ESMT Berlin president Jörg Rocholl speaks to Ambition editor Colette Doyle about seizing the day when it comes to unexpected opportunities, why leaders need to drive societal transformation and the way in which an organisation’s commitment to sustainability can foster a strong corporate culture In conversation with… Jörg Rocholl
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you came to take up the role at ESMT Berlin “I became president of ESMT basically overnight. My predecessor, Lars-Hendrik Röller received a call from German Chancellor Angela Merkel in June 2011, asking him whether he would agree to serve as her chief economic advisor. When he confirmed his interest, it was incumbent upon me as the then-dean of faculty at ESMT to fill the role of president. “You cannot plan for certain things in life – you just have to grab the opportunity and make the best out of it. I was 37 years old at that time and in the middle of my professorial career as a researcher and teacher; the resulting shift in my career trajectory has been fascinating. I have benefitted tremendously from the fantastic team that my predecessors built. This team has given me an amazing head start from my very first day in the role – and continues to do so.” What have been the highlights of your career to date? “My time at ESMT has been equally exciting and rewarding. I lived in the United States for eight years, initially when I was studying for my PhD at Columbia and then for my first professorial role at the University of North Carolina. Again and again, I was asked: ‘Why does Germany, as the strongest economy in Europe and a global economic powerhouse, not have a single business school of international calibre?’ “Visionary leaders in Germany asked the question too and that’s why they decided to create ESMT, a business school founded by business, with the first degree programme having commenced in 2006. The fact that ESMT is now among the top 10 business schools in Europe, as well as being counted within the top 10 in the world when it comes to executive education, is a great demonstration of what its team has achieved in just 20 years.”
What kind of skills do you think are necessary nowadays in order for MBA graduates to become efficient and productive leaders? “Today’s leaders must be more than efficient and productive; they need to drive transformation with courage, foresight and adaptability. MBA graduates require strategic insight in order to navigate geopolitical and economic disruption. “At ESMT Berlin, we emphasise entrepreneurial thinking and the power of disruptive innovation. Leaders must possess the ability to identify and capitalise on new opportunities, develop creative solutions and foster a culture of experimentation and continuous improvement within organisations. Entrepreneurship means more than just starting a new business. It is about adopting a mindset that thrives on problem-solving and creating value in rapidly changing environments. “Exploring emerging technologies and anticipating technological shifts are crucial skills. The digital revolution, driven by artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, big data and automation, is transforming industries. MBA graduates must be technologically literate and able to apply technology strategically to improve business operations, optimise decision-making and drive sustainable growth. “Creating social impact and responding to evolving societal expectations are essential for business leaders. Consumers, employees and investors alike demand corporate responsibility and ethical business practices. Leaders must be equipped to integrate social responsibility into their business models, balancing profitability with purpose. Our students, for example, engage in hands-on social impact projects, such as consulting for non-profits, supporting sustainable entrepreneurship initiatives and developing strategies for businesses focused on social innovation.
12 Ambition • ISSUE 2 • 2025
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