Executive MBA /business-school/ en Meet 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s Executive MBA Class of 2027 /business-school/blogs/features/meet-imperials-executive-mba-class-2027/ <h1 class="field title-huge field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden"> Meet 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s Executive MBA Class of 2027</h1> <div class="media--image field field--name-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Executive%20MBA%20Class%20of%202027%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=DKoOEY_o 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-02/Executive%20MBA%20Class%20of%202027%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=udjnJsSq 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-02/Executive%20MBA%20Class%20of%202027%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=OBdDayf1 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-02/Executive%20MBA%20Class%20of%202027%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=j-9rmAR4 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Executive%20MBA%20Class%20of%202027%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=DKoOEY_o 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-02/Executive%20MBA%20Class%20of%202027%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=udjnJsSq 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-02/Executive%20MBA%20Class%20of%202027%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=OBdDayf1 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-02/Executive%20MBA%20Class%20of%202027%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=j-9rmAR4 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Executive%20MBA%20Class%20of%202027%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=DKoOEY_o" aria-hidden="true" /></picture></div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Rebecca Pike</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-03-04T09:31:29+00:00" title="Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - 09:31" class="datetime">Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31</time></span> <div class="field field--name-field-main-brightcove-video field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="c-bc-video"> <video-js id="6389785022112" class="vjs-fluid" controls="" data-account="5807743168001" data-embed="default" data-player="default" data-usage="cms:drupal:10.1.7:3.2.0:javascript" data-video-id="6389785022112"></video-js></div> <script src="https://players.brightcove.net/5807743168001/default_default/index.min.js"></script><script id="videojs-schema-6389785022112"></script><script> //<![CDATA[ if (typeof videojs !== 'undefined') { videojs.options.techOrder = ['Html5']; 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padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="blogs-listing"><div class="blogs-listing__items"> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-flexible-blog-listings view-id-flexible_blog_listings view-display-id-listing_1 js-view-dom-id-1a2d32c838eafa90f0a3e79cb293abddbb4cca152f07f2afd1b112c609b3204a"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="listing-blocks listing-blocks--grid"> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=-pr3H1e5 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=4qhP2TGx 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=-pr3H1e5 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=4qhP2TGx 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Valentina Amoroso" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=-pr3H1e5" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-04-15T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">15 April 2026</time> Student blog</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7079" class="blog-listing-item__title">Developing as a strategic leader through 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s Executive MBA Leadership Journey retreat</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>Valentina Amoroso and the Executive MBA Class of 2026 recently attended the Executive Leadership retreat, an immersive experience designed for reflection, coaching and applied leadership development.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about Developing as a strategic leader through 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s Executive MBA Leadership Journey retreat" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/student-blog/developing-strategic-leader-through-imperials-executive-mba-leadership-journey/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="600"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Part-time%20MBA%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=mNc-ejw_ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/Part-time%20MBA%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=1JcI79QO 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Part-time%20MBA%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=mNc-ejw_ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/Part-time%20MBA%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=1JcI79QO 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Part-time%20MBA%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=mNc-ejw_" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-04-01T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">1 April 2026</time> Features</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7473" class="blog-listing-item__title">The ultimate guide to choosing a part-time MBA at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>Part-time MBA programmes have grown in popularity as more professionals look for flexible ways to develop their skills while continuing to work. At 51³Ō¹ĻĶų, options include the Weekend MBA, Global Online MBA and Executive MBA, each designed to fit around different schedules and career goals.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about The ultimate guide to choosing a part-time MBA at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/features/the-ultimate-guide-choosing-part-time-mba-imperial/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="900"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Pragya%20Joshi%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=234d8406&itok=rHiAgJA9 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/Pragya%20Joshi%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=234d8406&itok=Ofg2xIVY 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Pragya%20Joshi%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=234d8406&itok=rHiAgJA9 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/Pragya%20Joshi%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=234d8406&itok=Ofg2xIVY 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Pragya Joshi" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Pragya%20Joshi%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=234d8406&itok=rHiAgJA9" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-03-09T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">9 March 2026</time> Scholarship blog</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7466" class="blog-listing-item__title">Championing women in leadership with the Inspiring Women – Executive MBA Scholarship</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>Executive MBA student Pragya Joshi shares why she chose 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Business School, what receiving the Inspiring Women – Executive MBA Scholarship means to her, and how she hopes to champion greater female representation in senior leadership.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about Championing women in leadership with the Inspiring Women – Executive MBA Scholarship" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/scholarship-blog/championing-women-leadership-the-inspiring-women-executive-mba-scholarship/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div> </section></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-03-02T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">2 March 2026</time></div> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/blog-type/features" hreflang="en">Features</a></div> </div> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><a><span>The business world is evolving at a rapid rate. As organisations navigate AI integration and systemic change, the </span></a><a href="/business-school/mba/executive-mba/"><span><span>Executive MBA</span></span></a><span><span> Class of 2027 reflects the evolving needs of modern business leaders. With a comprehensive curriculum designed to tackle this evolving landscape, o<a>ur Executive MBA is designed specifically to equip established senior professionals</a>Ā with the insight, expertise and confidence to continue making a meaningful difference in their field</span></span><span><span><span>Ā </span></span></span>. <span>Supported by expert faculty and a powerful peer network, the Class of 2027 will graduate uniquely positioned not just to navigate change, but to lead it.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <h2>Welcoming the Executive MBA Class of 2027: a global cohort of senior professionals</h2> <p>At the start of the year,Ā weĀ welcomedĀ a new and dynamic cohort of executive professionals to 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Business School’s Executive MBA programme. The Class of 2027 brings togetherĀ 31Ā experiencedĀ professionals – 42%Ā of whomĀ are female – from a wide range of industries,Ā backgroundsĀ and countries.Ā WithĀ an average ofĀ 15Ā years’ work experienceĀ acrossĀ healthcare,Ā finance,Ā consulting,Ā technology,Ā media,Ā governmentĀ andĀ realĀ estate,Ā andĀ 19Ā nationalities represented, this eclectic mixĀ creates dynamic classroom conversations.Ā </p> <p>Over the next 23 months, our executive professionals will enhance their leadership capabilities through a rigorous and tailored curriculum. Through conversation and collaboration, the Executive MBA will interweave the most up-to-date knowledge of emerging technologies with fundamental business topics to further enhance their careers.</p> <h3>Why senior professionals choose 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s Executive MBA</h3> <p>In our discussions, the new Executive MBA Class of 2027 chose our programme because they:</p> <ul><li>Are established in their careers and are ready to make a lasting impact as a leader.</li> <li>Would benefit from a flexible, blended learning format that fits around an executive schedule and limits time away from the office.</li> <li>Want to see the impact of learning in real-time, applying learning from Saturday into their business on Monday.</li> <li>Are looking to strengthen self-awareness and strategic thinking skills.</li> <li>Want exposure to global business settings and challenges through international residencies.</li> <li>Are keen to explore the intersection of STEM, technology and business and how it is shaping organisations.</li> <li>Want to advance their careers, supported by the most up-to-date business insights.</li> <li>Value a diverse, multidisciplinary learning environment, learning alongside executive professionals from multiple industries.</li> <li>Want access to a global network of experienced professionals.</li> <li>Seek lifelong learning opportunities to stay up-to-date and create lasting impact.</li> </ul><p>We recently met with some of our business leaders from the Executive MBA Class of 2027 to discover the people behind the programme, from their career journeys to their motivations and why they ultimately chose to study with us.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--flexible-text-image-card flexible-text-image"><div class="flexible-text-image__wrapper flexible-text-image__wrapper-align-right" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300" data-aos-duration="1200"> <div class="flexible-text-image__image"> <figure><picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Akin%20Akinyemi.webp?h=5ef04b39&itok=zOuLoEWk 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-02/Akin%20Akinyemi.webp?h=5ef04b39&itok=QNc_Y5sz 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-02/Akin%20Akinyemi.webp?h=5ef04b39&itok=pWeWjr4t 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-02/Akin%20Akinyemi.webp?h=5ef04b39&itok=STg89C4k 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Akin%20Akinyemi.jpeg?h=5ef04b39&itok=zOuLoEWk 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-02/Akin%20Akinyemi.jpeg?h=5ef04b39&itok=QNc_Y5sz 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-02/Akin%20Akinyemi.jpeg?h=5ef04b39&itok=pWeWjr4t 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-02/Akin%20Akinyemi.jpeg?h=5ef04b39&itok=STg89C4k 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="Akin Akinyemi" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Akin%20Akinyemi.jpeg?h=5ef04b39&itok=zOuLoEWk" /></picture></figure></div> <div class="flexible-text-image__container"> <h3 class="flexible-text-image__title"> Akin Akinyemi </h3> <div class="flexible-text-image__copy"> <p><strong>Nationality:</strong> British<br /><strong>Company and job role:</strong> Bloomberg LP, Global Head of Quality Methods & Insights<br /><strong>Education:</strong>Ā MEng Electronics & Electrical Engineering with Business Studies, University of Strathclyde; Engineering Doctorate System Level Integration, University of Edinburgh</p> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong><span>How has your professional journey across industries prepared you for leadership?</span></strong></p> <p>My journey has been more diverse than I ever anticipated. I started at the intersection of healthcare and AI, researching m<a>achine learning</a>Ā for computer-aided medical diagnosis, before transitioning briefly into the energy sector as a software engineer.</p> <p>For the last decade, however, I have worked in f<a>inancial services</a>Ā in various data leadership roles. Today, I lead a function at Bloomberg where we are embedding industrial engineering techniques into our data manufacturing processes.</p> <p><strong><span>Why did you choose an Executive MBA at this stage of your career, and why 51³Ō¹ĻĶų?</span></strong></p> <p><span>I’ve reached a pivotal point where my role has shifted from managing specialists to driving large-scale organisational transformation. While my technical foundation is solid, leading a transformation function at a global firm like Bloomberg requires a broader, multi-dimensional toolkit. I see the Executive MBA as the bridge to the next decade of my career, providing the intellectual rigour and diverse perspectives necessary to move from functional leadership to high-impact business leadership.</span></p> <p><span>Having hired several 51³Ō¹ĻĶų engineering alumni throughout my career, I was already well-acquainted with the calibre of the community and the strength of the brand. I wanted to be part of an ecosystem that does not just teach management in a vacuum but understands how to harness technical innovation to solve real-world business challenges.</span></p> <p><strong><span>What are the benefits of balancing an Executive MBA with full-time work?</span></strong></p> <p>I view my organisation as a laboratory for the frameworks I’m learning in the classroom. Beyond applying strategy and design thinking to my own projects, I see my role as a 'multiplier'; taking the tools and insights gained at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų and sharing them to develop the talent around me. For instance, I’m already viewing our philanthropic initiatives through the lens of the Corporate Sustainability module, allowing me to contribute more strategically to our firm's broader social impact.</p> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--flexible-text-image-card flexible-text-image"><div class="flexible-text-image__wrapper flexible-text-image__wrapper-align-left" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300" data-aos-duration="1200"> <div class="flexible-text-image__image"> <figure><picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Ella%20Dehghani.webp?h=56647a58&itok=kICt08g2 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-02/Ella%20Dehghani.webp?h=56647a58&itok=aAvFFiXp 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-02/Ella%20Dehghani.webp?h=56647a58&itok=TK4GG243 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-02/Ella%20Dehghani.webp?h=56647a58&itok=3qYRheTh 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Ella%20Dehghani.jpg?h=56647a58&itok=kICt08g2 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-02/Ella%20Dehghani.jpg?h=56647a58&itok=aAvFFiXp 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-02/Ella%20Dehghani.jpg?h=56647a58&itok=TK4GG243 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-02/Ella%20Dehghani.jpg?h=56647a58&itok=3qYRheTh 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="Ella Dehghani" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Ella%20Dehghani.jpg?h=56647a58&itok=kICt08g2" /></picture></figure></div> <div class="flexible-text-image__container"> <h3 class="flexible-text-image__title"> Ella Dehghani </h3> <div class="flexible-text-image__copy"> <p><strong><span>Nationality: </span></strong><span>Iranian</span><br /><strong><span>Company and role: </span></strong><span>EllaVates, Founder</span><br /><strong><span>Education: </span></strong><span>MEng Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo; MSc Macromolecular Materials, KTH Royal Institute of Technology; Doctor of Science – Materials Science, ETH Zurich</span></p> <p>Ā </p> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong><span>Why pursue an Executive MBA at this stage of a senior healthcare career?</span></strong></p> <p><span>I’ve worked across pharmaceuticals, medtech, digital health and healthcare innovation, often at the intersection of science, business and policy. Today, my work focuses on strategic leadership in healthcare, alongside independent initiatives aimed at improving how health systems translate evidence into practice. </span></p> <p><span>At this stage of my career, I am already operating at a senior level. My focus is increasingly on preventive healthcare and system-level change - moving upstream, where earlier intervention, better data use and smarter incentives can improve outcomes at scale. </span></p> <p><span>What I need is not functional training, but space to sharpen judgment, challenge assumptions and strengthen how I lead across organisations and systems. The Executive MBA provides exactly that, without stepping away from practice.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Why is a STEM-focused Executive MBA advantageous for healthcare leaders?</span></strong></p> <p><span>Understanding technology and innovation is critical for leaders today, particularly in healthcare. Decisions increasingly shape not just organisations, but patient outcomes and population health. 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s science-driven environment supports a more responsible and informed approach to innovation.</span></p> <p><strong><span>How will the Executive MBA strengthen your leadership and decision-making skills?</span></strong></p> <p><span>For me, leadership is about creating clarity where systems are complex, making informed decisions with incomplete information and enabling others to do their best work. It is as much about responsibility and judgment as it is about direction.</span></p> <p><span>Through the Executive MBA, I want to further strengthen my systems thinking, strategic decision-making in uncertainty and executive communication – particularly where science, regulation and business priorities intersect.</span></p> <p><span>Alongside the strategy, leadership and innovation-focused modules, learning alongside experienced peers adds depth and realism to every discussion. It surfaces blind spots and challenges comfortable thinking in ways that are difficult to replicate elsewhere.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--flexible-text-image-card flexible-text-image"><div class="flexible-text-image__wrapper flexible-text-image__wrapper-align-right" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300" data-aos-duration="1200"> <div class="flexible-text-image__image"> <figure><picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Eloina%20Pesce.webp?h=d841a4fb&itok=nMy_7-0O 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-02/Eloina%20Pesce.webp?h=d841a4fb&itok=bcXOuuVc 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-02/Eloina%20Pesce.webp?h=d841a4fb&itok=NLue6qXf 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-02/Eloina%20Pesce.webp?h=d841a4fb&itok=SFq9AKrD 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Eloina%20Pesce.jpg?h=d841a4fb&itok=nMy_7-0O 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-02/Eloina%20Pesce.jpg?h=d841a4fb&itok=bcXOuuVc 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-02/Eloina%20Pesce.jpg?h=d841a4fb&itok=NLue6qXf 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-02/Eloina%20Pesce.jpg?h=d841a4fb&itok=SFq9AKrD 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="Eloina Pesce" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Eloina%20Pesce.jpg?h=d841a4fb&itok=nMy_7-0O" /></picture></figure></div> <div class="flexible-text-image__container"> <h3 class="flexible-text-image__title"> Eloina Pesce </h3> <div class="flexible-text-image__copy"> <p><strong><span>Nationality:</span></strong><span> Italian</span><br /><strong><span>Company and role: </span></strong><span>Darktrace, VP Channel Sales EMEA</span><br /><strong><span lang="IT" xml:lang="IT" xml:lang="IT">Education:</span></strong><span lang="IT" xml:lang="IT" xml:lang="IT"> <a>BA in Marketing</a>, UniversitĆ  degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca</span></p> <p></p> <p>Ā  </p><p>Ā </p> <p>Ā </p> <p></p> <p>Ā </p> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong><span>What is your reason for pursuing an Executive MBA?</span></strong></p> <p><span>For the past six and a half<a> years</a>, I’ve been immersed in the cybersecurity industry at Darktrace. For that reason, pursuing an Executive MBA will serve a dual purpose. First, it’s about becoming a more well-rounded leader and ensuring that I can collaborate effectively across functions and speak the language of finance, operations, product and other critical areas of the organisation.</span></p> <p><span>Second, it’s about preparation for the next chapter. As I look toward more senior leadership roles, I recognise that success at that level requires not just functional expertise but strategic thinking, financial acumen and the ability to lead holistically across the business. The Executive MBA is my investment in building that foundation now so that when the opportunity comes, I’m ready to step into it with confidence.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Which modules and leadership initiatives are you most looking forward to?</span></strong></p> <p><span>I’m particularly excited about the </span><a href="/business-school/mba/executive-mba/#programme-content"><span>ā€œLeveraging AI for Sustainable Business Valueā€</span></a><span> module. Given the pace of AI adoption in my industry, this module feels incredibly timely, addressing how we move beyond experimentation to create genuine, sustainable value. Assessing AI initiatives through a holistic business lens – considering operational changes, ROI, risk and long-term viability – is a skill I want to develop further.</span></p> <p><span>Beyond the classroom learning, I’m particularly excited about the leadership journey with our </span><a href="/business-school/mba/executive-mba/career-impact/"><span>Executive Coaches</span></a><span>. That kind of personalised development will directly influence how I show up as a leader: how I present to senior stakeholders, how I coach and develop my team and how I navigate complex interpersonal dynamics within the organisation.</span></p> <p><strong><span>How does learning with senior executive peers enhance the Executive MBA experience?</span></strong></p> <p><span>Learning alongside experienced executive peers is one of the most valuable aspects of the Executive MBA for me. The ability to discuss a complex business challenge with smart, accomplished professionals who come from completely different industries, opens perspectives I simply wouldn’t encounter in my day-to-day work in tech and cybersecurity.</span></p> <p></p> <p>Ā </p> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--flexible-text-image-card flexible-text-image"><div class="flexible-text-image__wrapper flexible-text-image__wrapper-align-left" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300" data-aos-duration="1200"> <div class="flexible-text-image__image"> <figure><picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Edmond%20Chan.webp?h=40522549&itok=9ge1BwYq 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-02/Edmond%20Chan.webp?h=40522549&itok=EP5kxaOm 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-02/Edmond%20Chan.webp?h=40522549&itok=HtIh9R0i 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-02/Edmond%20Chan.webp?h=40522549&itok=w6vWZ9nU 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Edmond%20Chan.jpg?h=40522549&itok=9ge1BwYq 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-02/Edmond%20Chan.jpg?h=40522549&itok=EP5kxaOm 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-02/Edmond%20Chan.jpg?h=40522549&itok=HtIh9R0i 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-02/Edmond%20Chan.jpg?h=40522549&itok=w6vWZ9nU 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="Edmond Chan" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Edmond%20Chan.jpg?h=40522549&itok=9ge1BwYq" /></picture></figure></div> <div class="flexible-text-image__container"> <h3 class="flexible-text-image__title"> Edmond Chan </h3> <div class="flexible-text-image__copy"> <p><strong><span>Nationality: </span></strong><span>British</span><br /><strong><span>Company and role:</span></strong><span> Astellas, Global Medical Affairs Lead</span><br /><strong><span>Education: </span></strong><span>Doctorate of Medicine, 51³Ō¹ĻĶų; Master in Science, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery, University of Dundee</span></p> <p>Ā </p> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong><span>What has your career journey in healthcare looked like to date?