MBA

After nearly 9 years in the world of pharma in both account management and marketing roles, Sidsel Bockhahn-Tylecote (Full-Time MBA 2011) decided it was time for a change. With a passion for arts and crafts, Sidsel took inspiration from childhood memories, her Scandinavian heritage, and drew on her marketing skills to release her inner creative entrepreneur!

Despite the challenges of lockdown, in January 2021 Fay&Mamie was launched selling sustainable table decoration kits, alongside creative blogs and videos on how to create your own beautiful lunch and dinner tables.

Where did the idea for your business come from?

My memories are full of wonderful festive family gatherings and dinner parties where my grandmothers would whiz around the house setting gorgeous dinner tables with things they found in nature or bits and bobs from around the house. When I started hosting myself, I quickly found that tableware and table decorations were missing something. Everything I saw was too pricey or too boring and trust me, I’ve been looking!

I decided to change that. Through Fay&Mamie I sell cool, affordable table linens which you don’t need to iron, and easy-to-assemble table decoration. Most Fay&Mamie products have a crafty element because I believe in the value of making something your own.

I also took inspiration for the company name from my childhood and family: Fay - or fairy, as my hope is to add a bit of magic to the everyday and make a meal more than just a meal! And Mamie - a nickname for grandmother, to honour my two grandmothers.

Why did you decide the time was right to set up your own business?

My plan was to launch in 2020. I had the idea and I’d been working towards reducing the hours of my full time job for over a year. I’ve heard of lots of people taking the opportunity during lockdown to kick off their entrepreneurial dreams as they suddenly had all this time on their hands, for me however, 2020 was a big challenge professionally speaking. I had a small child, who wasn’t able to go to nursery for half the year, so there wasn’t really any time for a side gig. I officially launched in January 2021, but that was after a lot of behind-the-scenes work during evenings and my daughter’s nap time!

I also took inspiration for the company name from my childhood and family: Fay - or fairy, as my hope is to add a bit of magic to the everyday and make a meal more than just a meal! And Mamie - a nickname for grandmother, to honour my two grandmothers.

How did you feel leaving the corporate world to become self-employed?

I thoroughly enjoyed working for Johnson&Johnson; it’s an amazing company where you really get to see ‘best practice’ in action in a lot of areas of business. While there, I was in marketing, account management and sales and I was lucky enough to work in several different countries. Leaving the corporate world behind was not an easy decision, but I simply had to give my business idea a go. I must say, I love being self-employed! It comes with a lot of responsibility and uncertainty but I love the freedom that it also gives me.

What lessons have you learned so far?

I’ve learnt so much but let me stick to three points:

Make sure to share your idea. Whenever I have a conversation with someone about Fay&Mamie, whether it’s someone who could be a potential customer or a fellow entrepreneur, I almost always leave having learnt something that influences how I go about building my business.
Structure your week. It can be quite overwhelming the number of tasks you need to do when you run your own business and though you may work really long days it can still feel as if you get nowhere. A friend of mine, who is also self-employed, suggested planning the whole week keeping the tasks specific (e.g. find fabric for new placemat kit), instead of broad and vague (e.g. built 2022 strategy) and make sure to be realistic about time needed. This way of working has helped me feel a lot more satisfied as I can see exactly how much I’ve accomplished after a working day.
Get into PR & SEO. No matter how great your product or service is, no customers will ‘automatically’ find you. You need to drive the traffic, and if your marketing budget is zero then you need to get into PR to generate it. Consider local papers, online magazines, blogs open to guest posts, influencers and more. There are a lot of options out there. If you’re an e-commerce business then SEO (search engine optimization) is equally important and online PR related mentions can help here; but SEO is much more than that of course.

As a startup, how do you go about sourcing products and suppliers and setting price points?

As Fay&Mamie is still at a ‘proof of concept’ stage, I’ve decided to invest in a broad range of products with limited stock to test as many options as possible, rather than build up a large warehouse of stock. I use local suppliers who are happy to sell very limited quantities at any given time; in several cases, I make the products myself. This is all intentionally done to keep cost low while ensuring a quality product. For startups that do not have such an opportunity, for example, because their product cannot be made by hand, I would start by visiting relevant trade shows for contacts and reach out to supply chain agents specializing in the category.

Pricing is a really interesting area and something I love working on! I firstly started by taking a jumping off point in the consumer, rather than what made more sense from a profits point of view. The former is of course crucial but should come at a later stage, I believe. I asked myself: What would they be willing to pay? What commercial and non-commercial competitive solutions are available to them? And at what price points? I have intentionally priced my products rather affordably considering most are handmade, as this is where I see an opportunity. Example: In the UK, to set a table with quality fabric napkins and a tablecloth or a table runner, you can easily spend £100s! In other words, tableware becomes something you have very little of and typically not something you buy for yourself on a regular basis. It’s a classic wedding present and something most people only use for Christmas and similar major annual events. I’m hoping Fay&Mamie can make setting a gorgeous table a more everyday activity requiring a series of different linens and decorative items you can pick and choose from - and acquire yourself without breaking the bank. At the end of the day, food does taste better served at a gorgeous table and in lovely company!

