Global Online MBA alum Ola Åkesson reveals his motivation for applying for the MBA and how the programme helped him realise his career aspirations.

What did you do before embarking on your MBA?

Before pursuing my MBA, I built my career in sales. It began when I was 19, working in door-to-door sales, selling cable TV and broadband. I drove long distances every day and worked entirely on commission. It was a demanding introduction to working life, but incredibly formative. I had thousands of customer meetings, which taught me how to listen actively, read people, adapt quickly, and build trust in a matter of seconds — all while staying persistent and motivated in a tough environment.

Later, I moved into B2B sales and joined Eniro, where I spent nine years. I started in outbound sales, progressed to key account management, and by 24, I was leading my own team as a Sales Manager. Over time, I took on broader responsibilities — from improving internal processes to launching new services and revenue streams. That’s when I began to realise that I enjoyed looking beyond individual targets and thinking more about how the entire business could move forward.

What prompted you to study for an MBA?

After nearly a decade in the same organisation, I felt ready for a new challenge. I wanted to contribute in a broader context — to take on roles that allowed me to work across departments, shape strategy, and help drive a business forward. But despite my experience, the roles I was being approached for were still very sales-specific. I realised that if I wanted to take the next step, I needed to expand my skill set and perspective.

I explored various educational options, but taking time off to study full-time wasn’t realistic. I also wanted something practical and focused — a programme that offered more than just theory. The Warwick Global Online MBA stood out not only for its reputation, but also for its structure. The blended format offered flexibility alongside in-person modules, and the curriculum was highly relevant to the real-world challenges of leading and growing a business.

Post-MBA, have you realised your career aspirations?

Since starting the MBA, my perspective on business — and what I want from my career — has evolved. More than anything, I’ve become clearer on what gives me energy: I enjoy building things, working with others, and seeing the impact of what we’re doing. I’ve come to this through a mix of professional experience and personal reflection — and the MBA played a valuable role in supporting that process.

That clarity also shaped the kind of opportunities I sought out during the programme. I joined Klarna — a hypergrowth, tech-driven company — where I gained valuable insight into how rapidly scaling businesses operate. Balancing my role there with the MBA helped me sharpen my ability to prioritise, work cross-functionally, and apply what I was learning in real time. It also taught me to unlearn old truths when they no longer apply and to approach challenges from fresh and different perspectives — something I’ve found increasingly important in today’s fast-changing business landscape.

Today, I’m Chief Revenue Officer at Dintero, a Nordic payments company. It’s a role where I get to help shape strategy, build teams, and grow the business — while staying close to the customer. The MBA has helped me ask better questions, spot patterns, and contribute in areas I might not have felt as confident in before. It also sparked a genuine interest in finance and economics, giving me a stronger foundation for decision-making and a broader understanding of the business landscape. The Global Online MBA has made me a better leader, strengthened my financial acumen, and given me tools to innovate and drive growth in today's changing business environment.

What plans do you have for the future?

My focus is on continuing to scale Dintero together with the team. We’re committed to delivering long-term impact for our customers and partners, and I’m excited to be part of that journey. Looking ahead, I want to keep developing as a leader — to keep learning, take on new challenges, and contribute in ways that make a real difference