Executive MBA Graduate

Read about Nimal’s motivation and takeaways – and how he transformed from a technical specialist into a confident, strategic leader with a clear vision for his career.

What was your professional background before joining the Executive MBA programme?

“I had 15+ years of experience in IT domain working across the globe, starting my career in India and moving to Denmark. Before joining the EMBA programme, I have been working purely in IT platform ownering in the Enterprise service management domain. I did various roles from Technical Consultant to Service Delivery Manager but was heavily an operational delivery team member.”

Why did you choose DTU for your Executive MBA?

“After years in IT, I realized I was stuck on my personal S-curve – comfortable but not growing. DTU’s Executive MBA stood out because it doesn’t just teach business from textbooks; it’s a programme built on the DNA of a technical university, where everything is about applying knowledge and seeing real impact. I wanted more than theory – I wanted to master macro analysis, to see the big picture and influence strategic direction, not just optimize processes. DTU’s focus on real-world projects and actionable recommendations was exactly the kind of challenge I needed to reinvent myself as a leader.”

“I needed to disrupt myself, to move beyond technical mastery and become someone who could drive business transformation at a higher level.”

What surprised you the most during your studies?

“What truly surprised me was how transformative the journey became – not just professionally, but personally. The diversity of the cohort was eye-opening; every project team brought together people from different industries, backgrounds, and cultures, which constantly challenged my assumptions and broadened my thinking. The programme’s hands-on approach meant every assignment tackled real business problems, with recommendations that could actually be implemented. And the two international trips were game changers: they forced me to confront the cultural dimensions of leadership and adapt my style in ways I never anticipated. I came in expecting to learn frameworks; I left with wisdom and wizardry able to connect dots across functions, industries, and even continents.”

How has the programme influenced the way you lead today?

“If I use the analogy of music, I went from controlling and playing one instrument to now, managing and driving a whole orchestra. Before the DTU Executive MBA, I was deep in the details, optimizing systems. Now, I operate with a much broader, strategic perspective. I’m comfortable in executive discussions, speaking the language of business value and long-term vision. My leadership style is more confident and authentic – I’m not afraid to challenge assumptions or mediate tough conversations, and I’ve learned that empathy, paired with direction, is a real strength. The programme helped me bridge operational execution with strategic innovation, and I now proactively craft my own career narrative and advancement plan, rather than waiting for opportunities to appear.”

What would you say to someone who is considering applying?

“If you’re feeling saturated in your current role or want to leap from incremental improvement to real transformation, DTU Executive MBA is the launchpad.”

“Be ready to be challenged, to work on real business problems, and to grow alongside a cohort that will push you to new heights.”

“This isn’t just a degree – it’s a journey that will elevate your perspective, help you master leadership, and give you the confidence to lead with impact. If you’re ready to swap your yacht for a rocket ship and see your career from a whole new altitude, the DTU Executive MBA is where that journey begins.”

Ready to move from technical expert to strategic leader? See how the DTU Executive MBA can transform you.

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