Transformative Journey: A Testimonial of DCU’s Executive MBA with Declan Wynne, Managing Director of Skanstec Engineering

Transformative Journey: A Testimonial of DCU’s Executive MBA with Declan Wynne, Managing Director of Skanstec Engineering

DCU Executive MBA Testimonial with Declan Wynne, Managing Director Skanstec Engineering, MBA 2010 – 2012

The Decision to Pursue DCU’s Executive MBA: Bridging Business and Engineering

With a passion for business and people development, DCU’s Executive MBA programme was an attractive programme to further develop my career and complement my engineering undergraduate degree. 

Working with inspirational leaders from early in my career provided invaluable awareness, helping me to recognise the importance of leadership in the context of scaling a business. DCU’s Executive MBA gave me the opportunity to develop my leadership style and establish an  organisational culture that enables the performance of the business. I also gained insights from modules including Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Technology which aligned perfectly with my career ambitions and the need to obtain additional skills to effectively lead a business. 

People are the most important element of any business, particularly in a services business. DCU’s Executive MBA reinforced the importance of valuing people and creating an environment for people to excel and express themselves in a meaningful way. This is something I have really focused on since. 

From The DCU Executive MBA to Directorship: Accelerating Career Growth

Soon after completing my Executive MBA, I was promoted to a directorship role and later to executive director, and board member with shareholding representation. The experience of the Executive MBA journey including the peer learning played an integral part in my development and the expansion of the company in the years that followed. 

Navigating Challenges in the Evolving Energy & Telecommunications Sector

The engineering sector in which I work, Energy & Telecommunications, has continued to grow and evolve. In recent years we have experienced an energy crisis where power reliability and the cost of energy continues to be a concern, not to mention the global decarbonisation challenges we are facing in terms of combating climate change. Connectivity demands and the changes associated with the Digital Transition is constantly evolving and driving the Data & Telecommunication space. 

These two concerns contributed to the establishment of Skanstec Engineering in 2021, a specialist engineering company which today employs 100 direct staff with live projects across six Pan European locations. Skanstec provide flexible and tailored engineering solutions in a marketplace that sees the convergence between clean energy and connectivity for a smarter, more sustainable society for future generations.

Shortlisted as a Finalist in EY’s Entrepreneur of the Year Program

I am currently participating in EY’s 2023 Entrepreneur Of The Year programme and am deeply honoured to be shortlisted as a Finalist in the Emerging Category. This programme presents opportunities and invaluable learning experiences that will help us continue our growth journey at Skanstec. Being a finalist in such a prestigious program is an immense privilege and a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Skanstec Engineering team. 

Multi ethnic group of business people attending a meeting in the office building (Istock)

The Lasting Impact of the DCU Executive MBA: Shaping Thinking and Perspective

While my DCU Executive MBA journey formally ended in 2012, I often refer to course notes from the many insightful modules. The programme shaped my thinking and gave me greater perspective, which has been extremely valuable down through the years. From navigating challenges, to empowering people and setting our ambition and strategy for the future, my time in DCU has certainly helped. I am also appreciative of the professional network and lifelong friendships made during my studies.

I look forward to continued collaboration with DCU’s Business School faculty and DCU Executive MBA alumni and wish current and future DCU Executive MBA candidates every success.

For more Information on the DCU Executive MBA and DCU Executive MBA testimonials go to: Executive MBA