What has been the highlight so far?

Managing the development a whole portfolio of very cool products despite of the fact that I’m not a designer! My background as an innovation consultant and marketer certainly helped me structure the process but I’m still pretty proud of pulling it off!

Entrepreneurship

Programme

5 minute read

Alumni profile: David Poole (MBA 1998)

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Alumni profile: David Poole (MBA 1998)

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

1 June 2026 Alumni

Lessons, insights and early career advice from 911��պ�� Business School Master’s alumni

29 May 2026 Alumni

Real career advice from 911��պ�� MBA alumni

27 April 2026 Alumni

Faith Ruto, Executive MBA 2011

Faith Ruto completed her Executive MBA at 911��պ�� Business School while working at Shell, where she led global technology, digital transformation, and strategic change initiatives.

8 June 2021

Describing himself as ‘theoretically retired’ David Poole (MBA 1998) has never been so busy. And that must be saying something given he has an 911��պ�� MBA, a PhD from SOAS, University of London and managed an incredibly successful marketing consulting firm; “famous for our creativity and strategic insights, winning every major domestic and international award for our work.”

He has just published his first book entitled ‘Entrepreneurs and SMEs in Rwanda’ influenced by his experiences of providing support to businesses in Rwanda. This sparked his interest in the country's efforts to kick start economic development through entrepreneurship and SME sector creation. He chose to write a book to share his key insights as he felt the findings had “serious implications for other developing economies”.

Tell us about your book

The book deconstructs myths around entrepreneurship and SMEs, and explores how a more free-market capitalist approach to the economy has failed to address the economic challenges facing countries like Rwanda. I researched many accomplished and aspiring entrepreneurs, to identify the factors associated with successful entrepreneurship, which uncovered the unintended consequences of the entrepreneurship and SME development prescription.

What is the background as to how your book came about?

After selling my business to a US listed group I went back to university and completed an MSc in Development Studies at SOAS. By an odd twist of fate, I subsequently found myself leading a team of volunteers teaching business skills to handicrafts enterprises in Rwanda. This led me to explore the government’s ambitious economic development plan, Vision 2020, which in turn led to a PhD at SOAS that sought to explain the reasons for the mismatch between the government’s economic plan and real enterprise landscape that had emerged.

What lessons from Rwanda’s entrepreneurial journey can be applied to the wider world?

I think there are implications for both developing and developed economies. The book exposes the policy myths around entrepreneurs and SME development in Africa and reveals the counterproductive consequences of the policy. Based on false premises, the Rwandan enterprise paradox is an unsurprising outcome and the lessons learned have implications that go way beyond Rwanda.

Although the narrative journeys explored in the book are located in a low-income economy, they expose the mythology surrounding entrepreneurship more generally and resonate completely with the behaviour and attitudes of entrepreneurs in developed economy contexts.

“The majority of people, who have never tried to start a business, have absolutely no concept of what really drives an entrepreneur or the characteristics associated with success. The book thoroughly debunks a whole range of myths about entrepreneurship.”

Looking back at your time at 911��պ��, how did it influence your career?

I launched my business, DP&A, on April Fool’s Day 1991 – an ironic nod to the fact that it was probably the most foolish thing I had ever contemplated. Four years later it was proving to be reasonably successful but I was concerned that my primary skills were in marketing. I was increasingly asking myself whether I had a broad enough set of business skills, or whether I would ultimately have to hand over the reins to someone else. Following advice, I embarked on the 911��պ�� MBA.

Throughout the programme I acquired a wide range of highly relevant skills that helped me to drive the business forward.

One particular insight had a dramatic effect. In the early stages I knew every client and was intimately involved in developing strategies for their businesses. As the client base expanded, this became increasingly difficult. I found I was trying to be involved in everything and consequently spreading myself too thinly across both my business and the client base. The MBA helped me to realise that there was no one best way to run a business and that creating hierarchical management structures merely gave the illusion of control.

There was one particular light bulb moment when exploring organisation theories and metaphors. I realised that my business and my own role could also be seen metaphorically and I came to use the idea of a circus (please don’t laugh!). Instead of trying to be at the centre of each and every act, my evolving role had to be that of circus ringmaster. I had already recruited immensely talented people and my job was now to create a supportive context in which they could perform to the maximum of their ability. My function was to guide and support their personal development and challenge them to go to even greater heights. It was a turning point for the business. We were soon the largest and most respected independent business in our sector. Without 911��պ�� this would not have been the case. We were famous for our creativity and strategic insights and were known throughout the industry as the best place to work, renowned for training and developing people.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at the Business School?

