What I learnt on my EMBA

Ricky Chong Lai Kei
Hong Kong. CUHK, graduated 2024. MD, Ricoh Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong

How do you use the EMBA in your work?
I apply the knowledge and frameworks from the programme to address real-time challenges in my role. By integrating these new approaches, I can make more informed decisions that align with the evolving needs of my team and the company.

My leadership has changed in three ways. First, the course has totally shifted my mindset, urging me to adopt a forward-thinking perspective. I am constantly reminded to reassess my strategies, innovate and adapt. Second, the course has cultivated my resilience. I now approach challenges with a proactive attitude, viewing setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement. This has also fostered a culture of continuous improvement within my team. Finally, I have acquired the skill of learning how to learn effectively, opening me up to a world of new ideas and perspectives. By remaining receptive to novel concepts and approaches, I can drive a culture of innovation that propels the company forward.

Marcin Jasiński
Polish. Kozminski University, graduates 2025. Board member, KBJ SA; CEO, Albit Software, Warsaw

How do you balance a busy working schedule with life and study?
During the recruitment process for the EMBA, I was warned that it would be a very intense and challenging period in both my professional and personal life. This is true. I chose to approach this challenge with full awareness and now, halfway through, I know it is worth it. The additional stress, effort and fatigue are outweighed by the satisfaction of personal growth and my goal of gaining a diploma from an internationally recognised institution is getting closer.

My children are a tremendous support — they show great understanding and encourage me. My company also recognises that my personal growth will increase my value to the organisation, so they view it in part as a professional obligation. My colleagues make an effort to ease my burden and help me find time to study. The key to balancing school, work and home is surrounding yourself with the right people — I am fortunate to have them.

Connell O’Leary
Canadian. Joint Kellogg-Schulich Executive MBA, graduated 2022. Corporate risk manager, Toronto

Did anything surprise you about the course?
I was expecting it to be difficult, and it was. It was quite challenging. I was also expecting to gain a higher acumen in terms of finance, accounting and marketing etc — and I learned that and more.

But it really changed my perspective on the world. Any section of the newspaper you open up, you can apply any of the learnings, whether it’s in sports, business, real estate, international relations — everything just made a little more sense, based on the accumulated learning from the programme. That broad perspective change is something I wasn’t expecting. The international perspectives — thanks to the partner schools and each of their diverse student bodies — were more than I imagined and greatly added to my overall learning and experience, too. The only way I can really describe it is to just say that it made the world make more sense.

Pablo Bouvier
Uruguayan/American. Arizona: Carey, graduated 2018. Director of commercial operations and strategy, NextEra Energy, Florida

What role does the EMBA network play in your professional life now?
It is a key factor that contributes to my career today. I go back to my classmates — specifically a couple of people that I really trust and have become my friends and sounding boards, giving me objective advice on my career and my challenges. They are only a phone call away and provide very insightful feedback and independent advice.

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Also, my professors: I can still go to them for specific questions on topics. That’s another thing that I really value — they are very approachable and close to the alumni.

Last but not least, the executive coaching group from Arizona State University. They give career advice from a more formal, professional point of view, and coaching on executive challenges. I’m still going to the couple of people that I was assigned to on my EMBA for leadership development and advice on how to deal with, and navigate, the challenges in my career journey.

Natalie Bonnick
British. Bayes Business School, graduates 2025. Head of supply chain development, Lower Thames Crossing, London

What are your tips for applications?
Be honest about what you want. I think, particularly for women — sometimes we downplay that we’re ambitious. But everyone on an MBA wants to go far, and that means different things to different people, so be honest. I also didn’t know whether I had enough years of experience in industry. I decided to speak to the Bayes team anyway, to see what they thought, and, once they read my CV and had a chat, they said to apply.

So don’t be put off by rigid entry requirements, because there’s a screening process that isn’t necessarily looking at your technical competencies — it is around behaviours, how you can contribute in class to get the best out of discussions and how you offer something that the others can’t. So ask the question and have a conversation with the dean, recruitment team or faculty. And definitely do a taster, because that’s where you see firsthand what it’s like.