</span></strong></p> <p><span>I was trained as a kidney medicine specialist and worked in clinical practice before joining the p<a>harmaceutical </a><span><span><span>Ā </span></span></span>industry, which is where I’ve been for the last 13 years. I’m currently one of the global leads for the medical affairs function in Astellas Pharmaceuticals. My role bridges science and strategy in healthcare organisations, ensuring that accurate, evidence-based information is generated, communicated and applied in the industry.</span></p> <p><strong><span>What does being part of the 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Business School community mean to you?</span></strong></p> <p><span>I am very excited to be a part of the 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Business School global family. This strong and extensive network is one that I hope to rely on to find guidance and support for any future ventures. From potential new business partners, to nurturing future leaders who share the same aspirations as me, the community here really does show you the value of 51³Ō¹ĻĶų.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Beyond career progression, what long-term impact do you think 51³Ō¹ĻĶų and the Executive MBA will have on you?</span></strong></p> <p><span>As a proud recipient of the 51³Ō¹ĻĶų LGBTQ+ Scholarship, I believe that studying at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų will ensure that inclusion is not merely talked about, but actively practised. </span></p> <p><span>The Executive MBA will broaden my impact, strengthen my leadership within the pharmaceutical industry and allow me to drive meaningful change. Championing diversity and inclusion on top of this ensures that no one in our community feels that their identity is a barrier to success.</span></p> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--flexible-text-image-card flexible-text-image"><div class="flexible-text-image__wrapper flexible-text-image__wrapper-align-right" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300" data-aos-duration="1200"> <div class="flexible-text-image__image"> <figure><picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Pragya%20Joshi.webp?h=ec67e291&itok=GWfMztGd 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-02/Pragya%20Joshi.webp?h=ec67e291&itok=Ia0P--QI 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-02/Pragya%20Joshi.webp?h=ec67e291&itok=pZN5VKNo 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-02/Pragya%20Joshi.webp?h=ec67e291&itok=Y-7cugCc 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Pragya%20Joshi.jpg?h=ec67e291&itok=GWfMztGd 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-02/Pragya%20Joshi.jpg?h=ec67e291&itok=Ia0P--QI 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-02/Pragya%20Joshi.jpg?h=ec67e291&itok=pZN5VKNo 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-02/Pragya%20Joshi.jpg?h=ec67e291&itok=Y-7cugCc 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="Pragya Joshi" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Pragya%20Joshi.jpg?h=ec67e291&itok=GWfMztGd" /></picture></figure></div> <div class="flexible-text-image__container"> <h3 class="flexible-text-image__title"> Pragya Joshi </h3> <div class="flexible-text-image__copy"> <p><strong><span>Nationality:</span></strong><span> British</span><br /><strong><span>Company and role:</span></strong><span> Barclays Bank, VP – Communications & Engagement (Product Technology) (most recent)</span><br /><strong><span>Education: </span></strong><span>BA (Hon.) Journalism (Major), Economics and Political Science (Minor), Delhi University; MA International Relations as a Chevening Scholar from India, University of Leicester; MSc South Asian Studies, University of Oxford</span></p> <p>Ā </p> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong><span>How has your professional journey across strategy, technology and communications shaped your leadership perspective?</span></strong></p> <p><span>I have spent 17 years at the intersection of strategy, technology and communication across banking, consulting, fintech, research and media. In my most recent role, I served as VP of Communications & Engagement for the ProductTechnology division, partnering with CIOs on large-scale digital transformation.</span></p> <p>What has shaped my perspective is navigating complexity - regulatory environments, cross-cultural stakeholder management and translating technical transformation into narratives that drive change. I have learned that the hardest problems are rarely technical; they are about alignment, clarity and bringing people along.</p> <p><strong>What made 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Business School stand out when researching Executive MBA</strong></p> <p>After evaluating other London-based programmes, 51³Ō¹ĻĶų consistently emerged as the strongest choice for me. It stood out because it is built for leaders who operate in environments where technology is not adjacent to strategy but embedded in it.</p> <p>With expert faculty across AI, data science and engineering, the modular structure and its London location offered a compelling combination of academic depth and practical applicability. The Executive MBA felt designed for the world we are stepping into, not the one we are leaving behind.</p> <p><strong><span>Why was an Executive MBA the right choice at this stage of your career?</span></strong></p> <p>I’ve led communications, marketing and strategic initiatives across a wide range of industries. While I’m confident in the impact I can deliver today, I wanted to deepen my understanding of finance, data analytics and artificial intelligence - areas that now sit at the heart of strategic decision-making.</p> <p>This stage of my career also demands strong judgment and balance. Managing senior leadership roles alongside raising a three-and-a-half-year-old has reinforced the value of focus, preparation and a sense of humour to make even the busiest weeks workable – if I can survive toddler negotiations, I can survive modular deadlines.</p> <p>With this in mind, taking a purposeful career break to pursue an Executive MBA at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų felt like the right next step. The curriculum promises to accelerate my development and enable me to contribute confidently at board level and lead transformational programs with authority.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--flexible-text-image-card flexible-text-image"><div class="flexible-text-image__wrapper flexible-text-image__wrapper-align-left" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300" data-aos-duration="1200"> <div class="flexible-text-image__image"> <figure><picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Abiy%20Solomon.webp?h=23bdd0cc&itok=Nm3sVA4s 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-02/Abiy%20Solomon.webp?h=23bdd0cc&itok=DPCpblkF 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-02/Abiy%20Solomon.webp?h=23bdd0cc&itok=jYeQAsXj 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-02/Abiy%20Solomon.webp?h=23bdd0cc&itok=-ZFnapID 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Abiy%20Solomon.jpeg?h=23bdd0cc&itok=Nm3sVA4s 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-02/Abiy%20Solomon.jpeg?h=23bdd0cc&itok=DPCpblkF 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-02/Abiy%20Solomon.jpeg?h=23bdd0cc&itok=jYeQAsXj 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-02/Abiy%20Solomon.jpeg?h=23bdd0cc&itok=-ZFnapID 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="Abiy Solomon" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Abiy%20Solomon.jpeg?h=23bdd0cc&itok=Nm3sVA4s" /></picture></figure></div> <div class="flexible-text-image__container"> <h3 class="flexible-text-image__title"> Abiy Solomon </h3> <div class="flexible-text-image__copy"> <p><strong><span>Nationality: </span></strong><span>British</span><br /><strong><span>Company and role: </span></strong><span>UN Trade and Development,<strong> </strong>External Relations Officer</span><br /><strong><span>Education: </span></strong><span>BA (Hons) Politics with Business Management, Queen Mary University of London; MSc Development Studies, SOAS University of London; MSc Management of Intellectual Property, Queen Mary University of London</span></p> <p>Ā </p> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> <div class="field__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong><span>How has your employer supported your decision to pursue an Executive MBA at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų?</span></strong></p> <p><span>The response from my employer has been very positive. Throughout my career, I have worked across intergovernmental organisations – most notably the United Nations – where I have contributed to policy research and analysis, project implementation and international consensus building. More recently, I have stepped into a new position as <a>External Relations Officer. </a></span></p> <p><span>In my role, there is a strong appreciation for the importance of continuous learning and leadership development, particularly in the complex geopolitical and rapidly evolving technological landscape. The Executive MBA is seen not only as an individual investment, but one that will strengthen my ability to contribute more thoughtfully and strategically in my professional role.</span></p> <p><strong><span>What are the benefits of learning alongside executive professionals from diverse sectors?</span></strong></p> <p><span>Coming from an intergovernmental and multilateral background, I am currently the only participant in my cohort with this type of industry experience. This makes the opportunity for cross-sectoral learning particularly valuable. I am keen not only to learn from peers in the private sector, but also to contribute a different perspective shaped by policy, diplomacy and international cooperation. This exchange helps challenge perceptions on both sides and ultimately leads to more nuanced, well-rounded leadership thinking.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Why are immersive global experiences important for senior leaders?</span></strong></p> <p><a><span>For leaders at this level, immersive </span></a><a href="/business-school/mba/executive-mba/#programme-content"><span><span>global experiences</span></span></a><span><span> provide the opportunity to step outside familiar environments and engage directly with different innovation ecosystems, leadership cultures and ways of thinking – all of which are critical when operating in complex, global settings. </span></span></p> <p><span><span>Having witnessed first-hand the level of advancement, innovation and dynamism across the Global South, I see them as the next frontier for economic growth and investment and am keen to explore global experiences in these markets.</span></span></p> <p>Ā </p> <p></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--flexible-text-image-card flexible-text-image"><div class="flexible-text-image__wrapper flexible-text-image__wrapper-align-right" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300" data-aos-duration="1200"> <div class="flexible-text-image__image"> <figure><picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Sepideh%20Shokrpour.webp?h=9a9880ad&itok=GG6gtiuj 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-02/Sepideh%20Shokrpour.webp?h=9a9880ad&itok=Hz6PNtYL 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-02/Sepideh%20Shokrpour.webp?h=9a9880ad&itok=UtzltnOn 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-02/Sepideh%20Shokrpour.webp?h=9a9880ad&itok=RlYnC5q3 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Sepideh%20Shokrpour.jpeg?h=9a9880ad&itok=GG6gtiuj 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-02/Sepideh%20Shokrpour.jpeg?h=9a9880ad&itok=Hz6PNtYL 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-02/Sepideh%20Shokrpour.jpeg?h=9a9880ad&itok=UtzltnOn 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-02/Sepideh%20Shokrpour.jpeg?h=9a9880ad&itok=RlYnC5q3 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="Sepideh Shokrpour" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Sepideh%20Shokrpour.jpeg?h=9a9880ad&itok=GG6gtiuj" /></picture></figure></div> <div class="flexible-text-image__container"> <h3 class="flexible-text-image__title"> Sepideh Shokrpour </h3> <div class="flexible-text-image__copy"> <p><strong><span>Nationality:</span></strong><span> Iranian</span><br /><strong><span>Company and role:</span></strong><span> Bloomberg Media, Director of Coalitions and Community Innovation</span><br /><strong><span>Education: </span></strong><span>BSc Embryology and Physiology; Monash University</span></p> <p>Ā </p> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> <div class="field__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong><span>How has your professional journey across business, media and social impact evolved so far?</span></strong></p> <p><span>My career has evolved across business development, strategy and community-led initiatives at the intersection of<a> media, healthcare, finance and social impact</a><span><span><span>Ā </span></span></span>. Having worked across Australia, Hong Kong, the United States and the UK, I’ve developed a global perspective on how organisations operate within complex systems.</span></p> <p><span>I currently serve as Director of Coalitions and Community Innovation at Bloomberg Media, where I collaborate with a global network of CEOs, policymakers, subject matter experts and entrepreneurs to develop actionable solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing business and society, particularly in climate and health.</span></p> <p><strong><span>How will you leverage 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s global network and diverse Executive MBA community?</span></strong></p> <p><span>As organisations and industries continue to evolve at a record-breaking pace, staying intellectually agile requires exposure to perspectives beyond one’s immediate sector or role. Being part of a global network of ambitious, highly informed peers allows me to remain closely connected to how different sectors are adapting to change and how those insights can translate into immediate implementation in my work.</span></p> <p><span>Over the long term, I see the 51³Ō¹ĻĶų community not just as a network, but as a living resource of people with whom I can exchange ideas, collaborate and continue learning well beyond the programme itself.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--flexible-text-image-card flexible-text-image"><div class="flexible-text-image__wrapper flexible-text-image__wrapper-align-left" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300" data-aos-duration="1200"> <div class="flexible-text-image__image"> <figure><picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Tuncer%20Gulcicek.webp?h=866f053d&itok=Lt6DQMat 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-02/Tuncer%20Gulcicek.webp?h=866f053d&itok=cesIX7w- 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-02/Tuncer%20Gulcicek.webp?h=866f053d&itok=0h-vABKt 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-02/Tuncer%20Gulcicek.webp?h=866f053d&itok=jsEsGOpd 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Tuncer%20Gulcicek.jpeg?h=866f053d&itok=Lt6DQMat 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-02/Tuncer%20Gulcicek.jpeg?h=866f053d&itok=cesIX7w- 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-02/Tuncer%20Gulcicek.jpeg?h=866f053d&itok=0h-vABKt 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-02/Tuncer%20Gulcicek.jpeg?h=866f053d&itok=jsEsGOpd 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="Tuncer Gulcicek" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Tuncer%20Gulcicek.jpeg?h=866f053d&itok=Lt6DQMat" /></picture></figure></div> <div class="flexible-text-image__container"> <h3 class="flexible-text-image__title"> Tuncer Gulcicek </h3> <div class="flexible-text-image__copy"> <p><strong><span>Nationality: </span></strong><span>Turkish</span><br /><strong><span>Company and role: </span></strong><span>BBVA London,<strong> </strong>Executive Director of Global Markets – Cross-Asset Sales & Coverage</span><br /><strong><span>Education:</span></strong><span> BSc Economics, Bilkent University; MSc Financial Engineering, BoğaziƧi University</span></p> <p>Ā </p> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> <div class="field__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong><span>What has your professional background in global financial markets looked like?</span></strong></p> <p><span>My career spans two decades in global financial markets, with a strong focus on cross-asset solutions across FX, rates, credit and structured products. </span></p> <p><span>I am currently an Executive Director at BBVA London in the Global Markets division, working as a cross-asset sales and coverage professional focused on Turkey, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. My role sits at the intersection of client coverage, structuring and strategic origination, helping financial institutions navigate balance-sheet, funding and risk-management challenges in complex and often volatile markets.</span></p> <p><strong><span>How does the Executive MBA enable immediate application of learning at work?</span></strong></p> <p><span>I view the programme as an integrated part of my professional development rather than a parallel activity. At this stage of my career, learning must be practical, immediately applicable and intellectually demanding. The Executive MBA allows me to build on experience rather than pause it, while providing structured reflection on leadership, strategy and transformation.</span></p> <p><span>I expect to apply the learning directly to strategic client coverage, cross-border decision-making and team leadership. Whether it is framing complex problems more clearly, managing risk under uncertainty, or leading diverse teams, the programme offers tools that can be implemented immediately.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><span>Over the next 23 months, students can expect an Executive MBA programme shaped by 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s focus on technology, innovation and leadership. They can look forward to:</span></p> <ul><li><strong>Global Immersions:</strong> study experiences in Zurich, London and Boston, examining fintech, medtech, and deep tech ecosystems.</li> <li><strong>Executive Leadership Journey:</strong> a structured module that aims to develop self-awareness, influence and responsible leadership at senior and board level.</li> <li><strong>Capstone:</strong> a five-day intensive project in a European technology hub, where teams develop and test a viable business case for an emerging technology.</li> <li><strong>STEM ecosystem: </strong>engagement with 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s science and engineering ecosystem, including access to the Enterprise Lab to support entrepreneurship pursuits.</li> <li><strong>Executive peer network:</strong> learning alongside an international cohort of senior executives.</li> <li><a href="/business-school/mba/executive-mba/career-impact/"><strong>Personalised career advice</strong></a><strong>:</strong> the ability to apply learnings directly to the workplace and tailored guidance from a dedicated Career Consultant.</li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-blue paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--flexible-page-call-to-action call-to-action" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300" data-aos-duration="1200"><h2 class="call-to-action__heading"> Discover our programme </h2> <ul class="call-to-action__links"><li class="call-to-action__link-item"> <a href="/business-school/mba/executive-mba/" class="call-to-action__link call-to-action__link--solid--">Executive MBA</a> </li> </ul></article></div> </div> </section><div class="field field--name-key-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/executive-mba" hreflang="en">Executive MBA</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/induction-week" hreflang="en">Induction Week</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/leadership" hreflang="en">Leadership</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/mba" hreflang="en">MBA</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/meet-the-class" hreflang="en">Meet the Class</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/part-time-mba" hreflang="en">Part-time MBA</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/student-journey" hreflang="en">Student Journey</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-show-different-image-on-th field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="c-social-share-widget "> <h3>Share</h3> <div class="c-social-share-widget__links"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed&amp;title=" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Facebook"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/facebook_share.svg" alt="Facebook" /></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite?url=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed&amp;title=&amp;source=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Linkedin"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/linkedin.svg" alt="Linkedin" /></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed&amp;status=+/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Twitter"> <img src="/business-school/themes/custom/icbs/images/twitter-black.svg" alt="Twitter" /></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=&amp;body=Check out this site /business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Email"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/email.svg" alt="Email" /></a> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-programme-ref field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Programme</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/admin/content/course/4" hreflang="en">Executive MBA</a></div> </div> </div> <h2 class="field subtitle field--name-field-subtitle field--type-string field--label-hidden">Discover the students behind the programme, from their career journeys to their motivations to pursue 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s Executive MBA</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-read-time field--type-estimated-read-time field--label-hidden field__item">14 minute read </div> Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000 Rebecca Pike 7460 at /business-school Alumni profile: My international career journey /business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-profile-my-international-career-journey/ <h1 class="field title-huge field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden"> Alumni profile: My international career journey</h1> <div class="media--image field field--name-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2021-05/4.webp?h=ddb1ad0c&itok=JTQ6PKLO 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2021-05/4.webp?h=ddb1ad0c&itok=nWwHiy8m 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2021-05/4.webp?h=ddb1ad0c&itok=WZLzjtcs 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2021-05/4.webp?h=ddb1ad0c&itok=Nahg4AMV 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2021-05/4.jpg?h=ddb1ad0c&itok=JTQ6PKLO 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2021-05/4.jpg?h=ddb1ad0c&itok=nWwHiy8m 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2021-05/4.jpg?h=ddb1ad0c&itok=WZLzjtcs 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2021-05/4.jpg?h=ddb1ad0c&itok=Nahg4AMV 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2021-05/4.jpg?h=ddb1ad0c&itok=JTQ6PKLO" aria-hidden="true" /></picture></div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Francesca Hoare</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-03-04T09:31:29+00:00" title="Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - 09:31" class="datetime">Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31</time></span> <div class="field field--name-content-bottom field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-footer-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="blogs-listing"><div class="blogs-listing__items"> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-flexible-blog-listings view-id-flexible_blog_listings view-display-id-listing_1 js-view-dom-id-d0042a2522fbc2a8aa6fdde4c3e4a6a155447d45e83d095d767f3c03f460840b"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="listing-blocks listing-blocks--grid"> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.webp?h=545231ff&itok=G3Z1jE5T 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.webp?h=545231ff&itok=cHvpi4pV 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.jpg?h=545231ff&itok=G3Z1jE5T 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.jpg?h=545231ff&itok=cHvpi4pV 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Besnik Mustafa" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.jpg?h=545231ff&itok=G3Z1jE5T" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-03-04T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">4 March 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7463" class="blog-listing-item__title">Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>After beginning his career at Finance Think, Besnik Mustafa went on to advise Members of Parliament in North Macedonia. He later joined Salience Consulting, gaining experience across multiple international markets.