I was surrounded by an outstanding cohort of fellow students and initially felt quite apprehensive about whether I was up to the intellectual challenges the MBA would present. The gradual dawning that I could not only cope but was in many ways already on the right track was incredibly motivating.

One memory really sticks out. During the entrepreneurship modules we were analysing a case study on why one business didn’t go to plan. The overall class feedback was that it was due to poor planning, but I disagreed. I remember getting really agitated about the idea that you could plan, in absolute detail, for every eventuality - what I now know is the need to act contingently. You can never forecast and plan for everything you will encounter when starting a business. At some stage you have to stop planning and just ‘get on with it’. The problems will present themselves soon enough, and when they do you can take remedial action to fix them. I remember using the analogy of building a boat. You can spend all your time trying to figure out where the boat might leak, but you will never find them all. At some point you just have to put the boat in the water. The leaks will then show themselves and you can plug them.

Above all this helped me realise and confirm the fact that an entrepreneurial journey was the right thing for me.

Entrepreneurship

Programme

5 minute read

Alumni profile: Alberta Asafo-Asamoah

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Alumni profile: Alberta Asafo-Asamoah

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

1 June 2026 Alumni

Lessons, insights and early career advice from 911��պ�� Business School Master’s alumni

29 May 2026 Alumni

Real career advice from 911��պ�� MBA alumni

27 April 2026 Alumni

Faith Ruto, Executive MBA 2011

Faith Ruto completed her Executive MBA at 911��պ�� Business School while working at Shell, where she led global technology, digital transformation, and strategic change initiatives.

4 November 2021

Alberta Asafo-Asamoah (Full-Time MBA 2021): inspiring entrepreneur, aspiring social impact investor and Women of the Future Awards MBA Star joint winner!

As an outgoing MBA student from the Business School, Alberta has already demonstrated outstanding leadership skills with her hard work earning her the Dean’s Impact Scholarship Award, as well as the Edie Hunt Inspiration Award, the best business pitch idea at 911��պ��’s Pitch ‘n’ Mix and also admission into the Black Valley accelerator programme.

We spoke to Alberta about her time at the Business School, her creative initiatives to tackling social problems and her commitment to helping SMEs achieve scale.

My time at 911��պ��

During my time at the Business School, I was an active volunteer, holding various leadership positions such as the Vice President of 911��պ��MBAWomen, a student-led club that seeks to bring together women across all 911��պ��’s MBA programmes and to celebrate their initiatives.

I was honoured to be the first European co-award recipient of the Edie Hunt Inspiration Award - a global award organised by the Forté Foundation celebrating the contribution that an individual has made to her school or community to advance women into business leadership positions.

I was also the Employer Relations’ Director for Africa Business Club and my goal was to help facilitate the club’s mission to connect 911��պ�� talent to Africa-based opportunities, promote BAME talent within 911��պ�� and beyond, and create industry specific content to bring BAME businesses and professionals into mainstream focus. I was able to form relationships with businesses and represent the Club on panels such as 911��պ��’s Employer forum to discuss how companies can build stronger relationships with 911��պ�� student clubs.

By supporting emerging social impact enterprises and young entrepreneurs, I hope to open up opportunities for them and empower them to achieve their potential.

My current role and responsibility

I have spent a majority of my career in corporate banking, building relationships with businesses with turnover of ￡50m+ in the UK and providing debt finance to aid in their growth. After over four years in banking, I decided to combine my passion for social development and finance by pursuing a career in entrepreneurship and impact investing.

During this transitional phase, I founded AlgebraInTheCity (“AITC”) in 2018, an educational tuition and consulting business, to help bridge the educational attainment gap. I realised that there was a disparity in the curriculum used in selective schools, which encouraged problem-solving, in comparison to lower-income districts, which took a linear approach.

Since inception, I have developed my own method of teaching for young students between the ages of 9 and 16, many who have successfully secured entrance into competitive schools and obtained excellent results.

My hope is to develop AITC by creating free educational content online, with free maths instructional videos for students aged between 11 and 16, which focus on the KS3 and KS4 GCSE curriculum in the United Kingdom, the WAEC syllabus across the West African countries and SAT/SSAT/ACT for schools that use the U.S curriculum. I also want to further explore my entrepreneurial goals by digitising AITC and making 11+ and selective exam resources available on the platform which I hope to launch shortly.

