Student Spotlight: Christi Fennemore’s experience in the Global Flex Online MBA and her entrepreneurial journey

Recently, Christi launched Kintsugi Solutions, a company that specialises in Agile coaching, leadership development, and strategic consulting. We were eager to hear more about this exciting new venture, as well as her insights into the Global Flex Online MBA and how the programme has been influencing her work. But first, let's take a look at Christi's background and career path.

Could you share a bit more about your background and career journey?
I have over 13 years of experience navigating the landscape of business transformation, particularly within Agile frameworks, and have worked across a variety of sectors such as FMCG, technology, and consulting. My experience has been largely shaped by the different environments I have had the privilege to work in, ranging from start-ups to multinational corporations like Unilever, where I played a key role in driving Agile transformations across global teams.

Currently, I am the Founder and Managing Director of Kintsugi Solutions, a company I launched to focus on Agile coaching, leadership development, and strategic consulting. My work now involves partnering with businesses to solve complex challenges, whether that is helping them transition to Agile or coaching leadership teams to foster a culture of psychological safety and innovation.

What really drives me is seeing these organisations embrace change and become more adaptable in an ever-evolving business world. This is where my passion for helping companies thrive through the human element of transformation comes into play. My career journey has allowed me to blend strategic vision with people development, and it is incredibly rewarding to see the results unfold when businesses shift to a people-first approach.

You mentioned starting Kintsugi Solutions. Can you tell us more about the company and its focus?
Kintsugi Solutions draws its inspiration from the Japanese art of Kintsugi, which literally means “golden joinery.” In Kintsugi, broken pottery is repaired using gold, transforming it into something even more beautiful and valuable than before. This resonates with my core belief that businesses, much like pottery, may face breakages—whether it is a leadership crisis, underperformance, or failing processes—but these are opportunities to create something stronger. My company provides tailored solutions, ranging from Agile coaching and leadership development to organisational transformation. We help businesses navigate change by emphasising psychological safety, enabling leaders and teams to trust, communicate openly, and innovate fearlessly.

What I love most about Kintsugi Solutions is how we focus on people over processes. Many companies get caught up in the operational side of transformation, but we help businesses recognise that investing in their people—whether through leadership coaching or Agile training—is what ultimately drives sustainable success. We also focus heavily on cross-cultural agility, which is key to the global scope of many organisations today. You can find out more about our services at www.kintsugisolutions.nl.

At Kintsugi Solutions we help businesses recognise that investing in their people is what ultimately drives sustainable success

It is interesting to learn that Kintsugi Solutions emphasises people over processes, and that the name has a special meaning. What motivated you to start the company?
The idea to start Kintsugi Solutions came after years of observing how businesses, large and small, struggled with leadership challenges and the inability to adapt to change efficiently. I saw a lot of talent being wasted simply because the right environments were not in place to nurture growth. Whether it was a lack of psychological safety or the absence of effective leadership development, these barriers held teams and entire organisations back from achieving their full potential.

What struck me was that many organisations were focusing on processes and structures but were not prioritising the human aspect of transformation. This gap led me to the idea of creating a consultancy that focuses on people-first transformation—where leadership and teams are empowered to not only embrace change but thrive in it. The philosophy of Kintsugi felt like the perfect analogy for this. I wanted to help businesses see that challenges are opportunities, and by addressing them head-on, they can come out stronger, much like pottery that is repaired with gold. Starting my own business allowed me to bring this human-centred approach to organisations and watch them flourish.

In January, you started the Global Flex Online MBA at MSM. Was your decision to pursue an MBA influenced by your plans for Kintsugi Solutions?
Yes, very much so! My decision to pursue an MBA was deeply connected to my desire to scale Kintsugi Solutions and sharpen my strategic and financial acumen. Over the years, I had developed a strong foundation in Agile transformation and leadership development, but I realised that to truly lead a business, I needed to refine my understanding of corporate finance, global strategy, and business management. The MBA has been an essential steppingstone for me to gain the skills I need to expand Kintsugi Solutions globally.

Interestingly, this opportunity came at a significant turning point in my career. After 13 years at Unilever, I found myself in the midst of a restructuring as the company shifted from Agile methodologies to a performance-driven culture. My role became redundant, and while many might have seen this as a setback, I viewed it as a golden opportunity—the chance to fulfil a dream I had written about in my journal at 21: completing an MBA. Receiving a package as part of the restructuring, I used the funds to invest in myself and also secured the Woman Ambassador Scholarship to help fund my studies. This was the perfect moment to focus on the future, pursue something I had long wanted, and equip myself to take Kintsugi Solutions to the next level.

How has your experience been with the Global Flex Online MBA programme so far?
The MBA has been nothing short of transformative. Each course has taught me something new, and I have been able to apply those lessons almost immediately to my work at Kintsugi Solutions. One of the best parts of the programme has been the ability to connect with students from all over the world. Their diverse backgrounds have offered me insights that go beyond just the academic — hearing about their challenges and solutions in different industries has provided real-world inspiration that I have brought back into my coaching and consulting work.

What really excites me is the interactive learning environment. Whether it is leadership, finance, or marketing, I am constantly pushing myself to learn and apply. I love how the lecturers are so passionate about their subjects, and while some topics stretch me, that is part of what I enjoy the most. I have always believed that the best growth comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, and this MBA is proving that every day. The experience has been challenging, but it is pushing me to become better equipped for the complex business challenges I face both as an entrepreneur and consultant.

