Cilia Keser

Cilia Keser’s journey from a curious business administration student to Managing Partner at a sustainaility consultancy and mentor is a testament to the power of personal growth and giving back. As Chief of People at Nexio Projects, she brings her diverse experiences from adidas and Columbia Sportswear to the world of sustainability consulting. 

Cilia's connection with Rotterdam School of Management (RSM) runs deep, shaping both her career and her approach to helping others. "The soft skills I gained were as valuable as the hard skills", she reflects, highlighting the holistic education that continues to influence her work. Her volunteer activities with RSM, from MBA coffee chats to speed interviews, guest lectures and case competitions, stem from a simple yet powerful motivation: to pay forward the guidance she received as a student. "Every interaction with alumni and individuals I admired helped me carve out my path", Cilia explains.

What sets Cilia apart is her emphasis on intuition and self-reflection in career development. She finds joy in prompting questions and nurturing curiosity, especially in the complex field of sustainability. Echoing the Stoic philosophy, Cilia believes that true growth comes from focusing on what we can control and approaching challenges as opportunities for learning. "Success, to me, is when my guidance leads to deeper thinking and informed decisions", she says. 

Cilia's approach to mentorship is grounded in authenticity and continuous learning. She believes in the ripple effect of empowerment, encouraging others to be confident and proactive in driving positive change. As she puts it, "When we start with self-reflection and personal growth in our quest to make a difference, we become better equipped to effect meaningful change in the world around us."

Through her work and volunteer efforts, Cilia embodies the idea that small, intentional actions can lead to significant impact. Her story is a reminder that career development is not just about climbing ladders, but about fostering connections, embracing curiosity, and continually growing – both personally and professionally.

Cilia was nominated by members of the alumni team.