Through AITC’s community outreach programme, I have been involved in managing the operations of two charities called ‘Little Cherubs Kids Club’ and ‘Fantastic Learning’. It has been a privilege to support their tremendous growth, as well as develop the programme syllabi and lead on sourcing funding for the business.

The future

My vision is to lead social impact projects in London and across Africa. To this end, I have successfully secured a role as a Senior Investment Analyst for a new gender equity fund managed by a global venture capital fund. I will be a consultant for the firm, working to support over 100 women-led enterprises in Africa on their mission to create social, environmental and economic impact by sourcing and evaluating investments for their business.

Separately, over the past year, I have also been working on developing a tech-focused fashion e-commerce platform for the African market. After recognising the gaps in the fashion ecosystem, namely lack of access to variety and quality brands across the continent, the limited financial support for emerging brands to grow and other infrastructure problems, I saw a need for a fashion and beauty platform tailored to the needs of local consumers.

My ultimate goal is to support local brands, promote sustainable shopping habits and in the long term, expand the business model to incorporate grant and microfinance products for designers. By supporting emerging social impact enterprises and young entrepreneurs, I hope to open up opportunities for them and empower them to achieve their potential.

Programme

3 minute read

Discover boat swapping, for a better way to travel Boataffair

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Discover boat swapping, for a better way to travel Boataffair

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

1 June 2026 Alumni

Lessons, insights and early career advice from 911��պ�� Business School Master’s alumni

29 May 2026 Alumni

Real career advice from 911��պ�� MBA alumni

27 April 2026 Alumni

Faith Ruto, Executive MBA 2011

Faith Ruto completed her Executive MBA at 911��պ�� Business School while working at Shell, where she led global technology, digital transformation, and strategic change initiatives.

19 March 2019

Written by Adrian and Natalya Walker (both Full-time MBA 2014), this husband and wife team tell the story of how they came to set up Boataffair.

A first for the sailing community

Boat swapping is a first for the sailing world as a true sharing option for private boat owners. The yachting industry in general is still catching up with modern technology and trends. Many myths still exist in the market. Let us debunk some of them and explain how our Boat Sharing Community enables a new way to travel.

We both have 20 years of sailing and boating experience and a vast network of friends in the yachting world – we understand boat owners, their values and pain points.

After speaking with fellow boat owners and boating enthusiasts, we realised that among all boating platforms available out there, there was none that really catered for the needs of private boat owners. New platforms are very fast to shout how they’re the new ‘Airbnb’ for boats – there are numerous of them. But while many boat platforms aim at enabling boat owners to rent out their vessel in order to make more money Airbnb-style, we realised two things:

In most countries renting out your private vessel is next to illegal or very paperwork-heavy. These boating platforms mislead the public somewhat therefore.
Secondly, over 70% of private boat owners we talked to privately and through surveys do not want to rent out their boat. They tell us they would prefer to use their vessel to make new friends and simply share theirs with others. They were looking for a tool that connects them with other owners.

The idea for boat swapping was born: Boat swap is not a commercial transaction and the barriers to entry are a lot lower than with a boat rental scheme therefore.

What is Boat Swapping?

Boataffair is the first boating platform to truly cater for the needs and wishes of private boat owners. Within the boat swapping community, boat owners get the chance to share or swap their boat with other boat owners globally, liberating them from the need to charter a boat if you want to experience boating in a new location. We are well connected: to date, boat owners from over 30 countries, among them Australia, the UK, New Zealand, Brazil, Canada, USA, Greece, Italy, France or Spain, have joined the community. It is a unique opportunity to make like-minded friends and have the very best and joyous experience possible, and because you are hosted locals, you will have access to all the secret spots, not found in any guide book.

The benefits of boat swapping, or our boat sharing club, are manifold. Boat owners experience new boats in new countries and get to know new people. Make like-minded friends and discover new amazing boating locations through the eyes of the locals. Authentic experiences which you will not find in any guide book.

We have just arranged a boat swap between owners of sailing yachts in Australia and Montenegro and look forward to helping many more in the future.

Find out more about us here boataffair.com or write to us any time at welcome@boataffair.com.

Programme

2 minute read

Real career advice from 911��պ�� MBA alumni

Rebecca Pike — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 11:15:43 +0000

Real career advice from 911��պ�� MBA alumni

Rebecca Pike Fri, 28/02/2025 - 11:15

13 October 2025 Student blog

Meet the Specialised Masters’ Class of 2026

Hear from 911��պ�� Business Specailised Masters's students 2025-2026

8 August 2025 Student blog

Things I wish I knew before starting my Master's at 911��պ�� Business School

From our recent graduates to our new starters; get advice and insights that will help you thrive as you start your 911��պ�� Business School Master’s journey.

