Stephanie Levy: Growing into leadership through the EDHEC Executive MBA

 

 

The EDHEC Executive MBA programme: a deliberate step toward strategic leadership
 

When Stephanie decided to pursue an Executive MBA, she was already operating at senior level. Years of leadership experience had given her practical exposure to complex decision-making, yet she felt the need to deepen her understanding of finance and strategic leadership within a structured academic framework.

 

 

“I decided to do the EDHEC Executive MBA program because I had been in some senior leadership programs for several years and I wanted to strengthen my knowledge in finance and also in strategic leadership.”

 

 

The international nature of the programme played a decisive role. For Stephanie, the appeal lay not only in academic content but in the perspective gained by learning alongside peers with diverse professional and cultural backgrounds.

 

 

“The EDHEC program was especially interesting because it was an international program. I really wanted to meet people with global perspectives with careers where they have traveled all over the globe.”

 

An international cohort and a strong sense of community

 

 

One of the defining aspects of Stephanie’s EMBA experience was the cohort itself. The programme brings together experienced professionals from a wide range of sectors and nationalities, creating a learning environment shaped by exchange, debate and shared challenge.

 

 

“I think the positive surprise of studying at EDHEC was really the personal connection. We had a fantastic cohort of people from many different countries, not only France but many coming from abroad.”

 

 

This diversity was central to the experience. It extended learning beyond the classroom and into informal discussions, group projects and long-term professional relationships.

 

 

“The connections we made as well as the high quality of the professors and the community was really special.”

 

 

Beyond academic rigour, the programme fostered a sense of belonging that Stephanie describes as both demanding and enjoyable.

 

 

“So I think it was not only a wonderful learning experience, it was also fun.”

 

 

Learning away from everyday routines

 

 

Completing the Executive MBA outside her home country also shaped the experience. Studying in France allowed Stephanie to fully immerse herself in the programme, away from the immediate demands of daily professional life.

 

 

“One benefit of doing the Executive MBA in France rather than in Germany where I live, was that I could really focus on the program. During the four-day seminars, there were no distractions of everyday life.”

 

 

The part-time structure of the programme, with monthly in-person seminars, created a rhythm that balanced intensity with continuity. Over 16 months, participants progressively build expertise across core business disciplines while maintaining their professional roles.

 

 

“This type of structure really allows us to build up our knowledge in many different areas, everything from strategic leadership to finance to marketing.”

 

 

At the same time, the regular on-campus format contributed to cohesion within the group.

 

 

“It also creates a sense of community.”

 

 

Challenge, commitment and achievement

 

 

Stephanie is clear about the demands of the programme. Balancing a senior leadership role with the academic workload required sustained commitment and personal sacrifice.

 

 

“It’s very challenging; it’s demanding. We all have to maybe make some sacrifices with our family life.”

 

 

Yet this intensity is also part of the programme’s value. Completing the Executive MBA represents a milestone, both professionally and personally.

 

 

“There is a sense of accomplishment in having completed this in the end.”

 

 

The programme’s emphasis on applied learning, group work and interaction with faculty supports this transformation, linking theory directly to real-world leadership situations.

 

 

Confidence gained through experience

 

 

For Stephanie, one of the most significant outcomes of the Executive MBA was a measurable shift in confidence. The programme strengthened her sense of legitimacy as a leader and expanded her willingness to step into new roles.

 

 

“Through the MBA experience, my competence has significantly increased. I’ve been more willing to take on leadership roles and also new responsibilities, things that maybe I wouldn’t have trusted myself to do before.”

 

 

This evolution was shaped by multiple dimensions of the programme. Academic learning, collaborative projects, faculty guidance and the experience of studying abroad all played a role.

 

 

“Both the things we learned, but also the projects working with other people in the program, learning from professors, and having this experience of going abroad, I think this all really contributed to my confidence developing in a positive way.”

 

 

She describes this outcome as deeply empowering and directly linked to her readiness to embrace future leadership challenges.

 

 

Taking on what comes next

 

 

Looking back, Stephanie views the Executive MBA as a catalyst for professional growth rather than a pause in her career. It reinforced her capacity to lead in complex, international environments while opening new perspectives on responsibility and ambition.

 

 

“So I can absolutely recommend doing an Executive MBA program for anyone who's ready to take the challenge and to take on new responsibilities and open themselves up to any new roles.”