Beata Kozlowska

1. Why did you choose to go back to school for an MBA? And why did you choose RSM?

“It was my big dream to study for an Executive MBA in an international environment at a well-ranked university, and it became a reality when I gained professional experience and relocated from my home country, Poland to Rotterdam for a new role at Maersk. With 19 years of experience in commercial roles, my motivation to pursue an MBA was to develop professionally; gain skills in finance, change management, strategic thinking, and build my confidence. The course would enable me to take a greater responsibility and pave the way for my next career move. I was also quite new in Rotterdam, and Erasmus University offers lots of options to engage in various activities, attend events, and meet amazing people.”

2. How is the Executive MBA preparing you to do business in an uncertain world?

“I believe that to be successful we must be well-prepared for this complex and rapidly changing business environment, and the EMBA is the best way to achieve this. It has equipped me with knowledge and the confidence to shape the future of business – and make well-informed decisions during times of uncertainty. 

I have learned that I can deliver the best possible outcome on a topic that’s completely new to me using team expertise, and that I can be creative, resilient, and flexible. It has sparked curiosity and made me more inclusive of different perspectives and opinions. I now understand the business better and can make educated decisions.” 

3. How would you describe your RSM EMBA experience so far?

“It's truly unique. I've met ambitious people from various industries and cultures. The atmosphere is supportive and there’s a high level of intrinsic motivation and a commitment to learning from an interesting curriculum with a good combination of topics that includes theory and soft skills. Many of my peers are experts in their fields and a true inspiration to me. We have been allowed to engage in in-depth discussions within a safe environment where we can challenge our own assumptions and learn from different perspectives. 

The ability to understand better business processes and your personality is extremely rewarding.” 

4. What has been the most challenging assignment or course during the EMBA so far? How did it challenge you?

“Some assignments were a bit challenging in their own way – like finance, because of my non-finance background. But what I appreciated about all of them is that they were thought-provoking. In some of them, I considered multiple scenarios to be correct – I remember one particular one in marketing when I kept thinking about one case over and over, but as a result, the learning will stay with me for a long time.”

5. How have you applied new knowledge and skills from both inside and outside of the classroom in your current role? 

“I have expanded my knowledge of the industries that very often reflect our clients’ businesses. I now have insights that allow me to approach things with a broader perspective, and can quickly adapt solutions to various contexts. The collaborative team experiences have fostered my communication skills, and now I actively seek collaborative and innovative solutions.”

6. What impact does the Personal Leadership Development (PLD) component of the programme have on you?

“The PLD course brought a deep reflection about how all of my life experiences have shaped my personality, and enhanced my self-awareness and confidence, allowing me to better understand my strengths and areas for growth. I discovered that reflecting on my life journey brought more understanding of different perspectives, enhance empathy toward others, and appreciation of diverse viewpoints. So now I have these insights, I want to focus on having an authentic leadership style that fosters a more collaborative environment. I am committed to transparency and leading with integrity.”

7. If you had to choose one Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) to contribute to business, which one would you choose, and why?

“To me, Goal 13 – Climate action and industry, and Goal 9 – Industry, innovation and infrastructure are key, and are highly interconnected. 

The company I work for aims to reach net zero by 2040 across its value chain. Maersk is decarbonizing the logistics business by implementing initiatives and investing in infrastructure. This goal truly resonates with me because I’m passionate about nature, and I believe this initiative will maintain business development with a lower impact on the environment.”

8. What is the highlight of the EMBA curriculum for you?

“It has been a great combination of theoretical frameworks, practical applications, and soft skills. Despite my non-finance background, it sparked an interest in financial mechanisms. I love the diversity of RSM professors; they all have huge knowledge and I love their passion for learning. I have been inspired and they are great role models.” 

9. How have you utilised the alumni network so far?

“The alumni network of highly skilled professionals is a huge benefit – there’s always an opportunity for really interesting discussions during the events and open days. And it’s a safe space to share thoughts or challenges and get support and advice. These people are authentic and happy to share their unique experiences.” 

10. Has your MBA journey changed your outlook on your career? If so, how?

“I now have clarity on the direction of my career and the skills I need to develop to get there and I’m considering new areas that I would not have thought of before this MBA. I’m currently thinking about my long-term goals: where I’d like to contribute and use my strengths and knowledge, and how to make meaningful impact.” 

11. How is an MBA from RSM setting you apart from your colleagues and peers?

“It has enhanced my business perspective and improved my ability to make forward-looking decisions in diverse environments. And it paved the way for ongoing development, staying curious, and being flexible. The network you build is a huge asset.”