Redefining tech leadership with purpose

At Copenhagen Business School, Navneet Brar combined her tech background with a passion for sustainability. The result? A new career in Copenhagen that’s both strategic and purpose-driven.

When Navneet Brar joined the Copenhagen FT MBA, she brought with her a background in computer science and a passion for problem-solving. Choosing her Concentration wasn’t easy – but the right path soon became clear. “I selected digitalization as my Concentration,” she explains. “While all four Concentrations presented compelling options, making the selection challenging, I ultimately opted for the path that aligned most practically with my background.

“Given my undergraduate degree in Computer Science Engineering, it was logical to deepen my understanding of decision-makers' perspectives on the strategic implementation and adoption of technologies and platforms within the tech sector.”

It was a choice that paid off – not only academically, but personally. “This experience was both empowering and thought-provoking. On one hand, I felt proud to be pursuing my passion for technology; on the other hand, it highlighted the need for greater representation of women in tech-focused fields. I sincerely hope to see more women entering and thriving in digitalization specialisations in the years to come.”

A learning environment that inspires growth

One of the defining features of the CBS MBA is its small cohort size, and for Navneet, this was a key draw. “My initial interest in the CBS MBA programme was primarily sparked by the small, intimate, and diverse class size,” she recalls. “I sought a learning environment that fostered psychological safety and encouraged active participation from all students, as this approach enabled me to gain valuable insights from varied viewpoints that I might not have otherwise encountered.”

Two educators, in particular, left a lasting impression. “My favourite educators during the programme were Andreas Rasche, who taught Sustainability, and Thomas Minyi, who led the Leadership Discovery Process.” The lessons she took away from these sessions were both immediate and long-lasting.

“From the Leadership Discovery Process, a key lesson I internalised was the critical importance of psychological safety in enabling individuals to fully contribute and perform optimally,” she says. “I have actively applied this principle over the past 20 months in my work in Copenhagen, observing tangible positive outcomes in my team's morale and efficiency.”

The Sustainability course also changed how she views business.

“A core lesson derived from the Sustainability course was the understanding that sustainability is far more than isolated Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives or mere compliance; it must be fundamentally integrated into an organisation's core strategy to be truly impactful.”

Navneet Brar, MBA Class of 2022-23

Senior Business Analyst at Falck

A clear path to employment

Like many international participants, Navneet entered the CBS MBA with hopes of finding a meaningful role in Denmark after graduation. Thanks to the programme’s robust career support, she was able to hit the ground running.

“The Career Team at Copenhagen Business School played an instrumental role in preparing us for success after graduation,” she says. “From the very beginning of the programme, they were proactive in creating opportunities, from securing internships to equipping us with the tools needed to navigate the Danish job market.” This support extended well beyond CV reviews. “What truly stood out was their unwavering support throughout the recruitment process. Whether it was refining our résumés and cover letters or conducting mock interviews, their guidance gave me the confidence and readiness to transition into the professional world.”

Another key element was the CBS alumni network. “For someone like me, who tends to be more reserved in networking settings, the alumni community offered a welcoming and approachable space to build meaningful connections.”

Turning knowledge into action

Soon after graduating, Navneet joined Falck, one of Denmark’s leading emergency services and healthcare organisations. Today, she serves as a Senior Business Analyst within the company’s Digital Technology Unit – a role that combines her interests in data, digital transformation and sustainability.

“In this role, I’ve been primarily focused on Falck’s Sustainability Project, where we are developing a platform to monitor ESG KPIs and enable data-driven decision-making to support the company’s sustainability goals,” she explains. “My responsibilities include stakeholder management, cross-functional collaboration, and informal leadership, alongside core analytical duties.”

The job is a direct result of both her background and her time at CBS. “This role is a perfect fit for my post-MBA aspirations; it allows me to stay connected to the world of technology without being limited to traditional coding roles,” says Navneet. “Moreover, the MBA programme at CBS sparked a deep interest in sustainability, and I’m now fortunate to be working hands-on in this space, contributing meaningfully to an area I’m passionate about.”

A skillset that delivers

Navneet’s experience at CBS gave her a robust and well-rounded skillset that she now draws on daily in her role at Falck. One of the most immediate benefits has been her in-depth understanding of sustainability. “Working on a sustainability-focused project at Falck, I regularly draw upon the insights and frameworks I gained during the programme,” she explains. “The comprehensive understanding of ESG principles and sustainable business practices has been directly applicable to the work I do today.”

The programme also helped her grow as a leader. “The leadership development course was truly transformative,” she says. “It helped me evolve from someone who often looked for direction to someone who is now confident in taking initiative, guiding teams, and leading through influence – even without formal authority.”

And while it wasn’t a mandatory part of the curriculum, one elective in particular turned out to be unexpectedly valuable. “A highly impactful, though optional, course on negotiation helped me discover a strength I hadn’t fully recognised before,” she says. “I now actively apply these skills in my daily work, whether it's negotiating project requirements, resolving conflicts, or aligning diverse stakeholder interests.”

A new confidence and a new perspective

Navneet’s story shows how the CBS MBA can empower participants to take control of their career trajectories; blending technical skillsets with human-centred leadership and strategic foresight.

Whether it’s launching a new ESG platform, mentoring colleagues or negotiating business priorities, she’s putting her MBA into action every day. And as the world of work continues to shift toward purpose, sustainability and adaptability, it’s clear that the CBS MBA gave her more than just a qualification – it gave her momentum.

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