Jasper Schakel

IMD Business School

“I am a passionate engineer with a deep interest into water, sustainability and business development.”

Hometown: The Hague, South Holland, Netherlands

Fun fact about yourself: My nickname was Commander Gearbox

Undergraduate School and Degree: Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering at the Technical University of the Delft

Master of Environmental Engineering (previously Sanitation Technologies of Water Management) at the Technical University of the Delft

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Witteveen+Bos Consulting Engineering, Project Manager Water, Energy and Environment. Located at their Office in Ghana, West Africa

Where did you intern during the summer of 2023? Not applicable

Where will you be working after graduation? I have started my own start-up called CIWI. At CIWI, we want to empower water treatment companies by making their operations more resilient and sustainable.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

Winner of the IMD Venture Award 2023

President of the Public Speaking Committee and improv coach

Alto Saxophonist for the IMD MBA Band

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? I am most proud of winning the IMD Venture Award during my time at business school. This accolade was not just a recognition of my entrepreneurial aspirations but also a testament to the comprehensive education I received at IMD. Over the course of six months, my co-founder and I devoted ourselves tirelessly to integrating the diverse array of courses and teachings into a cohesive and robust business plan. This process was both challenging and immensely rewarding, as it allowed us to apply theoretical knowledge of IMD in a practical, real-world context.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I am most proud of building a pilot plant in Northern Ghana, a project that inspired CIWI. This endeavor, completed with a colleague and now co-founder, was a monumental challenge. We constructed what was likely the first electrochemical water treatment pilot in Sub-Saharan Africa, overcoming extreme heat and material scarcities in a remote location. This project not only tested our resilience but also marked a great step in our understanding of building resilient electrochemical water treatment facilities.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose this business school primarily for its exceptional focus on personal and leadership development, complemented by the advantage of small class sizes. The intimate learning environment fostered deeper connections with professors and peers, enhancing the quality of education and collaboration. This emphasis on leadership is particularly crucial for me as I work on establishing a supportive and sustainable company culture at CIWI. I understand that while I may move on in a decade, the culture I help instill will be the lasting legacy that continues to guide the company. The school’s dedication to nurturing impactful leadership skills is instrumental in equipping me to build a company not just with immediate success, but with enduring positive influence.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite MBA professor was Florian Hoos, whose passion for ESG issues deeply influenced me. His unique approach to teaching, combining academic rigor with a focus on personal connections, was inspiring. He helped me understand how to integrate sustainability into business effectively, a lesson crucial for my work at CIWI. His empathetic leadership style and commitment to real-world applicability made his classes not only educational but truly transformative.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favorite MBA course was ‘Entrepreneurship’ taught by Benoit Leleux. What made this course stand out was its blend of engaging stories and practical insights. Professor Leleux didn’t just teach entrepreneurship; he brought it to life with real-world examples, showcasing the challenges and triumphs entrepreneurs face. This course served as a practical guide, highlighting key aspects entrepreneurs must be aware of. More importantly, it ignited a passion within me to pursue my entrepreneurial path.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? My favorite MBA event was the MBAT, epitomizing our school’s spirit of unity and support. It was a gathering where students and faculty, including our dean, came together, reflecting our commitment to connection and understanding. A personal highlight for me was our victory in the Battle of the Bands, which was the conclusion of working together in collaboration and supporting each other.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? Reflecting on my MBA journey, one thing I would do differently is to focus more on building personal relationships with my classmates, in addition to excelling in schoolwork. Initially, I concentrated heavily on academic achievements, which, while important, meant less time spent on fostering deeper connections with peers. If I could go back, I would organize more social gatherings, like dinners, to get to know my fellow students on a more personal level.

What is the biggest myth about your school? “The most pervasive myth about our school revolves around the ‘Dungeons’ – a term symbolizing the intense and challenging work environment in the basement of the school. Initially, when I heard alumni describe their experiences in the ‘Dungeons’, it made me nervous. But after my own experience, I can say…

What surprised you the most about business school? What surprised me the most about business school was the incredible diversity of my classmates’ backgrounds and experiences. Coming in, I had a preconceived notion of a standard class profile, similar to what I had observed in the Netherlands, predominantly consisting of individuals with a background in economics.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? The MBA classmate I admire the most is Siya Xabanisa. His intelligence and determination are immediately apparent; he has an exceptional ability to delve deeply into complex issues with true grit and tenacity. What makes Siya truly stand out, though, is his remarkable combination of brilliance and warmth. He’s not only incredibly knowledgeable but also one of the kindest and most approachable individuals I’ve ever met. When Siya engages in a conversation, he gives you his undivided attention, making you feel genuinely heard and valued. Additionally, his laughter is infectious – it’s the most joyous and uplifting sound.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? At this moment, my full attention goes to applying for our patent at CIWI and making our first demonstration project at our first client a great success

What made Jasper such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2024?

“Jasper, from the very beginning, was a go-getter and someone who looked to improve the experience of his classmates. He set up the school’s first Toast Masters Club to give students the opportunity to improve their public speaking abilities, critical in today’s world. He always had a positive attitude in the program and even while preparing his pitch for the IMD Venture Award (CHF 100,000), took the time to work with one of the other finalists to coach them on their pitch, knowing that only one could win. His drive and determination lead to his winning the Venture Award for his sustainability focused start-up.”

Omar Toulan
IMD MBA Dean

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