14 February 2025 Student blog

911��պ��’s Extended term: enhanced flexibility for your programme

Enhance your Master’s or Full-Time MBA experience with our 16-month Extended term. Gain valuable real-world experience through an extended Work Placement or Global Exchange, strengthening your career credentials and expanding your professional network.

29 May 2026

Whether you’re looking to change industries, step into leadership roles or accelerate your career progression, an 911��պ�� MBA can open up a wide range of opportunities for you. But navigating what comes next after graduation can still feel uncertain.

We recently caught up with alumni from the Full-Time MBA, Weekend MBA and Global Online MBA programmes, gaining an insight into their career journeys after 911��պ��. From breaking into new industries to building confidence and expertise, they reflect on the lessons and opportunities that shaped their path, offering advice to those who are about to follow in their footsteps.

Arathi Nair

Programme: Full-Time MBA, Class of 2025

Current role and organisation: AI Product Builder, OakNorth

How did 911��պ��’s Full-Time MBA prepare you for your career, and what changed in your career trajectory because of it?

I work at a bank operating in digital lending, business banking and personal savings. My role sits at the intersection of technology, product and financial services, where I help build and scale AI-driven solutions.

The Full-Time MBA was a great sandbox where I could experiment with strategy, marketing and product-focused work beyond my engineering background. Group projects such as analysing PUMA’s strategy and conducting a marketing audit on Lime bikes closely mirror what I do in my day-to-day work now.

My work also involves cross-functional collaboration with legal, compliance and finance operations teams internationally, which directly reflects the holistic perspective I gained during the MBA.

Structured thinking and academic frameworks aside, the programme was important for me to build the confidence to transition to a strategy and product role. Without the MBA, I would likely have continued in software development, with limited exposure to business strategy or product leadership.

What advice would you give students and recent graduates on choosing a career path and entering the job market?

I had to be iterative, so from my experience I would recommend using internships, projects and coursework to test what genuinely interests you rather than over-planning upfront. And of course, be adaptable, as roles today often sit at the intersection of multiple domains, so leaning into interdisciplinary skills can be a major advantage.

What are the most important opportunities at 911��պ�� that current MBA students should make sure they don’t miss?

For me, I would say that the alumni mentorship programmes are an invaluable part of the MBA experience. Having mentors across different stages of their careers was key to knowing what was going on in the industry and keeping my finger on current trends.

Another opportunity to get involved in is the Careers Fairs. They’re busy days and a lot of students attend, but make sure to throw yourself into the experience as it’s a great way to initiate contact with recruiters. What’s really key is how you follow up and build the relationship afterwards.

How have you stayed connected with 911��պ�� since graduating, and why is this so valuable for your ongoing career?

My brilliant Career Consultant and mentors have been a strong support system for me post-graduation and helped me to navigate the job market and interviews. I would say that the real value of an MBA lies in the network – with your cohort as well as the Careers support. These relationships can open doors to opportunities, insights and long-term career growth if you put the effort into maintaining them.

Barnaby Spink

Programme: Weekend MBA, Class of 2022

Current role and organisation: Project Leader, Boston Consulting Group (BCG)

How does your current work relate to your MBA studies at 911��պ��?

The electives that I chose link very closely with my current role. This includes a broader understanding from the Strategy module and Capstone Consulting Experience, which allowed me to work with team mates to solve a strategic problem facing a real client.

The Mergers and Acquisitions elective provided a more focused insight, with the idea of value creating transactions tying in very nicely to my BCG work in Post Merger Integrations and Carve-Outs.

How did 911��պ��’s Weekend MBA prepare you for your career, and what changed in your career trajectory because of it?

I think the single biggest thing that 911��պ�� Business School did for my career was allow me to demonstrate how I was investing in my professional development in a meaningful way. I started 911��պ�� when I was leaving the army and studying here gave me a great foundation in business understanding while also allowing me to translate my previous experience into broader evidence based on my competencies. I am not sure I would have landed my job at BCG had I not done the MBA.

What is one practical step someone who has just graduated can take to boost their career prospects?

A practical step you can take is to start talking to everyone and anyone in the industry you’re interested in exploring to boost your understanding on where to start and how to succeed in entering the job market.

Felicity Box

Programme: Full-Time MBA, Class of 2023

Current role and organisation: Senior Solutions Engineer, Sweep

How does your current work relate to your MBA studies at 911��պ��?

I work at a climate tech scale-up focused on carbon accounting and ESG reporting, helping companies navigate sustainability reporting requirements. My role combines technical expertise with customer engagement, blending focused analysis with teaching and presenting.

I applied for an MBA because I wanted to transition from my data analyst position in the publishing industry into climate tech and sustainability. I chose 911��պ�� Business School because of its connections with the Grantham Institute and the number of elective modules focused on sustainability. I made the most of them, taking every sustainability focused elective available, and that academic grounding gave me the vocabulary, frameworks and credibility I needed to speak the language of sustainability professionals. This is what got me through the door and landed me the role. I’ve been learning on the job ever since.