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/besnik-mustafa-weekend-mba-2025/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="600"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Chloe Chambers" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-02-27T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">27 February 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7464" class="blog-listing-item__title">Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>Imposter syndrome is something our careers consultants encounter frequently when supporting professionals through moments of growth, transition, and increased responsibility.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-careers-understanding-imposter-syndrome-and-career-growth/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="900"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=Ojk9gUMT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=d1uMazPR 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=Ojk9gUMT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=d1uMazPR 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=Ojk9gUMT" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-02-13T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">13 February 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7465" class="blog-listing-item__title">Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI </h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>As the world of work continues to shift through the rise of remote working and rapid advances in AI, our careers consultants are increasingly supporting professionals who want to stay visible, valued, and strategically positioned.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI " class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-careers-helping-alumni-stay-visible-and-valuable-the-age-remote-work-and-ai/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div> </section></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2021-05-04T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">4 May 2021</time></div> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/blog-type/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> </div> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><span><span><span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/carlottadallago/">Carlotta Dal Lago</a> (Executive MBA 2019) describes herself as ā€œdriven by curiosity, craving for learning and passionā€. And this is evidently clear in her CV which sites many impressive higher education institutions including Harvard Business School, Cambridge University and LSE. She has travelled the world and lived <span>in Latin America, Africa, Europe and the UK </span>, and is currently<strong> </strong>Head of Business Development, Marketing and Communication for Anjarwalla & Kanna (ALN Kenya) one of the largest corporate law firms in East Africa and </span></span><a href="http://www.africalegalnetwork.com/"><span><span>ALN</span></span></a><span><span>, an alliance of law firms, present in 15 countries in Africa. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>As well as this she is the founder of a Community Forest Association in Nairobi, The Nairobi Arboretum Conservancy (NACCFA), a business mentor for the </span></span><a href="https://cherieblairfoundation.org/"><span><span>Cherie Blair Foundation for Women</span></span></a><span><span><span><span>,</span></span></span></span><span><span> and a mother of twins. We spoke to Carlotta about her life, career and how she manages to juggle all her many roles and responsibilities.</span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong><span><span><span>Tell us about your current role</span></span></span></strong></p> <p><span><span><span>I am currently <span>Head of Business Development, Marketing and Communication for ALN Kenya and ALN. It is an extremely busy role as we seek to provide an integrated service for </span>clients doing business across Africa<span>. Working with 15 different law firms, as well as leading the team at ALN Kenya, my role is complex and rewarding, navigating </span>geography and culture, a matrix organisation, and internal and external stakeholders’ dynamics. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>It is an incredible experience. The culture of the company is very similar to companies I have worked for in the past, particularly Bain&Company. Self-driven and entrepreneurial with a long-term vision. Committed to the advancement of the continent and future generations by improving the rule of law and supporting the education of lawyers. We’re deeply rooted locally but with international networks and connections.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>I enjoy having the space to think like an ā€˜Intrepreneur’ - b</span></span></span><span><span>eing given the financial resources and autonomy to proactively introduce new ideas, develop new structures and processes. It is rewarding to watch the transformation of the culture of the team, to witness growth and to empower members of my team to take responsibility and ownership. And this in turn enables the company to grow and succeed. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span><span>I am also the founder and Chairperson of a community forest association, NACCFA, which is working to restore and maintain the main urban park in Nairobi, the Nairobi Arboretum, together with Kenya Forest Service<span><span> (KFS)</span></span></span></span><span><span>. The aim is to manage the park without having to rely on government funds by generating strong partnerships with the private sector and communities. I am developing a new management format which involves many revenue generation activities. We have become the centre of excellence for urban greenification in Kenya, a project that KFS and UNEP will launch on 5 June on </span></span><a href="http://www.worldenvironmentday.global/"><span><span>World Environmental Day</span></span></a><span><span>.</span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <article class="paragraph paragraph--testimonial-quote testimonial--colour--blue-light testimonial--style--square-outline testimonial"><div class="testimonial__container" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-duration="1200"> <figure class="testimonial__image"><img class="restricted-width-border" alt="" src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/testimonial_square_image/public/2021-05/1.jpg.webp?itok=I48GF0rp" /></figure><div class="testimonial__quote"> <blockquote class="testimonial__quote__container"> ā€œHome is always home and I often battle between staying and going, but passion for my professional ventures and the opportunity to learn more and do better have always pushed me to go and explore new chances and new countries.ā€ </blockquote> </div> <div class="testimonial__description"> <div class="testimonial__description__container"> <div class="testimonial__description__container__inner"> <div class="testimonial__description__details"> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong><span><span><span>Tell us about your role as business mentor for the </span></span><a href="https://cherieblairfoundation.org/"><span><span>Cherie Blair Foundation for Women</span></span></a></span></strong></p> <p><span><span><span>Women’s economic abuse is more widespread than we think, and economic empowerment is an important topic to me since it is connected to a woman’s freedom to make the right choices and decisions. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The <a href="https://cherieblairfoundation.org/">Cherie Blair Foundation</a> helps women to release the entrepreneurial potential in low- and middle-income countries and empowers them to create better futures for themselves and their families. When women are economically empowered, everyone benefits.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>I am currently mentoring an entrepreneur in Malaysia to help build her cheese business. She has everything she needs: intuition, determination, passion and she knows how to run her business. But sometimes it’s simply an encouraging word that helps to move things ahead.</span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong><span><span><span>You've had a very international career – what would be your advice to others wanting to do the same?</span></span></span></strong></p> <p><span><span><span>I do not think there is a recipe for that. I am driven by curiosity, craving for learning and passion for what I am doing. I started to travel at a very young age and to venture out of my comfort zone – I throw myself into new projects and I am not afraid to ask for help, or to try a new path when new ideas come to me. And so it was that I found myself in Argentina for a year working on a thesis on the ā€˜Mother of Plaza de Mayo and the fight to dictatorship’. Then to the UN in New York for one of the first internship programmes. Followed by a scholarship to LSE in London to continue social psychology with top professors and researchers in the field of social representation.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>When you have experience and have shown yourself to be adaptable, professional opportunities will come with international companies, giving you global exposure to top talents and the most advanced ideas. </span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Home is always home and I often battle between staying and going, but passion for my professional ventures and the opportunity to learn more and do better have always pushed me to go and explore new chances and new countries.</span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong><span><span><span>With so much experience already, why did you decide to undertaken an Executive MBA?</span></span></span></strong></p> <p><span><span><span>Following more than 15 years of work and living away from home, as well as the birth of my twins, I needed to rationalise and find a common ground between my professional and personal experiences to help decide on my next steps. I wanted to develop my own style of leadership and management, along with new skills and competences.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>The <a href="/business-school/mba/executive-mba/">Executive MBA programme</a> felt in line with my career aspirations. </span></span><span><span>It was a really great experience. The time I spent with 40 other executives was extremely valuable. The diversity of people from different countries and industries, as well as the impressive curriculum, gave me tremendous inspiration and insight, and increased my confidence in my own judgement. Through the programme I was able to better understand my strengths, weakness and values. As they say, ā€˜leadership is a journey... not a destination.’ </span></span><span><span>I now question things a lot more. I am more aware of the different assumptions people are making. I am aware of framing conversations and of different angles. I am more engaged and have the tools to understand the bigger picture.</span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><div class="field field--name-key-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/careers" hreflang="en">Careers</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/executive-mba" hreflang="en">Executive MBA</a></div> </div> <div class="c-social-share-widget "> <h3>Share</h3> <div class="c-social-share-widget__links"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed&amp;title=" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Facebook"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/facebook_share.svg" alt="Facebook" /></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite?url=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed&amp;title=&amp;source=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Linkedin"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/linkedin.svg" alt="Linkedin" /></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed&amp;status=+/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Twitter"> <img src="/business-school/themes/custom/icbs/images/twitter-black.svg" alt="Twitter" /></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=&amp;body=Check out this site /business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Email"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/email.svg" alt="Email" /></a> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-programme-ref field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Programme</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/admin/content/course/4" hreflang="en">Executive MBA</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-read-time field--type-estimated-read-time field--label-hidden field__item">5 minute read </div> Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000 Francesca Hoare 7172 at /business-school Alumni blog: Coping with Transformation /business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-blog-coping-transformation/ <h1 class="field title-huge field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden"> Alumni blog: Coping with Transformation </h1> <div class="media--image field field--name-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2020-04/Coping%20with%20transformation%20.webp?h=119335f7&itok=6QNHOkM9 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2020-04/Coping%20with%20transformation%20.webp?h=119335f7&itok=V5j2EoRO 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2020-04/Coping%20with%20transformation%20.webp?h=119335f7&itok=6K4PSKE8 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2020-04/Coping%20with%20transformation%20.webp?h=119335f7&itok=rfkCN0Bq 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2020-04/Coping%20with%20transformation%20.jpg?h=119335f7&itok=6QNHOkM9 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2020-04/Coping%20with%20transformation%20.jpg?h=119335f7&itok=V5j2EoRO 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2020-04/Coping%20with%20transformation%20.jpg?h=119335f7&itok=6K4PSKE8 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2020-04/Coping%20with%20transformation%20.jpg?h=119335f7&itok=rfkCN0Bq 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2020-04/Coping%20with%20transformation%20.jpg?h=119335f7&itok=6QNHOkM9" aria-hidden="true" /></picture></div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Francesca Hoare</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-03-04T09:31:29+00:00" title="Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - 09:31" class="datetime">Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31</time></span> <div class="field field--name-content-bottom field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-footer-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="blogs-listing"><div class="blogs-listing__items"> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-flexible-blog-listings view-id-flexible_blog_listings view-display-id-listing_1 js-view-dom-id-a818aa57cca6bdb9017268c95c3880a57c78a1c4dc8a486f99c0a9a8cc08e3a9"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="listing-blocks listing-blocks--grid"> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.webp?h=545231ff&itok=G3Z1jE5T 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.webp?h=545231ff&itok=cHvpi4pV 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.jpg?h=545231ff&itok=G3Z1jE5T 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.jpg?h=545231ff&itok=cHvpi4pV 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Besnik Mustafa" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.jpg?h=545231ff&itok=G3Z1jE5T" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-03-04T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">4 March 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7463" class="blog-listing-item__title">Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>After beginning his career at Finance Think, Besnik Mustafa went on to advise Members of Parliament in North Macedonia. He later joined Salience Consulting, gaining experience across multiple international markets.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/besnik-mustafa-weekend-mba-2025/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="600"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Chloe Chambers" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-02-27T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">27 February 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7464" class="blog-listing-item__title">Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>Imposter syndrome is something our careers consultants encounter frequently when supporting professionals through moments of growth, transition, and increased responsibility.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-careers-understanding-imposter-syndrome-and-career-growth/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="900"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=Ojk9gUMT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=d1uMazPR 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=Ojk9gUMT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=d1uMazPR 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=Ojk9gUMT" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-02-13T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">13 February 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7465" class="blog-listing-item__title">Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI </h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>As the world of work continues to shift through the rise of remote working and rapid advances in AI, our careers consultants are increasingly supporting professionals who want to stay visible, valued, and strategically positioned.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI " class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-careers-helping-alumni-stay-visible-and-valuable-the-age-remote-work-and-ai/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div> </section></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2020-04-28T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">28 April 2020</time></div> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/blog-type/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> </div> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><span><span><span><span><span>Written byĀ </span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span><span><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kume-chibsa-670a55184/"><span>Kume Chibsa</span></a></span></span></span></span></span></span><span><span><span><span><span>Ā (Weekend Executive MBA 2017),Ā Innovation and Strategy Executive<strong>Ā </strong>and founder ofĀ <a href="https://www.afrovalley.io/"><span>Afrovalley Plc</span></a>Ā in Ethiopia,<strong>Ā </strong>a Blockchain platform which drives socio-economic transformation and sustainable development through digital transformation. She has also set upĀ <span>BeatCorona</span>Ā a technology-led health sector transformation to combat epidemics.</span></span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <h2>Coping with Transformation</h2> <p><span><span><span><span>The business environment is changing at a fast pace, creating new demands and the need to adapt to changes quickly in order to survive. Change is hard and it comes with its own challenges including push backs from establishments (i.e. organisation, traditional competition/curtails, regulators), structures including organisation and social setups and lack of expertise to drive initiatives.</span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>Leadership plays a critical role in embracing, driving forward and harnessing the value of transformation. And here are few inspirations and learnings from my journey on how to survive the challenges of transformation and change regardless of the instigator:Ā </span></span></span></span></p> <h3><span><span><span><span><span>Have a vision and remain true to your vision</span></span></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span><span>Have a clear vision that will allow you to bond and communicate your aspiration including why you are doing it (i.e. market/other failures), what you will be doing and connect actions to people/society, economy, environmental and political influences. This should all align with investing in the right people and culture to help you drive it even in your absence.Ā </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>And finally, ensure not to just follow the crowd, but to believe in your instinct and remain on your lane.Ā Ā </span></span></span></span></p> <h3><span><span><span><span><span>Surround yourself with the right people</span></span></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span><span>Build and surround yourself with competent people that can see your vision and when the going gets tough, they remain loyal while continuously challenging your thought process.Ā  Believe me, when making the hard decisions it can get lonely with all the barriers you have to face, and as you can't do it all alone being part of an ecosystem that complements and champions your aspiration is the key ingredient of success.Ā </span></span></span></span></p> <h3><span><span><span><span><span>Resilience to pivot quickly</span></span></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span><span>The journey could come with failures and at times self-doubt and isolation. You need stamina to bounce back from your situation, keeping intact your alternative plans from a-z in parallel, and having the right people behind you will help to find the number ā€˜X’ route to your ultimate destination.Ā </span></span></span></span></p> <blockquote> <p><span><span><span><span>Build and surround yourself with competent people that can see your vision and when the going gets tough, they remain loyal while continuously challenging your thought process.Ā </span></span></span></span></p> </blockquote> <h3><span><span><span><span><span>Embrace Learning mindset</span></span></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span><span>With a fast-changing digital landscape, keeping up with technology trends and having foresight on how it will affect your organisation is key in maintaining relevance in the digital age.Ā </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>Some platforms that will help stay current and polish your insights include; playing a mentor role and guiding talented people which will lead to something new you will learn and get sharper in the process; practical experience which will help understand new applications to address your customers problems and engage better with employees; and finally a public event that may give exposure on the latest cutting edge research works.Ā  </span>Ā </span></span></span></p> <h3><span><span><span><span><span>Along the way help othersĀ </span></span></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span><span>There is no true happiness than thinking beyond yourself,Ā always be on the lookout for talent that needs a hand and don’t underestimate your power to be the beacon of someone's aspiration.Ā </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>When you make it or have the high platform, ensure you bring at least one person along with you and create the opportunity for those that need it badly.Ā </span></span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span><span>At the end of the day, your name and work will be forgotten, but your values and the impact you have made as a legacy will remain.