Executive Master in Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurial Leadership (EMDIEL)
Meet the Alumni: Jolanda Burgers-Pas, Class of 2021
Starting the EMDIEL in 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Jolanda joined the EMDIEL with a background in strategy, marketing, and sales. She is currently Director of Performance Management & Customer Interaction for KPN in the Netherlands, where she can share her passion for innovation strategy, business design, and proposition development. We have asked Jolanda about her EMDIEL experience in our interview:
Why did you choose the Executive Master in Digital Innovation and Entrepreneurial Leadership (EMDIEL)
I decided to join the EMDIEL programme for two reasons. Firstly, I wanted to pursue a post master's programme in digital innovation while continuing my career. Secondly, my objective was to advance my career in the direction of digital innovation and explore the kind of entrepreneurial leadership that aligns with my ambitions and personal life. After researching several programmes, the EMDIEL's unique structure combined with the chance to travel abroad and interact with various entrepreneurs, investors, and expert speakers, greatly appealed to me.
What are your key takeaways from the EMDIEL? Were you expecting them, or did they come as a surprise?
EMDIEL has brought about a profound transformation in my personal growth and development. It has equipped me with a range of skills and altered my mindset and approach to tackling tasks. I have learned to navigate through ambiguity and find opportunities within it. I discovered that business professionals can learn immensely from artists in terms of thinking outside the box and embracing creative exploration. I have internalized the mantra of "test first." This means actively engaging with customers and validating hypotheses or prototypes before launching a product into the market. By doing so, I have gained invaluable insights that both save time and effort in the subsequent phases of product or value proposition development. The EMDIEL has instilled in me a love for co-creating and actively participating in discussions. I have learned to bring creativity to the table and foster a collaborative environment that encourages innovative thinking. I have cultivated a mindset of optimism, self-confidence, and persistence. These qualities enable me to overcome challenges, stay motivated, and consistently strive for success. I have recognized the importance of surrounding myself with like-minded individuals who are future-oriented and possess strong future-modeling skills. This collective mindset allows for mutual support, inspiration, and growth.
How did the programme boost your professional success?
The EMDIEL programme has greatly enhanced my professional success, particularly through my entrepreneurial project called Innovation Smile. This project resulted in numerous positive reactions, not only from my friends but also from my colleagues within the company. The vlog campaign associated with Innovation Smile played a crucial role in establishing my reputation as an innovation expert, which subsequently opened up many opportunities for me in the domain of corporate innovation and strategy. As a result, I have been entrusted with a significant amount of project work in this domain, further solidifying my expertise and contributing to my overall professional growth.
Which module was your favourite and why? Any favourite speaker or expert during the EMDIEL, and why?
The first two modules of the EMDIEL program were my favorite. Module one brought surprises, and meeting my classmates was memorable. These modules had rich content with my favorite speakers, and I learned a lot from them. The three-day art thinking workshop taught me to embrace uncertainty, drawing inspiration from artists. The entrepreneurial branding workshop was personally beneficial in establishing my personal brand. Overall, these modules had a lasting impact on my EMDIEL journey.
Last but not least, according to your experience, what kind of profile would thrive in this programme
I believe that anyone with an open mindset, a willingness to learn, and a readiness to embrace new perspectives can benefit from this programme. Whether you're employed in a corporate setting and seeking a career change or aspiring to launch a startup, the programme offers numerous facets that can cater to a wide range of profiles, allowing for growth and success.
Campuses