogg-WHU EMBA has other flexible study options. Postpone a module, pause your studies, or even defer a place if the time isn’t right. We want your EMBA experience to be right for you, and we understand that your time is valuable. Our program is built to make sure you get the most from every moment.
What happens if I cannot travel for international modules?
We offer a broad portfolio of international modules, from global electives to immersive field trips, designed to expand your perspective and strengthen your ties within the Kellogg global network. These experiences are an integral part of the program, connecting you with diverse markets, insights, and leaders worldwide. We also understand that flexibility is key. If certain modules are not feasible for you, our dedicated program management team will work closely with you to identify the right alternatives—ensuring your EMBA journey remains as enriching and seamless as possible.
Financial Considerations & Employer Support
Are there specific scholarships or financial aid options available for female applicants?
We offer a wide range of financing options and scholarships including those specific to women in leadership. This ranges from different student loan providers to the Forté Fellowship for Women. This scholarship offers 30% of tuition costs plus additional benefits to support women seeking to further their careers in leadership. Whatever your financial situation, we will do our best to find an option that works for you.
How can I involve my employer in supporting my EMBA journey—financially and in terms of time commitment?
Securing your employer’s support starts with a clear, strategic conversation. Show them how your EMBA is not just an investment in your personal growth, but a direct benefit to the business. The insights, tools, and global network you gain feed straight back into your organization. Many participants create a business case, outlining the tangible returns their employer can expect. Aligning your study schedule with work commitments and setting clear expectations upfront ensures you can perform at your best on both fronts.
Career Impact & Advancement
How can an EMBA help me advance in my career?
An Executive MBA is more than a qualification. It is a catalyst for transformation. You will sharpen your strategic thinking, strengthen your leadership presence, and gain the tools to navigate complexity with confidence. But what sets our EMBA apart is its immediate impact—what you learn in the classroom today can drive real change in your organization tomorrow. Beyond skills and knowledge, the EMBA expands your network at a global level. You will build lasting connections with peers across industries, sectors, and continents—people who challenge your thinking, open new opportunities, and become part of your professional journey long after graduation.
How does the program support career development for women in leadership roles?
At Kellogg-WHU, we are committed to empowering professionals to step into leadership roles with confidence and clarity, with a particular focus on advancing women in business. Through a dynamic mix of group workshops, individualized coaching, and tailored career support, we address real-world leadership challenges and equip you with the tools to lead with purpose. Every participant is matched with an experienced coach, offering guidance on both personal growth and strategic career progression.
If you are ready to elevate your leadership and make a lasting impact, explore how we shape leaders at Kellogg-WHU:
How can I be sure I’m pursuing an EMBA at the right time in my career? Am I too young or too old?
The right time for an EMBA is when you are ready to take your leadership to the next level. Age is not the deciding factor—impact is. Most of our participants come with 8-10 years of experience, but what truly matters is your career trajectory, your ambition, and your readiness to step up. If you are an experienced leader looking to refresh your approach, gain new insights, or transition into a new industry, this program can be a game-changer. An EMBA is not about where you are in your career—it is about what you want to achieve.
Will an EMBA still provide a return on investment if I am already in a senior position?
Absolutely. In fact, for senior leaders, the return can be even greater. At the top levels of business, it is not just about what you know—it is about how you continue to evolve. The EMBA challenges you to rethink strategies, refine your leadership style, and approach complex problems with fresh perspective. You will connect with a global network of peers who understand the stakes of senior leadership. These connections open doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and markets.
Take, for example, one of our alums Annette Mann, CEO of Austrian Airlines. Despite already holding a leadership role with Lufthansa at the time, the EMBA gave her the confidence in her value in the workforce and helped her in her position leading a team.
Diversity & Inclusion
Why is gender diversity still relatively low in EMBA programs?
The reality is, gender gaps in leadership are still reflected in EMBA classrooms. Historically, barriers such as unequal access to career advancement, higher demands in balancing work and family life, and the perception that executive education is designed for a select few have limited participation from women and other underrepresented groups.
At Kellogg-WHU, we are actively working to close this gap by fostering an environment that champions diversity in all its forms. We offer tailored support, mentorship, and networking opportunities designed to empower women and underrepresented leaders to thrive. We also believe that diverse perspectives are not just beneficial to the learning experience—they are essential to driving real innovation and impact in business.
What initiatives does the school have in place to support female leaders?
At Kellogg-WHU, women leaders have access to a range of dedicated initiatives designed to elevate their careers. Among them is the Initiative Women into Leadership (iWiL), co-founded by one of our own alumnae. Through iWiL and similar networks, you gain more than mentorship—you join a thriving community committed to advancing women in business and leadership. And it doesn’t stop there. With an ever-growing number of student-led clubs and initiatives, you will find spaces that champion your ambitions, connect you with like-minded peers, and provide the support you need to lead with confidence.
Are there female role models or mentors within the EMBA community?
We are proud to count many female role models and mentors within the Kellog-WHU community. Not only are they found on campus and in the cohort, but also within the alumni community and around the world through the global network. Kellogg-WHU students can also count on the active and supportive network they gain through our collaboration with Forté, which means additional career resources and a community focused on supporting women in leadership positions.
Requirements & Confidence
Do I need strong quantitative skills to succeed in an EMBA?
Our Executive MBA equips you with the essential skills of a general manager, blending analytical precision with strategic insight. To support our diverse cohort, we offer a preparatory Quantitative Methods module before the program begins, allowing you to strengthen key skills at your own pace. From the outset, you will collaborate in a carefully selected study group, bringing together different perspectives to create a richer, more dynamic learning experience.
What kind of academic or peer support is available if I struggle with certain subjects?
From day one, you will join a study group that brings together peers from diverse industries, backgrounds, and markets. These groups are built to foster collaboration, with each member contributing unique expertise to support one another through coursework and assignments. Alongside your peers, you will have direct access to our faculty. Approachable and invested in your success, our professors regularly extend learning beyond the classroom, offering guidance, insights, and support during group work and beyond. With this combination of strong peer networks and engaged faculty, you are never navigating your EMBA alone.
Networking & Long-Term Benefits
How does the EMBA program help me expand my professional network?
The WHU EMBA connects you to a global network of ambitious, experienced leaders who are shaping industries worldwide. From day one, you are immersed in a cohort of peers who bring diverse perspectives, expertise, and insights—people who challenge your thinking and open doors to new opportunities.
But the network extends far beyond your classroom. Through our global partnerships, alumni network, international modules, and industry events, you gain lifelong access to a community of decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and innovators. These are not just contacts; they are collaborators, mentors, and trusted allies throughout your career.
What kind of lifelong benefits does the program offer, such as coaching, events, or alumni connections?
The WHU EMBA experience does not end at graduation—it is just the beginning. As an alum, you join a global community of leaders who stay actively connected through exclusive events, networking opportunities, and lifelong learning.
You will have ongoing access to executive coaching, ensuring your personal and professional growth continues long after your studies. Our tailored workshops, speaker series, and industry insights keep you ahead of market trends and leadership challenges.
And perhaps most importantly, the WHU alumni network is a powerful, engaged community that spans industries and continents. Whether you are seeking advice, exploring new ventures, or looking to recruit top talent, you will find the connections and support you need.
Would you like to talk to an alumna?
Get in touch!
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