Ā Ā </span></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><div class="field field--name-key-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/careers" hreflang="en">Careers</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/entrepreneurship" hreflang="en">Entrepreneurship</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/executive-mba" hreflang="en">Executive MBA</a></div> </div> <div class="c-social-share-widget "> <h3>Share</h3> <div class="c-social-share-widget__links"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed&amp;title=" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Facebook"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/facebook_share.svg" alt="Facebook" /></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite?url=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed&amp;title=&amp;source=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Linkedin"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/linkedin.svg" alt="Linkedin" /></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed&amp;status=+/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Twitter"> <img src="/business-school/themes/custom/icbs/images/twitter-black.svg" alt="Twitter" /></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=&amp;body=Check out this site /business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Email"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/email.svg" alt="Email" /></a> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-programme-ref field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Programme</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/admin/content/course/2" hreflang="en">Weekend MBA</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-read-time field--type-estimated-read-time field--label-hidden field__item">3 minute read </div> Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000 Francesca Hoare 7161 at /business-school Championing women in leadership with the Inspiring Women – Executive MBA Scholarship /business-school/blogs/scholarship-blog/championing-women-leadership-the-inspiring-women-executive-mba-scholarship/ <h1 class="field title-huge field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden"> Championing women in leadership with the Inspiring Women – Executive MBA Scholarship</h1> <div class="media--image field field--name-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-03/Pragya%20Joshi%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=234d8406&itok=IrtwyvD7 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-03/Pragya%20Joshi%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=234d8406&itok=qZZOopUg 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-03/Pragya%20Joshi%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=234d8406&itok=VD2_zN88 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-03/Pragya%20Joshi%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=234d8406&itok=977BaJio 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-03/Pragya%20Joshi%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=234d8406&itok=IrtwyvD7 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-03/Pragya%20Joshi%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=234d8406&itok=qZZOopUg 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-03/Pragya%20Joshi%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=234d8406&itok=VD2_zN88 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-03/Pragya%20Joshi%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=234d8406&itok=977BaJio 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="Pragya Joshi" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-03/Pragya%20Joshi%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=234d8406&itok=IrtwyvD7" /></picture></div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Rebecca Pike</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-02-28T11:55:52+00:00" title="Friday, February 28, 2025 - 11:55" class="datetime">Fri, 28/02/2025 - 11:55</time></span> <div class="field field--name-content-bottom field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-footer-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article class="blogs-listing"><h2 class="blogs-listing__heading">Relevant blogs</h2> <div class="blogs-listing__items"> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-flexible-blog-listings view-id-flexible_blog_listings view-display-id-listing_1 js-view-dom-id-63515978c4cf1c8c4e6c79c500a726eb0f5e1111689f7b819fc7eef77a95bb52"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="listing-blocks listing-blocks--grid"> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2025-02/Aidan%20Fourie.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=Mt2AAs3V 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2025-02/Aidan%20Fourie.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=mb8UCt8- 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2025-02/Aidan%20Fourie.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=Mt2AAs3V 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2025-02/Aidan%20Fourie.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=mb8UCt8- 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Aidan Fourie" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2025-02/Aidan%20Fourie.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=Mt2AAs3V" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2025-02-27T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">27 February 2025</time> Scholarship blog</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7141" class="blog-listing-item__title">Receiving the Dean’s Impact Scholarship</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>Aidan Fourie, Principal Consultant at CHISL Group and Global Online MBA student at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Business School, shares his experience of receiving the Dean’s Impact Scholarship and his advice for future applicants.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about Receiving the Dean’s Impact Scholarship" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/scholarship-blog/receiving-the-deans-impact-scholarship/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="600"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2024-08/IMG_0403%20%28002%29.webp?h=c89129ae&itok=lPYGaStF 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2024-08/IMG_0403%20%28002%29.webp?h=c89129ae&itok=jEexNNb9 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2024-08/IMG_0403%20%28002%29.jpeg?h=c89129ae&itok=lPYGaStF 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2024-08/IMG_0403%20%28002%29.jpeg?h=c89129ae&itok=jEexNNb9 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Stella Dourtme " class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2024-08/IMG_0403%20%28002%29.jpeg?h=c89129ae&itok=lPYGaStF" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2024-08-29T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">29 August 2024</time> Scholarship blog</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7050" class="blog-listing-item__title">My 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Women’s Scholarship </h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>The 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Global Online MBA Women’s Scholarships are awarded to women showing exceptional academic achievement and professional excellence, as well as a commitment to supporting women in business. Stella Dourtme shares her story as a recipient.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about My 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Women’s Scholarship " class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/scholarship-blog/my-imperial-womens-scholarship/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="900"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2024-03/Shauna-blog.webp?h=026830cb&itok=nCNUKrL8 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2024-03/Shauna-blog.webp?h=026830cb&itok=zEH81ZY3 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2024-03/Shauna-blog.jpg?h=026830cb&itok=nCNUKrL8 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2024-03/Shauna-blog.jpg?h=026830cb&itok=zEH81ZY3 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Shauna maguire" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2024-03/Shauna-blog.jpg?h=026830cb&itok=nCNUKrL8" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2024-03-25T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">25 March 2024</time> Scholarship blog</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7051" class="blog-listing-item__title">Empowering women in education: My scholarship journey</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>The 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Global Online MBA Women’s Scholarships are awarded to women showing exceptional academic achievement and professional excellence. Shauna Maguire, Global Online MBA shares her experience achieving this scholarship and what it means to her.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about Empowering women in education: My scholarship journey" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/scholarship-blog/empowering-women-education-my-scholarship-journey/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div> </section></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-03-09T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">9 March 2026</time></div> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/blog-type/scholarship-blog" hreflang="en">Scholarship blog</a></div> </div> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><em><span>For Pragya Joshi, 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s </span></em><a href="/business-school/mba/executive-mba/"><em><span>Executive MBA</span></em></a><em><span> programme is a chance to both accelerate her progression and increase female representation in senior leadership positions. Receiving the </span></em><a href="/business-school/mba/executive-mba/fees-and-funding/#scholarships"><em><span>Inspiring Women – Executive MBA Scholarship</span></em></a><em><span> has further enhanced her desire to help shape the future of organisations, industries and boardroom conversations.</span></em></p> <p><em><span>The Inspiring Women – Executive MBA Scholarship has been created in support of the </span></em><a href="https://30percentclub.org/"><em><span>30% Club’s</span></em></a><em><span> mission to achieve at least 30% female representation on FTSE-100 boards. Offering access to a wide array of opportunities, including cross-company mentoring and exclusive networking events with female business leaders, this scholarship is open to all female candidates applying to study the Executive MBA. Its main aim is to empower women to become influential leaders in business and beyond.</span></em></p> <p><em><span>In this blog, Pragya shares what drew her to 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s Executive MBA and breaks down the impact of receiving the Inspiring Women – Executive MBA Scholarship. She also reflects on the role of female representation in the C-suite and offers advice for women considering applying.</span></em></p> <blockquote> <p>This scholarship doesn't position women as needing help to catch up. It positions us as leaders whose impact is worth investing in and accelerating.<br /><strong>Pragya Joshi, Executive MBA</strong></p> </blockquote> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <h3><span>Why did you choose to study the Executive MBA at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų?</span></h3> <p><span>I chose to study 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s Executive MBA to broaden my leadership scope. Having spent over a decade across consulting, banking and technology, translating strategy and technology into compelling narratives, it felt like the right time to take a step back and deepen my understanding of the underlying drivers – data, AI, finance and how businesses make strategic decisions in technology-intensive environments.</span></p> <p><span>51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s Executive MBA consistently stood out as the strongest choice, offering rigorous engagement with AI, data analytics and corporate finance at a world-class STEM institution. Through this programme, I feel confident that I will be able to build the capabilities I need to operate at the highest levels of leadership, where strategy, innovation and execution intersect.</span></p> <h3><span>What motivated you to apply for the Inspiring Women – Executive MBA Scholarship?</span></h3> <p><span>When evaluating scholarship options, the Inspiring Women – Executive MBA Scholarship stood out for what it represents. Throughout my career, I've built networks for women in tech and telecoms, championed female visibility in organisations and seen firsthand that investing in women's leadership is strategic.</span></p> <p><span>Applying felt like a natural extension of that conviction. Institutions that are serious about advancing women deserve applicants who are equally serious about stepping forward.</span></p> <h3><span>What does receiving the Inspiring Women Scholarship mean to you?</span></h3> <p><span>I received the email informing me that I had received the scholarship during a family holiday weekend in Cornwall. I felt this immediate rush of gratitude and energy—and yes, a little pride if I'm honest. I shared the news with my family and then stopped for a Cornish ice cream. With a pre-schooler, that seemed the most appropriate way to celebrate.</span></p> <p><span>Executive education requires significant investment, and whilst the financial support matters, what resonated most was the sense of being deliberately backed by 51³Ō¹ĻĶų. It validates the intentional pause I’ve taken to deepen my technical and strategic expertise and recognises the diversity and breadth of my professional experience, spanning across industries and countries. This is particularly impactful at a time when women often question whether investing in themselves is justified. </span></p> <p><span>Women in senior leadership often build reputations for delivery and reliability – both strong qualities. But being selected for this scholarship shifts the emphasis towards potential and future impact. Not only was that both affirming and clarifying, but that validation creates space to focus on this transformative year without hesitation – and without guilt.</span></p> <h3><span>How will this scholarship support your academic and personal goals?</span></h3> <p><span>It provides three critical things: financial confidence, intellectual focus and community.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Financially</span></strong><span>, it removes a significant barrier. This support means I can approach the programme with full attention rather than worrying about finances. That matters for genuine focus and engagement.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Intellectually</span></strong><span>, it creates space to engage properly with domains I've worked adjacent to but want to master, including corporate finance, AI and data analytics. These increasingly underpin every strategic decision, and 51³Ō¹ĻĶų's integration of business and technology offers exactly the depth I was seeking.</span></p> <p><span>It also connects me with a<strong> community</strong> of accomplished women navigating senior leadership across different industries and contexts. That network will matter throughout my career, not just during the programme. These are the conversations that shift perspective.</span></p> <h3><span>What doors has this opportunity opened for you so far?</span></h3> <p><span>So far, the scholarship has opened conversations that have expanded my thinking and network, with faculty, alumni and fellow scholars. Being part of a deliberately selected cohort creates a different quality of engagement. I am looking forward to the annual gathering where women scholars from top MBA programmes across the UK meet. Networking alongside other ambitious women creates bonds that often outlast the qualification itself.</span></p> <p><span>The scholarship also carries weight professionally. When you're formally recognised for leadership potential, it shifts how others perceive your trajectory. That's not performative, it's simply the reality of institutional endorsement.</span></p> <p><span>Perhaps most importantly, it has reinforced confidence. I'm entering this programme not as someone seeking opportunity, but as someone whose potential has been recognised and backed. That matters for how I show up and what I contribute.</span></p> <h3><span>What do you think makes the Inspiring Women Scholarship unique?</span></h3> <p><span>Many scholarships focus solely on financial access. The Inspiring Women Scholarship is designed to accelerate women who will shape organisations, industries and the broader business landscape. It recognises that barriers to women's advancement aren't just financial, they're cultural, structural and often psychological. </span></p> <p><span>51³Ō¹ĻĶų's distinctive position at the intersection of science, technology and business makes this scholarship particularly powerful. As industries are reshaped by AI, digital transformation and sustainability imperatives, leaders must be both technically literate and commercially astute. For women building careers in these domains - where we remain underrepresented at senior levels - that combination is essential.</span></p> <h3><span>Why do you think female representation in C-suites and on boards is important?</span></h3> <p><span>In financial services, technology and regulated industries, leadership teams operate under considerable pressure – navigating disruption, managing risk and balancing competing stakeholder interests. Diverse teams allow for better resilience. They surface blind spots, challenge assumptions and bring different frameworks to complex problems.</span></p> <p><span>Representation isn't only about fairness, though fairness matters. It's about governance, risk management and sustainable value creation. Organisations that reflect the markets and communities they serve are better positioned to understand them, which seems rather fundamental when you say it aloud.</span></p> <p><span>For younger women entering these fields, seeing women in senior roles expands what feels attainable. I want my son to grow up thinking women making strategic decisions is normal rather than noteworthy. That cultural shift compounds meaningfully over time, and it starts with who's in the room.</span></p> <h3><span>As a female leader, how do you hope that this scholarship will help you make a wider impact in senior leadership?</span></h3> <p><span>Giving back has always been part of how I work. I plan to utilise the opportunities of the scholarship in the following ways:</span></p> <p><strong><span>Mentorship.</span></strong><span> Throughout my career, I’ve mentored women navigating complex organisations, created spaces for honest conversations about progression and supported female talent where representation matters. I’ll continue that during the Executive MBA, particularly for women considering executive education while balancing senior roles or family commitments.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Structurally.</span></strong><span> As I move into more senior roles, I want to ensure talent isn’t constrained by informal networks or unspoken rules. The most lasting change comes from embedding fairness into systems, not relying on goodwill alone.</span></p> <p><strong><span>Culturally.</span></strong><span> I hope to model leadership that is rigorous and humane — clear in direction, open to challenge and grounded in integrity. If we can show that authority and empathy aren’t mutually exclusive, that can have a lasting impact.</span></p> <h3><span>What do you think will make someone stand out in their application for the Inspiring Women Scholarship?</span></h3> <p><span>I would say three things stand out.</span></p> <p></p> <p></p> <ul><li><strong><span>Clarity of purpose.</span></strong><span> Why the MBA, why now, why this programme. Be specific about what you want to gain, not abstract about "leadership development."</span></li> <li><strong><span>Demonstrated impact.</span></strong><span> Evidence matters more than titles. Show outcomes you've shaped, challenges you've navigated and value you've created.</span></li> <li><strong><span>Multiplier effect.</span></strong><span> Scholarships are investments. Committees assess whether backing you will influence things beyond your individual career - organisations, industries, communities. Show how you'll pay it forward.</span></li> </ul><p><span>Authenticity matters too. The strongest applications are honest and grounded in genuine ambition, not what you think they want to hear.Ā </span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <h3><span>Do you have any advice for those considering applying for the Inspiring Women Scholarship?</span></h3> <p><span>Don't wait until you feel entirely ready.</span></p> <p><span>Many capable women delay applying because they believe they need one more credential, one more promotion, one more year of experience. Growth rarely happens at the point of complete comfort.</span></p> <p><span>If the opportunity aligns with your ambition and trajectory, apply. The process itself will strengthen your clarity about what you want and why. You may also discover that others see potential in you that you're still learning to claim.</span></p> <p><span>Take your time with the application. It takes longer than you expect, not because it's complex, but because you're distilling significant history into clear intention. Be specific. Ask trusted mentors to review your materials - they'll spot patterns you might undervalue.</span></p> <p><span>The committee cannot invest in you if you don't put yourself forward. Trust your preparation, articulate your vision and step into the opportunity. You might be more ready than you think.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-blue paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--explore-more paragraph--view-mode--default explore-more"><div class="explore-more__items"> <div class="explore-more__item explore_more_items" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300"> <article class="flexible-cta"><a class="flexible-cta__card" href="/business-school/mba/executive-mba/"> <div class="flexible-cta__content"> <h3 class="flexible-cta__heading">Learn more about Executive MBA</h3> <div class="flexible-cta__description"> <p>Our Executive MBA is a 23-month part-time programme designed to prepare executives to be leaders in a technology-driven world and give you a thorough knowledge of essential business disciplines.</p> <p>Ā </p> </div> <span class="flexible-cta__icon"></span> </div> </a> </article></div> <div class="explore-more__item explore_more_items" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="600"> <article class="flexible-cta"><a class="flexible-cta__card" href="/business-school/mba/executive-mba/fees-and-funding/"> <div class="flexible-cta__content"> <h3 class="flexible-cta__heading">Find out more about our fees</h3> <div class="flexible-cta__description"> <p>The fees for the Executive MBA for both UK and international students.</p> </div> <span class="flexible-cta__icon"></span> </div> </a> </article></div> <div class="explore-more__item explore_more_items" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="900"> <article class="flexible-cta"><a class="flexible-cta__card" href="/business-school/programmes/msc-finance/admissions/how-to-apply/"> <div class="flexible-cta__content"> <h3 class="flexible-cta__heading">How to apply</h3> <div class="flexible-cta__description"> <p>Discover our rolling admissions process for the Executive MBA including entry requirements, how to apply, and key dates and deadlines.