Kellogg-WHU student drives sustainability through leadership

The leadership plateau

Imagine you’re a leader who has reached the upper echelons of management. You’ve collected the degrees, have managerial experience, and are respected within your company. But you’re missing that special something: you’ve worked your way to reach this point in your career, but somehow, you’re lacking the foundational skills and the support to reach board level or simply feeling stuck.

This is a typical case for many executives. For Timur, a Category Logistics Leader at IKEA, he was facing a similar challenge. After four years with the company and a new promotion, he sought help with the next step and know-how to fulfill the new role’s leadership demands.

Seeking growth

“I realized that I needed a breakthrough in my career and to reevaluate my steps toward personal development. I was fortunate enough to have a mentor and coach who graduated from the Kellogg-WHU EMBA some years beforehand and spoke highly of the transformative nature of the program. I saw how important it was to develop my own language of leadership and cultivate a broader view of business.”

Sustainability plays a significant role in Timur’s career and his day-to-day. Working in retail most of his working life and with two young children, his passion for creating sustainable supply chains is twofold: to see impactful change in the areas he can influence and to leave behind a legacy for his kids. He instigated the transition from plastic plant pots to recycled materials at IKEA. Growers in the Netherlands were encouraged to collect rainwater to water the plants instead of tap, resulting in over 65 growers switching to this initiative. He also oversees a drive to produce more green plants locally, thus reducing the movement of trucks and containers worldwide.

The EMBA experience

“I was aware I needed more information and inspiration. I was ready to learn from others. The EMBA was compelling for me as it resonated with IKEA’s vision; ‘To create a better everyday life for the many people.’ It aligned with my desire to create positive change not just in my career but in the lives of others through meaningful, sustainable business practices.”

Now, Timur brings back business cases discussed in class to the workplace. It has helped him reveal new ways of working in his team and how to better bridge the gap between being a manager and a leader. “The EMBA career coaching goes beyond daily work; it’s also how to be more visible in your company and industry. Truthfully, I miss the EMBA when I leave and there is a big gap between modules. I have made close friends already. The group work has taught me to be a better listener. 

“You have a lot of great leaders sitting together from different backgrounds, so of course, there will be some egos. But we learn to give each other space and to listen actively. What truly sets Kellogg-WHU apart from other EMBA programs is the unmatched reputation of its global networking opportunities. You have the possibility to engage with accomplished leaders and world-class professors from around the world.”

Beyond sustainability

Aside from sustainability, Timur has seen the benefits of the program’s entrepreneurial aspects. With the German branch of the program home to 15 unicorn founders and its own accelerator, it’s not a surprise that innovation is a core part of the program experience. “It has helped me a lot in approaching challenges differently. How can we bring more innovation to our industry and the workplace? How can we think out of the box? This broader way of thinking and the different perspectives of the people you meet change your approach to daily life. It’s about a change of mindset.”

What’s next?

“I want to bring all the knowledge from the EMBA back to IKEA, share them within the organization, and lead with purpose. The program has equipped me with the tools and network to make a meaningful impact in my current role and beyond.” Reflecting on his journey, Timur describes the EMBA as his ‘door to Narnia’—a transformative experience that reshaped his career, mindset, and leadership approach. “It’s been a challenge so far, but one that I wouldn’t trade for anything.”