Over more than two decades, the BMI Executive Institute has grown into a place where leaders come together to think and act beyond the boundaries of their organizations or countries. Today, BMI alumni are true agents of change – they lead companies, shape strategies on boards, invest in new ventures, and strengthen economic growth. According to the institute’s Director, Jurgita Bendikaitė-Ursavas, for most participants, their studies are a journey that transforms not only their professional path but also their perspective on leadership. The continuous connection among alumni helps this community remain active and influential.
– Can you share examples of BMI Executive Institute alumni or participants whose decisions have led to real changes in business or society?
Indeed, BMI Executive Institute alumni have become true change-makers – in their organizations, across the region, and in international markets. We are proud to see how their decisions and acquired knowledge have a tangible impact not only on business growth but also on the wider economic, social, and innovation ecosystems. Many contribute to transformations within their companies: from implementing sustainability strategies and introducing technological innovations to expanding into foreign markets. Some are public sector leaders shaping regional innovation policies – for instance, Gerimantas Bakanas, CEO of “Miesto gijos.” Others are startup investors and mentors, such as Giedrė Vilkė, one of Europe’s leading marketing executives, who supports a new generation of entrepreneurs. And there are many more we are proud of.
– What motivates executives most to join the Executive MBA (EMBA) program today – career ambitions or the desire to create broader value?
Very often, people come with both goals in mind. They want to strengthen their competencies while also discovering deeper meaning in their professional lives. During motivational interviews, we often hear mature, inspiring stories – candidates speak openly not only about improving their company’s performance but also about starting or expanding their business beyond Lithuania. They see themselves not just as managers but as responsible, influential leaders who want to make a difference in the world around them.
This mindset aligns perfectly with BMI Executive Institute’s mission – to develop leaders who can create long-term value not only for their organizations but for society as a whole. That is the greatest strength of our participants and alumni – their ambition, openness to the world, and desire to make a meaningful impact.
– What changes do executives usually experience during their studies? And what inspires you the most as you observe them?
These transformations are one of the most rewarding aspects of our work. I often say that our programs are not just about knowledge – they are about transforming one’s way of thinking and self-awareness. I see how people change: at first, they arrive with very concrete professional goals, but later they begin to think much more broadly – about their role in the organization, their ambitions, aspirations, responsibilities, and the meaning of leadership. They learn to listen not to respond, but to truly hear others. They dare to trust their teams, share responsibility, and become more open. Most importantly, they find the courage to change. This inspires not only them but also us as an institution.
– How can leaders remain effective when their decisions are influenced not only by business factors but also by geopolitics?
Today’s leaders must operate in a complex and unpredictable environment – decisions that seem local are often directly affected by global trends: geopolitics, supply chains, technological change, and financial market fluctuations. Therefore, it’s essential to understand not only one’s business but also the broader economic and political context. This is one of the key reasons why BMI programs are international – both in content and in teaching faculty.
Our institute brings together top lecturers from leading business schools such as HEC Paris, ESADE Business School, Copenhagen Business School, St. Gallen Business School, and others. They not only share the latest insights in management and economics but also help participants understand how global processes influence their daily decisions and strategic thinking. As Professor Rudy Aernoudt often emphasizes in his lectures on macroeconomics and geopolitics, a company’s strategy should be grounded in the macro context, not only in internal organizational plans.
Another important part of our studies is the diversity of participants. Executives from various sectors and backgrounds study together in the EMBA program, making every discussion a valuable practical laboratory. Leaders learn from each other how to deal with crisis management, geopolitical challenges, and rapidly changing markets.
A quarter of your alumni currently serve on the boards of Lithuanian companies, public institutions, and international businesses. Could we say that BMI Executive Institute has become a kind of board member incubator?
Yes, absolutely. Here, a new generation of leaders is being shaped – leaders who can act strategically, ethically, and with a broad international outlook. And we are very proud of that. We have been offering corporate governance training since the institute’s foundation and the launch of the very first EMBA cohort back in 1999.
Last year, we expanded our board training program – for the second year in a row, intensive courses for board members are taking place both in Copenhagen and Vilnius, in collaboration with our partner, the Copenhagen Business School (CBS). Responding to the growing demand for experienced board members in the region, BMI, together with the BMI Alumni Executive Club, launched a new initiative this May – the BMI Board Network. Its purpose is to bring together experienced executives to share knowledge and expertise and to help address corporate governance challenges.
We’ve noticed that while most leaders have solid theoretical knowledge, not all have had the chance to test it in practice – and sometimes those tests can be very costly. That’s why we encourage learning from others’ successes and mistakes. The network responds quickly to relevant business issues that draw public attention – people at the center of those events share their experiences, and professionals analyze the outcomes. The topics focus on personal leadership development or tangible benefits for their businesses – helping leaders make higher-quality governance decisions.
– Companies are expanding internationally, implementing digitalization, and moving toward green energy. What skills most distinguish successful transformation leaders from those who struggle?
First and foremost, it’s the ability to think strategically and see the bigger picture – to understand not only the specifics of one’s business operations but also the broader economic, geopolitical, and social processes that influence the future of business. Secondly, change doesn’t necessarily start with technology – it starts with people: with how a leader engages, inspires, and supports their team through transformation. Emotional intelligence, communication, and data-driven decision-making are crucial – as is a global perspective. Today, success often depends on a leader’s ability to understand global trends and apply them locally.
That’s exactly the mindset we nurture at the BMI Executive Institute. Here, leaders learn not just to manage change but to create it – turning challenges into new opportunities.
– BMI alumni say that the EMBA journey doesn’t end with a diploma. How do you maintain such a strong connection among former participants and graduates?
We cultivate this sense of community very intentionally. The BMI network brings together over 1,300 EMBA graduates from more than 30 countries – top-level executives, business founders, and board members with diverse experience across industries in Lithuania and abroad.
We organize events, meetings, and lectures with international professors and business leaders. Participants and alumni greatly value the fact that BMI attracts like-minded people – leaders who strive not only for results but also for meaningful impact. From these relationships, new businesses, joint initiatives, investments, and even social projects emerge.
So, it’s fair to say that the BMI alumni community is a living ecosystem that naturally creates value – helping members continue to grow, learn, and inspire others. And that, I believe, is the true strength of our institute – we don’t just provide knowledge; we create an environment where learning never stops.