</p> </div> <span class="flexible-cta__icon"></span> </div> </a> </article></div> </div> </article></div> </div> </section><div class="field field--name-key-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/executive-mba" hreflang="en">Executive MBA</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/leadership" hreflang="en">Leadership</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/scholarship" hreflang="en">Scholarship</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-show-different-image-on-th field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="c-social-share-widget "> <h3>Share</h3> <div class="c-social-share-widget__links"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed&amp;title=" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Facebook"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/facebook_share.svg" alt="Facebook" /></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite?url=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed&amp;title=&amp;source=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Linkedin"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/linkedin.svg" alt="Linkedin" /></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed&amp;status=+/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Twitter"> <img src="/business-school/themes/custom/icbs/images/twitter-black.svg" alt="Twitter" /></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=&amp;body=Check out this site /business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Email"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/email.svg" alt="Email" /></a> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-programme-ref field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Programme</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/admin/content/course/4" hreflang="en">Executive MBA</a></div> </div> </div> <h2 class="field subtitle field--name-field-subtitle field--type-string field--label-hidden">How I plan to broaden my leadership scope through 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s Executive MBA</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-read-time field--type-estimated-read-time field--label-hidden field__item">7 minute read </div> Fri, 28 Feb 2025 11:55:52 +0000 Rebecca Pike 7466 at /business-school IWD 2025 - Sabine Haas (Executive MBA 2014) /business-school/blogs/alumni/iwd-2025-sabine-haas-executive-mba-2014/ <h1 class="field title-huge field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden"> IWD 2025 - Sabine Haas (Executive MBA 2014)</h1> <div class="media--image field field--name-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-02/Sabine%20Haas.webp?h=12f7894e&itok=cUNFNSi1 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-02/Sabine%20Haas.webp?h=12f7894e&itok=kv9qlCEw 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-02/Sabine%20Haas.webp?h=12f7894e&itok=XsOKKmva 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-02/Sabine%20Haas.webp?h=12f7894e&itok=1-i8ZM42 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-02/Sabine%20Haas.jpg?h=12f7894e&itok=cUNFNSi1 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-02/Sabine%20Haas.jpg?h=12f7894e&itok=kv9qlCEw 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-02/Sabine%20Haas.jpg?h=12f7894e&itok=XsOKKmva 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-02/Sabine%20Haas.jpg?h=12f7894e&itok=1-i8ZM42 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="Sabine Haas" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-02/Sabine%20Haas.jpg?h=12f7894e&itok=cUNFNSi1" /></picture></div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Francesca Hoare</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-02-27T09:26:19+00:00" title="Thursday, February 27, 2025 - 09:26" class="datetime">Thu, 27/02/2025 - 09:26</time></span> <div class="field field--name-content-bottom field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-footer-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="blogs-listing"><div class="blogs-listing__items"> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-flexible-blog-listings view-id-flexible_blog_listings view-display-id-listing_1 js-view-dom-id-1b8d255a7ddc3718a0c00c25f85607d8a56161e9a6d55b49a6184882dcb8e935"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="listing-blocks listing-blocks--grid"> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.webp?h=545231ff&itok=G3Z1jE5T 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.webp?h=545231ff&itok=cHvpi4pV 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.jpg?h=545231ff&itok=G3Z1jE5T 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.jpg?h=545231ff&itok=cHvpi4pV 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Besnik Mustafa" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.jpg?h=545231ff&itok=G3Z1jE5T" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-03-04T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">4 March 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7463" class="blog-listing-item__title">Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>After beginning his career at Finance Think, Besnik Mustafa went on to advise Members of Parliament in North Macedonia. He later joined Salience Consulting, gaining experience across multiple international markets.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/besnik-mustafa-weekend-mba-2025/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="600"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Chloe Chambers" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-02-27T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">27 February 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7464" class="blog-listing-item__title">Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>Imposter syndrome is something our careers consultants encounter frequently when supporting professionals through moments of growth, transition, and increased responsibility.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-careers-understanding-imposter-syndrome-and-career-growth/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="900"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=Ojk9gUMT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=d1uMazPR 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=Ojk9gUMT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=d1uMazPR 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=Ojk9gUMT" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-02-13T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">13 February 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7465" class="blog-listing-item__title">Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI </h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>As the world of work continues to shift through the rise of remote working and rapid advances in AI, our careers consultants are increasingly supporting professionals who want to stay visible, valued, and strategically positioned.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI " class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-careers-helping-alumni-stay-visible-and-valuable-the-age-remote-work-and-ai/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div> </section></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2025-02-28T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">28 February 2025</time></div> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/blog-type/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> </div> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p>For International Women’s Day 2025, we interviewed Executive MBA alumnus Sabine Haas about her career and how we can address inequalities for women in the workplace.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong>Can you give us a brief overview of your career journey to date?</strong></p> <p>My career began in advertising, where I worked with global agencies such as Publicis, Grey Worldwide, and Ogilvy. During my time as a working student at IBM, I discovered the B2B world, which led to a career spanning over 17 years in global marketing, eCommerce, and digital strategy.</p> <p>AtĀ <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/digikey/">DigiKey</a>, RS Components, and TE Connectivity, I have focused on data-driven marketing strategies to connect with engineers and technical buyers. Throughout my career, I have seen how powerful data insights are in shaping market strategies, audience engagement, and digital transformation. Not assuming you already have the answer leads to deeper analysis, better decision-making, and more innovative solutions.</p> <p><strong>What learnings from your Executive MBA have you brought to your job?</strong></p> <ol start="1" type="1"><li>I wouldn’t limit my learnings to my job but also to other aspects of life - the strong belief that I can achieve anything when I truly put my mind to it. Completing an Executive MBA while working full-time was challenging, but I successfully managed it while having a great time. So, what should hold me back from other challenges?</li> <li>Ā At 51³Ō¹ĻĶų, you truly feel that your opinion is valid and matters. Even if it differs from others, it is considered a valuable perspective. This is something I actively encourage in teams. We don’t need to agree on everything -Ā groupthink often proves ineffective. I highly value and welcome differing opinions as they challenge my beliefs and foster growth. The worst thing that can happen in an organization is when people stop speaking up.</li> <li>One of the most valuable lessons I realized later is that beyond technical skills, understanding organisational behaviour is critical. Thank you toĀ <a href="https://profiles.imperial.ac.uk/j.pinto">Jonathan Pinto</a>Ā for providing invaluable business life lessons!</li> </ol><p><strong>What drew you to study at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų?</strong></p> <p>For some reason, 51³Ō¹ĻĶų was always where I wanted to study. The mix of entrepreneurial culture, its strength in science, and its global reputation made it the perfect choice for me.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong>As we mark International Women’s Day, how can we encourage more women to pursue a career in the tech industry?</strong></p> <ul type="disc"><li>Early Exposure to STEM:Ā We must start in schools by exposing students to STEM fields and highlighting successful role models.Ā </li> <li>Mentoring and Sponsorship:Ā Women need access to mentors who can provide guidance, support, and career development opportunities.</li> <li>Inclusive Company Cultures:Ā Organisations must implement policies that actively support diversity, equal pay, and career progression for women.</li> <li>Visibility and Storytelling:Ā More women in leadership roles should share their career journeys to inspire others.</li> </ul><p><strong>Can you tell us more about any projects and initiatives you have worked on to help address inequalities and uplift women?</strong></p> <p>Through my involvement withĀ <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/women-in-electronics/">WE United</a>Ā - a network that unites women and men to promote gender parity in the electronics and industrial industries - I have seen firsthand the power of mentorship, leadership development, and championing diversity. DigiKey is a platinum sponsor, and I am driving this initiative for DigiKey in EMEA.</p> <p>Additionally, as a mentor and coach at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų London, I am passionate about supporting the next generation of leaders. The future of tech depends on creating spaces where diverse perspectives drive innovation.</p> <p><strong>My advice to women</strong></p> <ul type="disc"><li>Stay curious—keep learning, ask questions, and embrace new opportunities.</li> <li>Don't apologiseĀ or make yourself small—be proud of your achievements. You’ve put in the work and earned them, so own them with confidence.</li> <li>Support others—championing one another is key. Be an ally, celebrate achievements, and help create opportunities for others.</li> <li>Surround yourself with people who inspire and support you. Success isn’t just about working hard - it’s about having advocates who recognize your potential, challenge you to grow, and actively support your career development.</li> </ul><p><strong>Are there any women role models who have inspired you professionally or personally?</strong></p> <p>At DigiKeyĀ two incredible women inspire me: Stacy HartmannĀ and Linda Johnson.</p> <ul type="disc"><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/stacy-hartmann-2b41601b/">StacyĀ Hartmann</a>Ā was one of my first managers at DigiKey, and I was always amazed by her deep understanding of all aspects of the business. She always knew the right people to connect with to get things done. She is open-minded, supportive, and ensures that her team has the resources and connections needed to succeed.</li> <li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/linda-johnson-1a977b9/">Linda Johnson</a>, Executive VP of Operations at DigiKey, has had an astonishing career in our industry. Her knowledge, leadership, and dedication to supporting others—particularly through her work on the Advisory Council of WE United - are truly inspiring.</li> </ul><p>And, of course,Ā <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-mattox-a67ab139/">Jackie Maddox</a>, the founder of WE United. Jackie keeps pushing for equality and is relentless in her drive. Even when setbacks occur, she continues advocating for progress, proving that persistence is key to change.</p> <p><strong>You volunteer your time to 51³Ō¹ĻĶų running the Frankfurt chapter. What does it mean for you to maintain that connection with 51³Ō¹ĻĶų as an alumnus?</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-lisa-weigand/">Dr. Lisa Weigand</a>Ā actually founded the chapter last year, so I won’t take credit for it! When I saw what she was doing, I reached out to her because I thought it was a great initiative. I had always hoped for a Frankfurt chapter, and now we are co-hosting it together. I’m grateful to have met Lisa through this experience and to be driving this initiative together with her. We have another session planned for Q1, so keep an eye out for updates in the Newsletter, Plexus, or LinkedIn.</p> <p>Beyond that, I had a wonderful time at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų. Being surrounded by intelligent, dedicated people was both inspiring and fun.</p> <p>I must admit, though, that returning to a traditional work environment after experiencing 51³Ō¹ĻĶų's dynamic and innovation-driven atmosphere sometimes required adjustment. The collaborative mindset and problem-solving approach I embraced at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų continue to shape how I engage with challenges in the workplace today.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p>Staying connected with 51³Ō¹ĻĶų alumni reminds me of that stimulating environment, provides opportunities to give back, and allows me to network with like-minded individuals who share a common background. It’s always great to take a trip down memory lane together!</p> <p>I’d love to hear your personal story - please feel free to reach out onĀ <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabinehaas/">LinkedIn</a>!</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><div class="field field--name-key-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/culture-and-inclusion" hreflang="en">Culture and Inclusion</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/executive-mba" hreflang="en">Executive MBA</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/volunteering" hreflang="en">Volunteering</a></div> </div> <div class="c-social-share-widget "> <h3>Share</h3> <div class="c-social-share-widget__links"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed&amp;title=" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Facebook"> <img 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field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Programme</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/admin/content/course/4" hreflang="en">Executive MBA</a></div> </div> </div> <h2 class="field subtitle field--name-field-subtitle field--type-string field--label-hidden">Celebrating International Women’s Day</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-read-time field--type-estimated-read-time field--label-hidden field__item">5 minute read </div> Thu, 27 Feb 2025 09:26:19 +0000 Francesca Hoare 7139 at /business-school Developing as a strategic leader through 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s Executive MBA Leadership Journey retreat /business-school/blogs/student-blog/developing-strategic-leader-through-imperials-executive-mba-leadership-journey/ <h1 class="field title-huge field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden"> Developing as a strategic leader through 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s Executive MBA Leadership Journey retreat</h1> <div class="media--image field field--name-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=b0TkUp_q 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=L-SUSmYh 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=uuHZCNW8 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=blFx5Brn 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=b0TkUp_q 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=L-SUSmYh 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=uuHZCNW8 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=blFx5Brn 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="Valentina Amoroso" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=b0TkUp_q" /></picture></div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Rebecca Pike</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-02-18T09:13:30+00:00" title="Tuesday, February 18, 2025 - 09:13" class="datetime">Tue, 18/02/2025 - 09:13</time></span> <div class="field field--name-field-main-brightcove-video field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"><div class="c-bc-video"> <video-js id="6389744094112" class="vjs-fluid" controls="" data-account="5807743168001" data-embed="default" data-player="default" data-usage="cms:drupal:10.1.7:3.2.0:javascript" data-video-id="6389744094112"></video-js></div> <script src="https://players.brightcove.net/5807743168001/default_default/index.min.js"></script><script id="videojs-schema-6389744094112"></script><script> //<![CDATA[ if (typeof videojs !== 'undefined') { videojs.options.techOrder = ['Html5']; videojs.getPlayer('6389744094112').ready(function () { let icbsPlayer = this; if (typeof icbsPlayer.schema === 'function') { icbsPlayer.schema(); } else { const script = document.getElementById('videojs-schema-6389744094112'); script.src = '//cdn.jsdelivr.net/npm/videojs-schema/dist/videojs-schema.min.js'; script.onload = function () { icbsPlayer.schema(); }; } }); } //]]> </script></div> <div class="field field--name-content-bottom field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-footer-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="blogs-listing"><div class="blogs-listing__items"> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-flexible-blog-listings view-id-flexible_blog_listings view-display-id-listing_1 js-view-dom-id-0e6bdd41e878154c09a086f4976965cd6fc7ef0891ab2a5a279983db52f2f41a"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="listing-blocks listing-blocks--grid"> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=-pr3H1e5 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=4qhP2TGx 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=-pr3H1e5 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=4qhP2TGx 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Valentina Amoroso" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=-pr3H1e5" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-04-15T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">15 April 2026</time> Student blog</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7079" class="blog-listing-item__title">Developing as a strategic leader through 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s Executive MBA Leadership Journey retreat</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>Valentina Amoroso and the Executive MBA Class of 2026 recently attended the Executive Leadership retreat, an immersive experience designed for reflection, coaching and applied leadership development.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about Developing as a strategic leader through 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s Executive MBA Leadership Journey retreat" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/student-blog/developing-strategic-leader-through-imperials-executive-mba-leadership-journey/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="600"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Part-time%20MBA%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=mNc-ejw_ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/Part-time%20MBA%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=1JcI79QO 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Part-time%20MBA%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=mNc-ejw_ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/Part-time%20MBA%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=1JcI79QO 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Part-time%20MBA%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=mNc-ejw_" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-04-01T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">1 April 2026</time> Features</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7473" class="blog-listing-item__title">The ultimate guide to choosing a part-time MBA at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>Part-time MBA programmes have grown in popularity as more professionals look for flexible ways to develop their skills while continuing to work. At 51³Ō¹ĻĶų, options include the Weekend MBA, Global Online MBA and Executive MBA, each designed to fit around different schedules and career goals.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about The ultimate guide to choosing a part-time MBA at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/features/the-ultimate-guide-choosing-part-time-mba-imperial/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="900"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2021-08/Core%20modules%20page.webp?h=50f67d64&itok=c9cVUJAr 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2021-08/Core%20modules%20page.webp?h=50f67d64&itok=mff4YIaE 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2021-08/Core%20modules%20page.jpg?h=50f67d64&itok=c9cVUJAr 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2021-08/Core%20modules%20page.jpg?h=50f67d64&itok=mff4YIaE 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2021-08/Core%20modules%20page.jpg?h=50f67d64&itok=c9cVUJAr" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-03-18T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">18 March 2026</time> Features</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7129" class="blog-listing-item__title">51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s Global Online MBA programme ranked second in the world by Financial Times</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>51³Ō¹ĻĶų Business School is delighted to announce that our Global Online MBA programme has been named second in the world in today’s Financial Times ranking of online MBAs.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s Global Online MBA programme ranked second in the world by Financial Times" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/features/imperials-global-online-mba-programme-ranked-second-the-world-financial-times/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div> </section></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-04-15T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">15 April 2026</time></div> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/blog-type/student-blog" hreflang="en">Student blog</a></div> </div> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><em><span>As our students highlight in the above video, leadership development is central to the </span><a href="/business-school/mba/executive-mba/"><span>Executive MBA</span></a><span> at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Business School, helping experienced professionals accelerate into senior and C-suite roles.</span></em></p> <p><em><span>What happens when technical expertise is no longer enough to lead? The Executive MBA tackles that question in the core moduleĀ </span><a href="/business-school/mba/executive-mba/#programme-content"><span>Executive Leadership Journey</span></a><span>, a programme-wide module focused on building a personal leadership style, from self-awareness and communication to coaching and navigating executive transitions.</span></em></p> <p><em><span>Valentina Amoroso, now in her second year, recently attended the Executive Leadership Journey retreat at Windsor Great Park - an immersive experience designed for reflection, coaching and applied leadership development. Here, she shares how the experience has shaped her leadership approach and professional growth.</span></em></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--flexible-text-image-card flexible-text-image"><div class="flexible-text-image__wrapper flexible-text-image__wrapper-align-right" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300" data-aos-duration="1200"> <div class="flexible-text-image__image"> <figure><picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=b0TkUp_q 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=L-SUSmYh 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=uuHZCNW8 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=blFx5Brn 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=b0TkUp_q 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=L-SUSmYh 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=uuHZCNW8 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=blFx5Brn 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="Valentina Amoroso" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=b0TkUp_q" /></picture></figure></div> <div class="flexible-text-image__container"> <div class="flexible-text-image__copy"> <h2><span>Choosing the Executive MBA at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Business School</span></h2> <p><span>My path to 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Business School hasn’t been linear. It’s taken me from aerospace engineering and construction into consulting, and now into strategic leadership within the built environment. As Associate Director at Eckersley O’Callaghan, I lead complex multidisciplinary projects while driving key growth initiatives for the firm.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><span>As an engineer – and a self-confessed geek – I’ve always been drawn to how things come together to solve problems. To me, running a business is no different from tackling an engineering challenge. As the SME I work for has grown, I saw an opportunity to build the capabilities needed to help lead its next phase.</span></p> <p><span>The Executive MBA felt like a natural next step: combining rigorous learning with real-world application, all alongside other experienced professionals. Studying at a leading tech university during the AI revolution has given me a front-row seat to change, not as theory, but as something actively reshaping how we lead, innovate and create value.</span></p> <p><span>This intersection of practical leadership development and cutting-edge thinking marked a turning point for me, making it clear that this is the direction I need to take to step into more strategic leadership roles.