From Sales Operations to Corporate Strategy and now Sales Development at Utimaco in Germany, Natasha’s career has been anything but linear. At every stage, she has drawn on lessons and skills honed during her Master of Science in Management (MIM) journey at SMU.
Thriving in Diverse Roles
Natasha credits the MIM’s balance of academic recognition and practical learning for preparing her to adapt to diverse roles across functions and regions. From working on SMU-X projects such as developing digital marketing strategies for Zenxin, to visiting global players like Lazada and Interpol, she learned to quickly analyze real business challenges and propose actionable solutions.
“The Business Study Mission in the Philippines was especially impactful,” she recalls. “Engaging with social enterprises deepened my understanding of sustainability and corporate responsibility, perspectives I later applied in Corporate Strategy.”
This emphasis on collaboration and active participation mirrored the cross-departmental alignment she would later manage at Utimaco. “Bringing Sales and Marketing together in my Sales Operations role, and ensuring seamless communication in my Strategy role, felt like a natural extension of the teamwork and problem-solving we practiced every day at SMU.”
Transferable Skills with Lasting Impact
For Natasha, the MIM wasn’t just about content – it was about building skills that travel. “Structured problem-solving, stakeholder management, and communication were honed through case studies, presentations, and real-world projects. These gave me confidence that went beyond theory,” she explains.
Those skills became invaluable in Sales Operations, where she optimized forecasting processes and managed CRM systems; in Corporate Strategy, where she facilitated cross-departmental alignment; and now in Sales Development, where she researches prospects, personalizes outreach, and partners closely with Account Executives.
“What made the programme unique was its focus on experiential learning and interactive collaboration,” Natasha reflects. “It gave me the confidence to navigate alignment and communication challenges in international teams.”
A Multicultural Edge
Born in Lebanon, raised in Singapore, and now based in Germany, Natasha embodies the global perspective that many MIM students aspire to. She believes her multicultural background has been a cornerstone of her adaptability and leadership style.
“Growing up in Singapore exposed me to diversity and inclusivity, my Lebanese heritage instilled resilience and community, and Germany taught me structure and efficiency. Together, these shaped a leadership style that is open-minded, flexible, and collaborative.”
This blend proved essential at Utimaco, where she often bridged gaps across global teams, ensuring communication was clear and strategies were consistently implemented worldwide.
Navigating Cross-Cultural Collaboration
Natasha has made cross-cultural collaboration a personal strength. At Utimaco, she created training materials, video tutorials, and newsletters to make tools like Salesforce accessible to teams across regions.
“Working in a global company means constantly bridging cultural differences. For me, it comes down to clarity, trust, and open dialogue. The goal is to turn complexity into clarity so people everywhere feel supported and connected.”
Advice for Future MIM Students
Looking back, Natasha describes the MIM as a testing ground for her career. Her advice to current students:
- Build your technical foundation – analytics and digital tools are invaluable when you step into roles that manage data and systems.
- Focus on communication – clarity and confidence in presentations and collaboration are critical in global teams.
- Stay flexible and open-minded – careers rarely move in a straight line; adaptability and willingness to learn will carry you far.
“The MIM gave me the confidence and versatility to keep learning and adapting. Your quirks, your perspective, and your willingness to learn are your strengths, especially in a competitive global market.”
Looking Ahead
Natasha’s ambitions now center on stepping into a managerial role where she can guide teams and foster alignment across functions and regions. “I want my career to remain people-focused, empowering others, bringing diverse perspectives together, and delivering impact in dynamic environments.”
She is also keeping an eye on emerging trends in sales and strategy, especially the integration of AI. From smarter prospecting tools in Sales Development to predictive forecasting in Salesforce, she sees technology as a way to free professionals from repetitive tasks and focus on building meaningful connections.
Reflections on the MIM
If she could go back, Natasha says she would have invested more time in deepening her technical skills during the programme, but she is quick to point out that the MIM gave her both the adaptability and soft skills to learn on the job.
“The MIM is more than a degree; it’s a catalyst for growth and global opportunity. It gave me international credibility, practical confidence, and the ability to thrive in dynamic environments.”
Her closing advice to students: “Say yes to projects that stretch you, to opportunities that feel out of reach, to conversations that open doors. Those are the moments that prepare you for a career without borders.”
