For Justinas Pesliakas, Lead Business Manager Motion at ABB Lithuania and BMI International Executive MBA Class of 2025 alumnus, the EMBA was an opportunity to broaden his perspective beyond operational execution and strengthen the way he thinks about strategy, leadership and long-term business value.
Working in a fast-evolving sector, Justinas was looking for a programme that combined international exposure, strong academic guidance and practical business relevance. The BMI International Executive MBA offered this balance through experienced international lecturers, real-life business cases, international modules in Singapore and Brussels, and a cohort of professionals from diverse industries.
In this interview, Justinas reflects on how the programme challenged his assumptions, strengthened his strategic thinking and helped him approach leadership with more clarity, structure and openness to different perspectives.
What motivated you to choose the BMI International Executive MBA?
I chose the BMI International Executive MBA because of its strong regional relevance combined with truly international exposure.
One of the key selection criteria for me was BMI’s ability to bring in highly experienced international lecturers, supported by strong academic guidance from faculty, while at the same time integrating practical, real-life business cases into the learning process.
This combination of academic rigour and hands-on application resonated strongly with my role in a fast-evolving sector.
Additionally, the opportunity to learn alongside experienced professionals from diverse industries, as well as the international modules in Singapore and Brussels, provided a global perspective.
Was there a defining moment during the programme that challenged or inspired you?
One of the defining aspects of the programme was not a single moment, but rather the continuous challenge of stepping outside my comfort zone.
Group discussions and assignments challenged me to articulate my viewpoints clearly while remaining open to diverse perspectives. Interactions with peers from other industries challenged my assumptions and broadened my thinking.
These moments reinforced the importance of intellectual humility, adaptability and the ability to critically reassess my own perspective in leadership.
How has the EMBA transformed your career, mindset or leadership style?
The EMBA significantly strengthened my strategic perspective.
It helped me move from an operational and execution-focused mindset to a more holistic, long-term view of business. I became more structured in decision-making, more comfortable navigating uncertainty and more intentional in how I engage and empower others.
As a leader, I now focus more on creating clarity, fostering collaboration and aligning teams around shared goals rather than just driving performance metrics.
What skill, insight or connection from the programme had the biggest impact on you?
The most impactful takeaway has been the ability to connect strategy with execution in a disciplined way.
The programme enhanced my capability to translate complex ideas into actionable plans. This is especially important in leadership roles where strategic direction must eventually become practical movement across teams, priorities and decisions.
Equally important were the connections built during the EMBA. The programme brought together people with diverse backgrounds who challenged my thinking and continue to serve as a valuable professional network.
These relationships remain a source of ongoing learning and inspiration.
What advice would you give someone considering an EMBA at BMI?
My advice would be simple: be fully committed and open to the experience.
The value of the programme depends not only on the content but on how much you engage with it. Challenge yourself, actively participate in discussions and learn as much from your peers as from the faculty.
Also, be prepared to reflect critically on your own leadership style. This is where the real transformation happens.
If you approach it with the right mindset, the EMBA can be a truly career-defining journey.