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <h3><span>The Executive Leadership Journey retreat</span></h3> <p><span>The retreat – a weekend away with my cohort – is the culmination of the Executive Leadership Journey module. It brings together everything we’ve learnt and creates space to step back and reflect on how it applies to our development. It also integrates another key module from the programme: <a href="/business-school/mba/executive-mba/#programme-content">Responsible Leadership for Corporate Success</a>. Whilst the corporate responsibility module gave us frameworks for understanding our role in creating sustainable value for modern work environments, the leadership journey helped us understand ourselves as leaders and how we show up in complex, changing environments. </span></p> <p><span>The retreat brought these threads together in a practical, experiential way, structured across two intensive days.</span></p> <p><span>Day one focused on leading and developing the self, including a workshop with former Olympic champion Greg Searle, followed by group coaching and a sporting activity with the cohort.</span></p> <p><span>Day two focused on executive career development, with sessions from executive search professionals and further group coaching.</span></p> <p><span>Throughout the weekend, we also had the opportunity to interact with alumni from the programme and exchange our experiences, which was incredibly valuable.</span></p> <h3><span>A personal highlight from the weekend</span></h3> <p><span>The highlight for me was Greg Searle’s workshop and his story of moving from Olympic rowing to professional sailing for the America’s Cup. His journey really resonated with me - it mirrored my own transition from aerospace, where I was an expert, to construction and then consultancy, where I had to rebuild my expertise.</span></p> <p><span>Two lessons from his session stood out:</span></p> <ul><li><span>First, his visual metaphor of rowing versus sailing. In rowing, you face backwards; in sailing, everyone faces forwards. It perfectly captured what I’ve been learning about strategic leadership: the importance of looking ahead, asking the right questions about where we’re going, rather than staying comfortable looking back at what worked before. Leading strategic growth initiatives in a fast-changing environment means keeping my focus forward and on why we do what we do.</span><br /></li> <li><span>Second, his philosophy on balancing belief with a learning mindset. Belief gives you the foundation - the conviction that a goal is possible - but unchallenged, it can turn into rigidity. A learning mindset allows you to stay curious, ask questions, and ā€˜unlearn’ what no longer works. Coming from someone who had lived it, who had to shed an expert mindset at the peak of success and adapt to entirely new realities, this lesson felt both credible and inspiring.</span></li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin flexible-images-section"> <div class="flexible-images-section__container"> <div class="field field--name-field-images field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item image-item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin flexible-image-section" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-duration="1200"><div class="flexible-image-section__container"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-04/EMBA%20Retreat%20Group%20Activity.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=laeu9cZM 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-04/EMBA%20Retreat%20Group%20Activity.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=0dsjWZZo 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-04/EMBA%20Retreat%20Group%20Activity.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=un9CKHPj 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-04/EMBA%20Retreat%20Group%20Activity.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=4miY4xo4 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-04/EMBA%20Retreat%20Group%20Activity.jpeg?h=aa81dfca&itok=laeu9cZM 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-04/EMBA%20Retreat%20Group%20Activity.jpeg?h=aa81dfca&itok=0dsjWZZo 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-04/EMBA%20Retreat%20Group%20Activity.jpeg?h=aa81dfca&itok=un9CKHPj 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-04/EMBA%20Retreat%20Group%20Activity.jpeg?h=aa81dfca&itok=4miY4xo4 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-04/EMBA%20Retreat%20Group%20Activity.jpeg?h=aa81dfca&itok=laeu9cZM" aria-hidden="true" /></picture></div> </div> </article></div> <div class="field__item image-item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin flexible-image-section" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-duration="1200"><div class="flexible-image-section__container"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-04/EMBA%20Retreat%20Group%20Work.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=y9kVX4Ra 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-04/EMBA%20Retreat%20Group%20Work.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=RO9HOH8M 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-04/EMBA%20Retreat%20Group%20Work.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=qDmFqVnn 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-04/EMBA%20Retreat%20Group%20Work.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=Nkpo0RnY 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-04/EMBA%20Retreat%20Group%20Work.jpeg?h=aa81dfca&itok=y9kVX4Ra 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-04/EMBA%20Retreat%20Group%20Work.jpeg?h=aa81dfca&itok=RO9HOH8M 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-04/EMBA%20Retreat%20Group%20Work.jpeg?h=aa81dfca&itok=qDmFqVnn 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-04/EMBA%20Retreat%20Group%20Work.jpeg?h=aa81dfca&itok=Nkpo0RnY 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-04/EMBA%20Retreat%20Group%20Work.jpeg?h=aa81dfca&itok=y9kVX4Ra" aria-hidden="true" /></picture></div> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <h3><span>Lessons on leadership from the retreat</span></h3> <p><span>The Executive Leadership Journey retreat reinforced how essential resilience and a growth mindset are, not just for professional success, but for personal fulfilment.</span></p> <p><span>Throughout the Executive MBA, I’ve learned to see volatility and ambiguity as the constant environment we navigate, shifting my focus from control to building adaptive capacity in myself and my teams.</span></p> <p><span>The group coaching sessions were particularly powerful: each person worked on their own development while the rest of us supported them, offering new perspectives and reminding me that leadership growth is both personal and collective.</span></p> <p><span>Experiencing an intense year of coursework alongside senior professionals from diverse backgrounds, supporting each other through transitions and moments of vulnerability, has been a masterclass in the kind of environment I hope to create as a leader.</span></p> <h3><span>Applying my learnings to my organisation</span><span> </span></h3> <p><span>The great thing about studying part-time is I can take what I learn at the Executive Leadership Journey retreat straight back to the office. One immediate change I’m introducing is more space in our project reviews and strategy sessions for ā€˜forward-looking reflection.’</span></p> <p><span>Practically, this means adding a short learning review to our monthly leadership meetings to discuss surprises, what we’ve had to unlearn, and what we’re experimenting with next. The aim is to create psychological safety, so the team feels confident taking calculated risks, challenging old methods, and bringing fresh perspectives. Building this culture of curiosity and adaptive learning will help us navigate the complexity and ambiguity of driving real business transformation.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <h3><span>The importance of immersive experiences on the Executive MBA</span><span> </span></h3> <p><span>For an experienced professional, the immersive retreat format offers something that’s almost impossible to create in the normal flow of work: dedicated space for strategic reflection on how your learning applies to you as a leader - not just intellectually, but practically and emotionally.</span></p> <p><span>This is what transforms the Executive MBA from an academic programme into a genuine developmental experience. The coursework provides the frameworks; the immersive elements create the space to integrate that learning on a deeper, more personal level. They also strengthen relationships within the cohort in a meaningful way. For those of us who can often feel isolated in leadership roles, it’s an opportunity to build a network of peers who become trusted advisors and accountability partners well beyond the programme.</span></p> <p><span>At this stage in my career, as I transition from technical expertise into more senior roles, this kind of focused, intensive experience is exactly what I need to develop the broader perspective and adaptability that senior leadership demands.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-blue paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--flexible-page-call-to-action call-to-action" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300" data-aos-duration="1200"><h2 class="call-to-action__heading"> Discover our Executive MBA </h2> <ul class="call-to-action__links"><li class="call-to-action__link-item"> <a href="/business-school/mba/executive-mba/" aria-label="" class="call-to-action__link call-to-action__link--solid--navy-blue">Executive MBA programme</a> </li> </ul></article></div> </div> </section><div class="field field--name-key-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/executive-mba" hreflang="en">Executive MBA</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/leadership" hreflang="en">Leadership</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/mba" hreflang="en">MBA</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/part-time-mba" hreflang="en">Part-time MBA</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-show-different-image-on-th field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="c-social-share-widget "> <h3>Share</h3> <div class="c-social-share-widget__links"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed&amp;title=" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Facebook"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/facebook_share.svg" alt="Facebook" /></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite?url=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed&amp;title=&amp;source=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Linkedin"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/linkedin.svg" alt="Linkedin" /></a> <a 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retreat</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-read-time field--type-estimated-read-time field--label-hidden field__item">6 minute read </div> Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:13:30 +0000 Rebecca Pike 7079 at /business-school My Executive MBA International Residency experience: Doing Business with China /business-school/blogs/student-blog/my-executive-mba-international-residency-experience-doing-business-china/ <h1 class="field title-huge field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden"> My Executive MBA International Residency experience: Doing Business with China</h1> <div class="media--image field field--name-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2024-04/IMG-20231021-WA0011.webp?h=827069f2&itok=jxJEQb3X 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2024-04/IMG-20231021-WA0011.webp?h=827069f2&itok=L56zR8n0 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2024-04/IMG-20231021-WA0011.webp?h=827069f2&itok=bGFLATe7 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2024-04/IMG-20231021-WA0011.webp?h=827069f2&itok=1LZ-Q_Z_ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2024-04/IMG-20231021-WA0011.jpg?h=827069f2&itok=jxJEQb3X 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2024-04/IMG-20231021-WA0011.jpg?h=827069f2&itok=L56zR8n0 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2024-04/IMG-20231021-WA0011.jpg?h=827069f2&itok=bGFLATe7 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2024-04/IMG-20231021-WA0011.jpg?h=827069f2&itok=1LZ-Q_Z_ 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2024-04/IMG-20231021-WA0011.jpg?h=827069f2&itok=jxJEQb3X" aria-hidden="true" /></picture></div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Rebecca Pike</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-11-20T16:38:42+00:00" title="Wednesday, November 20, 2024 - 16:38" class="datetime">Wed, 20/11/2024 - 16:38</time></span> <div class="field field--name-content-bottom field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-footer-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="blogs-listing"><div class="blogs-listing__items"> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-flexible-blog-listings view-id-flexible_blog_listings view-display-id-listing_1 js-view-dom-id-6be81512f9953c6ecd8294565c5d79d4c16a0095f43742b58c3c0df5be88926f"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="listing-blocks listing-blocks--grid"> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=-pr3H1e5 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=4qhP2TGx 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=-pr3H1e5 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=4qhP2TGx 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Valentina Amoroso" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-04/Valentina%20Amoroso.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=-pr3H1e5" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-04-15T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">15 April 2026</time> Student blog</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7079" class="blog-listing-item__title">Developing as a strategic leader through 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s Executive MBA Leadership Journey retreat</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>Valentina Amoroso and the Executive MBA Class of 2026 recently attended the Executive Leadership retreat, an immersive experience designed for reflection, coaching and applied leadership development.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about Developing as a strategic leader through 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s Executive MBA Leadership Journey retreat" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/student-blog/developing-strategic-leader-through-imperials-executive-mba-leadership-journey/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="600"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Part-time%20MBA%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=mNc-ejw_ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/Part-time%20MBA%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=1JcI79QO 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Part-time%20MBA%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=mNc-ejw_ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/Part-time%20MBA%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=1JcI79QO 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Part-time%20MBA%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=mNc-ejw_" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-04-01T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">1 April 2026</time> Features</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7473" class="blog-listing-item__title">The ultimate guide to choosing a part-time MBA at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>Part-time MBA programmes have grown in popularity as more professionals look for flexible ways to develop their skills while continuing to work. At 51³Ō¹ĻĶų, options include the Weekend MBA, Global Online MBA and Executive MBA, each designed to fit around different schedules and career goals.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about The ultimate guide to choosing a part-time MBA at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/features/the-ultimate-guide-choosing-part-time-mba-imperial/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="900"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Pragya%20Joshi%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=234d8406&itok=rHiAgJA9 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/Pragya%20Joshi%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=234d8406&itok=Ofg2xIVY 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Pragya%20Joshi%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=234d8406&itok=rHiAgJA9 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/Pragya%20Joshi%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=234d8406&itok=Ofg2xIVY 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Pragya Joshi" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Pragya%20Joshi%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=234d8406&itok=rHiAgJA9" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-03-09T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">9 March 2026</time> Scholarship blog</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7466" class="blog-listing-item__title">Championing women in leadership with the Inspiring Women – Executive MBA Scholarship</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>Executive MBA student Pragya Joshi shares why she chose 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Business School, what receiving the Inspiring Women – Executive MBA Scholarship means to her, and how she hopes to champion greater female representation in senior leadership.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about Championing women in leadership with the Inspiring Women – Executive MBA Scholarship" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/scholarship-blog/championing-women-leadership-the-inspiring-women-executive-mba-scholarship/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div> </section></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-04-10T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">10 April 2024</time></div> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/blog-type/student-blog" hreflang="en">Student blog</a></div> </div> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><span><span><span><em><span><span><span><a href="/business-school/programmes/our-students/stuart-beards/">Stuart Beards</a>, Executive MBA alum (2023) reflects on his experience on our one-week residency in China. The purpose of this residency is to enable students to appreciate what it takes to do business there, to work with Chinese companies and to develop supply chains.Ā Stuart shares his key takeaways from the trip and offers advice to <a href="/business-school/mba/executive-mba/">Executive MBA </a>students embarking on the residencies.</span></span></span></em></span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <h2>International residency recap</h2> <p>The week-long residency at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Business School was an unforgettable experience. From engaging lectures to eye-opening site visits, the international residency provided me with the opportunity to explore the intricacies of operating an international business in China. Standout moments for me included site visits to ByteDance, BGI Group, and Guangzhou Xiaopeng Automotive, offering valuable insights into the dynamic business environment in China. Additionally, the residency featured an overnight stay in Shenzhen, China, providing us with the chance to witness classroom learnings in action.</p> <blockquote> <p><span><span><span><span><span><span>Overall, my international residency in China was more than a learning experience, it was a transformative journey that expanded my global perspective, enriched my network, and left an unforgettable mark on my professional and personal development.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p> </blockquote> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <h3>Developing a global perspective</h3> <p>The residency significantly broadened my understanding of global business and leadership. Immersed in the vibrant Chinese business landscape, it deepened my awareness of Chinese culture, providing a crucial cultural context for future global engagements. Additionally, the experience enhanced my knowledge of the Chinese economy, revealing its complexities and future growth prospects. The insights gained into strategies for external companies engaging with the Chinese market and suppliers were invaluable, offering practical knowledge that I believe will greatly benefit my career. Overall, the residency provided me with a well-rounded perspective essential for navigating the complexities of international business and leadership.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin flexible-images-section"> <div class="flexible-images-section__container"> <div class="field field--name-field-images field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item image-item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin flexible-image-section" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-duration="1200"><div class="flexible-image-section__container"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2024-04/Screenshot_20231025-171442.webp?h=827069f2&itok=1egVzf6L 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2024-04/Screenshot_20231025-171442.webp?h=827069f2&itok=aNA3isAI 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2024-04/Screenshot_20231025-171442.webp?h=827069f2&itok=KGj3xNEv 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2024-04/Screenshot_20231025-171442.webp?h=827069f2&itok=hc_SHE4k 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2024-04/Screenshot_20231025-171442.jpg?h=827069f2&itok=1egVzf6L 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2024-04/Screenshot_20231025-171442.jpg?h=827069f2&itok=aNA3isAI 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2024-04/Screenshot_20231025-171442.jpg?h=827069f2&itok=KGj3xNEv 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2024-04/Screenshot_20231025-171442.jpg?h=827069f2&itok=hc_SHE4k 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2024-04/Screenshot_20231025-171442.jpg?h=827069f2&itok=1egVzf6L" aria-hidden="true" /></picture></div> </div> </article></div> <div class="field__item image-item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin flexible-image-section" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-duration="1200"><div class="flexible-image-section__container"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2024-04/PXL_20231025_075448322.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.webp?h=d614c65a&itok=GCTVs2IJ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2024-04/PXL_20231025_075448322.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.webp?h=d614c65a&itok=P0hGa9zv 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2024-04/PXL_20231025_075448322.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.webp?h=d614c65a&itok=FbfGWpap 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2024-04/PXL_20231025_075448322.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.webp?h=d614c65a&itok=SnXNTguK 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2024-04/PXL_20231025_075448322.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg?h=d614c65a&itok=GCTVs2IJ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2024-04/PXL_20231025_075448322.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg?h=d614c65a&itok=P0hGa9zv 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2024-04/PXL_20231025_075448322.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg?h=d614c65a&itok=FbfGWpap 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2024-04/PXL_20231025_075448322.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg?h=d614c65a&itok=SnXNTguK 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2024-04/PXL_20231025_075448322.PORTRAIT.ORIGINAL.jpg?h=d614c65a&itok=GCTVs2IJ" aria-hidden="true" /></picture></div> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <h3>Key highlightsĀ </h3> <p>One standout session was the lecture by Professor Howard Lam, offering insights into how foreign companies access the China market. Professor Lam's wealth of experience at P&G, McDonald’s, and Coca-Cola brought marketing theory to life, connecting classroom learnings to real-world applications. Practical examples from Professor Lam's professional career also offered insights into the cultural awareness needed when operating a business in China.</p> <p>The second notable lecture focused on Emerging Technology in China, presented by Dr. Toa Charm. This session provided an in-depth review of major technology players in China compared to their US counterparts, illustrating the momentum and strength of China’s Tech Start-up Ecosystem. Dr Charm’s personal insights from his senior management positions in business was a key takeaway for me.</p> <p>Apart from the educational experiences, my most significant memory was strengthening friendships with classmates and immersing myself in the unique business culture of Hong Kong and China. It was not just a professional journey but a personal one, fostering lasting connections.