From category : Careers

Categories

A career path redefined: from journalism to executive leadership

A career path redefined: from journalism to executive leadership

Anastasia Karhu Blog

Building connections from the start For Mark, Head of Development at mySupply ApS, the Starter Workshop offered more than academic preparation – it laid the foundation for collaboration. “It was a really nice experience getting to know each other,” he reflects. “Instead of jumping straight into the models and tough work, we focused on connecting with the people we’ll spend the next couple of years with. You can already feel it now, how we work better together because we know each other.” This early focus on human connection is at the heart of Henley’s philosophy. Each EMBA cohort becomes a close-knit learning community, where participants share experiences across industries, functions, and national borders. For Mark, whose company operates internationally, that global perspective was a deciding factor. “When I was looking for an EMBA, I compared accreditations and rankings,” he explains. “Henley stood out, not only because of its Financial Times ranking and triple accreditation, but also because of its global outlook. Coming from a company that works across Europe and beyond, that international mindset really sealed the deal for me.” mySupply, part of the Visma Group, is one of Denmark’s leading providers of IT solutions for electronic document management and system integrations, designed to optimize sales and procurement processes. Mark’s technical background has shaped his leadership journey, but he is eager to expand his perspective. “I come from engineering, so I know development and systems,” he says. “But I want to learn more about the business side – corporate strategy, finance, the parts of the organisation I don’t work with every day. I want to understand how it all connects.” Learning beyond the comfort zone For Sini, co-founder of Rioni and Lia restaurants in Helsinki, starting the Henley EMBA has been both exciting and transformative. Her background in entrepreneurship is deeply hands-on, building and running her restaurant business from the ground up with her business partner. “We started small,” she recalls. “Just the two of us, and neither of us had experience in restaurants or entrepreneurship. We learned by doing – through people, through mistakes, and through books. I’ve read so many business and leadership books,” she laughs. “But at some point, you realise there’s only so far you can go by learning on your own.” That realisation led her to take a study break and to find Henley. “I was looking into open university courses and even considered going back to finish my BBA,” she says. “But that would have meant years of studies before I could even start an EMBA. Then I found Henley.” After some research and a call with the Henley Nordic team, Sini joined the programme. “It happened quite fast. At first, I joked that I might be the black sheep of the group, joining without a traditional degree background,” Sini smiles. “But I soon realised there were others like me, super magnificent people with loads of leadership experience, just without an official degree. Being in the same boat really wipes away that imposter syndrome. Henley truly offers many paths for experienced professionals, and it’s inspiring to see how diverse everyone’s stories are.” For Sini, the first workshop in Greenlands was intense but rewarding. “It was heavy – a lot of new information and a lot of new people. Your instincts are all over the place. But they made it fun. You get to laugh, to talk, and to get to know people on a personal level. That really helps you later in the programme, when the work gets deeper.” A Shared Ambition: Growth Through Reflection The Henley Executive MBA is designed for leaders who want to go beyond theory. It combines academic insight with personal development, encouraging participants to reflect on their leadership identity and apply what they learn directly to their organisations. Mark and Sini both emphasise this blend of practical learning and self-discovery. “I want to learn about myself as much as I learn about management,” Mark says. “It’s not just about business models; it’s about becoming a better leader – someone who understands the bigger picture.” For Sini, motivation comes from wanting to build something that lasts. “Our business has grown a lot, but to take it further, I need to build an organisation that can grow beyond me. This programme is helping me see what that looks like. It’s giving me the structure and tools I need to lead at the next level.” The Start of a Transformative Journey Every EMBA story is unique, but they all share the same beginning – a decision to invest in oneself. At Henley, that decision means joining an international community that values reflection, collaboration, and real-world impact. For Mark, it’s about stepping from technical leadership into strategic leadership. For Sini, it’s about transforming entrepreneurial intuition into sustainable growth. And for both, it’s about learning with – and from – others. “It already feels like a journey we’re taking together,” Mark says. “And that makes all the difference.” As the Nordic cohort continues their studies across Helsinki, Copenhagen, and the UK, their stories remind us that leadership begins with curiosity – and that every great adventure starts with taking the first step. Interested in joining the next cohort? Learn more about the Henley Executive MBA – Global and discover how it can shape your leadership journey. The next Executive MBA intake is in October 2026.

New beginnings: Two perspectives from Henley’s Nordic Executive MBA cohort

Eerika Aro Blog

Ask and you shall receive: six tips when asking for a pay rise

Cheryl Hurst Blog

Disney’s new chair: glass slipper or glass cliff?

Cheryl Hurst Blog

Why should we stop playing down ageism at work?

Dr Tatiana Rowson Blog

Reducing working hours in Iceland: Lessons on workload and flexibility

Dr Rita Fontinha Blog

Racism challenges in the royal palaces: can we relate in our workplaces?

Dr Naeema Pasha Blog

Four-day week: a flexible approach

Professor James Walker Blog