Nathalie Steck
I was born and raised in Munich, where I also completed a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration. My career began at Loyalty Partner (Payback), where I advanced from Management Trainee to Product Manager. In 2013, I joined Google in Dublin as an Account Manager for Large Customer Sales, later taking on the responsibility of managing a team that worked with major publishers across DACH, Turkey, and Russia.
In 2018, I relocated to Hamburg with Google to serve as Strategy Lead for Central Europe, partnering with local Managing Directors to define and implement key business strategies. Alongside my corporate career, I co-founded Yanopurna with my husband—an online retail business specializing in cashmere products imported from Nepal.
In 2024, I decided to leave Google to pursue further studies at IE University and dedicate more time to our family business. I graduated in July 2025 with the Executive Master in Digital Transformation & Innovation Leadership and, shortly after, joined Wolt in August 2025, where I am now leading the account management business for Northern Germany.
"The program’s unique combination of digital transformation, innovation, and leadership simply did not exist anywhere else."
As co-founder and Chief Sales & Marketing Officer at Yanopurna, what motivated you to pursue the Executive Master in Digital Transformation & Innovation Leadership?
I was motivated to pursue the Executive Master in Digital Transformation & Innovation Leadership because I was looking for an opportunity for personal development and reflection on my next career steps after leaving Google. I wanted to build an international, high-profile network and was attracted by the prospect of a first-class academic experience—rigorous and relevant but without the same level of full-time commitment required by traditional MBAs.
Why did you choose IE Business School for this program?
When I explored different schools, IE stood out immediately. The program’s unique combination of digital transformation, innovation, and leadership simply did not exist anywhere else. The faculty’s high-quality teaching, grounded in real-world professional experience, the flexibility of the part-time model, and the school’s strong global reputation made my decision clear. The mix of online and face-to-face modules created the right balance between flexibility and meaningful in-person interaction.
How did the part-time format help you balance your entrepreneurial journey and academic commitments?
Balancing the program with my entrepreneurial journey and family life was only possible thanks to the part-time design. With two young children at home and ongoing business responsibilities, a full-time program would have been unmanageable. The flexibility allowed me to structure my schedule according to my needs, which supported not only my professional development but also my personal life.
Beyond the classroom, how did the IE network (professors, peers, alumni) contribute to your growth?
Beyond the classroom, the IE network turned out to be the most valuable aspect of the experience. I learned as much from my peers as from the professors. The diversity—both professional and cultural—was remarkable and gave me perspectives I would not have encountered otherwise. Some of the most memorable highlights include my first family trip to Saudi Arabia to visit fellow classmates, our group journey to Shanghai, and the capstone project experience. These moments deepened relationships, and I know I gained friends for life.
After completing the master in July 2025, how has your learning influenced your transition into your role at Wolt?
The master’s experience shaped my leadership style, particularly in terms of leading without direct authority, and helped me grow into a more senior leader. It also gave me clarity about my career direction and strengthened my ability to articulate my personal story and brand—both of which proved critical during the application process that led me to my current role at Wolt. On top of that, the IE alumni network provided invaluable support in preparing for conversations with the company.
What advice would you give to someone considering the Executive Master in Digital Transformation & Innovation Leadership?
For anyone considering EDTX at IE, my advice is simple: do it. But also be prepared. It is an intense journey where balancing academics, professional commitments, and personal responsibilities can be demanding. Plan ahead, lean into the challenge, and most importantly—make the most of it by engaging fully with your peers and professors. The connections you build will be just as transformative as the knowledge you gain.
