My journey to an Executive MBA at Bayes is fuelled by a dream: to leverage my extensive experience in metallurgical and materials engineering for projects with a positive social impact, especially in Africa. With over 30 years of experience across continents and a solid academic foundation, my transition represents a leap from the familiar into the transformative world of business leadership.

The MBA odyssey

The leap into the MBA was like diving into a different universe. Initially, my voice wavered in class, betraying my unease as I grappled with alien concepts. Yet, this vulnerability birthed resilience. Organisational Behaviour wasn’t just a module; it was a revelation. Understanding the dance of incentives and the chaos of misalignments gave me a lens to view past professional skirmishes differently.

Strategic leadership and corporate strategy have transformed from theoretical concepts to practical tools that shape my daily business decisions. This perspective shift, driven by my MBA studies, has made me view my role in business strategy through a new lens, especially witnessing strategic frameworks in action, such as Schlumberger's acquisitions. Business Economics and analytics weren’t just about numbers; but was profound explorations of how policies and data sculpt societies, making me ponder my role in this intricate tapestry.

A juggling act

Balancing an MBA, a burgeoning career, and the joys and trials of single parenthood has been an act worthy of a circus. Moving homes, starting a new job, undergoing maxillofacial surgery, and navigating a curriculum that felt like learning a new language, all while parenting a teenager with an allergy to smiling, has refined my mastery over time like never before. Balancing my MBA, career, and single parenthood, I recall a week juggling post-surgery recovery, a major project deadline, and my child's school commitments. The experience taught me unparalleled time management and resilience, illustrating my capacity to navigate life's unexpected challenges.

Entrepreneurial spirit rekindled

The programme reawakened my entrepreneurial spirit, which had been dormant since the days of bartering sweets in my youth with my three elder sisters and later dabbling in property management and farming from selling gaming rifles in my granddad’s business. The venture creation module, led by Professor Costas Andriopoulos, was a turning point, challenging me to apply the wisdom gained from the MBA to revisit and reimagine my entrepreneurial ventures. This not only reawakened my entrepreneurial spirit but also equipped me with a strategic mindset for future ventures.

Gratitude and support

I am deeply grateful for the Bayes Professional Excellence Scholarship and the unwavering support from the Careers and Professional Development team, whose support honed my research skills to find relevant and suitable material. Their guidance was instrumental in my seamless transition into the business world, highlighting the power of community in my journey.

I also take the opportunity to acknowledge my colleagues at National Gas who have been supportive beyond measure throughout my studies.

Reflecting on this kaleidoscope of experiences, my transition from engineering to an MBA student at Bayes feels less like a leap and more like a natural progression. The programme has been a crucible, melding my technical background with newfound strategic insights and an invigorated entrepreneurial spirit.

As I stand on the threshold of this transformative journey, my aspirations for creating and capturing value from the short to the long term in Africa in the fields of farming, power, transportation, and housing are clearer than ever.

Armed with strategic insights and a reinvigorated entrepreneurial spirit from my MBA experience, I am poised to forge ventures that not only drive societal change but also exemplify the strength found in the fusion of diverse disciplines.