We met up with Kasper Laumann, back from Lanzarote where he won his third medal of the trimester. Current International MBA participant, sport elite and start-up enthusiast, he has also lived and worked in four different countries. He shares with us his insight on sport and business.
How does it feel to win a competition like that?
It is something special for me. It is not the biggest race I have ever won, but it took place at Club La Santa Sport, and I have been linked with this club since I was a child. I know some of the organizers very well. It is definitely something special and the place means a lot for me.
What is the key to this great achievement?
For me, the key is being able to wake up every day with passion for training and to keep improving yourself. Without passion, it would not be possible. At the moment, I train twice a day whilst studying for my MBA but I have been training for years, it is in my DNA.
Which is harder for you: managing success and finding new challenges or processing failure and staying strong psychologically?
I learn more from failures. I like to fail – it is an opportunity to grow and do things better. But of course, I love to win. In sport, a big part of success is training, but this success also depends on the psychological aspect. It is about achieving a balance between being mentally strong and listening to your body. You have to keep up the work and stay focused; it is a useful skill to have here in EADA too.
I like to fail - it is an opportunity to grow and do things better’
Where do you train in Barcelona?
Mostly in the fitness center, because I like to find solutions and not focus on limitations. It is tough mentally, but it is the most efficient option as I live near Sants Station and going to the beach would take extra time. There is a small gym in the residence where I live and I have been able to train there too. I have also been running with FC Barcelona team, which was a fantastic opportunity to learn. In the past, I have competed in the European Championship three times and the World Championship twice, representing Denmark at duathlon and I am very proud of that. My personal best time for 10km is 30 minutes and 47 seconds but these guys make 10km in 29 minutes. They could be the current Danish champions!
How does the MBA at EADA compare to the challenges of Elite Sport?
Elite sport is very much about managing expectations, navigating tricky environments and growing. The more you challenge yourself stronger you become. Running is a mental game, you have to keep focused on why are you doing it. I see a really strong parallel with the MBA. You focus on the process. In sports, many people look at the numbers, but it is important to look at the process too, you have to find the best way to train and work more efficiently to achieve a peak performance.
What made you decide on Barcelona and the International MBA at EADA?
There are many reasons, EADA has a very good international reputation. Barcelona is an entrepreneur hub and that, together with EADA’s Residencial Training Campus in Collbató, was the combination I was looking for. The recruiters and professors are also very nice. There is something special about being in a place where you are not just in a number.
I feel that EADA takes care of me. I really feel there is a personal touch and that is a big benefit. It is the best place to build yourself and achieve personal growth. I am super happy to be here.
The EADA Elite Athlete Scholarship also played a part, it is a very good opportunity for people like me, who are good at sports and want to make a career change.
Looking to the future, post EADA. Have you thought about creating a company, linking sports and business innovation?
I would like to transfer my knowledge and experience of sports to the world of business, and it would be a dream to combine both passions. I have a passion for business innovation and I hate inefficiency. I have experience working with start-up companies whilst in the Danish Bank and for the final project – I am working with a very good friend here in the MBA class, Joan, former FC Barcelona handball player, and we always talk about the transition from sports to business. The proposal of finding a way to link consulting and sports to provide the right support and guidance for athletes making this transition has come up, so we will see where that leads!