Umut Cöcen

1. What was the main reason for you to do an MBA? 

“Doing an MBA has always been a dream of mine, even from my university days. My family has a tradition of pursuing MBAs, and I always felt I’d follow that path too. I nearly started three years ago, but life changed quickly when we were expecting a baby and decided to move to the Netherlands. So, I hit pause.

Once settled, I reconnected with RSM through a former colleague, attended an Open Day, and took part in a masterclass with Anthony Knoppers that really clicked for me. After talking with current students and faculty, I realised the Global Executive MBA was a better fit for my learning style – I'm someone who learns best through experience, not just reading or lectures.

I’d already reached team lead and managerial roles, but I wanted to develop more strategic thinking and leadership capabilities. GEMBA at RSM felt like the right next step for that transition.”

2. In what ways does the Global Executive MBA prepare you to be a leader in an uncertain world?

“GEMBA has been key in helping shift my mindset from a purely technical focus to a strategic, business-oriented approach. I’ve already started applying what I’ve learned: soon after starting the programme, I took on two roles – one as Head of Product Management for a US-based company and another as a professional consultant in the Netherlands.

Now, when developing products, I don’t just look at technical features. I ask bigger questions: what business problems are we solving? How are we improving people’s lives? That shift in thinking is massive for me. I’m also better equipped to understand client perspectives across operations, finance and strategy, which has been transformative in my consulting work.”

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

“It’s been truly eye-opening. The Global Experiential Learning (GEL) trips have been a standout, especially the Singapore module. I’ve worked with European, American, Turkish and Middle Eastern cultures before, but experiencing the East Asian mindset and business culture was something new. It helped me understand why Singapore is so successful and made me reflect on what I need to improve to thrive globally.

Beyond that, the diverse cohort – people from the Middle East, China, Russia, the Netherlands – has broadened my cultural understanding. That diversity brings real value to the learning experience.”

4. What has been the most challenging assignment or course during the GEMBA so far?

“Decision Analysis Process has been the toughest. I’m naturally more analytical and focused on the present or past, so forecasting and future-thinking exercises really stretched me. I struggled at first, but my teammates were amazing. They explained concepts again and again until I got it. It was hard, but also rewarding.”

5. What impact does the Strategic Leadership Development (SLD) component of the programme have on you?

“SLD made me reflect deeply on myself. After starting the programme, I was unexpectedly let go from my job. It was a tough moment: new country, visa concerns, a young child. But SLD helped me set personal goals like improving communication and listening, and gave me tools through coaching and mentoring to navigate the situation.

One major outcome has been my Positive Impact Project. I'm building a platform to support migrants with mentorship from people who’ve had similar transitions. The idea is to provide emotional and cultural onboarding, not just practical info. What started as a project could now become a startup. I never thought I'd want to start my own business, but GEMBA has opened that door for me.”

6. Has your MBA journey changed your outlook on what your career will be like after doing an MBA?

“Absolutely. Before, I dreamed of being at the decision-making level but didn’t take concrete steps. Now I think more strategically. I ask employers questions like: ‘What are the success criteria?’ or ‘Is this supported at board level?’. These are questions I’d never have considered before.

I’ve also revisited my own past experiences and accomplishments, things I’d overlooked. GEMBA helped me connect the dots, turning those into assets for my future. I’m now aiming for roles with real strategic impact, and preparing myself for them with the right mindset and tools.”

7. What advice could you give to people who are considering doing a Global Executive MBA?

“First: align with your partner. Seriously. My daughter was under a year old when we started, and we'd only just moved to the Netherlands. Having my partner’s support was essential.

Second: be truly committed. If you’re not all-in, it won’t work. You need to embrace change, be open-minded, and let go of stubbornness. The programme throws a lot at you: diverse perspectives, cultures, experiences. To absorb all that, you have to be mentally open.

Lastly, GEMBA forces you to question yourself and reflect deeply. If you engage with it fully, it’ll help you uncover skills and insights you didn’t know you had. That’s where the real transformation happens.

One of the CEOs who visited us shared something that stuck with me: when he was asked to become CEO, the first thing he did was call his wife. Because strategic leadership isn’t a solo act – it requires support and alignment in every part of your life. That lesson really mirrors the GEMBA journey.”