One of the best parts of the programme has been the ability to connect with students from all over the world

Are there any specific courses from the MBA that have been particularly valuable to you?
Organisational Leadership was an absolute highlight for me. The course was heavily focused on leadership psychology and team dynamics, which is right up my alley. It gave me valuable tools that I have been able to apply directly in my coaching work.

I also loved the course on Change Management, which helped me reflect on past projects and identify where we could have done better at managing transitions within the organisation. This has been crucial in helping me refine the way I guide businesses through change.

However, I have to say that Finance and Accounting was a game-changer. It demystified so much about the financial side of business, and I now feel confident in making financial decisions for my company.

It sounds like you are applying many of the lessons from the MBA to your work at Kintsugi Solutions. Could you share some examples?
Oh, absolutely! Everything I am learning from the MBA has found its way into my work at Kintsugi Solutions in some form. The Leadership and Organisational Behaviour courses, for instance, have been particularly impactful in helping me guide leaders through the complexities of building the right team and environments for them to thrive in. This knowledge is essential when I am coaching senior management teams, as it provides a framework to encourage trust, openness, and innovation within their teams. These are all critical elements in today’s fast-paced business landscape, especially for companies undergoing Agile transformations.

One area where I have applied these lessons is in helping leaders manage conflict within their teams. During my coaching sessions, I often use the tools and frameworks from the Leadership course to help them navigate difficult conversations while maintaining a positive and psychologically safe environment. It is incredibly rewarding to see the immediate impact these lessons have on their ability to lead more effectively and create high-performing teams.

The finance and strategic management lessons have also been invaluable. Before starting the MBA, I understood the basics of budgeting and financial planning, but the Finance and Accounting courses have taken my knowledge to another level. Now, when I am making decisions for Kintsugi Solutions, whether it is about hiring new team members, expanding services, or investing in marketing, I am able to do so with a much clearer understanding of the financial implications. These courses have truly helped me refine my business strategy, ensuring that I am making sound financial decisions while keeping an eye on long-term growth.

In my personal life, the MBA has also had a profound impact. It has helped me become more organised and intentional about how I manage my time and resources, especially as I juggle family responsibilities, running a business, and studying. The discipline I have developed through this programme has made me more efficient and focused, and I am finding that I am able to balance everything much more effectively.

Everything I am learning from the MBA has found its way into my work at Kintsugi Solutions in some form

Even though Kintsugi Solutions is still in its early stages, do you have any specific goals for the future, either professionally or personally?
From a career perspective, I want to see Kintsugi Solutions grow into a globally recognised consultancy that becomes synonymous with people-first business transformation. I envision the company as a leader in Agile transformations and leadership coaching, helping organisations around the world unlock their potential by focusing on the human element of business. I want to build a global network of clients who believe in the philosophy of turning challenges into opportunities for growth, much like the art of Kintsugi itself.

At the same time, I want to continue developing myself as a leader. One of my key goals is to stay grounded in my passion for people. I want to ensure that as Kintsugi grows, we remain true to our core values of transparency, trust, and human-centred leadership. For me, leadership is not about titles or authority, but about empowering others to reach their full potential. It is my hope that as Kintsugi Solutions expands, we continue to foster environments where leaders are equipped with the tools, they need to drive meaningful change.

On a personal level, my dream is to stay connected to what drives me—helping others grow. Whether that is through my work with Kintsugi Solutions or through mentoring individuals outside of work, I want to continue making a positive impact. I truly believe that resilience and human-centred leadership are the keys to not only building successful organizations but also leading fulfilling lives.

Based on your journey so far, what advice would you give to future students considering an MBA?
To future students, my advice is simple: never stop investing in yourself. Learning does not stop when you earn your degree—it is a lifelong journey. Whether you are pursuing an MBA to grow your business, like I am, or to advance your career, remember that the knowledge you gain will go far beyond what you learn in the classroom. It is about applying these lessons in real-world scenarios, challenging yourself, and pushing the boundaries of what you think you can achieve.

Be bold in taking risks. The MBA is an incredible opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and grow, both personally and professionally. If your motivation goes beyond just financial success and you are truly driven by a passion to learn and make an impact, you will find that the journey is incredibly rewarding. It is not just about the title you earn—it is about the skills you gain, the people you meet, and the perspective you develop along the way.

One last piece of advice: if you are waiting for the perfect time to start, stop waiting. Life does not work like that. There is never going to be a time when everything lines up perfectly—when you have enough time, money, or energy. The right time is when you decide you are ready, and you commit to making it happen. Whether you are balancing work, family, or other commitments, you will find a way if it is truly what you want.

The MBA is not just about the title you earn—it is about the skills you gain, the people you meet, and the perspective you develop along the way

Thank you, Christi, for sharing your inspiring entrepreneurial journey and valuable insights into the Global Flex Online MBA programme. It is clear that your passion for people-centred transformation is driving positive change, both within Kintsugi Solutions and beyond. We wish you continued success as you grow your company and advance through the MBA programme, and we look forward to seeing the impact you will undoubtedly make in the future.

Interested in joining Christi on the MSM Global Flex Online MBA journey?
With three intakes in 2025—January, May, and September—you can start your MBA experience at a time that suits you best. The Zoom-based Global Flex Online MBA at MSM combines the flexibility of online learning with the dynamic engagement of an on-campus program. Our virtual platform is designed to fully support your MBA journey, offering a range of learning materials, multimedia resources, and self-assessment tools to personalise your experience. The programme will not only deepen your business expertise but also enhance your leadership skills, broaden your perspective, and push you beyond your comfort zone.

For more details, visit our website or get in touch with Alina Prapagic at alina.prapagic@maastrichtuniversity.nl