Claudia Olsson

The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania

“Innovative digital leader driving transformation through pioneering education ventures and policy impact.”

Hometown: Stockholm, Sweden

Fun fact about yourself: I have a deep passion for languages. As a child, besides Swedish, I studied Japanese, Polish, French, English, and German. To me, words are like tones in a melody, coming together to form a harmonious song. Had I not pursued a career in business, I might have become a journalist. In fact, years ago I started working as a child journalist for one of Sweden’s largest newspapers, Dagens Nyheter. One of my most memorable assignments was reviewing the original Toy Story movie when it first premiered. Still a favorite!

Undergraduate School and Degree: I hold a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management from the Royal Institute of Technology, KTH, and a Master of Science in International Economics and Business from the Stockholm School of Economics. I also studied abroad for a semester in Karlsruhe, Germany, and another semester in Lyon, France and did a Minor Field Study in India. Additionally, I have completed courses at Singularity University, Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government, and the Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford.

Where are you currently working? I’m the Founder and CEO of Stellar Capacity, a pioneering professional education company providing immersive digital skills and leadership development programs. Our transformative courses combine world-class faculty, cutting-edge curriculum exploring AI/emerging tech implications, and hands-on application to real business challenges. The mission is cultivating an adaptive, digital-first mindset and future-ready capabilities to drive operational excellence.

I also serve as Chairman of the innovative language and cross-cultural training platform SpeakCharlie, which bridges linguistic and cultural divides to enhance global communication and collaboration across Swedish, English, Mandarin, German, Spanish and French.

During the past years, I’ve served on several non-profit boards, technology and policy expert groups and in advisory boards. For example, as a member of the Future Council for Values, Ethics and Innovation at the World Economic Forum and as an Associate Faculty at Singularity University.

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles: Director’s List fall 2023 (Top 10% of class); Member of the Trilateral Commission (a global membership organization that for decades has brought together senior policymakers, business leaders, and representatives of media and academia to discuss and propose solutions to some of the world’s toughest problems); Jury member for the Ownershift Price; Future World Fellow IE University; Young Global Leader alumni at the World Economic Forum and Investor in AirForestry and Impact Loop.

Previous awards also include: European Young Leader by Friends of Europe, One of Sweden’s most impactful women in business, a Leader of the Next Generation by the Stars Foundation in Switzerland and China, and a Gifted Citizen by La Ciudad de las Ideas in Mexico.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? Being named Sweden’s #1 Visionary Woman in Tech and IT in Fall 2023 was a great honor that carried deep meaning for me. While the national award recognized my work advancing technological innovation, it also represented an opportunity to inspire more women to engage with and lead in this critical industry. With this platform, I hope to encourage greater female representation in tech fields by serving as a role model and actively championing pathways into these rewarding careers. This recognition reinvigorated my commitment to empowering the next generation who will drive our digital future forward.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I’m proud of founding SpeakCharlie and Stellar Capacity, two pioneering companies tackling critical challenges that businesses face today. SpeakCharlie enhances language and cultural fluency – essential competencies in our interconnected global economy. Stellar Capacity future-proofs organizations by upskilling their workforce with the digital capabilities and forward-thinking leadership required to thrive amid rapid technological disruption.

By enhancing communication skills, cultivating a digital-first mindset, and developing future-ready talent, we’re empowering businesses across industries to drive growth and enable more innovation. But most rewarding is witnessing firsthand the transformative impact our programs have on people’s lives and trajectories. It’s an unparalleled feeling.

Being appointed a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum was also very memorable. It’s a unique network created by Klaus Schwab, the World Economic Forum’s founder, which each year recognizes around 100 socially-minded leaders globally who are working to improve the state of the world. Being part of this community of innovators from diverse backgrounds, all striving to drive positive change through their work, is both an honor and an incredible opportunity to learn and collaborate on impactful solutions.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? It’s difficult to single out just one favorite from the exceptional faculty, as each professor brought truly valuable insights. A few who left a particularly strong imprint:

Christian Terwiesch’s Operations and Quality Management course inspired me to think more strategically about optimizing processes and systems for efficiency and scale.

Patti Williams’ Strategic Brand Management class was transformative in helping me align my venture’s core purpose, vision, and messaging for maximal impact.

Brian Bushee’s Financial Disclosure Analysis revealed how human behavior and psychology significantly influence investment decisions.

And Gad Allon’s Operations Strategy wisdom provided an invaluable framework for scaling a venture both rapidly and sustainably.

I also had the opportunity to collaborate with Peter Fader. His innovative approach to customer centricity not only challenges established norms in customer segmentation but also reshapes students’ perspectives on marketing and the design of customer journeys.

While imparting crucial subject-matter expertise, these professors also exemplified intellectual curiosity and forward-thinking leadership.

Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? I chose Wharton’s Executive MBA program for several reasons. First, the school is renowned for the exceptional quality of its people—from the faculty to my fellow peers. Wharton’s commitment to cutting-edge research, especially in areas like artificial intelligence, where faculty are not just teaching but actively implementing and experimenting, deeply resonated with my own professional focus and aspirations. Additionally, having mentors and role models who have had transformative experiences at Wharton greatly influenced my decision. Their stories and successes underscored the tangible impact that the Wharton program could have on my career, making it the clear choice for my executive education.