How did 911��պ��’s Full-Time MBA prepare you for your career, and what changed in your career trajectory because of it?

Before my MBA, I was applying for sustainability roles as an analyst and I didn’t get a single interview. Studying at 911��պ�� gave me the industry knowledge I needed to succeed in the move I was trying to make on my own. Today, when I'm speaking with ESG teams about their reporting obligations, I have industry context drawn from so many different case studies across the MBA, as well as a real understanding of the specific frameworks and challenges in sustainability. I draw on my knowledge from the Full-Time MBA every single day.

Electives like the Entrepreneurial Journey and Wicked Problems, Systems Dynamics and Entrepreneurial Innovation taught me that some of my strengths lie in pitching and presenting, even winning a prize for a presentation – a real highlight on the programme. This realisation changed the kinds of roles I was considering applying for and ultimately landed me in my current role that I hold today, where I present to sustainability leaders daily.

What advice would you give to students and recent graduates?

My biggest piece of advice is to take the time to understand how the skills and experience built through both the MBA and in previous jobs can intersect with the industry you want to enter and build your story from there.

During my MBA, through networking, events and honest conversations with people already working in the sustainability space, I came to realise that my data analytics background was an asset – a genuine differentiator. As an industry full of data challenges, my experience meant that I could bring something real and immediately useful to the table. The market for scale-ups building new sustainability technologies was, and still is, welcoming of people who can work with data intelligently.

As soon as I understood that, I re-framed how I presented myself, highlighting why the skills from my work history on top of the foundational knowledge gained from the MBA were valuable. In doing this, I became a really strong candidate in the spaces I was looking for.

What is one practical step someone who has just graduated can take to boost their career prospects immediately?

Use AI tools to generate ideas or to structure your thinking, or use it to ensure your CV is error free, but use it carefully. As someone who has hired a lot of people since finishing my MBA, I can confirm that it is immediately obvious when a CV or interview prep has been generated by AI.

Today, the candidates who feel like real people on the page are the ones who stand out. And that is becoming much rarer, which means it is a real competitive advantage.

What are the most important opportunities at 911��պ�� that current MBA students should make sure they don't miss?

911��պ�� offers an enormous range of opportunities: sports clubs, volunteering, investment and finance clubs, entrepreneurship programmes, competitions and global experiences. If something piques your curiosity, then go for it. The MBA is a rare gift of time – a protected space to experiment and discover where you actually shine.

Mangala Prasetia

Programme: Global Online MBA, Class of 2024

Current role and organisation: Strategic Delivery and Orchestration Lead, National Australia Bank (NAB).

How did 911��պ��’s Global Online MBA prepare you for your career, and what changed in your career trajectory because of it?

The Global Online MBA at 911��պ�� Business School has had a profound impact on both my career trajectory and confidence as a leader. I started the programme as a strong technical and governance expert in data and technology. 911��պ�� has helped me to broaden my perspective globally and strategically, and now I can position myself not just as a specialist, but as someone capable of influencing outcomes across a business.

What advice would you give to students and recent graduates?

My advice would be to consider your early career as a winding path, rather than a straight ladder. The goal should not just be about salary or title, but about learning velocity, gaining exposure and building relationships.

Adaptability, communication and leadership are often key differentiators. I’m finding that employers increasingly value individuals who can connect data with business outcomes, collaborate across cultures and lead through uncertainty.

For those still studying, don’t underestimate the power of extracurricular leadership. Some of my biggest growth moments came from participating in the Student Staff Committee, the Dean’s Student Advisory Council and other voluntary leadership and community roles. Through these, I learnt about stakeholder management, resilience and teamwork in practical ways.

What is one practical step someone who has just graduated can take to boost their career prospects immediately?

One practical step a new graduate can take is to intentionally build their professional narrative online, particularly on platforms like LinkedIn. Some of my own posts around leadership, diversity, governance and community impact ended up creating opportunities, conversations and connections I never anticipated. In many cases, opportunities come from not just what you know, but from those who see what you care about.

What are the most important opportunities at 911��պ�� that current MBA students should make sure they don't miss?

I would strongly encourage students to maximise 911��պ��’s broader ecosystem, particularly in departments specialising in technology and science. Studying at a university where business students can easily interact with engineers, scientists, technologists and mathematicians creates a uniquely future-focused environment. As aspiring innovators and entrepreneurs, this collaboration is vital.

How have you stayed connected with 911��պ�� since graduating, and why is this so valuable for your ongoing career?

Since graduating, I’ve assisted with MBA recruitment, mentored current MBA students and collaborated with fellow alumni.

