A shift in perspective: Turning expertise into strategic leadership

As Head of 160 cross-disciplinary engineers at COWI, Louise Vang Edwards relies on sharp industry insight, a clear market outlook and a strong strategic mindset. With an Executive MBA from Copenhagen Business School, she has strengthened her confidence and built lasting personal resilience. Completing an MBA while raising two young children has proven one thing: she is equipped to handle whatever comes next.

Executive MBA

Back in 2023, Louise Vang Edwards needed something to challenge her. Having worked for more than 10 years in engineering functions at different companies, she knew she was content with the sector and the position she was in. So, the idea of pursuing an MBA came up – again.

”I had always had the MBA dream in the back of my mind,” Louise remembers. ”And the original dream was one of the other international MBAs. But when I spoke to the Admissions Managers at CBS, they presented some compelling arguments.”

Louise was immediately attracted to the high quality of teaching and faculty, as well as the excellent value for money. As her exploration into the programme developed, another unique aspect of the programme emerged.

”I asked myself, ‘what professional network do I want?’ And I realised that I wanted a strong, international network based in the Nordics, because this is where I wanted to pursue my career. And that’s what CBS offers.”

Finally, Louise could combine her ambition for an international career with her current work and family life. The EMBA includes three immersive global modules in Shanghai, Mumbai and Chicago. These modules include company visits, field trips and teaching from industry experts and CBS faculty to give participants first-hand insights in Digitalisation, Corporate Entrepreneurship and Marketing respectively.

”I also had this dream that I wanted to go abroad and work for a while. But the thought of moving my whole family abroad was not appealing. So, I really liked the international aspect of doing these shorter trips; it proved to be very important to me.”

“Now, I have a better appreciation and understanding of what it takes for the C-suite and a company to move the needle. That’s how I approach problems today.”

Louise Vang Edwards

Head of Engineering, VP at COWI

A new strategic lens

Entering the EMBA classroom provided Louise with an outside-in perspective and a way of viewing her company through a different lens. Throughout the programme’s two-year duration, Louise was able to work in-depth with different aspects of her company through the modules.

”It made my studies much more relevant and applicable. It showed how the terms and tools actually apply to making the right business decisions in your own context.”

Today, Louise sees how the EMBA has given her a more strategic approach, an executive outlook, and a more holistic view of the company.

”Before, I found it hard to understand why we couldn’t get things moving, because it’s easy to sit at the other end of the business and not understand why things aren’t coming together. Now, I have a better appreciation and understanding of what it takes for the C-suite and a company to move the needle. That’s how I approach problems today.”

Like many other participants on the CBS EMBA, Louise found the Integrated Strategy Project (ISP), the EMBA master thesis, to be a game-changing assignment. Through the ISP, participants delve into the pressing questions or challenges within their companies and propose a plan for moving forward.

”It made me understand the industry I was in and the company I was working for much better,” Louise reflects. ”It also gave me a strategic perspective. It made me think more about the strategic choices we have and then how to execute them, which, I think, is sometimes the hardest thing to do in leadership.”

“It was hard, just as I imagined, but also so rewarding. As soon as you come out on the other side, you’re just so appreciative of everything it gave you.”

Louise Vang Edwards

Head of Engineering, VP at COWI

The hard work is done

Looking back, Louise appreciated many parts of the programme: the leadership modules, the international modules, but in particular the new network she had hoped to build.

”Some of the most meaningful moments were during the coffee breaks and social events, where you really got to know people and understand their responsibilities and challenges. In many ways, I feel like I gained 40 friends who helped me understand both other industries and myself better.”

Approaching the one-year mark since completing her EMBA, Louise has a deep understanding of her field, which has given her confidence in her position. And she proved to herself that she could complete an MBA while maintaining a full-time job and raising two young children.

”It was hard, just as I imagined, but also so rewarding. As soon as you come out on the other side, you’re just so appreciative of everything it gave you.”

This is why Louise also recommends that anyone considering an EMBA, but are worried about the timing, should leap. Before joining the EMBA, she even made a spreadsheet herself to pin down the right timing, and quickly learned that it never quite arrives.

”Be careful about waiting, because there will always be something in the way. If you feel like it’s the right time, don’t let anything else stop you.”

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