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <h3>Exploring Hong Kong</h3> <p>The decision to travel early allowed me to explore Hong Kong and China with fellow EMBA22 students. CUHK curated an exceptional itinerary, seamlessly blending business and cultural experiences. From the vibrant streets of Hong Kong to the tech hubs of Shenzhen, the trip offered an all-inclusive view of China's diverse landscape.</p> <p>Standout activities in Hong Kong included hiking up Victoria Peak, immersing myself in the vibrant markets, and visiting Tian Tan Buddha via a glass-floor cable car! In China, the key activities included a well-organised cultural tour along with exploring Shenzhen.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin flexible-images-section"> <div class="flexible-images-section__container"> <div class="field field--name-field-images field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item image-item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin flexible-image-section" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-duration="1200"><div class="flexible-image-section__container"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2024-04/IMG-20231023-WA0028.webp?h=a4d3a681&itok=eMT_QLmo 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2024-04/IMG-20231023-WA0028.webp?h=a4d3a681&itok=ItYzUt8n 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2024-04/IMG-20231023-WA0028.webp?h=a4d3a681&itok=h6RoXIx- 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2024-04/IMG-20231023-WA0028.webp?h=a4d3a681&itok=AkZMVvQF 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2024-04/IMG-20231023-WA0028.jpg?h=a4d3a681&itok=eMT_QLmo 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2024-04/IMG-20231023-WA0028.jpg?h=a4d3a681&itok=ItYzUt8n 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2024-04/IMG-20231023-WA0028.jpg?h=a4d3a681&itok=h6RoXIx- 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2024-04/IMG-20231023-WA0028.jpg?h=a4d3a681&itok=AkZMVvQF 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2024-04/IMG-20231023-WA0028.jpg?h=a4d3a681&itok=eMT_QLmo" aria-hidden="true" /></picture></div> </div> </article></div> <div class="field__item image-item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin flexible-image-section" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-duration="1200"><div class="flexible-image-section__container"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2024-04/PXL_20231021_080258167.ACTION_PAN-02.ORIGINAL.webp?h=d614c65a&itok=qJ5QTxlm 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2024-04/PXL_20231021_080258167.ACTION_PAN-02.ORIGINAL.webp?h=d614c65a&itok=Iv4eQkV0 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2024-04/PXL_20231021_080258167.ACTION_PAN-02.ORIGINAL.webp?h=d614c65a&itok=Tn0nQagn 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2024-04/PXL_20231021_080258167.ACTION_PAN-02.ORIGINAL.webp?h=d614c65a&itok=zk3IeNSc 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2024-04/PXL_20231021_080258167.ACTION_PAN-02.ORIGINAL.jpg?h=d614c65a&itok=qJ5QTxlm 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2024-04/PXL_20231021_080258167.ACTION_PAN-02.ORIGINAL.jpg?h=d614c65a&itok=Iv4eQkV0 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2024-04/PXL_20231021_080258167.ACTION_PAN-02.ORIGINAL.jpg?h=d614c65a&itok=Tn0nQagn 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2024-04/PXL_20231021_080258167.ACTION_PAN-02.ORIGINAL.jpg?h=d614c65a&itok=zk3IeNSc 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2024-04/PXL_20231021_080258167.ACTION_PAN-02.ORIGINAL.jpg?h=d614c65a&itok=qJ5QTxlm" aria-hidden="true" /></picture></div> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <h3>Advice to Executive MBA students</h3> <p>Seize the opportunity fully. Go early, stay late. Immerse yourself not only in the business aspect but also in the local culture. Be open to new ideas, diverse ways of working, and embrace the trip as a chance for both personal and professional growth.Ā </p> <p>Overall, my international residency in China was more than a learning experience, it was a transformative journey that expanded my global perspective, enriched my network, and left an unforgettable mark on my professional and personal development. As we continue to navigate an interconnected world, these insights will undoubtedly shape my approach to international business.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-blue paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--explore-more paragraph--view-mode--default explore-more"><div class="explore-more__items"> <div class="explore-more__item explore_more_items" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300"> <article class="flexible-cta"><a class="flexible-cta__card" href="/business-school/mba/executive-mba/"> <div class="flexible-cta__content"> <h3 class="flexible-cta__heading">Explore Executive MBA</h3> <div class="flexible-cta__description"> <p>A dedicated support service for students, staff and alumni who want to develop their entrepreneurial mindset, skills, and networks.</p> </div> <span class="flexible-cta__icon"></span> </div> </a> </article></div> <div class="explore-more__item explore_more_items" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="600"> <article class="flexible-cta"><a class="flexible-cta__card" href="/business-school/mba/brochure/"> <div class="flexible-cta__content"> <h3 class="flexible-cta__heading">Request an MBA Brochure</h3> <div class="flexible-cta__description"> <p>Download an MBA brochure</p> </div> <span class="flexible-cta__icon"></span> </div> </a> </article></div> <div class="explore-more__item explore_more_items" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="900"> <article class="flexible-cta"><a class="flexible-cta__card" href="/business-school/mba/executive-mba/admissions/"> <div class="flexible-cta__content"> <h3 class="flexible-cta__heading">Admissions</h3> <div class="flexible-cta__description"> <p>Discover our rolling admissions process for the Executive MBA including entry requirements, how to apply, and key dates and deadlines.</p> </div> <span class="flexible-cta__icon"></span> </div> </a> </article></div> </div> </article></div> </div> </section><div class="field field--name-key-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/executive-mba" hreflang="en">Executive MBA</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/global-experiences" hreflang="en">Global Experiences</a></div> </div> <div class="c-social-share-widget "> <h3>Share</h3> <div class="c-social-share-widget__links"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed&amp;title=" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Facebook"> <img 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field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Programme</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/admin/content/course/4" hreflang="en">Executive MBA</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-read-time field--type-estimated-read-time field--label-hidden field__item">3 minute read </div> Wed, 20 Nov 2024 16:38:42 +0000 Rebecca Pike 7091 at /business-school Alumni Q&A: Stuart Meek (Executive MBA 2018) /business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-qa-stuart-meek-executive-mba-2018/ <h1 class="field title-huge field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden"> Alumni Q&A: Stuart Meek (Executive MBA 2018)</h1> <div class="media--image field field--name-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-02/Stuart%20Meek.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=tdu-3Sui 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-02/Stuart%20Meek.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=Nz0XGZeh 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-02/Stuart%20Meek.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=2K9EHJ7p 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-02/Stuart%20Meek.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=29oRwZEU 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-02/Stuart%20Meek.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=tdu-3Sui 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-02/Stuart%20Meek.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=Nz0XGZeh 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-02/Stuart%20Meek.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=2K9EHJ7p 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-02/Stuart%20Meek.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=29oRwZEU 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="Stuart Meek" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-02/Stuart%20Meek.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=tdu-3Sui" /></picture></div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Francesca Hoare</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-08-21T12:56:35+00:00" title="Wednesday, August 21, 2024 - 12:56" class="datetime">Wed, 21/08/2024 - 12:56</time></span> <div class="field field--name-content-bottom field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-footer-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="blogs-listing"><div class="blogs-listing__items"> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-flexible-blog-listings view-id-flexible_blog_listings view-display-id-listing_1 js-view-dom-id-dad64d50f51a2abb14b3157044829d1df536d878e24df4cde1d82fb41f48e8d6"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="listing-blocks listing-blocks--grid"> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.webp?h=545231ff&itok=G3Z1jE5T 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.webp?h=545231ff&itok=cHvpi4pV 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.jpg?h=545231ff&itok=G3Z1jE5T 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.jpg?h=545231ff&itok=cHvpi4pV 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Besnik Mustafa" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.jpg?h=545231ff&itok=G3Z1jE5T" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-03-04T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">4 March 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7463" class="blog-listing-item__title">Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>After beginning his career at Finance Think, Besnik Mustafa went on to advise Members of Parliament in North Macedonia. He later joined Salience Consulting, gaining experience across multiple international markets.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/besnik-mustafa-weekend-mba-2025/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="600"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Chloe Chambers" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-02-27T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">27 February 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7464" class="blog-listing-item__title">Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>Imposter syndrome is something our careers consultants encounter frequently when supporting professionals through moments of growth, transition, and increased responsibility.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-careers-understanding-imposter-syndrome-and-career-growth/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="900"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=Ojk9gUMT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=d1uMazPR 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=Ojk9gUMT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=d1uMazPR 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=Ojk9gUMT" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-02-13T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">13 February 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7465" class="blog-listing-item__title">Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI </h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>As the world of work continues to shift through the rise of remote working and rapid advances in AI, our careers consultants are increasingly supporting professionals who want to stay visible, valued, and strategically positioned.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI " class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-careers-helping-alumni-stay-visible-and-valuable-the-age-remote-work-and-ai/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div> </section></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2025-02-20T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">20 February 2025</time></div> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/blog-type/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> </div> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><em>As we celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month, we caught up with Executive MBA alum Stuart Meek, to discuss his career in the transport industry and how business leaders can better support the LGBTQ+ community. </em></p> <p>Starting out on TFL’s Graduate Scheme, Stuart spent five years with the London Underground, progressing to become Network Control and Resilience Manager. He later held Senior Management roles at Southern, Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR) and The Go-Ahead Group, before joining South Western Railway as Chief Operating Officer in 2022. Last year, he was appointed Interim Managing Director leading to a number of impressive initiatives to promote inclusion and diversity in public transport . These include the UK’s first Intersex-Inclusive Pride train and jointly ā€˜adopting’ Vauxhall station in London alongside the charity LGBT Hero.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong>As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, how do you think leaders and the world of business can help to create an inclusive environment?</strong></p> <p>Our job as leaders is to use our positions of power and influence carefully to contribute to our communities in the best way possible. Working in public transport, we have an important role in society both in terms of the communities we serve as an operator and those we employ.</p> <p>One of the most important lessons I have learnt in my career is to have faith and know that you are doing the right thing. It can be a lonely experience when you implement initiatives, trying to create positive change, and there isn’t immediate feedback. You put something out there and then it is just quiet, or in some cases you just hear the negative. I have done things which have ended up in tabloid newspapers about painting rainbows on trains and all you get is negative feedback.</p> <p>However, the workplace can have a huge influence on people’s lives, and we shouldn’t underestimate the ripple effect we can have. I’ve spoken to members of staff on the frontline who tell me that, because of our diversity initiatives, they have felt more informed and less scared when, for example, their child comes out as a member of the LGBTQ+ community.</p> <p>I think it takes courage and a bit of blind faith to just go with it and know that what we are doing is sowing seeds to make a positive impact.</p> <p>Although society has changed over the years, we need to recognise and address that it certainly isn’t equal for everybody. As a gay man, it has become a lot easier for me, however that isn’t the case for all gay men or for other parts of the community - sadly, I don’t think that the same progress has been made in the transgender community for example. We also need to recognise that the journey isn’t one-way, and we need to try and stop any regression; so we can’t take the progress that has been made over the past 20 years for granted. On a personal level, it has become easier for me to be open about who I am because I am at a more senior position. I now have the opportunity and a responsibility to use my platform and be a role model for others.</p> <p><strong>What initiatives have you implemented that you are particularly proud of?</strong></p> <p>One of the first initiatives I was involved with was at Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR). I felt there was a vacuum in the LBGT space and, as I was in a fairly senior position, I felt I could step forwards to set up their first LGBT network. The reason I’m proud of it, is because it engaged some of that community for the first time who hadn’t been engaged before. It sent a very clear message to everyone else in the organisation that we are here, we are seen, and we want to progress things.</p> <p>More recently, I saw there was a worrying rate of discrimination on public transport as part of the LGBTQ+ community. Working with colleagues at South Western Railway, I wanted it to be obvious to customers and staff that everybody is welcome on the network. We created the All Aboard campaign, with a sign saying ā€˜All aboard. Everyone is welcome at SWR.’ It sounds like such a simple idea, but if you think about the number of people who use our network every day and just by having that sign everywhere – when you buy a ticket, when you are sat on the train – it starts to get into the public psyche. For me, it isn’t just about making it a good workplace, it is about proactively using our role in the community to state everyone is welcome, and therefore, by definition it is not okay to discriminate against different members of the community. However, we’re using a positive message rather than a punitive one.</p> <p><strong>Is there anything specific you learnt from your Executive MBA that you have brought to your current role?</strong></p> <p>A huge amount! When you’re doing the MBA, you don’t quite realise how the different subjects will form part of your tapestry going forward. As you move into leadership positions you are going to start looking after broader subject areas. Finance is a good example of that. At the time, if you’re not naturally inclined to be a finance person, that subject might seem like quite a challenge, but you really draw on it later!</p> <p>As well as all the specific knowledge you learn, it is also about the experience meeting other people at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų from different walks of life and going on this journey together. The MBA is taught in a collaborative way, and you get the benefit of lots of different people’s experiences and world views and that is absolutely brilliant.</p> <p><strong>You have returned to the Business School quite a few times to give talks to students. What does it mean for you to keep that connection with 51³Ō¹ĻĶų?</strong></p> <p>When I was doing my MBA, being part of the 51³Ō¹ĻĶų community was really important and valuable for me. A big part of that was the ideas and perspectives from outside that were otherwise unfamiliar to me. I think that most of the students at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų would not have had much experience with the transport industry and it’s probably a sector which is quite interesting to learn about because of the amount of change, politics and leadership challenges around it.</p> <p>Every time I come in to give a session, I learn a lot just from the questions that are being asked. The fresh perspectives on some of the problems that I’ve talked to students about are really quite insightful.</p> <p>When you’ve been at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų, I think you’re always an 51³Ō¹ĻĶų person and you always feel a sense of belonging to that community and so there is no hesitation for me to give something back.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><div class="field field--name-key-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/culture-and-inclusion" hreflang="en">Culture and Inclusion</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/executive-mba" hreflang="en">Executive MBA</a></div> </div> <div class="c-social-share-widget "> <h3>Share</h3> <div class="c-social-share-widget__links"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed&amp;title=" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Facebook"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/facebook_share.svg" alt="Facebook" /></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite?url=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed&amp;title=&amp;source=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Linkedin"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/linkedin.svg" alt="Linkedin" /></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?url=/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed&amp;status=+/business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Twitter"> <img src="/business-school/themes/custom/icbs/images/twitter-black.svg" alt="Twitter" /></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=&amp;body=Check out this site /business-school/taxonomy/term/1525/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Email"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/email.svg" alt="Email" /></a> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-programme-ref field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Programme</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/admin/content/course/4" hreflang="en">Executive MBA</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-read-time field--type-estimated-read-time field--label-hidden field__item">5 minute read </div> Wed, 21 Aug 2024 12:56:35 +0000 Francesca Hoare 7101 at /business-school Meet the Executive MBA class of 2024-25 /business-school/blogs/features/meet-the-executive-mba-class-2024-25/ <span class="field field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden">Meet the Executive MBA class of 2024-25</span> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Riley Rigden</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2024-03-25T15:38:46+00:00" title="Monday, March 25, 2024 - 15:38" class="datetime">Mon, 25/03/2024 - 15:38</time></span> <div class="media--image field field--name-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2024-03/EMBA%20Class%20photo%202025.webp?h=d6d0fdc8&itok=QDPfg0p8 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2024-03/EMBA%20Class%20photo%202025.webp?h=d6d0fdc8&itok=WZdOdvsf 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2024-03/EMBA%20Class%20photo%202025.webp?h=d6d0fdc8&itok=hxmUhqyj 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2024-03/EMBA%20Class%20photo%202025.webp?h=d6d0fdc8&itok=zpTcg8VY 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2024-03/EMBA%20Class%20photo%202025.jpg?h=d6d0fdc8&itok=QDPfg0p8 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2024-03/EMBA%20Class%20photo%202025.jpg?h=d6d0fdc8&itok=WZdOdvsf 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2024-03/EMBA%20Class%20photo%202025.jpg?h=d6d0fdc8&itok=hxmUhqyj 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2024-03/EMBA%20Class%20photo%202025.jpg?h=d6d0fdc8&itok=zpTcg8VY 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2024-03/EMBA%20Class%20photo%202025.jpg?h=d6d0fdc8&itok=QDPfg0p8" aria-hidden="true" /></picture></div> <div class="field field--name-content-top field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p>In February, we welcomed the newest additions to our Executive MBA programme at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Business School. These ambitious individuals have commenced their transformative 22-month journey, dedicated to honing their leadership skills and broadening their global business acumen.Ā </p> <p>Our Executive MBA offers a combination of on-campus teaching and online learning tools, ensuring our incoming cohort gains proficiency in fundamental business principles while tailoring their studies to their specific areas of expertise. Additionally, they will partake in international residencies, ā€˜Technology and innovation in the US’ and ā€˜Doing business with China’. These residencies further enrich their understanding of global business dynamics.Ā </p> <p>Discover more about our dynamic new class and gain insight directly from the students themselves as they share their motivations for pursuing the <a href="/business-school/mba/executive-mba/" target="_blank">Executive MBA </a>at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Business School.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--no-margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <h3>What does the new class look like?Ā </h3> <p>The Executive MBA programme at the Business School has long thrived on its diversity, fostering vibrant class discussions and facilitating the establishment of a global network. This year's cohort of 45 students upholds this tradition, with 31% of the group being female and representing 20 different nationalities.