Known for her tenacity, dedication, and meticulous attention to detail, Irene Rosberg has garnered high-level contacts in leading organizations across Europe, Asia, and Latin America. She has earned widespread recognition and respect in the maritime and logistics sectors on an international scale. Her impactful contributions in executive education, research on future industry challenges, and the establishment of global relationships have solidified her reputation as a prominent figure. Colleagues from various countries acknowledge her as a committed professional who approaches challenges with innovation and unwavering determination.
Currently serving as the Director of the Executive MBA in Shipping and Logistics (The Blue MBA) at Copenhagen Business School (CBS), Irene has played a pivotal role in the design, development, and coordination of The Blue MBA since its inception. Her responsibilities extend to building global relationships and networks within the maritime industry on behalf of CBS, and she actively engages in promoting research to identify challenges and future trends for the entire maritime sector. Irene is also a member of numerous international boards and committees, showcasing her influence and involvement in shaping the maritime landscape. Her extensive international network and wealth of experience have led to her taking on major roles in diverse maritime-related activities, and she is a sought-after speaker at leading maritime events. Irene Rosberg stands as a respected leader, contributing significantly to the advancement and understanding of the maritime and logistics industries globally.
Achieving Expertise
Apart from leading the Blue MBA programme, Irene has assumed various roles, such as serving as the Chief Executive of The Blue MBA Alumni Association, The Blue MBA Alumni Academy, and Director of the Blue Board Leadership Programme at CBS Executive Fonden, the programme which seeks to show how boards can navigate accelerated change, the growing ESG agenda and increased complexity within the global ambit of the sector; discuss examples of business success and learning from failures, how to mitigate risk, and how to maximise business opportunities, growth, and shareholder value through strategic board involvement. She is also a member of the Executive Offshore Wind MBA Programme Board at Gdynia Maritime University and a member of the MBA Industry Advisory Board at the University of Bradford School of Management. She contributes to the field by being part of the AMBA (Association of MBAs) Accreditation Peer Review Panel and is the Co-Founder and Chairperson of M-NOW (Maritime Network of Women) based in Denmark.
She was named the #1 woman in global shipping industry in both 2020 and 2021 by www.allaboutshipping.co.uk.
Irene’s past achievements include serving as the Director of the DBA (Doctor of Business Administration) program from 2005 to 2010. During her tenure, the DBA programme underwent a merger with other PhD programmes at CBS in 2010.
The success of the Blue MBA programme was solidified when it won the prestigious Danish Maritime Prize in 2011. Irene has actively contributed to the academic community by being involved in different maritime conferences and seminars across the globe.
In 2009, Irene became involved in Panama Maritime, joining the Board of Advisors for the Panama Maritime XII World Conference in 2014. CBS Executive Fonden recognised her expertise by appointing her as the Scientific Director of the European Short Sea Shipping Conference held in June 2015.
A Dynamic Personality
Irene is an extroverted individual, characterized by her outgoing nature and a penchant for directing attention towards matters beyond herself. Possessing a high degree of sociability and assertiveness, she thoroughly enjoys public speaking and engaging with others socially, considering it an estimable pursuit. This quality has proven to be a significant asset in the industry she serves, where effective networking is paramount.
For Irene, work goes beyond being merely a source of income; it needs to be socially rewarding and provide a sense of accomplishment. Her passion for what she does is evident, viewing her work not as a job but as a deeply identified passion. Irene is highly result-driven, forward-looking, and demonstrates total dedication and tenacity in her work. Her keen attention to detail and proactive approach to challenges shape her as an individual who sees obstacles as opportunities to shine. She is known for innovatively tackling challenges or problems that come her way.
Outside of work, Irene’s personality remains consistent, as she believes in the unity of one’s character. In terms of hobbies, she has a love for traveling and exploring new cultures, a fondness for animals and nature, an appreciation for classical music, and, when time permits, she enjoys running in the woods, playing the piano, or engaging in watercolor painting.
Philosophy of Growth
According to Irene, her approach to constant growth and development involves staying attuned to the challenges in her industry and finding innovative ways to address them. She actively seeks new skills and expands her knowledge base through curiosity, a desire for learning, and positive interactions with industry stakeholders. Irene believes in a two-way inspiration process—being inspired by others and inspiring them in return, fostering a creative mindset.
Maintaining a holistic view of the interconnected segments within her industry is crucial for Irene’s growth and development. Staying informed about challenges across different industry facets enables her to evolve not only as a woman leader but as any leader in a dynamic and interconnected field. Taking on new projects is another avenue she explores for personal and professional development. Irene emphasizes the need to adapt and move with the industry, comparing it to a flowing river where one must navigate obstacles to reach the destination.
For emerging leaders, Irene advocates persistence in the face of challenges and a willingness to take risks, as change often involves making decisions that carry inherent risks. Clear strategic planning and action plans are essential, and involving the team in the creative process fosters shared passion and vision. Additionally, Irene highlights the importance of emotional intelligence, especially in the context of remote work, where unique challenges require special attention.
Success through Knowledge, Proactivity, and Global Networks
Irene emphasizes that the key to success lies in possessing the right knowledge and skills, coupled with a proactive approach to tackling challenges. This mindset has earned her recognition and immense respect in the maritime and logistics sectors globally. Her expertise in executive education within the maritime industry, research on future challenges, and the cultivation of global relationships has contributed to her standing.
Building a solid network has been instrumental in Irene’s success, fostering high-level contacts with leading organizations across Europe, Asia, and North and Latin America. This extensive network has enabled her to attract top talent from the emerging generation of management in shipping, logistics, and associated services. Irene takes pride in grooming the next generation of CEOs, contributing to the modernization of the maritime sector, which she describes as the lynchpin of global trade. The progress made over the past two decades has been applauded by maritime leaders as a driving force for positive change in the industry.
Leadership in Maritime Education and Industry
In her role as the Director of the Executive MBA in Shipping and Logistics (The Blue MBA) at Copenhagen Business School (CBS), Irene has played a pivotal role since the program’s inception. She is responsible for designing, developing, and coordinating The Blue MBA, Europe’s premier program in maritime education. Irene represents CBS in building global relationships and networks within the maritime industry and actively engages in promoting research to identify challenges and future trends in the sector.
Drawing on her extensive international network and experience, Irene holds significant roles in various maritime-related boards and committees. She is a featured speaker at leading maritime events, contributing her insights and expertise to industry discussions. Additionally, Irene leads the Blue MBA Alumni Association, overseeing initiatives such as the Blue Board Leadership and Governance Programme, catering to the governing board members of the maritime industry. Her recent endeavor, the Blue MBA Alumni Academy, serves as a hub for short development courses, diploma courses, and certificate programs, fostering lifelong learning opportunities for maritime professionals. Irene’s multifaceted contributions underscore her commitment to advancing education and leadership in the maritime domain.
Teamwork in Organizational Success
Irene emphasizes the symbiotic relationship between leadership and teamwork, considering both as equally vital components for organizational success. In her perspective, a strong leader is essential to guide the team through challenges, providing a clear vision, fostering enthusiasm, and maintaining effective communication. A great leader builds and nurtures a high-performing team by instilling trust, motivating members, and creating positive experiences.
Conversely, a great team possesses the ability to influence the leader, turning them into a collaborative team member. Cooperation skills, enthusiasm, and shared passion for goals contribute to the team’s ability to influence and enhance leadership effectiveness. Irene underscores that the success of an organization hinges on the seamless interplay between effective leadership and a well-coordinated, motivated team.
Communication, Adaptability, and Lifelong Learning
Irene places great importance on several key attributes for professional success. She emphasizes the significance of excellent communication skills, considering them essential for sharing ideas and demonstrating self-confidence. Additionally, adaptability, flexibility, and the ability to perform with confidence under pressure are crucial traits in a dynamic work environment.
Furthermore, Irene highlights the value of being eager to learn and maintaining a curious mindset. Continuous learning and staying updated are essential for addressing new challenges and finding innovative solutions. Having a passion for the work and being inspired to view one’s role as a profession rather than just a job is another key factor according to Irene. Loving what you do is seen as integral to performing tasks effectively.
Transformative Learning and Business Evolution
Irene recognizes the transformative impact of technology on business and education. She views technology as a major disruptive force, particularly in the realm of business education. According to Irene, the education industry must comprehend and embrace these technological changes to remain pertinent in a rapidly evolving marketplace and work landscape.
The advent of new technologies, particularly those accelerating digitalization, has profound implications for both work and life. As an educator, Irene emphasizes the need to reassess traditional learning models and explore innovative approaches that align with the digital age. The rise of remote learning, in particular, has opened up a diverse range of possibilities for both learning and teaching.
Moreover, Irene underscores the importance of embracing a mindset of lifelong learning, facilitated by the opportunities presented by digitalization and new technologies. Executives, in particular, are urged to stay current and relevant by actively engaging with and adapting to the evolving technological environment in their respective industries.
Perspective on Risks
Irene does not pinpoint a specific occasion as the greatest risk in her professional journey. Instead, she emphasizes that success is inherently tied to taking risks. Irene views risks as opportunities for personal and professional growth, allowing her to evolve as a leader, acquire new skills, gain insights, and explore alternative solutions beyond traditional approaches. Taking calculated and intentional risks has been instrumental in expanding her horizons and fostering innovative perspectives.
She highlights the importance of a supportive organizational environment that encourages challenging the status quo and taking risks. Irene appreciates the freedom to innovate at CBS, crediting this supportive atmosphere as a key factor in her ability to take risks and contribute meaningfully to her work. In her view, an environment that facilitates risk-taking is crucial, as it mitigates the fear of failure, rejection, or criticism that can often hinder individuals from embracing new challenges.
Key Qualities for New Leaders
Irene emphasizes several key qualities and actions that are crucial for a new leader:
- Offering Personal Development: A new leader should demonstrate the ability to provide opportunities for personal development within the team. This approach is not only inspiring but also fosters a sense of followership among team members.
- Setting High Expectations: It is important for a leader to set ambitious expectations for themselves and actively strive to achieve them. This dedication and passion become contagious, inspiring others and showcasing the leader’s commitment to achieving results.
- Holistic View of the Organization: A leader should possess a holistic view of the organization, understanding its various aspects and intricacies. This broader perspective enables strategic thinking on a larger scale.
- Assuming Additional Responsibility: Leaders should be willing to take on additional responsibilities as situations demand. Being adaptable and ready to handle new challenges is a key aspect of effective leadership.
- Seeking Mentorship: Irene emphasizes the value of having a mentor at every stage of life, including for leaders. Learning from other leaders who inspire and being open to continuous learning and development contribute to effective leadership.
These principles collectively contribute to a leader’s ability to inspire and lead a team successfully.
