While I understood many aspects, the direct connection to value creation wasn’t always intuitive for me. The programme connected the dots and offered a comprehensive framework to financial decisions making and their strategic implications.
When Ingo Willems arrived at the Fontainebleau campus of INSEAD, he was already an accomplished leader in strategy and global business. As the General Manager for Closures business at Husky Technologies™, he has built a strong track record of managing complex global product lines, leading cross-functional teams, and defining strategic direction for a key business segment.
However, he identified one crucial area for enhancement: finance. "Throughout my career, I've been deeply involved in financial decisions," Ingo explains. "But without a formal academic background in finance, I knew I needed to deepen my understanding. My goal was to make more precise, timely decisions and engage more strategically with senior financial stakeholders."
This aspiration led him to INSEAD’s Finance for Executives programme, a decision that would prove transformative in his career development.
Speaking the Language of Finance
The programme's impact was immediate, beginning with a defining moment in the very first session. “Professor Urs Peyer opened the course by saying we were going to learn a new language — the language of finance,” Ingo recalls. “That perspective immediately resonated with me. I realised that finance is about understanding the fundamentals of value creation and how leadership decisions drive that value.”
Before the programme, Ingo's grasp of finance was primarily operational, focused on analysing past results to guide future decisions “While I understood many aspects, the direct connection to value creation wasn’t always intuitive for me.”
What the programme provided him was clarity and structure. “It connected the dots and offered a comprehensive framework to financial decisions making and their strategic implications.”
From the Classroom to the Boardroom
The impact on Ingo's professional capabilities was immediate and substantial. He quickly began to implement what he learned at Husky. He found himself making decisions with greater precision. “The programme equipped me with the tools to assess business opportunities more critically and holistically,” he states. “The programme enhances your leadership profile and positions you well for future roles with broader financial responsibilities.”
Whether analysing profitability or evaluating investments, Ingo now addresses these topics with sharper financial judgment and strategic confidence.
Learning Among Leaders
What distinguished Ingo’ INSEAD experience was not just the curriculum but also the delivery method.
"The pedagogical approach was exceptionally well-crafted," he observes. "Each module built seamlessly upon the previous one, reinforcing fundamental concepts while progressively deepening our understanding. The integration of case studies, group discussions, and practical frameworks made the learning immediately applicable to real-world scenarios."
Moreover, the classroom was filled with diverse experiences. Participants came from various industries and regions, each contributing unique challenges and insights. “I gained new perspectives from my classmates,” Ingo reflects on the diversity of profiles in the course.
A World-Class Environment for Growth
Set in the picturesque surroundings of INSEAD’s Fontainebleau campus, the programme provided an immersive and enriching experience.
“While the campus itself is beautiful, what truly makes INSEAD world-class is its faculty and people. The professors were exceptional. They effectively bridge academic knowledge with real-world applications, simplifying complex concepts and making them relevant for executive-level decision-making. They helped us understand the drivers of value creation in a company.”
Lifelong Learning, Lifelong Impact
Ingo’ decision to step outside his comfort zone and expand his capabilities reflects his broader philosophy on growth. “I believe learning should never cease, especially in today’s leadership roles where the landscape is always changing. Maintaining curiosity and openness is vital for both personal growth and organisational success.”
While he remains focused on growing Husky’s Closures business, Ingo acknowledges that the programme strongly enhances your capabilities for any senior leadership role that requires an integrated understanding of operations, strategy, and finance.
When asked if he would recommend the programme, his response is unequivocal: “This programme empowers you to make more impactful decisions through a deeper understanding their business’s financial foundations. It helps you grasp how senior leadership and key stakeholders think.”
Empower Your Leadership with INSEAD
INSEAD’s Finance for Executives programme is tailored for experienced professionals seeking to make smarter financial decisions and create long-term value. Whether you come from a technical, operational, or strategic background, this programme will enhance your financial acumen.
Explore the programme: insead.edu/finance-for-executives
Featured Programme
