The Blue MBA
“I decided to join the programme and at 47 I was the oldest in class by far but I was also the most experienced person. I had to consider; is this knowledge that I need; is it relevant to what I’m doing; what value will this add to me? But I really dove into it and I did well, it was an absolutely amazing experience.”
Reinvigorating a role
“I found out early on, maybe after the first assignment, that the programme would be unbelievably valuable to me as it would connect my knowledge of different aspects in logistics. It gave me a helicopter view and allowed me to understand the sector in a much more comprehensive way – a holistic way you might say. I developed an awareness of how the industry connects with one another and it added a lot of value to what I already know.
“As a result of the course I was able to develop my business and apply the skills that I had acquired. Especially on the marketing side. We were able to apply some of the strategies that I was learning in case studies. What I enjoyed most was the Harvard review cases; some are so applicable to life and what you’re doing and I picked up on that in my annual management and budget meetings and I always related what I was learning to the company – it was really beneficial.
“It gave me a very good idea on how to expand my business and an enhanced understanding of the values. To me it’s not so much about having worldwide offices, it’s about my relationship with my partners. I have more than 5,000 people that I know personally so in every city around the corner I have a friend with the same business model and the same services as mine and we can engage in transportation and logistics with each-other in a safe way. The Blue MBA really gives you the comfort either to make your business stronger or to expand it, you learn both ways whether its mergers and acquisitions or maritime finance…”
Representing the programme
“Being an ambassador gives me an opportunity to represent the programme. My business is based from Lima Peru and we are the fifth largest freight forwarding company in this part of the world. But South America is a very underrepresented market in the MBA so I sought to introduce people to the course. For example, when I meet with forwarders I can find good candidates and encourage them to join the Blue MBA. As ambassadors we are basically helping Irene to bring visibility to the programme.
“But I’m not done. The way I see it is that any challenge you see come your way you should always evaluate and if you find you have the strength, time and knowledge to take it on then do it – providing you have time – that’s all what it’s about.”
See "It was about connecting my logistics knowledge more holistically", which is the original source for quotes and information included in this adapted feature.
