Promoted mid-programme: How Thomas used his EMBA studies to spark career growth

When Thomas Grundström joined the Hanken Executive MBA, he was no stranger to change. With a career that had spanned three airlines, three hotel chains, an IT company, an energy provider, and an e-commerce player, Thomas was used to moving around. But it was during the EMBA studies that he took his biggest leap yet — compressing his coursework to accelerate his studies, changing companies, and eventually stepping into a new leadership role.

"Resilience is the best word for it," Thomas says, reflecting on his choice to fast-track the EMBA. Originally planning a longer path, he pivoted to the 18-month track mid-journey, thanks to open discussions with Hanken and the flexibility built into the programme.

A flexible framework, a rigorous journey

"It just shows the possibilities the programme gives you," Thomas explains.

You can balance your personal life, your work life, and the faculty really understands that we’re professionals with a lot going on.

While the EMBA is built with flexibility in mind, Thomas doesn’t downplay the challenge: "There will be times when it’s not all sunshine," he laughs. "You need to be honest with yourself, your family, and your employer. It’s a balancing act — and a learning experience."

From studying to applying — directly at work

Like many, Thomas had wondered whether an EMBA would feel like going "back to school." What he found instead was something far more applicable.

"It’s an academic experience, but it’s also deeply pragmatic," he says. "Everything is linked to your professional life. I wasn't suddenly studying chemistry again, this was real-life business."

Modules in strategic leadership, innovation and service business especially resonated. "They were close to heart, but also added real value to my daily work."

EMBA as a catalyst for career renewal

During the programme, Thomas moved to a new company within the hospitality industry, and was promoted into a broader leadership role.

"The EMBA doesn’t open doors on its own — but it absolutely helps when people are evaluating leadership potential," he explains. "It shows resilience, commitment, and a willingness to grow."

It has also helped in concrete ways. Thomas has applied what he learned from the EMBA in everything from strategy workshops to leadership team development and transformation initiatives.

Whether it’s growth mindset or crisis management, the tools from the EMBA show up in my work almost daily.

Learning across industries — and perspectives

Thomas was the only one from the hospitality industry in his cohort. "It challenged my mindset in a good way," he says. "Suddenly you're learning from people in mining, pharma, construction — it really opens you up."

That diversity led to eye-opening discussions and debates — and friendships. "I’ve made friends for life. The classroom becomes a kind of extended family."

Why now, and why the Hanken EMBA?

Though he first started thinking about doing an EMBA around the age of 30, life and career kept moving in new directions. "It just wasn’t the right time," he says. "But now it was."

When he finally made the decision, Hanken stood out for several reasons: Triple Crown accreditation, strong referrals from colleagues, and its reputation across the Nordics and beyond.

"Someone I knew had done it and gave a very honest review, not a sales pitch. That made all the difference."

Advice to future Hanken EMBA participants?

What you put in is what you’ll get out. You don’t need to be perfect, but you do need to show up and do the work. And if you do, the return is big.

From flexibility to friendships, leadership tools to personal renewal, Thomas Grundström’s EMBA journey is a reminder that the right programme doesn’t slow you down. It can help you go further, faster.

Get access to the full EMBA info webinar where Thomas shares his experience

Learn more about the Hanken EMBA