Despite living on the other side of the world in Australia, these connections have been incredibly valuable in a global and interdisciplinary business world. Some of the conversations and friendships I’ve built during my MBA continue to influence how I think about leadership, innovation and impact today.

See which programme is right for you

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Weekend MBA

Global Online MBA

Our MBA alumni reflect on their early careers and offer advice to those who are about to embark on this journey for themselves

9 minute read

Alumni Q&A: Irfan Khan (MBA 2000)

Francesca Hoare — Thu, 27 Feb 2025 09:26:19 +0000

Alumni Q&A: Irfan Khan (MBA 2000)

Francesca Hoare Thu, 27/02/2025 - 09:26

29 May 2026 Alumni

Real career advice from 911��պ�� MBA alumni

4 March 2026 Alumni

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

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.

6 November 2025 Alumni

Joanne Linder, Full-Time MBA 1996

Joanne Linder, Full-Time MBA 1996, is one of the Business School’s most dedicated alumni volunteers. She joined the Alumni Advisory Council (AAC) 13 years ago and was appointed Chair just a year later, providing steady leadership through a period of significant change.

21 March 2025

Which MBA is right for me

Irfan Khan completed his MSC in Engineering & Physical Science in Medicine at 911��պ�� before going on to study for his MBA at 911��պ�� Business School in 2000. Irfan is a visionary leader with over 25 years of experience dedicated to transforming healthcare in emerging markets, particularly in South Asia and Africa. As the Group CEO of Evercare Healthcare Group, he oversees a network of hospitals and clinics, pioneering patient-centered, sustainable healthcare systems. Renowned for his strategic foresight and empathy-driven leadership, Irfan has championed initiatives that enhance healthcare accessibility, affordability, and quality. His legacy includes fostering talent development, advancing digital health innovations, and building resilient systems to serve underserved communities. Irfan's work exemplifies a lifelong commitment to ethical, impactful healthcare leadership.

How did your studies at 911��պ�� help inform your career in the healthcare sector?

Having come from an engineering background, my MSc in Engineering & Physical Science in Medicine at 911��պ�� was my first experience of working in healthcare. We had the opportunity to work with clinicians and doctors, and it helped me to gain a much deeper understanding of medicine. I did my MBA at 911��պ�� a few years later, which brought together the two pieces of the puzzle, business and medicine, to give me a holistic understanding of the healthcare industry.

My specialisation during my MBA was customer-focused strategy, which has been key to my work in hospitals. Healthcare is an emotional industry—you are dealing with people who are unwell, often someone’s friend or family member—so understanding a patient-centric approach was incredibly important.

911��պ��'s strength lies in its diverse student body and wide range of courses. Pursuing my MBA at a STEM-focused university was highly beneficial, as it naturally integrated science, technology, and medicine concepts.

What professional achievement are you most proud of?

For me, the standout achievement is about the people I work with. I think one of the major mandates of leadership is to build other leaders, not to just have followers, and I’m very proud of the talent I’ve helped to nurture in the countries we work in.

At Evercare, we operate in the emerging markets such as Kenya, Nigeria and Pakistan. It can be the case that future leaders in these markets end up leaving the country and taking their skills elsewhere. I have taken a personal interest in identifying, developing, and retaining future leaders within the countries where we operate.

There is no single formula for identifying aspiring leaders. The most important quality is a strong desire to learn. We can then get them the opportunities and qualifications they need to move forwards.

What do you think are the most important qualities for someone in a leadership position?

When you are in a leadership position, being a good communicator and an empathetic leader is very important.

I’d also say integrity for leaders is key. This is especially the case in a sector like healthcare where quality, ethics and patient safety must be paramount. In healthcare, we are responsible for people's lives, so there can be no compromise.

I work across lots of different cultures and countries, and there is one basic principle which applies everywhere, which is respect. You must be humble and willing to learn from each other.

What drew you to study in the UK and 911��պ��?

I chose 911��պ�� for its reputation. Whenever I watched science or technology news, many of the experts featured were from 911��պ��. I think London is an amazing city to be a student in – it’s diverse, accepting and so well connected. It was a no-brainer really!

What does it mean for you to be an alumnus of 911��պ��?

Studying at 911��պ�� is one of the best decisions I made in my life! When you tell people where you did your degree, it automatically brings a level of respect to the table. I have spent a good 25 years building my career and I think a lot can be attributed to the solid foundation I got from 911��պ��.

It’s important for me to give back—whether by giving talks or providing opportunities for 911��պ�� students to gain work experience in our hospitals.

The world is increasingly complex, with many career options available. I want to help students navigate these opportunities. Many people may not consider a career in healthcare unless they are doctors or nurses. However, it is an incredibly rewarding field with diverse opportunities.

