As this international cohort prepares for the next stage of their career (now equipped with MBAs), we wanted to shine a light on our students and the journeys they have undertaken to get to this point.

GOMBA students, Ned Lin Xiong, Ayaka Nogaku, Mayowa Adegbile, Douglas Souza, Lucy Wanjiku, Justina Geneviciute, and Niranjanan Kalaichelvan reflect on lessons learned, challenges overcame, skills developed, and the bonds they made along the way.

Ned Lin Xiong: 

I’ve officially graduated from my MBA program at ESMT Berlin with honors and am privileged to have additionally received the Best Fellow Award. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without the tremendous supports and collaboration of so many great people. 

A sincere thank you to all colleagues, peers, and friends with whom I’ve had the privilege to work. Your dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit have been instrumental in achieving success through cooperation. I’m grateful for the opportunities to learn and grow alongside so many outstanding individuals. 

As I embark on this new chapter post-MBA, I will be carrying with me the invaluable lessons, relationships, and experiences gained from the MBA, and I am eager to apply the knowledge and skills in the real professional world.

Ayaka Nogaku: 

From crossing time zones in study groups (midnight brainstorming and early morning calculations) to appreciating the diversity that made every discussion richer, it’s been a truly global experience.  

This team and community-driven learning journey at ESMT pushed me beyond boundaries – academically, personally, and geographically. As a woman from Japan, the decision to pursue my future in Germany was a leap of faith that turned into an incredible opportunity. 

Big shoutout to the professors who ignited the spark of curiosity and the classmates who pushed me to move on, get out of my comfort zone, and embrace the adventure! 

Mayowa Adegbile:  

Two years ago, I embarked on a journey into the unknown, guided by a WhatsApp status post from my beloved sister Ifeoluwa Oladele shared by ‘Wale Salami in June 2021. At first, the idea of tackling an intense and challenging online class seemed daunting, but my sister insisted, and so the adventure began. 

Gratitude fills my heart as I reflect on the initial interview with Annette Liebau whose enthusiasm set the tone for this transformative experience. The beginning was tough; premium tears were shed, challenges seemed insurmountable – group meetings, erratic internet, assignments, and projects felt like navigating Mandarin. Yet, I persevered. 

ESMT Berlin I recommend you without hesitation. The commitment to extensive learning is demanding, but they elevate education beyond mere bookish knowledge, bringing it into the 21st century with practical applications. 

This achievement isn’t just mine; it’s a beacon of hope for future generations in my family. With faith in God, I look forward to exploring more global platforms. Yaaay, I am a master’s degree holder, and this is only the beginning!  

Douglas Souza: 

The experience at ESMT (and Berlin, of course) has been exceptional, from the world-class faculty to the diverse cohort of talented individuals who made the two-year effort worth it! The global perspective embedded in the curriculum has broadened my mind to navigate the complexities of the international business landscape. 

I want to express my deep gratitude to the professors who have shared their knowledge generously and the classmates who have made this journey both challenging and enriching. Our cohort’s diversity of thought and culture has been a constant source of inspiration. 

Lucy Wanjiku: 

It doesn’t matter where you come from, what you have or don’t have, what you lack, or what you have too much of. But all you need to have is faith in God, an undying passion for what you do and what you choose to do in this life, and a relentless drive and the will to do whatever it takes to be successful in whatever you put your mind to. – Stephen Curry  

Justina Geneviciute: 

A two-year journey has come to an end, and what an incredible journey it was! 

I am honored to have graduated the Global Online MBA program at the prestigious ESMT Berlin, the #1 Business School in Germany and #8 in Europe. 

This journey was no walk in the park, navigating a demanding job and relocating countries midway through the program. It meant dedicating every weekend, night, and sometimes mornings to complete assignments, participate in group calls, pass exams, and produce countless slides within tight schedules. 

Beyond the challenges, this experience has transformed me into a modern and agile leader. More than that, I made friendships that I hold dear and these connections will last a lifetime. I cannot express enough gratitude for the support and camaraderie I received. 

Additionally, receiving the distinguished ESMT Berlin President Award leaves me in awe, and I don’t take this recognition for granted. Thank you so VERY much!!! 

As I move forward, I carry with me not only the knowledge gained but also the invaluable connections and memories of my MBA journey. 

VENI. VIDI. VICI.

Niranjanan Kalaichelvan:

Taking a moment today to reflect on a beautiful journey of two years together with my awesome cohort that ended officially on 11/11/2023 with us graduating with an MBA in global management from ESMT Berlin 🎊 

It’s my third time graduating from a university but only the first time taking part in a ceremony. Grateful to ESMT for making the graduation day and night so memorable!

After going through the full grind and successfully graduating from the course, I can say with full conviction it has been a truly innovative program with many exciting concepts, methods, frameworks and case studies drawn from leading research, and variety of disciplines that a modern-day leader requires in their toolkit! 

A big thanks to my wonderful cohort with whom I’ve collaborated on countless assignments and solved a great deal of problems over the last two years. Each one of you is at the peak of your prowess and I’m sure you are going to scale even greater heights in the years to come. Thank you very much for inspiring me, teaching me, and making this journey memorable.