Andy Rietschel

Career highlights include 1st place in the Scandinavian ballet competition (1995); first soloist at the Royal Swedish Ballet School; senior soloist at Birmingham Royal Ballet (2002–2005); grand sujet at the Dutch National Ballet (2006–2007). Today, Rietschel is the founder of companies including Easycharge AB, has managed Tesla’s Swedish business team, and is currently deputy managing director of XPeng. 

Interview 

Why is education important? 

You need a solid foundation that entails everything from economics to marketing, which is knowledge that will always be useful. 

Why did you choose to participate in the MBA program? 

I looked into several educational programs, but this one seemed the most serious and fruitful for athletes and dancers. 

What is your impression of the early phases of the course? 

So far, it has been fantastic. I am very happy to access all this information and knowledge. It is incredibly rewarding. 

Are there any differences from what you had expected? 

It is actually better than expected. Besides, it is fun, and the parts where we work together with other groups are very beneficial. I have also broadened my network and got many new contacts that will be useful in the future. 

What is your recommendation to a person deciding whether or not to pursue an education? 

Don’t think too much! Whatever you are going to do in the future, you will gain from this. It costs a little, but I have recouped the investment after a short period, and it is absolutely worth it!