Programme

3 minute read

The MBA application events roadmap with 911��պ�� Business School

Rebecca Pike — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:13:30 +0000

The MBA application events roadmap with 911��պ�� Business School

Rebecca Pike Tue, 18/02/2025 - 09:13

29 May 2026 Alumni

Real career advice from 911��պ�� MBA alumni

27 May 2026 Student blog

The ROI of an 911��պ�� MBA: what I learned from the Chile Global Experience Week

911��պ��’s Global Experience Week offers students a chance to gain real-world experience, applying their learnings to global business challenges. As Naman Goyal reflects, the growth that takes place on these trips is long-lasting and impactful.

1 May 2026 Student blog

What I didn’t expect from 911��պ��’s Full-Time MBA programme

From leading a Careers event to connecting with industry experts and gaining experience through the Student Investment Fund, Sushrut Deo explores the value of engaging with experiences beyond the Full-Time MBA curriculum.

9 September 2024

Features

When considering going to Business School, it is important to do your research and get a good understanding of your chosen programme and institution. The more information you have, the more of an informed decision you can make. At 911��պ�� Business School, we host a carefully curated set of events and sessions, both online and in person, that are designed to support applicants from the initial stages of research through to enrolment.

In this blog, we outline an events roadmap, covering the numerous touchpoints on your journey to completing an application for an MBA programme at 911��պ�� Business School. We will outline the ideal events journey, demonstrating the importance of each event and what you will gain by attending.

Research

Step 1: 911��պ��'s Open Day

An Open Day is your first opportunity to get a feel for the Business School. They are half-day weekend events held in-person at our South Kensington campus and give you the chance to determine if the Business School is the right fit for you and the experience you are looking for. At an Open Day, you can expect to attend:

An overview of our MBA programmes
A faculty masterclass - a chance to experience a sample lecture from our academics
An introduction to our Careers and Student Life teams
A chance to network with, hear from and meet students, alumni and staff
Campus and facilities tours

Step 2: Information Session

Following the interest sparked by an Open Day, an Information Session can help to clarify whether the programme fits the style of MBA that you’re seeking, and offers an outline of what we, as a Business School, look for from you during the admissions process.

These deep-dive webinars are the best way to get an overview of your chosen programme. They include information about programme content and structure, class profiles, employment outcomes and initial information on the admissions process. The session ends with a Q&A section, offering a chance to get any initial questions answered.

"Open Days and Information Sessions are incredibly insightful. They not only showcase what 911��պ�� has to offer but also provide an opportunity to interact with current students to see if it's the right fit. I highly recommend these events to anyone considering joining the programmes!" - Eva Look, Full-Time MBA

MBA quiz

911��պ�� portal

Check your application status

Admissions blogs

Receive bespoke advice

Step 3: profile review or one-to-one

Having done your research through our events, and deciding that you would like to apply, a profile review is a great way to get questions answered on a one-to-one basis. Whether this be about the programme, life at the Business School or the admissions process, the Recruitment & Admissions team will be able to support whilst also providing bespoke advice on how to craft a competitive application for your chosen programme.

If you would prefer to attend in-person, the team also host a similar style of meeting through our one-to-ones which take place at our South Kensington campus or across the globe when the team are travel to different locations.

Step 4: 'MBA Information Session' webinar

Before submitting your application, one final recommended step is to tune into one of our 'MBA Information Session' webinars. These sessions are delivered directly by the Recruitment & Admissions team, and provide an overview of our programmes as well as a step-by-step guide on navigating the application process from initial application to interview.

These webinars are a great way to review your drafted application and check that you have gathered all the relevant details and supporting documents.

Applying

Step 5: submit your application

After completing the events journey, you should now be ready to submit your application. Using our online application portal, you will navigate through the system, completing the fields to provide the Recruitment & Admissions team with the required information. Once complete, you will upload your supporting documents before submitting to the team for assessment.

The round deadlines for each of our MBA programmes are available on the Admissions page for each programme, so if you would like to inform us of your application intentions and get any final support, we would love to hear from you.  

Though this final step marks the end of your application journey, it is potentially the start of an exciting new journey towards starting your MBA programme.

Throughout each step, the Recruitment team are here to support you. If you miss an event or want additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out. Email us

We wish you all the best with your application journey and hope to see you at one of our events soon!

Explore our programmes

Study at a global top-10 ranked university. Discover our suite of four 911��պ�� MBAs, Masters' in finance, management, and specialised areas, PhD programme, and undergraduate courses.

Download a brochure

Our brochures contain information about the Business School, our unique position as part of 911��պ��, and details about our programmes, graduates, Careers team and alumni network.

Attend an event

Join us at an upcoming event to find out more about 911��պ�� Business School.