Accounting, finance & control

"The program taught me to stand firmly behind myself."

By Michael Corbey | August 4, 2025 | 1 min read

What happens when experience meets ambition? In this interview series, professors and alumni of TIAS School for Business and Society come together to discuss developments in their fields and the impact on today’s world. From the latest technological breakthroughs to the human side of leadership: each edition shows how knowledge and practice strengthen one another.Michael Corbey Brigit Verschuren

This time, Michael Corbey and Brigit Verschuren reflect on the value of academic education for experienced professionals. What if the theory isn’t entirely new — but the insights are?

Read the entire interview

From extrinsic to intrinsic motivation

Brigit began the Executive Master of Finance & Control (EMFC) at TIAS with an impressive career behind her. Initially driven by extrinsic motivation, she quickly discovered the deeper value of the program. Thanks to her open mindset, she was able to learn from peers with different perspectives and at different stages of their careers.
Michael emphasizes the importance of that diversity: real learning happens through dialogue, not just theory. Topics like agile working and ethics become more tangible when explored from multiple viewpoints.

For Brigit, the EMFC program strengthened both her expertise and her confidence: “It confirmed that I can stand firmly behind myself — and behind my company’s vision.”

About Michael Corbey

Prof. Dr. Michael Corbey is Professor of Management Accounting & Control at TIAS School for Business and Society. He also serves as Academic Director of the Executive Master of Finance & Control. He has received the Best Lecturer Award ten times.

About Brigit Verschuren

Brigit Verschuren has been CFO of Lan Handling Technologies since early 2024. Before that, she held senior roles in consultancy and finance at various international companies. She graduated cum laude from the EMFC program, earning the highest thesis grade in the program’s history.
 

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