Why a global network can change your life (and your career)

CEO and founder before 30 years old of a growing business based in Cologne, Ilias Lekas is a leader with a thirst for knowledge and an intrinsic drive for improvement. After five years of running the telecommunications company Phoenix Engineering with a co-founder and friend, Ilias recognized that there was still a lot for him to learn before they could take the next step in their venture and in his personal growth journey as an impactful leader.

“I knew I lacked an understanding of strategic thinking and needed a more global perspective. I read a lot about the Kellogg-WHU Executive MBA beforehand and how transformative it can be. Now that I am halfway through the program, I can confidently say how much it is true. The EMBA completely changes how you approach problems and your career.”

Joining the program in 2023, Ilias chose the Kellogg-WHU EMBA specifically for its expansive international connections and network. “I wanted to meet new people and other executives to learn how they tackle leadership issues. Being a part of the Kellogg-WHU network is eye-opening because of the varied insights you gain from your cohort. 

“With both Kellogg and WHU considered the top business schools in their respective countries, the structure and content of the curriculum is something you don’t find at any other school. Rather than struggling to find time to be on campus every weekend, it keeps you focused on the program. You can then concentrate on work as you know you won’t return for another five to six weeks.”

Kellogg-WHU is part of a renowned entrepreneurial ecosystem. WHU (the German branch of the Kellogg-WHU partnership) is home to 15 unicorn founders and is ranked as one of the top schools in Europe for its entrepreneurial teaching. “The focus on entrepreneurship helped me grow my confidence as a founder. It is inspiring to be part of a community where others are doing similar things to me and who are happy to support and share their experiences. There’s a lot of interest from others in the cohort in developing something on their own, so it was exciting to meet so many other people with comparable interests and goals.”

As part of making these new connections, immersive field trips play a large part in the Kellogg-WHU EMBA curriculum, where students experience new cultures and markets. One field trip took place in Singapore. “It positively surprised me,” says Ilias. “I expected it to be like any other module abroad where you simply attend classes in another location. It was so much more than that – a chance to get to know the dynamic Asian business environment firsthand.

“We had company visits with Porsche and the Singapore Changi airport, one of the best in the world regarding technology and innovation. I was surprised by what I learned and how many people I met from the wider Kellogg network. There were some formal sessions to exchange ideas and share experiences from different industries, but the informal interactions had the biggest impact on me. During the dinners, company visits, and trips, everything is structured to leverage these diverse backgrounds. It exceeded my expectations.”

Ilias plans to stay close to this network beyond graduation, having already met many alums from previous cohorts. “I’ve seen how close they are to the program; they truly are role models to us. They love being on campus, and sometimes, they join us in the modules to refresh their knowledge or understand a trending topic. It’s an honor to have so many friends gained in just two years from around the world who are ready to help and meet you wherever you are. I would love to give back in the same way too.”