Searching For New Insights And Ideas
Boudewijn Wellink, Restructuring & Turnaround Management Partner at Eight Advisory, has nearly three decades of international experience in corporate restructuring and turnaround management. As the business landscape continued to shift, he began searching for a more holistic approach to rejuvenating companies as part of his firm’s service offering. When Boudewijn came across the Designing and Executing Corporate Revitalization program at HBS, he knew that the curriculum was a perfect fit with his goals.
What attracted you to this particular program at HBS?
Over the past two decades, the world in which we do business has changed substantially and so have the needs and demands of the present-day workforce. I was hoping to gain new insights and ideas that would give me additional support in turning companies around and revitalizing the business interests of our clients. The content of the program turned out to be tailored to what I was looking for and more. We not only explored the multiple dimensions of corporate revitalization—including strategy, finance, organization, and culture—but also the leader's role.
What surprised you most about the experience?
The living group, which is unique to HBS, was an extraordinary and enriching experience. I started each day discussing the case studies with classmates from around the globe—a diverse group of highly motivated professionals with different backgrounds and approaches to the topics at hand. The HBS faculty are also amazing. You don’t just listen to lectures—the professors ask for your thoughts and ideas at any given moment. They were very accessible, enjoyed our interactions inside and outside the classroom, and encouraged us to stay in touch after completing the program.
What strategies or learnings are you excited to bring back to your organization?
One quote from the program really stuck with me: "Fix the core, then go for more." I learned that any organization with a clear and executable strategy—combined with a commonly agreed-upon purpose within a growth mindset—is set up for success. We explored ample case studies where these prerequisites were highlighted and discussed in depth, so I'm geared up to implement these strategies and approaches across my clients' organizations.
How would you describe the benefits to someone who is considering the program?
I highly recommend Designing and Executing Corporate Revitalization to any business leader facing exceptional challenges, especially those who are working in corporate restructuring, turnaround management, performance improvement, or hands-on investment management. You'll complete the program inspired, equipped with practical tools and proven methods of revitalizing companies and teams.