MBA in Sustainability Management: Charlotte Beck – When the Lilacs Bloom Early
2026-08-03 Charlotte Beck has always been driven by the desire to combine knowledge and practical experience. Today, she serves as managing director of the German subsidiary of a CO₂ accounting specialist. In this interview, she explains how the part-time MBA program fits into this. Prospective students who apply by August 15, 2026, can already participate in the program’s Homecoming Days. Applications are generally accepted until September 30, 2026.
Ever since she was a child, a bouquet of lilacs has graced Charlotte Beck’s birthday table. But soon they began blooming earlier than usual; by her birthday, they were often long past their prime. For Charlotte Beck, this small farewell became a symbol of climate change and a call to action: “I grew up in the countryside and am a child of the seasons. A lot has shifted,” she explains.
At first, her career had nothing to do with sustainability management. After graduating from high school, Charlotte Beck studied logistics and opted for a dual program: “I’ve always wanted to apply everything I learn directly in practice as much as possible,” she explains. She completed the practical portion of her studies at an internationally active logistics company. After graduation, she worked at the intersection of air freight and IT: she analyzed operational processes and translated the requirements into software solutions. Later, she moved to a German aviation company and managed international IT projects.
Her career took her all across the U.S.: Tulsa, New York, Denver, and Chicago—until the pandemic hit, bringing with it a major career shift. Charlotte Beck used the time to reflect: “I decided to dedicate my career to something that has real meaning,” she recalls. She also had another unfulfilled aspiration: “After my bachelor’s, it was clear to me that I’d like to pursue a master’s program later on.”
Ideally, she wanted to do it while working so she wouldn’t lose touch with professional practice. Charlotte Beck began researching her options and chose the MBA in Sustainability Management at Leuphana Professional School: “Everything I know today about sustainability management—from carbon footprints to supply chain transparency to human rights—I learned during that time,” she reports.
While pursuing her studies, she moved to a subsidiary within the aviation company. There, sustainability took center stage for the first time: “The new CEO was committed to the 1.5-degree target,” Charlotte Beck explains. Together with an interdisciplinary team, she developed sustainability software designed to help companies meet regulatory requirements. It was then that she first combined her experience in IT requirements analysis with the topic of sustainability.
In December 2024, she successfully completed the part-time MBA in Sustainability Management. After a brief stint in management consulting, she took over as managing director of ECOSPEED Deutschland GmbH in February 2026. She is also active as a spokesperson for the corporate advisory board of BAUM e. V., one of the leading networks for sustainable business practices. She also teaches at NORDAKADEMIE University of Business, where she delivers practical content on the use of artificial intelligence in sustainability management.
“Without the MBA, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am today,” she says. The degree not only imparts specialized knowledge but is also highly regarded: “Many people immediately associate the MBA in Sustainability Management with professional expertise.”
In addition to the knowledge, she particularly highlights the network that grew during her studies: “Whether it’s the circular economy, sustainable construction, supply chains, or healthcare—I always know someone I can ask. Quickly and easily, across various disciplines.”
And how did she manage to balance her career, personal life, and studies? “The coursework is demanding, and good time management is essential. But for me, the combination of academic rigor, practical relevance, and close interaction with faculty and fellow students has paid off in every way.”
Today, Charlotte Beck supports companies on their path to decarbonization. Through her work as CEO, she aims to help halt climate change—so that the lilacs don’t bloom earlier and earlier each year.