What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? One of the most significant lessons I learned during my MBA at Wharton was the paramount importance of empathy in leadership, particularly during challenging situations. This insight became vividly clear through a leadership venture organized by the McNulty Institute. Here, my classmates and I manned a tall ship, navigating it under harsh conditions with limited sleep and only the basic necessities. The experience, coupled with the intense demands of the Wharton EMBA program—marked by tight deadlines and numerous competing commitments—underscored how critical empathy is. In a diverse class with many backgrounds and nationalities, practicing empathy, assuming positive intent, and supporting one another proved essential for our collective learning and success. I’ve applied this lesson at work by fostering a team environment where empathy is valued as a foundational element, enhancing our collaboration and enabling us to thrive even during the most challenging projects.

Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? A memorable experience during my Executive MBA involved coordinating a project in Sweden while attending Global Business Week in Argentina. Despite the challenging time difference, my team members volunteered for late-night calls to ease my schedule. My friends and family also stepped up, adapting their routines to help manage everything back in Sweden. This teamwork and flexibility were crucial in making the project a success. Such supportive networks are invaluable to EMBA students, truly making a significant difference in balancing the intense demands of the program.

What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA Program? My advice is to fully engage in the entire experience, not just the academics. Social activities, trips, and networking events have provided me with the most memorable experiences and formed the strongest bonds.

What was your biggest regret in business school? I’m grateful to say that I don’t think that I have any regrets. I’ve been proactive in seeking learning opportunities, exploring new ideas, and wholeheartedly embracing every novel experience that came my way. For instance, I took part in Global Modular Courses across France, Mexico, and Rwanda, immersing myself in diverse cultures and perspectives. Additionally, I had the privilege of spending a year with two distinct cohorts on both coasts, a one-of-a-kind experience offered by the Wharton Executive MBA Program. These rich and varied experiences have played a crucial role in nurturing both my personal development and leadership journey.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? In our MBA program, we were fortunate to have a highly diverse class comprising professionals from various fields like medicine, law, technology, consulting, and business. While I was in awe of every single one of my classmates, five individuals particularly stood out for their unique contributions and qualities:

Shizhe Shen, who serves as the Senior Director of Mixed Reality Optical Engineering at Meta Reality Labs. Shizhe leads the technology and product development for Meta’s Mixed Reality Devices, including the Meta Quest products. I deeply admire his blend of kindness, intelligence, humbleness, and drive. Leading efforts in the Metaverse is not only pioneering, but also inherently fascinating, and Shizhe’s approach to his work and interactions with classmates was truly inspiring.

Olga Liakhovich, former Principal Applied ML manager at Microsoft and now a founder of CareLen, an agetech startup aimed at improving the lives of the elderly and home care recipients. Olga’s resilient mindset and consistently positive attitude shine through in every project she undertakes, inspiring her classmates.

John Reavey-Cantwell, the Reynolds Endowed Chair and Professor of Neurosurgery at Virginia Commonwealth University, and Director of Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery. John’s deep medical knowledge has been an invaluable asset not just in his professional domain but also within our MBA community. He has helped numerous classmates through his kindness, generosity and exceptional knowledge.

Shweta Mokashi, formerly an engineer and product marketing manager at Intel, has been a source of inspiration through her deep exploration of generative AI. Her proactive engagement in this rapidly evolving field, from attending specialized conferences to collaborating on innovative projects, demonstrates her commitment to staying abreast of technological advancements.

Vijay Bhalaki, Co-Founder and Partner at Athena Infonomics and Adjunct Faculty at The Johns Hopkins University – Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), where he teaches courses in Development Finance, Public Private Partnerships, and Emerging Markets. Vijay’s expertise in creating impactful solutions in emerging markets and his commitment to educating future leaders are both inspiring and admirable.

Shizhe, Olga, John, Shweta and Vijay exemplify the qualities I admire most in leaders: expertise in their fields, a willingness to support others, and a humility that enhances their professional achievements. Their contributions have not only enriched our MBA experience but have also left a lasting impact on how I view leadership and collaboration in diverse settings.

I’m compelled to acknowledge many more individuals, as this program truly brings together an exceptional community of talent.

What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? The main reason I chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives was the value I place on personal relationships. I believe that these connections, which are crucial for meaningful collaboration and learning, are best formed and deepened through face-to-face interactions.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My ultimate long-term professional goal is to scale Stellar Capacity and SpeakCharlie into even more impactful global enterprises. I also aim to continue investing in promising startups and ventures, particularly those that utilize technology to create a positive impact on society. I strive to develop profitable business models that not only yield financial returns but also address pressing global challenges.

Additionally, I aim to continue contributing at a board level to organizations undergoing digital transformation, leveraging my expertise in AI and technology to drive positive change. I especially enjoy working with traditional industries that have existed for a long time but need to embrace AI and new disruptive business models. Change is the only constant, and I find it very rewarding to help organizations navigate through technological change.

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