From engineering to strategic leadership: A journey shaped by change and the WBS Global Online MBA

I was born in Sofia, Bulgaria, and for the past 20 years I have lived in Germany, where I built both my personal and professional life. My academic foundation is in engineering, having completed a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and Communications Engineering, followed by a Doctor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Early in my career, I was driven by the desire not just to work within systems, but to improve them — to create impact, enable progress, and contribute meaningfully in every role.

Professionally, my career evolved along the intersection of technology, strategy, and leadership. I started in research and engineering roles and later held global business development, product management, and strategic marketing positions at internationally operating companies such as Infineon, HARTING, and JAE Europe. Today, I serve as Head of Traction and Automation at LEM, where I define long-term strategy, lead international teams, and drive innovation in technically complex markets.

Why Warwick Business School

At a certain point in my career, I realised that technical expertise alone would not get me where I wanted to go. I needed a broader strategic perspective - one that would allow me to better align technology, business outcomes, and organisational leadership. I was also seeking flexibility to balance professional commitments, international travel, and learning. The Warwick Business School Distance Learning MBA (now the Global Online MBA) was a perfect fit. It is global, dynamic, and deeply business-oriented and allowed me to study at my own pace without compromising on academic rigour.

The Global Online MBA experience

Studying through the global online programme was an intense, challenging, and ultimately transformative experience. Despite the online format, the sense of connection with faculty and my cohort was strong and engaging. I particularly remember the depth of discussions, working collaboratively on assignments, and exploring strategic challenges with peers from around the world.

One of the most valuable aspects was how directly the programme aligned with my professional work. My final project was hands-on, strongly connected to my role, and immediately applicable. The strategic nature of the coursework helped me move beyond operational problem-solving into strategic leadership, complex decision-making, and organisational influence.

Transitioning into senior leadership

Completing the MBA marked a natural turning point. The programme strengthened my ability to lead across disciplines, cultures, and organisational contexts. Shortly after graduating, I stepped into a senior leadership role within a global organisation - a transition that felt like a direct continuation of my learning at WBS.

One of the biggest challenges in this transition was shifting from being the technical expert to someone who empowers others - creating clarity, direction, trust, and alignment across teams. The leadership frameworks, strategic tools, and reflective practices I gained during the MBA were instrumental in navigating this change.

A defining moment in my leadership journey was accepting the responsibility to lead the Traction and Automation business at LEM during a period of strategic transformation - connecting long-term vision with operational execution while leading diverse teams across global markets.

Advice for Future MBA Students

The Warwick MBA is a powerful catalyst for personal and professional transformation. My advice to current and prospective students is simple: be brave. Growth often begins when you step outside your comfort zone. Embrace change, engage deeply with your peers, and apply what you learn in real time - even small steps will help you achieve your goals.