Daniel Dorobantu

1. What was the main reason for you to do an MBA? 

“One of my key motivations for joining the GEMBA programme comes from my work culture. In my company, ‘Gemba’ means going to the actual place, seeing the ground truth. Similarly, the RSM GEMBA is my chance to sharpen my leadership skills, gain fresh insights, and prepare for complex challenges. It’s demanding, but for an aspiring global leader, it’s exactly where you want to be.

This journey holds special meaning as I’ve used my late parents' inheritance to make it possible.
They always gave me room to be a little mischievous and make mistakes, knowing they could forgive me. But the key was that I never let my studies slip. As long as I stayed focused on my education, they trusted me to figure out the rest.

Professionally, I’ve been in global logistics since I was 17, working in container shipping across cultures. My role spans Europe and global responsibilities, so a Global Executive MBA is the perfect fit.

Why RSM? Well, Rotterdam is my ‘Silicon Valley’. I started my career in Romania’s Port of Constanța, but Rotterdam has always been the benchmark. When I moved to the Netherlands, I explored every corner of this city, and for me, RSM was the obvious choice. It’s at the heart of global business, and that’s exactly where I wanted to be.”

2. In what ways does the Global Executive MBA prepare you to be a leader in an uncertain world?

“The programme pushes me in different directions, challenging my assumptions. At work, companies are naturally profit-driven, and the scope for experimentation can be limited. But at GEMBA, we have a safe space to test new ideas and stretch our leadership styles. I’ve discovered my strengths, my blind spots, and areas I need to work on. It’s a continuous journey of growth.”

3. How would you describe your RSM MBA experience so far?

“It started off strong, but I’ll be honest—there were moments when it didn’t meet my expectations. I’ve been working globally for years, so adapting to different working cultures wasn’t new to me. But then, the cohort experience changed everything. When you’re at a senior level, leadership can feel lonely. Here, I’ve found a group of professionals who push me, support me, and challenge me in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

The Global Experiential Learning (GEL) course in Singapore was a turning point. The organisation, the university, the company visits—it was all incredibly insightful. I started applying lessons immediately, and the experience became invaluable. It’s been a journey of ups and downs, and I’m fully engaged.”

4. What has been the most challenging assignment or course during the GEMBA so far?

“Strategic Leadership Development (SLD) was the most challenging—and the most rewarding. Everyone in the programme is already a leader, so we’re all used to taking charge. But SLD forced me to collaborate differently, to manage different personalities, and to lead without always being the loudest voice in the room. Learning to step back, delegate, and truly harness a team’s collective strengths was eye-opening.”

5. What impact does the Strategic Leadership Development (SLD) component of the programme have on you?

“SLD confirmed what I’m good at and highlighted areas for growth. I tend to focus on constructive criticism rather than praise, so this process helped me identify blind spots—how my strong personality can sometimes come across, how I need to compromise more, and how my interactions can improve. The impact was immediate. I started adjusting my approach, and both my cohort and colleagues at work noticed the change. That real-time feedback was priceless—it’s rare to get such honest and actionable insights in a leadership role.”

6. If you had to choose one Sustainable Development Goal, which one would you choose, and why?

“I work in maritime decarbonisation, leading initiatives to cut CO₂ emissions through innovative technologies like biofuels. Given the industry's massive transformation, sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a business imperative. While some still cling to the ‘drill, baby, drill’ mindset, the future of shipping and logistics is undeniably green. That’s why I align most with SDG 13 (climate action), driving change toward a more sustainable and resilient industry.”

7. Has your MBA journey changed your outlook on what your career will be like after doing an MBA?

No, my career path remains the same. Instead, this MBA is about refining my leadership approach, making me more effective in my current role. I want to evolve, adapt, and be the best leader I can be within my organisation.

8. What advice could you give to people who are considering doing a Global Executive MBA?

“It’s lonely at the top. If you want to keep growing, you need to expose yourself to the right people and the right programmes. Corporate environments are often driven by specific interests, particularly profit. At RSM, you get a rare opportunity to step back, collaborate, and learn from other industries. Sometimes, the best solutions to your challenges come from completely different sectors.

This programme gives you a unique space where you can test ideas, challenge yourself, and evolve in ways that aren’t possible at work, with family, or even among friends. If you want to push yourself and become a better leader, this is the place to do it.”