Boost your career prospects with an Executive MBA at Vlerick Business School

Today's entrepreneurs are well aware that business has the capacity to support good causes in local communities, society and the planet as a whole. Forward-thinking and passionate professionals are now looking for ways to make their businesses more sustainable, as well as empower their companies to make a profit.

Europe leads the way in sustainable business

“We’ve always had a very strong understanding of how business and society are linked - and we know that Europe is leading the way in sustainable business," says Marion Debruyne, the Dean of Vlerick Business School. Citing the European Green Deal, Marion says: “It pushes organisations and businesses to think about how they tackle the big challenges we see in society.”

The European Executive MBA at Vlerick Business School gives business leaders the insight and practical tools needed to build sustainable businesses

Marion also points to the many CEOs she meets, who want to embed sustainable approaches in their businesses. “When I talk to CEOs about their top priorities, performance of course is important - but they want to combine this with a strong sense of purpose.”

“Businesses know that they are intrinsically linked with society - and they have spontaneously started to ask themselves, what is it that we contribute to society? And how do we integrate this into our strategy?”

How do entrepreneurs make sustainability part of their business?

To pair both purpose and profit, the strategy of the company has to be modified so that sustainability is made one of the central activities of the organisation. When this happens, purpose becomes a driver of value creation.

To achieve this, it often means rethinking business models, attitudes and approaches to leadership. This is why Vlerick has created a unique learning experience for established and emerging leaders. Their European Executive MBA prepares leaders who want to embrace sustainability approaches and standards - and know that Europe leads the way in all things ESG.

Sustainability from a wider business perspective

Through visiting some of Europe's most forward-thinking business destinations, the European Executive MBA takes participants on a learning journey through highly immersive experiences.

“For each module, we take immersion trips to different European cities, and all of them have a strong sustainability thread running through them. For example, when we dive into finance and accounting in our online modules, we explore sustainable finance in Paris - a city that has excelled in this area. When we look at digital transformation, we discover how digitisation can drive sustainability. It’s an approach that gives business leaders a 360 view on sustainability,” says programme director Professor Bjorn Cumps.

An MBA course designed for busy entrepreneurs

The European Executive MBA takes place over 18 months and is highly flexible - perfect for an entrepreneur on the go. Participants travel to Brussels, Paris, Copenhagen, Dublin, Madrid, and Zaragoza to experience firsthand how leading European companies embed sustainability throughout their organisations.

Through a carefully designed blend of online, on-campus and in-country learning, participants explore topics including:

• Business and its role in society
• Sustainable finance
• Purposeful and resilient organisations
• Innovative and sustainable venturing
• Sustainable supply chains
• EU horizons and social project

Want to shape a better future?

If you are the kind of business leader that wants to push companies forward by making positive contributions to society, Marion has this advice: “Come and join Vlerick’s European Executive MBA!”

Do you have any lingering questions or want to find out more about the course? Don’t hesitate to reach out - the staff at Vlerick love to hear all about their future students' plans and ambitions.

• Book a call.
• Download the European Executive MBA brochure.