Ā </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--text-image paragraph--no-margin"> <div class="c-text-image clearfix c-text-image--full-width"> <figure class="c-text-image__image c-text-image__image-no-caption"><picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="1300" height="583" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2024-03/EMBA%20infographic.webp?itok=PLOhxEL5 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="650" height="291" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/2024-03/EMBA%20infographic.webp?itok=CTQlxOuq 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="215" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-03/EMBA%20infographic.webp?itok=xWn2mcxW 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/png" width="1300" height="583" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2024-03/EMBA%20infographic.png?itok=PLOhxEL5 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/png" width="650" height="291" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/2024-03/EMBA%20infographic.png?itok=CTQlxOuq 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/png" width="480" height="215" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-03/EMBA%20infographic.png?itok=xWn2mcxW 1x"></source><img loading="lazy" width="480" height="215" alt="EMBA Class of 2024-25 cohort" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-03/EMBA%20infographic.png?itok=xWn2mcxW" /></picture></figure></div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p>The group also encompasses diverse industry expertise, hailing from sectors such as banking/finance, IT/tech and energy. Students bring extensive professional backgrounds to the table, averaging 15 years of work experience. This wealth of experience promises rich knowledge exchange and mutual learning opportunities within the classroom.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--text-image paragraph--margin"> <div class="c-text-image clearfix c-text-image--right"> <figure class="c-text-image__image c-text-image__image-no-caption"><picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2024-03/Sulaman.webp?itok=8VGtaElF 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/2024-03/Sulaman.webp?itok=6STNJhtj 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="480" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-03/Sulaman.webp?itok=eGC9swll 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2024-03/Sulaman.jpg?itok=8VGtaElF 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/2024-03/Sulaman.jpg?itok=6STNJhtj 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="480" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-03/Sulaman.jpg?itok=eGC9swll 1x"></source><img loading="lazy" width="480" height="480" alt="Sulaman Anwar" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-03/Sulaman.jpg?itok=eGC9swll" /></picture></figure><div class="text-formatted "> <h3>Dr Suluman Anwar</h3> <p><strong>Nationality:</strong> BritishĀ </p> <p><strong>Company and role:</strong> Serio Dental, CEO and Founder Ā Ā </p> <p><strong>Education:</strong> King’s College London Dental Institute – Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Masters in Clinical Dentistry (Periodontics)Ā </p> <h4>Can you share a brief overview of your professional background and the industries you've worked in?   </h4> <p>My professional journey in dentistry has been diverse and enriching, focusing on periodontology while spanning clinical practice, management, and education. As a specialist periodontist, I've offered advanced care and training in prestigious practices, including my own venture, Serio Dental in London. My administrative duties included daily operations, strategic planning, and developing dental products. This blend of clinical expertise and leadership roles has deepened my understanding of healthcare complexities, fuelling my commitment to excellence and innovation.Ā </p> <h4>What motivated you to pursue an MBA, and what are your career goals after completing the programme?   </h4> <p>My passion for dentistry and the potential of AI to revolutionise patient care drives me. Seeing AI advancements in disease diagnosis and treatment inspires me to leverage these technologies. Recognising the need for business acumen to integrate AI effectively, I seek an MBA to lead AI innovation in dentistry. Post-MBA, I aim to pioneer AI integration in dental healthcare, improving care quality and accessibility. I envision AI-driven diagnostic tools and collaborative efforts to advance dentistry. My goal is to bridge technology and healthcare, maximising AI benefits in patient outcomes and practice efficiency.Ā </p> <h4>What do you hope to learn or achieve during your time in the MBA programme?   </h4> <p>During the MBA, I aim to deepen my understanding of business strategy, finance, and marketing, focusing on their application in healthcare. I seek to navigate healthcare management complexities and enhance leadership skills to drive innovation. Additionally, I aim to explore integrating AI into business models to optimise healthcare delivery and improve patient experiences. Building a professional network is crucial for collaboration in dentistry and AI. Ultimately, I aim to emerge as a visionary leader ready to integrate AI into dental healthcare, realising technologically advanced, patient-centered practices.Ā </p> <h4>What aspects of the programme are you most looking forward to? Ā Ā </h4> <p>I'm particularly excited about the MBA programme's focus on seamlessly integrating business theory with healthcare practice, emphasising strategic management, innovation, and leadership tailored to the healthcare sector. This includes looking forward to modules that directly apply to the dental industry, collaborative projects, and case studies that highlight best practices and current trends in healthcare. Networking with a diverse group of professionals will broaden my perspective and foster opportunities for collaboration. Leadership development, essential for effective healthcare management and patient care, will equip me to inspire and guide teams towards achieving common goals. These components are crucial for realising my vision of advancing dental healthcare practices through innovative strategies and technologies.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--text-image paragraph--margin"> <div class="c-text-image clearfix c-text-image--right"> <figure class="c-text-image__image c-text-image__image-no-caption"><picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2024-03/Lindsay%20pic.webp?itok=MrEzmEDk 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/2024-03/Lindsay%20pic.webp?itok=WFnDanZQ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="480" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-03/Lindsay%20pic.webp?itok=Xa_BWvzH 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2024-03/Lindsay%20pic.jpg?itok=MrEzmEDk 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/2024-03/Lindsay%20pic.jpg?itok=WFnDanZQ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="480" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-03/Lindsay%20pic.jpg?itok=Xa_BWvzH 1x"></source><img loading="lazy" width="480" height="480" alt="Lindsay Thompson" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-03/Lindsay%20pic.jpg?itok=Xa_BWvzH" /></picture></figure><div class="text-formatted "> <h3>Lindsay Thompson</h3> <p><strong>Nationality: </strong>AmericanĀ </p> <p><strong>Company and role: </strong>SS&C, Senior Director, Head of APAC & EMEA Client SuccessĀ </p> <p><strong>Education: </strong>Economics & Environmental Studies at Bates CollegeĀ </p> <h4>Can you share a brief overview of your professional background?Ā </h4> <p>Currently, I'm the Senior Director and Head of EMEA & APAC Client Success at SS&C, overseeing 500+ buy-side clients and +$400M in annual revenue. I manage 15 Client Success Managers across EMEA & APAC, covering SS&C's investment, accounting, and trading platforms. SS&C is a global financial technology and services company with 27K+ employees, operating in 44 countries, and serving 20K+ clients. With over 11 years of experience in financial technology, I specialise in leading cross-functional teams for hedge funds, asset managers, and wealth managers. Previously, I led the EMEA Support team during a client service model restructuring, overseeing 30 individuals. Additionally, I head SS&C's Women's Network and Culture Committee and mentor through the Girls Network Mentor Programme.Ā </p> <h4>How does it feel to have received the Inspiring Women Scholarship?Ā </h4> <p>I am honoured to have received the Inspiring Women Scholarship from 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Business School. It is a privilege to represent 51³Ō¹ĻĶų as an Ambassador for Women in Leadership, where I aim to promote women's participation in MBA education and advocate for gender equality within and beyond the university.   </p> <p>As a leader, my objective is to cultivate an environment that values diversity, inclusivity, and collaboration. Ā </p> <h4>What motivated you to pursue an Executive MBA? Ā </h4> <p>Obtaining an Executive MBA at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Business School is a strategic step towards achieving my goal of becoming a C-Level leader at a financial technology company. I want to gain more confidence and credibility to move towards a C-Level position. I’m not exposed to all areas of the business in my current role, so with an Executive MBA I’ll be able to develop skills further around accounting, financial planning and managing profit and loss. Ā </p> <h4>What are your Executive MBA goals?Ā </h4> <p>I aspire to help build and grow a company and shape its strategic direction:Ā </p> <ul><li>Establishing clear company goals to drive innovation, collaboration, and success.Ā </li> <li>Fostering Ā a team-oriented, diverse, and inclusive environment to enhance productivity, satisfaction, and overall team success.Ā </li> <li>Mentoring young female professionals to empower women in the industry and help them achieve their potential.Ā </li> <li>Pursuing personal fulfilment and happiness alongside professional success by prioritising well-being in my company selection.Ā </li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--text-image paragraph--margin"> <div class="c-text-image clearfix c-text-image--right"> <figure class="c-text-image__image c-text-image__image-no-caption"><picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2024-03/Kenny.webp?itok=yDc-1xu1 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/2024-03/Kenny.webp?itok=4GIjTa5C 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="480" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-03/Kenny.webp?itok=eQKIhUNb 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2024-03/Kenny.jpg?itok=yDc-1xu1 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/2024-03/Kenny.jpg?itok=4GIjTa5C 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="480" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-03/Kenny.jpg?itok=eQKIhUNb 1x"></source><img loading="lazy" width="480" height="480" alt="Kenny Shaba" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-03/Kenny.jpg?itok=eQKIhUNb" /></picture></figure><div class="text-formatted "> <h3>Kenny Shaba</h3> <p><strong>Nationality:</strong> British, NigerianĀ </p> <p><strong>Company and role: </strong>Anglo American, Manager Data ScienceĀ </p> <p><strong>Education: </strong>BEng Chemical Engineering (LSBU), MSc Data Science (Birkbeck University of London)Ā </p> <h4>Can you share a brief overview of your professional background and the industries you've worked in?   </h4> <p>My career spans diverse industries, from FMCG to Process Engineering and Consulting in high hazard facilities. I've contributed to skincare product development at Procter & Gamble, overseen Gas Dehydration Systems at Cameron, and specialised in safe design consulting at Det Norske Veritas. I currently work at at Anglo American (mining); I lead data science initiatives, blending engineering and consulting expertise.Ā </p> <h4>What motivated you to pursue an Executive MBA, and what are your career goals after completing the programme?   </h4> <p>My purpose is to contribute positively to addressing humanity's most pressing challenges, both now and for future generations, in an ethical, sustainable, and impactful manner. As a seasoned product manager and data scientist, I find fulfilment in leveraging my strengths and passion for problem-solving on a daily basis. Ā </p> <p>Looking ahead, I aspire to evolve my leadership practice to tackle more complex and challenging problems that transcend individual enterprises or industries. I envision leading initiatives that drive meaningful change and have a lasting impact on society. Ā </p> <h4>What do you hope to learn or achieve during your time in the EMBA programme?   </h4> <p>My goal with an Executive MBA is to enhance leadership skills, focusing on strategic decision-making, team management, and fostering innovation. Through the programme, I'll gain insights into various leadership frameworks and practical strategies for business challenges. I aim to deepen my understanding of business operations, including finance, marketing, operations, and strategy. The experiential learning and case studies will sharpen my analytical skills and strategic mindset. I see the Executive MBA journey at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Business School as transformative for personal growth and self-awareness.Ā </p> <h4>What aspects of the programme are you most looking forward to? Ā Ā </h4> <p>The following areas of the programme stand out for me: Ā </p> <p><strong>Leadership Development</strong>: I'm eager for the Executive Leadership Journey and Organisational Behaviour modules, offering a robust framework for enhancing leadership skills like strategic thinking and decision-making. I'm excited about Executive Coaching for personalised mentorship.Ā </p> <p><strong>Networking</strong>: I'll actively engage with peers and industry professionals to build meaningful relationships, leveraging diverse perspectives to enrich my learning and career.Ā </p> <p><strong>Global Perspectives</strong>: International residencies in the US and China will broaden my understanding of global business practices, enhancing cultural intelligence for strategic decision-making.Ā </p> <p><strong>Specialised Knowledge</strong>: I'm interested in elective courses focusing on innovation and entrepreneurship, aligning with my passion for problem-solving.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--text-image paragraph--margin"> <div class="c-text-image clearfix c-text-image--right"> <figure class="c-text-image__image c-text-image__image-no-caption"><picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2024-03/Annita.webp?itok=_sBltECW 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/2024-03/Annita.webp?itok=HiWYrTVx 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="480" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-03/Annita.webp?itok=NjjmXjFE 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2024-03/Annita.jpg?itok=_sBltECW 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/2024-03/Annita.jpg?itok=HiWYrTVx 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="480" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-03/Annita.jpg?itok=NjjmXjFE 1x"></source><img loading="lazy" width="480" height="480" alt="Annita Konstantini" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-03/Annita.jpg?itok=NjjmXjFE" /></picture></figure><div class="text-formatted "> <h3>Annita KonstantiniĀ </h3> <p><strong>Nationality:</strong> GreekĀ </p> <p><strong>Company and role:</strong> Edelman, Senior Vice PresidentĀ </p> <p><strong>Education:</strong> Sociology, Panteion University of Social and Political SciencesĀ </p> <h4>Can you share a brief overview of your professional background and the industries you've worked in?   </h4> <p>I bring over 12 years of experience in marketing, specialising in Digital Marketing, Social Media, Paid Media, and Analytics. With a proven track record in team leadership and strategy development, I have successfully led and implemented award-winning marketing campaigns across various industries including Tech, FMCG, Healthcare and Finance, both in B2B and B2C settings. My approach is data-driven, focusing on crafting innovative strategies and ensuring measurable results. I am passionate about driving brand growth through strategic foresight and continuous innovation.Ā </p> <h4>What motivated you to pursue an MBA, and what are your career goals after completing the programme?   </h4> <p>I've always valued continuous learning, which led me to pursue an MBA. 51³Ō¹ĻĶų's Executive MBA offers a unique opportunity to further develop my strengths as a leader and gain insights into the evolving business landscape. My goal post-programme is to apply these learnings to drive positive impact for both businesses and society, recognising their interconnectedness.Ā </p> <h4>What do you hope to learn or achieve during your time in the MBA programme?   </h4> <p>I aim to broaden my understanding of the business landscape, diversify my skill set, and gain new perspectives. I'm particularly excited about learning from the experiences of my classmates, the professors and expanding my professional network. I am approaching this programme with an open mindset and I'm ready to embrace new opportunities and see where this chapter takes me.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--text-image paragraph--margin"> <div class="c-text-image clearfix c-text-image--right"> <figure class="c-text-image__image c-text-image__image-no-caption"><picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2024-03/Oscar.webp?itok=vErEblGE 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/2024-03/Oscar.webp?itok=ypOQG_Br 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="480" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-03/Oscar.webp?itok=-yUb7H8B 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2024-03/Oscar.jpg?itok=vErEblGE 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/2024-03/Oscar.jpg?itok=ypOQG_Br 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="480" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-03/Oscar.jpg?itok=-yUb7H8B 1x"></source><img loading="lazy" width="480" height="480" alt="Oscar Criado Domenech" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-03/Oscar.jpg?itok=-yUb7H8B" /></picture></figure><div class="text-formatted "> <h3>Oscar Criado Domenech</h3> <p><strong>Education:</strong> Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) – Civil Engineering / 51³Ō¹ĻĶų London (ICL) – MSc in Transport and Business ManagementĀ </p> <p><strong>Company and role:</strong> 51³Ō¹ĻĶų London, Managing AssociateĀ </p> <h4>Why did you choose to study the Executive MBA at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Business School?Ā </h4> <p>I have been thinking of studying an MBA for a long time and it was recently when I felt that I was at the right point of my career in which an MBA would help boost my professional development in a meaningful direction. I work at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų London, and therefore the proximity and familiarity with 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Business School made it a natural choice. Also, it was important to me to choose a school with a high international reputation, tight links with technology and science through the rest of 51³Ō¹ĻĶų London and significant exposure to an international and diverse cohort.Ā </p> <h4>How do you plan to manage your full-time role alongside your MBA studies?Ā </h4> <p>The balance of my MBA studies with not only my full-time job but also my family responsibilities is one of the biggest challenges I am facing. Time management and planning, and communication are central in my approach to find this balance and I will be extra alert to ensure that these three elements (study, work, and family) coexist in certain harmony. I am constantly looking well ahead at what is going to happen in the MBA, at work and at home, so that I can have the timely opportunities to discuss openly with my tutors, my managers, and my family any adjustments I may need to make.Ā </p> <h4>How have you found using 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s online learning platform, The Hub?Ā </h4> <p>I already had experience with 51³Ō¹ĻĶų’s online learning platform when I did a short online course on data analytics at 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Business School. Both then and now for the MBA, I am finding the platform user friendly and intuitive. I especially like that I can find everything for each module in one single place, including the study material, the lecture material, exams, additional reading, contacts with lecturers, etc. Also, I like the varied types of learning material I go through online when preparing for lectures (e.g. videos, papers, case studies, activities, quizzes, polls, etc.). I think the Executive MBA has a well-balanced combination of online learning and in-person sessions, and I like that the online material allows for so much flexibility in terms of when and how fast I study.Ā </p> <h4>What are your long-term career goals and how do you believe the MBA will support them? Ā Ā </h4> <p>I aim to develop my leadership skills to a next level, so that I can lead high-performing teams and develop business in the future. I am looking to learn multiple skills in the MBA, in areas such as marketing, team management, strategy, etc., but also to develop a much deeper understanding of who I am as a person and as a professional through interaction with my cohort peers, the faculty members and coaching. After finishing the MBA, I am sure I will be able to say that it was a life-changing experience.Ā </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--text-image paragraph--margin"> <div class="c-text-image clearfix c-text-image--right"> <figure class="c-text-image__image c-text-image__image-no-caption"><picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2024-03/Jessica.webp?itok=UbSx7QkY 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/2024-03/Jessica.webp?itok=eU4mnsKU 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="480" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-03/Jessica.webp?itok=GgkOujq4 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_1300x1300/public/2024-03/Jessica.jpg?itok=UbSx7QkY 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="600" height="600" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/max_650x650/public/2024-03/Jessica.jpg?itok=eU4mnsKU 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="480" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-03/Jessica.jpg?itok=GgkOujq4 1x"></source><img loading="lazy" width="480" height="480" alt="Jessica Lopez" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/2024-03/Jessica.jpg?itok=GgkOujq4" /></picture></figure><div class="text-formatted "> <h3>Jessica Lopez</h3> <p><strong>Nationality:</strong> Canadian/EcuadorianĀ </p> <p><strong>Education:</strong> University of Calgary, MSc in Chemical Engineering / Universidad San Francisco de Quito, BSc in Chemical EngineeringĀ </p> <p><strong>Company and role:</strong> Whitefox Technologies, Product Engineering ManagerĀ </p> <h4>Can you share a brief overview of your professional background and the industries you've worked in?   </h4> <p>I began working at Whitefox as I started my master's programme, working on membrane technology development. I have worked my way through every scale of the technology from hands-on performance characterisation to pilot scale test plan design and construction, demonstration-scale project management, full commercial scale project coordination, assembling and leading customer support team. I have come full circle and come back to development and manage the product engineering development. Ā </p> <p>Membrane technology is applied in various industries, such as pharmaceutical, and chemical specialties to reduce energy and water consumption. The focus throughout my career has been in the renewable energy biofuels sector.Ā </p> <h4>What do you hope to learn or achieve during your time in the MBA programme?   </h4> <p>I’d like to learn to speak all the languages of business so I can increase my confidence in higher-level conversations. I’d like to know all the aspects that need to be aligned and managed to push innovative ideas into commercialisation. Ā </p> <h4>What aspects of the programme are you most looking forward to? Ā Ā </h4> <p>I am interested in subjects that support business operations in addition to networking. The latter is an aspect I need the most help on and I’m looking to get out of my comfort zone. Ā Ā </p> <p>We are excited to welcome this new cohort to 51³Ō¹ĻĶų Business School and cannot wait to see what this class achieves! I If you are considering applying for our January 2025 start date, then don’t forget to register your interest and sign up to our newsletter below.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div class="c-paragraph-cta paragraph paragraph--cta paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="c-paragraph-cta__inner"> <div class="c-paragraph-cta__links"> <a href="/business-school/mba/mailing-list/" class="button button--primary "> Sign up to our newsletter </a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-03-26T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">26 March 2024</time></div> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/blog-type/features" hreflang="en">Features</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-key-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/executive-mba" hreflang="en">Executive MBA</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-sidebar-top field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--links paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <a href="/business-school/mba/brochure/" class="button button--cta "> Download a brochure </a> <a href="/business-school/mba/executive-mba/admissions/" class="button button--cta "> How to apply </a> <a href="/business-school/mba/executive-mba/" class="button button--primary "> Discover Executive MBA </a> </div> </div> </div> Mon, 25 Mar 2024 15:38:46 +0000 Riley Rigden 6676 at /business-school