The Global Leader program helped Erika Ahlberg grow as a leader, sharpen her strategic marketing skills, and enhance her ability to make a meaningful impact. Her best memories were born in case work and coffee-break conversations – but above all, the experience stood out for one reason: it challenged her thinking.
Category Manager Erika Ahlberg leads a ten-person fashion team at Stockmann’s Design Studio.
“My team includes clothing designers, brand leads, and technical designers. Together, we create Stockmann’s own fashion labels for men, women, and children,” Ahlberg says.
Ahlberg, whose versatile career includes several leadership roles in the design industry, is a returning employee at Stockmann.
“I’ve logged enough miles in working life to know myself well. I came back to Stockmann a bit over a year ago, and now I’m exactly where I should be. The best part of my work is definitely the people – and the fact that in this role I get to draw on all my studies and extensive work experience. I lead a creative team while keeping a firm grip on commercial targets.”
Describing herself as a lifelong learner, Ahlberg has studied and worked side by side for nearly her entire adult life. She holds a BBA, a degree in fashion design, and a master’s degree from Aalto University’s International Design Business Management program.
Her first touchpoint with Aalto EE came a couple of years ago when she took a standalone digital marketing program.
“The study experience was marvelous, and I really liked Aalto EE’s way of doing things. So much so that I started exploring their other programs. It didn’t take long for me to decide that Global Leader was the right fit for me. I signed up,” she says.
Ahlberg describes the Global Leader program as an investment in her own future.
“It was a big commitment in many ways. But I felt this was something I really wanted to dedicate time and money to: developing myself and growing as a leader.”
“It also weighed in that Global Leader is an excellent stepping stone to EMBA studies, if I get the chance to continue on that path in the future.”
Inspiring case work
According to Ahlberg, studying in the Global Leader program was highly motivating. The content was well structured, and the instructors were consistently top-notch.
“All the modules were definitely useful, but of course, my own interests influenced which ones I liked the most. Strategic Marketing and Customer-Centricity, as well as Power and Influence, which I chose as an elective, were my favorites.”
“The strategic marketing module was fantastic. It really inspired me. Nermin Hairedi’s practical teaching style and the first-rate visiting speakers left a lasting impression.”
Ahlberg especially enjoyed the company case carried out in small groups for a Finnish Licorice Factory: Kouvolan Lakritsi.
“Our group was amazing; everyone threw themselves into the assignment with enthusiasm. Our team spirit was so good that I even created a song for us with AI,” she reminisces.
I could flexibly adapt my study schedule to my new life situation.
“Besides being really fun, the case work was extremely useful. As everything at Aalto EE is done to the highest standard, the owners and top management of Kouvolan Lakritsi were there in person to score our marketing ideas and give us feedback.”
Ahlberg started a new role as Head of Stockmann’s Design Studio while she was participating in the Global Leader program.
“Luckily, I could flexibly adapt my study schedule to my new life situation. I ended up completing the program in two years. My Global Leader journey culminated in the Power and Influence module. I had heard great things about it, and it lived up to every expectation. Joaquín Cava’s teaching, in particular, was outstanding.”
In this module as well, Ahlberg especially enjoyed the case work.
“We had a real-life case that we worked on for several days, gaining new perspectives as the module progressed. It was a brilliant way to learn. The long-term approach helped me understand how theoretical models connect with real working life.”
The Power and Influence module focuses on how to influence others effectively and choose the style of influence that best fits each situation. Alongside the case work, Ahlberg has fond memories of the presentation she delivered during the module.
"I'm a fairly experienced performer, but in this final module, I got exceptionally good feedback. It certainly boosted my professional confidence.”
Rewarding conversations that challenge your thinking
Ahlberg emphasizes that her excellent study experience stemmed not only from the high-quality teaching but also from Aalto EE’s staff and, above all, the interaction with other participants.
“Our program director, Saana Kaihu, and the whole Aalto EE team did an amazing job,” she smiles.
“The basic arrangements worked incredibly well, every single day. In each module, there was always an Aalto EE staff member present alongside the instructor, looking after us. We always knew what to expect, everything from the tech to the coffee breaks worked seamlessly – and we could simply focus on what mattered most: learning.”
Ahlberg notes that no one enrolls in a program like Global Leader without good reason.
“Everyone was motivated and genuinely committed to the studies. That made the joint learning and group work extremely rewarding. And the cherry on top were all the fantastic conversations during morning coffees, breaks, and lunches. They supported the rest of the learning and made Global Leader a truly exceptional experience.”
“Our group included people from very different backgrounds, from the pharmacy industry to the defense sector. It did me a world of good to step out of my own work bubble and exchange ideas with them.”
Ahlberg says it was especially eye-opening to hear how leaders in completely different industries wrestle with very similar challenges.
The training supported my growth as a person.
“Implementing organizational changes is a good example. We had numerous valuable discussions about change leadership.”
Ahlberg has already recommended the Global Leader program to several people, including on LinkedIn.
“I focused on leadership studies, but Global Leader has two elective modules – you can dive into topics such as M&A or digital transformation if you wish. I highly recommend participating.”
“Everything I learned about leadership was especially valuable, as I took on a new leadership role during the Global Leader program. But the program’s key takeaway was how profoundly it challenged my own thinking. The training supported my growth as a person: it made me a better colleague and leader.”