SALES 4.0 | Master in International Sales Management (MSc)
Meet our alumni: Nico Sibler, Class of 2018
Fueled by an entrepreneurial spirit and a curiosity about the world, Nico Sibler chose ESCP to develop what he recognized as one of business's most versatile and critical competencies: sales. The programme's comprehensive and hands-on approach resonated with his vision of sales as more than a career path, but as a fundamental skill that unlocks opportunities across industries and roles.
His academic experience spanned Berlin to Paris, combining multicultural immersion with rigorous, practice-oriented coursework. Real-world projects, like supporting a company’s go-to-market strategy for a new product, and a strong professional network proved useful in launching a high-impact career in digital sales and strategic partnerships — first at Falcon.io and now at Google.
Tell us about yourself and your background before coming to ESCP.
My fascination with all things economy and business administration kicked off super early, thanks to being surrounded by an awesome crew of entrepreneurial friends and family. It seemed like everyone around me was buzzing with business ideas, and it totally rubbed off!
Before diving headfirst into the world of international management, I spent some incredibly humbling time doing my civil service, working with handicapped people. It was an experience that really broadened my perspective.
Then came the grand adventure of my Bachelor's degree. I decided to go big and study International Management, which was less of a degree and more of a global tour. I packed my bags and lived the student life in the Netherlands, soaked up the vibrant culture in Argentina, and finished things off in France. Talk about a whirlwind of learning, languages, and new experiences!
Tell us your thought processes when you decided to apply to the MISM and what you felt this type of programme could add to your profile.
My decision to apply to the MISM programme was driven by a strong conviction that sales is a fundamental and pervasive skill in many facets of life. I've always believed that whether it's convincing colleagues of a new strategy in a consulting project or simply deciding on a vacation spot with friends, the core principles of "selling" an idea or outcome are present.
Given my deep interest in entrepreneurship, I was aware that sales often represents the "make or break" factor for early-stage ventures. This understanding solidified my belief in the critical importance of mastering sales. Additionally, I recognized that sales frequently serves as a "door opener" to various other strategic functions within an organization, such as partnerships, overall business strategy, and leadership roles. This realization fueled my desire to gain a solid understanding of sales principles.
I felt that the MISM program could significantly enhance my profile by providing a structured and comprehensive education in this vital area. It offered the opportunity to formalize my existing insights and develop practical skills that I knew would be invaluable, not just in entrepreneurial pursuits but really any professional path I chose.
What's your career been like since you graduated from ESCP?
Since then my career has been a journey of consistent growth and increasing responsibility within the digital advertising and social media sectors, with a strong focus on agency partnerships.
My initial roles at Falcon.io laid a crucial foundation, starting as an Implementation Manager where I learned the intricacies of client onboarding, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration. This hands-on experience in translating client visions into practical strategies, managing projects, and conducting workshops was fundamental in building my client-centric approach and project management skills.
I quickly transitioned into a leadership role as Team Lead, Sales DACH at Falcon.io, where I managed a sales team and owned the entire enterprise sales cycle. This experience was pivotal in developing my sales acumen, leadership capabilities, and strategic planning skills. I became adept at managing complex sales processes, negotiating high-value deals, and developing segment-specific sales strategies. This period also honed my ability to proactively generate new business opportunities, a skill that has proven invaluable in subsequent roles.
My move to Google marked a significant step into a larger, more complex ecosystem. As an Agency Account Manager, I was responsible for a portfolio of high-growth advertiser accounts, refining my skills in strategic account management and large-scale collaboration. I focused on closing value opportunities, maintaining a strong sales pipeline, and aligning with diverse internal and external stakeholders. It also allowed me to further develop my expertise in digital marketing, especially through facilitating webinars on marketing automation and full-funnel diversification, while also taking on mentorship responsibilities for new hires.
My current role as Agency Lead, Strategic Partnerships DACH at Google is the culmination of my experiences so far, allowing me to operate at a highly strategic level. Here, I've focused on developing key partnerships with Google Premier Partner agencies, securing substantial annual revenue commitments, and driving product adoption through tailored joint business plans, demonstrating my ability to drive major budget shifts and revenue growth through innovative strategies and cross-functional collaboration.
Overall, each step has served as a vital building block. From client implementation and team leadership at Falcon.io to strategic account management and high-impact partnership development at Google, I've kept enhancing my strategic thinking, sales and negotiation expertise, cross-functional leadership, and ability to deliver business outcomes.
Can you share more about your Company Consulting Project (CCP) experience?
Our team's responsibilities revolved around proving the concept for Osram's newest endeavor: daylight goggles. This was a really exciting, innovative product, and our role was vital in their strategic move to market. Specifically, we focused on two key areas: evaluating the market fit and providing a detailed analysis of potential markets and customer profiles. This involved a lot of research, data analysis, and strategic thinking to identify where these goggles would succeed and who their target audience should be.
The experience was challenging but incredibly rewarding. It was a true hands-on learning experience, allowing us to apply what we'd learned to a real-world business problem. We gained valuable insights into market research, product strategy, and how a major company like Osram approaches new product development. Collaborating with Osram professionals and seeing our recommendations contribute to their decision-making process was a wonderful feeling. It definitely solidified my understanding of the complexities and rewards of strategic market analysis.
What aspect of the MISM curriculum did you enjoy the most?
The hands-on approach was a major highlight for me - it offered actionable insights and the chance to apply what I learned in real-world company assignments. This practical experience, combined with valuable content across business strategy, consulting, and sales finance, directly served me well.
Crucially, the strong network I built was an incredible asset, providing access to opportunities in big tech and consulting that have significantly shaped my career.
What were the highlights of being a student in both Berlin and Paris? What's the value-add as a German student at this Berlin-based programme?
Studying in Berlin and Paris with ESCP gives you a uniquely enriching environment for developing intercultural competencies. In Berlin, you'd find a vibrant, multicultural hub with a focus on sustainability and entrepreneurship, while Paris provides immersion in a global business and cultural center.
As a German, choosing ESCP over a traditional single Master's abroad means an integrated, pan-European immersion, directly fostering cross-cultural understanding. This multi-campus approach helps you compare and contrast different European business environments within one degree. You also gain access to a powerful pan-European alumni network and potentially multiple national degrees. Ultimately, ESCP's model is designed to cultivate a global mindset crucial for today's international job market.
To what kind of person would you recommend this programme?
It's especially suited for proactive, globally-minded individuals who thrive in dynamic environments and are passionate about connecting with diverse customers.
For future students, I think the most important skills in today's fast-evolving business landscape are courage and a growth mindset. Be courageous in embracing new challenges, stepping outside your comfort zone, and taking calculated risks. Cultivate a growth mindset by viewing failures as learning opportunities, staying curious, and continuously seeking to improve your skills and knowledge in a rapidly changing world. Actively participate in projects, network relentlessly, and be open to diverse perspectives to truly maximize your ESCP experience..
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