PARTICIPANT STORIES

Passion and persistence were key

Although his family has always advised him not to enter the shipping industry, Frederik’s passion for the world of shipping was already sparked at a young age, when he heard his father’s adventurous stories about life at sea.

Executive MBA in Shipping and Logistics

When Frederik turned 12, he entered the world of professional tennis. He moved to the US, dreaming of becoming the next Roger Federer. There he learnt to stand on his own feet, miles away from his family and understood the importance of practice. Unfortunately, after an injury, he had returned home to Denmark and started a proper education.

Frederik did not fit into the traditional box of the school system. “I had to retake my first year of high school when I ultimately was sent to a boarding school in Denmark, which was probably one of the best decisions taken for me, although I did not see it that way at the time.”

Unlike the majority of his friends, who attended Copenhagen University or Copenhagen Business School after graduation, Frederik had aims to pursue a career in shipping. He applied to over 70 companies as a trainee, but all of them rejected him but his resilience set him apart.

“If you have a goal, no matter what it is, and you add perseverance, then grit will take you across the finish line. I did not have that big of a talent per se, but I had an immense amount of passion and persistence which meant that I did not give up. Ultimately, one door opened, and it was Baltic Shipping Company A/S who took me in as a Trainee when I was 21 years old.”

Frederik Rye Lytzen

Partner at Baltic Shipping Company A/S, Blue MBA Class of 2023

While knowing that chances were slim, Frederik set himself a new goal of becoming partner by the age of 25. He explained: “When I initiated my career in BSC I gave it all I had, I worked 90 hours a week and learned everything I possibly could – allowing myself to make tons of mistakes but always striving to be a better negotiator, contractor, operator and staying curious as to what happens in the industry whether it being the green transformation, education or something else that has an impact. When I started in BSC we had four vessels and a EBITDA of 6.7million DKK, and today we have 58 vessels and expect to land a EBITDA of close to 70million DKK.” He acknowledges that it was not only his success but, that they found a niche market and managed to disrupt the regular business patterns.”

He missed his goal of becoming partner at 25 by just one year, but he was satisfied with his professional achievements and felt the urge to go back to school. To expand his horizons and get inspired by industry specialists, he decided to apply to the shipping industries foremost programme.

“An Executive MBA in Shipping and Logistics will improve my knowledge, perspectives, and understandings of the shipping business – all which I find necessary to become successful both personally and professionally. Over the course of my career, and by the help of this MBA, do I hope to one day be a role model for our young maritime professionals, and make them understand how important it is to keep developing and broadening your professional skill set.”

See The 50 inspiring Champions of the Blue MBA Class of 2023 – Meet Frederik Rye Lytzen, which is the original source for quotes and information included in this adapted feature.

Write to our Programme Director, Irene Rosberg on ir.mba@cbs.dk to request our brochure and learn more about what the Blue MBA can do you for you and your career.

Portrait of Captain Kavi Diwan, Blue MBA Participant

Safety of life at sea is the priority

Portrait of Saunak Rai, Blue MBA ambassador

"One of the best investments I've ever made in my life"

Portrait of Captain Michael Elwert, Blue MBA Participant

"My lifelong Blue MBA journey"

Passion and persistence were key

Request the Blue MBA brochure

You might also be interested in: