Christoffer Completed an MBA: “Remember to Eat the Elephant One Bite at a Time”

29. september 202623. september 2026

“I have not regretted for a single second that I chose to continue my studies, even though there were challenging periods along the way. In many ways, it is similar to training for a long-distance run: it is tough at first, but once you settle into a routine, everything feels much easier.”

With this comparison, Christoffer Felsgård Dahl reflects on his experience of completing an Executive MBA in 2025. He wrote his final dissertation after moving into his current leadership role at Novo Nordisk.

He studied online through the IBA Kolding, which offers its MBA programmes in close collaboration with Leeds Beckett University. Christoffer describes his EMBA as providing a “360-degree perspective” on the challenges leaders face in their day-to-day work.

“I see it as a generalist qualification that equips you to engage in discussions across all functions and levels of an organisation. That is something I value greatly,” he explains.

“The world is constantly evolving, so in reality you are moving backwards if you are not actively investing in your own development. That was probably my greatest motivation for studying for a master’s degree,” says Christoffer Felsgård Dahl.

Originally trained as an electrician, Christoffer later qualified as a marine engineer. Shortly afterwards, he joined Greater Copenhagen Utility, which at the time was preparing to construct a new power plant unit on Amager. During the project, he took on a role as team leader for the welders and electricians.

“It is not every day that a new power station is built, so it was an incredibly exciting project. However, it was also my first leadership role, and I learned the hard way that managers need a sound theoretical foundation to support their work,” says Christoffer.

Fortunately, he has always enjoyed learning and professional development. He first completed an HD business degree before taking the next step and enrolling on a European Executive MBA. He was able to study online through the IBA Kolding, making it entirely practical despite being based on Zealand.

Teaching is delivered asynchronously, allowing students to decide for themselves when to devote time to studying and coursework. This provides valuable flexibility in everyday life. And, according to Christoffer, technology also proved to be a helpful companion throughout the programme.

“With the help of AI, you can easily turn a chapter from a textbook into a podcast, allowing you to listen to two hosts discussing the material. You can still interrupt with your own questions along the way. For me, it was an excellent way to absorb the theory while out for a run. It was incredibly valuable,” says Christoffer.

When he began the programme, he had already become a father for the first time, and another child was on the way. Naturally, lectures and study time had to fit alongside family life.

“It is inevitable that there will be times when studying for an MBA alongside both a career and a family is challenging. However, it is only for a period of your life. My best advice is simply to focus on one semester at a time. That way, you eat the elephant one bite at a time,” he says.