The importance of building new networks in the Kellogg-WHU Executive MBA

Jesica Hoker didn’t plan to discover her next career move while sailing from Ushuaia to Namibia via Antarctica. Somewhere between navigating icy waters and spending three months in a tiny cabin, she realized something crucial: she was missing a similar challenge in her professional life.

This revelation, sparked by the distance from her everyday routine, created space for reflection during her Antarctic expedition and set Jesica on a transformative path. Now a student of the Kellogg-WHU Executive MBA, she’s bringing that same spirit of adventure to her own leadership development.

Beyond the bubble

Jesica is a chemist leading a major digital transformation initiative in her company’s R&D department. While she successfully brought fragmented processes together into a more harmonized way of working, Jesica recognized the limits of staying within her scientific “bubble.” Her technical expertise was solid, but scaling transformation across an entire organization required a fresh toolkit.

“I was working a lot based on my training and intuition, but to scale what I am doing and make business decisions with a more structured approach, I needed more input,” she explains. “Joining an EMBA is about fundamentally shifting how you prioritize and contribute to an organization.”

The decision to join a part-time modular program, such as the Kellogg-WHU Executive MBA, was also deliberate. “Shorter executive courses are great for dedicated knowledge you’re missing, but for a more sustainable, impactful shift in how you see and approach challenges, the EMBA made more sense. You’re surprised by just how quickly you grow.”

Networks for progress

For Jesica, the EMBA is more than filling knowledge gaps; it’s about breaking out of industry silos. With its proximity to her hometown in Germany and its global network and cohort, the program offered exactly what she was seeking.

“That variety of backgrounds and diverse approaches is where the magic lies. By staying within the circle of what you know and are familiar with, you only interact with people in your industry. I wanted to learn from other leaders from around the world who work in different sectors from me.” 

This appetite for different perceptions led her to join the Initiative Women into Leadership. Here, cross-mentoring helps shape leadership journeys beyond organizational boundaries. Where multifaceted leaders build stronger networks that support their growth. Having benefited from influential role models throughout her career, both men and women, Jesica is eager to give back.

“When I think about my biggest role model, she was heavily focused on development; she always gently pushed people beyond their comfort zones. I think it is important for women in leadership to have these kinds of mentors in their lives, as well as larger networks and new ways to learn. Leadership can be so varied, so it’s important to have an understanding of how there are always different ways to approach it.”

The EMBA effect

What surprised Jesica the most during the EMBA was how quickly it would shift her thinking. “I wasn’t aware this would change so fast. It impacts how I make decisions and how I want to lead. You are constantly challenged on your assumptions and pushed to think outside the status quo.”

This impact extends beyond frameworks and theories. Jesica credits her cohort with creating an environment of “high impact, low ego”, where a diverse group of experienced executives has formed a tight-knit community. “The collaboration we have within this group is built on trust and mutual respect. We’re all ambitious and are looking to develop as leaders. Everyone is humble, but we challenge each other, which helps us to grow and reflect. It’s a safe space where we know we can discuss both personal and professional problems.”

Looking to the future

For those considering joining the Kellogg-WHU Executive MBA, Jesica offers clear guidance: “Be clear about your intention. You don’t need to know your next career step, but you need to take ownership of your own development.” She emphasizes that the journey requires more than time and effort. “You need to be open to change. Be ready to reflect a lot on your own behavior and style, then apply what you learn. It starts with the very first lecture.”

As for Jesica’s next adventure? After completing her EMBA, she’ll cross the Atlantic as part of the Clipper Round the World Race, followed by a North Pacific crossing from China to Seattle. It seems fitting for someone who found her next step while navigating Antarctic waters that her journey of transformation is far from over.

“I love to put myself in challenging environments,” she says. “That’s how you grow, and I’m always eager to learn more.”

Start your EMBA journey today. Find out more and register for an online coffee chat