Gero Baltschukat

“Former professional athlete turned strategy consultant, passionate about long-distance running and Chinese language & culture”

Hometown: Berlin

Fun Fact About Yourself: As a former professional athlete (Modern Pentathlon), I need a lot of sport in my life, or otherwise I feel unwell

Undergraduate School and Major: BSc Business Administration Mannheim University, MSc Management London Business School

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Consultant at BCG, still employed and planning to return
What were some of the key motivating factors behind pursuing your MBA, and why did this seem like the right time for you?

What were some of the key motivating factors behind pursuing your MBA, and why did this seem like the right time for you? 

“When one door closes another one opens”: My pre-work experience MSc at LBS was planned as a double degree with Fudan University in Shanghai. But due to the Covid-19 pandemic no student visas were given out.

I see CEIBS as my 2nd chance of obtaining this double degree, this time at China’s premier business school mingling with China’s top business students.

Furthermore, I utilized the last 2 years to self-study Chinese. Now at CEIBS, I use the time to practice my Chinese to reach a basic level of fluency by end of the programme.

When you think of your school, what is the first word that comes to mind and why?

Family. In our first week at school, our cohort discussed what our cohort’s motto should be. One of the key themes was “let’s not just spend the next 1.5 years together – let’s grow together and stay connected in 5 years, in 10 years, …”. And I feel that it’s the case. I formed many strong bonds in the first months already which I think will last a lifetime.

What are one or two key aspects of this MBA program that stood out among the others, and why were they so important to you?

A lot of the best courses are taught case-based, that means you analyze one real-life company and their previous business problem per class. I had a similar experience at LBS before. However the difference at CEIBS is, there is a good mix between western cases and cases about Chinese/ Asian companies – which is exactly why I came to CEIBS.

Another key aspect for me are the 3 China modules. These are multi-day courses outside the classroom, e.g. company visit, executive sharing sessions, etc. For example, next month I will visit the China HQs of six European companies to learn how they adapted their business models to China.

What course were you/are you most interested in taking coming into the program and why?

I generally enjoy learning about the Chinese perspective on various topics. For example, in our Economics lectures, our professor discussed how the Chinese economy differs from that of the West, highlighting both the advantages and disadvantages of China’s state-led market interventions.

I am particularly looking forward to the Finance electives as I am eager to learn more about China’s financial markets.

What club, activity, or experience at the school have you most enjoyed so far, and why?

I got elected into the Student Committee (SC) and fulfill the role of Academic & Campus Affairs Chair. I enjoy being part of the SC as it gives me even more opportunities to connect with various students but also academic staff at CEIBS.

What do you consider the biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

Just before starting at CEIBS, I completed my most significant project to date. Leading the business plan workstream for one of Europe’s largest successful debt restructurings and defending it in front of a U.K. court.

The role involved close collaboration with the company’s management as well as other professional services firms, an investment bank, and a corporate law firm, making the experience both challenging and highly rewarding.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to other prospective MBAs? 

Among recent books I read “Antifragile: Things that gain from disorder” is particularly relevant to MBA students in my view.

The book centers around the concept of ‘antifragility’, which for MBA students and future leaders can be understood as the ability to thrive in volatile environments. It also emphasizes cultivating the right mindset to turn uncertainty into opportunity.

What are two things you have learned at your school that have surprised you so far – one academic and one non-academic?

In a recent leadership session, we learned valuable lessons about trust – how to build it, maintain it, and its real-world business applications. Some of those insights were really surprising to me.

It has been five years since I have last been to China – and I am amazed by how much has changed. E.g., I am yet to see someone use cash to pay for something and was surprised when a robot stood in front of my hotel room delivering the food I ordered. The speed at which China is embracing change is truly breath-taking.

What advice would you give to help prospective MBAs gain admission into an MBA program?

Rather than obsessing over raising your GPA by a fraction or earning yet another certificate, focus on your unique story. In my experience, everyone at CEIBS has strong academic and professional backgrounds. What truly sets successful applicants apart is an interesting story. Why do you want an MBA? Why now? How will it help you achieve your goals? Having a clear story is far more valuable than simply fine-tuning your CV to perfection.