Class Notes from Tobias Zellier, iMBA 2024
This quote comes from NBA legend Michael Jordan himself, and that mentality has always resonated with me throughout my life.
When I first inquired about the MBA program at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) last year in September (2023), I would’ve never anticipated the chance of being given a full scholarship for the 2024 iMBA program just one month later.
I still vividly remember how confused I was… What started as a loose idea that had been burning inside me over the past few years has suddenly become a major decision I needed to make — either to stick with my comfortable social and professional life back home in Germany or shift my life in a completely new direction overseas in the Philippines.
I went over a checklist of pros and cons in my mind countless times. I was terrified of the decision, and it took me more than a month to finally make up my mind. But if I was completely honest with myself, I already knew I had to answer the call as soon as AIM offered me this elusive, once-in-a-lifetime chance. I knew that this was at last — my Michael Jordan moment.
Entering the year-long program excited me, but the task ahead felt almost daunting. Unlike my cohort peers, I had to wrap up some important commitments with my previous employer back in Germany before I could physically join them in Manila. However, this meant managing two commitments simultaneously: my regular work in Germany during the day and my MBA studies in the early dawn due to the 7-hour time difference between the two worlds. My average sleep per day was between 1 and 3 hours for over a month, and the zombification was nearly perfected. I was already running on fumes during the first quarter of a basketball game.
Luckily for me, I experienced the best possible support from my former employer, PAYONE. A special thank you goes out to my colleagues Tim Kuring and Mike Kloth – Ihr seid wirklich große Klasse, danke! (German)
Finally, the time came to meet my classmates in the Philippines, whom I had only known online until then. And what can I say? They welcomed me with open arms in true Filipino fashion! Many of them have become true friends over the course of this year, and I hope and believe that these bonds will last a lifetime.
I want to give special recognition to Erwin Agana Noscal , the embodiment of hospitality; Rahardian G. Patria , my Indonesian sahapat; Angelo Arquiza, my roommate with an unexpected, shared past; and of course, my forever best learning teammates, Katrina Nicole G. and Josemaria Noel Bartolabac . These two kept me sane and grounded at all times. They were my Scottie Pippens, Dennis Rodmans, and Toni Kukocs – teamwork makes the dream work.
Academically, I went through a rollercoaster ride, full of challenges and rewarding moments. From heated classroom debates on the different economic schools, to Betas & WACCs in our M&A valuation models, to the complex realm of fintech – I tried to embrace them all and learn from my professors and peers.
Fast forward to December 2024, and another chapter of my life is about to close. What remains? I feel nothing but gratitude for being given this opportunity by the Asian Institute of Management. To my dear Marketing Professor, Sandeep Puri – thank you for believing in me and making this possible. You paved the way for me, and I will be forever grateful.
I am thankful for the experiences of the past years – though painful at times, they have shaped me significantly and made me a better person than I was yesterday. Thank you to my girlfriend, Alyssa, who has relentlessly supported me throughout this year and was my pillar, stood by my side when I was in the ER suffering from dengue.
Lastly, I want to thank my mom and my Lolo and Lola (grandparents). Though they couldn’t be here for my graduation, I couldn’t be here without them. This MBA is also for them.
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
I shot my shot. Game winner.
