Annika Bellon poses with her Class of 2025 EMBA cohort from ESMT Berlin.
Annika Bellon, EMBA 2025
Hometown: Munich, Germany
Professional background: I hold a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and began my career in strategy and management consulting with Siemens Management Consulting, which at the time was Germany’s largest in-house consulting firm. Over the years in consulting, I worked on different topics related to business transformation, strategy, and organizational development, and later moved into Sustainability Strategy at Siemens AG. My work has always been at the intersection of technology, business, and sustainability, aiming to navigate complex strategic challenges in an ever-changing world.
Annika Bellon
When and why did you start considering an MBA, and why did you choose ESMT’s EMBA? Coming from a highly technical background, I was always fascinated by business and economics. Consulting gave me a fast-paced, hands-on education in management, finance, and corporate decision-making. But I increasingly felt the need for a deeper, more structured academic foundation to complement what I had learned in practice.
I also wanted to broaden my perspective beyond Siemens and gain exposure to other industries and business models. ESMT Berlin stood out to me because of its strong focus on innovation and technology, its close connection to real business challenges, and its highly international environment. I liked that the program was not purely theoretical; every concept was linked to real-world applications and contemporary business examples. That balance between rigor and relevance really resonated with me.
How did you balance the EMBA with your career and personal responsibilities? It was, honestly, one of the toughest challenges I’ve faced; balancing the EMBA with a demanding job, a baby, and building a house all at the same time. It required discipline, prioritization, and pragmatism. I was fortunate to have a very supportive manager and team, family, and friends. ESMT also provided flexibility for me to take a study break when my baby was born. Looking back, it was absolutely worth it. The program taught me resilience, focus, and how to manage complexity on a whole new level.
What did you find most valuable about the ESMT Berlin EMBA? What was most surprising? The most valuable part was the combination of academic depth and practical insight. The professors were so diverse and world-class, not only in research but in their ability to connect theory to real business challenges. I was also surprised by how much I learned from my peers. The cohort was incredibly diverse as well, both professionally and culturally, and the classroom discussions were as enriching as the lectures themselves.
What was most challenging? Time – without question. Managing multiple priorities and staying present in all areas of life was tough. But the challenge itself became a growth experience. I learned to delegate better, focus on what truly matters, and maintain perspective under pressure.
Bellon became a first-time mother during the program, and took off one year before rejoining with the Class of 2025.
Which courses, professors, or projects had the biggest impact on you? Why? Three standouts were the courses on Leadership and Organizational Behaviour, Decision Making, and Strategy and Innovation. They challenged me to reflect on my leadership style and how I influence others not just through decisions, but through empathy and communication. The global modules in the US, South Africa, and Brazil were also transformative. They helped me see how business, strategy, culture, and leadership differ across markets and how important adaptability is for global leaders.
How has the EMBA changed your leadership style or the way you approach your work? Was there an “Ah ha” moment? Yes, I realized that leadership is less about having all the answers and more about asking the right questions and bringing in the right people at the right time. Before the EMBA, I tended to focus on my expertise; now, I try to focus much more on empowerment and inclusion. One key turning point was a leadership exercise that highlighted the impact of self-awareness. Understanding how others perceive your leadership can be truly eye-opening.
What new skills, perspectives, or networks have been most valuable since starting the program? The EMBA gave me a holistic view of business, from finance to operations to strategy, and the confidence to contribute beyond my original functional expertise. The network has also been invaluable; I now have friends and professional connections across industries and continents. The peer learning and mutual support within our cohort continue even after graduation.
Can you share an example of how you applied something you learned in the program directly to your job? One of the most valuable takeaways was learning to better structure complex strategic problems systematically. During a sustainability strategy project at Siemens, I used the TIP (Total Impact Performance) framework to get a broader, sharper view of the company’s performance. It adds externalities to financial performance, thereby integrating profitability and sustainability within a company. This was the basis for evaluating different potential sustainability initiatives and deriving decision proposals.
Also, coming from a technical and consulting background, the finance modules were eye-opening. Understanding the financial implications of different potential initiatives allowed me to better tailor communication to senior executives and secure buy-in for projects that deliver both environmental and economic value.
Bellon in class during one of the program’s immersion weeks in Berlin.
How did your classmates shape your experience? My classmates were the heart of my experience at ESMT. Learning alongside people from such diverse professional and cultural backgrounds was deeply enriching. We shared not only insights and experiences but also personal support. The sense of camaraderie was incredible. We celebrated successes, helped each other through tough moments, and built relationships that go far beyond the classroom.
What support systems inside or outside ESMT were most critical during that time? Professionally, I had a manager who valued lifelong learning and supported my participation. My family’s patience and encouragement helped me personally. Within ESMT, the faculty and program team were always approachable and flexible, which made a big difference.
Looking back, what did you learn about yourself through this experience? I learned that I’m more resilient than I thought. The EMBA pushed me to my limits at times, but it also showed me how much can be achieved with clear goals, perseverance, and support. I also discovered that I thrive in diverse, international settings, and that it’s just about trying new things without getting it perfect the first time.
What impact has the EMBA had on your career trajectory so far? It has broadened my strategic perspective and strengthened my leadership profile. I feel more confident in cross-functional and cross-cultural settings. It’s also opened new doors and conversations about future leadership opportunities within and beyond Siemens.
How has it shaped your goals for the next five years? I aim to continue working at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and strategy, ideally in a role that combines business transformation with impact. The EMBA reinforced my desire to contribute to purpose-driven leadership and to shape organizations that are both competitive and responsible.
Would you recommend the ESMT EMBA to others? What kind of person is the program built for? I would absolutely recommend ESMT’s EMBA to others. It’s a program for curious, driven professionals who want to grow not only as managers but as leaders. It’s ideal for people who are willing to challenge themselves, step out of their comfort zone, and learn from others. You’ll get out of it what you put in – and probably more.
What advice would you give to other professionals considering an EMBA while juggling demanding careers and personal commitments? Be realistic about the time commitment, but don’t be discouraged. Plan ahead, communicate openly with your employer and family, and be kind to yourself when things get hectic. It’s intense, but it’s temporary, and the rewards last a lifetime.
Anything else you’d like to add? Just that the EMBA is not only an academic journey. It’s a personal one. It changes how you see business, leadership, and yourself. For me, it was one of the best investments I’ve ever made.
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