Ron Jacobs
At MaastrichtMBA we are proud of all the people that are committed and eager to fulfill our mission in high-quality education, advice and research to individuals and organisations from all over the world. To become even more acquainted with MaastrichtMBA and to show you how it feels for them working for or at MaastrichtMBA, we introduce our MBA team to you. This time we put a spotlight on our MBA Director Ron Jacobs.
WHAT IS YOUR ROLE IN THE MAASTRICHTMBA PROGRAMME?
As the MBA Director, I oversee the MaastrichtMBA programme, which includes the team leadership, internal and external representations, strategic outlook, curricular developments, budget control, etc. In the inner circles we got used to calling this position MBA Captain, which I think puts a fair emphasis on the teamwork needed for doing a good job.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING WITH US?
I have taken on the Captain’s role since June 2022 but my involvement in the MBA programme dates back to 2008 when I came in as a programmes coordinator, managing the first intake of what now has advanced into the MaastrichtMBA On-Campus track. I have witnessed the programme’s journey over time and I am extremely proud of how MaastrichtMBA has evolved into its current successful shape.
WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOU SPARE TIME?
What makes you think that I have any? Haha!
There are generally a lot of things I like to do. One – for most people peculiar – hobby of mine is Bowling (as a sport). I started as an 8-year-old and never stopped playing ever since. Over the years, it grew into a semi-professional state but in recent times I calmed down a bit. Nowadays I’m just practising once a week tops, together with friends who started bowling because of me!
WHAT IS THE BEST MOVIE YOU HAVE SEEN LATELY?
Boiling Point. The movie is about a chef working in a renowned London restaurant and captures the unbelievable work pressure and team dynamics that come into play when performing at this level in this industry. There are lots of parallels to draw with other professional environments, which makes it quite intriguing and inspirational to watch. The movie is also a one-shot film, which adds an extra layer to the already captivating plot. Must see!
WHAT CAREER DID YOU DREAM OF WHEN YOU WERE A CHILD?
I first wanted to become the best Formula 1 driver in Dutch history, which seemed doable until Max Verstappen showed up. I also wanted to become an aircraft pilot. That never materialised, although… If you think about it, I ended up being a Captain now after all.
IF YOU COULD BE ANY ANIMAL IN THE WORLD, WHAT ANIMAL WOULD YOU BE AND WHY?
One of my former colleagues once described me as a swan: calm and smooth above the surface yet paddling hard under water to move forward. Fair and friendly by default, yet fierce and feisty when needed to (help the team) get ahead. That sounds about right!
WHAT WAS THE LAST GIFT YOU GAVE SOMEONE?
I bought a new perfume for my wife, which I still need to give to her – it’s almost Christmas at the time of writing. The magnolia scent reminds about our favourite holiday spot, residing in the Tuscan hills of Italy.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE IN THE WORLD?
So Tuscany, Italy that is! My wife and I simply fell in love with the country in general and the Tuscan province in specific. Its passionate people, its ancient history, its beautiful scenery, its friendly climate, its musical language, and its magnificent wines and extraordinary cuisine… We spend our summertime on a farm in a little village very close to the medieval town of Siena.