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FT editor Roula Khalaf selects her favorite stories in this weekly newsletter.
Ricky Chong Lai Kei
Hong Kong. CUHKgraduated in 2024. MD, Ricoh Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong
How do you use the EMBA in your work?
I apply program insights and frameworks to address real-time challenges in my role. By integrating these new approaches, I can make more informed decisions that align with the changing needs of my team and the company.
My leadership has changed in three ways. Firstly, the course has totally changed my way of thinking, urging me to adopt a forward-looking perspective. I am constantly reminded to re-evaluate my strategies, innovate and adapt. Secondly, the course has cultivated my resilience. Now I face challenges with a proactive attitude, seeing setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement. This has also fostered a culture of continuous improvement within my team. Finally, I have acquired the ability to learn how to learn effectively, opening myself 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 Universitygraduates in 2025. Member of the board of directors, KBJ SA; CEO, Albit Software, Warsaw
How do you balance a busy work schedule with life and study?
During the selection 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 face this challenge with full awareness and now, halfway through, I know it is worth it. The added stress, effort and fatigue are outweighed by the satisfaction of personal growth and my goal of obtaining a diploma from an internationally recognized institution is getting closer.
My children are very supportive: they show great understanding and encourage me. My company also recognizes that my personal growth will increase my value to the organization, so they view it in part as a professional obligation. My classmates try their best to ease my burden and help me find time to study. The key to balancing school, work, and home is to surround yourself with the right people; I’m lucky to have them.
Connell O’Leary
Canadian. Joint Kellogg-Schulich Executive MBA, graduated 2022. Corporate Risk Manager, Toronto
Did anything about the course surprise you?
I expected it to be difficult and it was. It was quite a challenge. I also hoped to gain greater acumen in terms of finance, accounting and marketing, etc., and I learned that and more.
But it really changed my perspective on the world. In any section of the newspaper you open, you will be able to apply any of the learnings, whether in sports, business, real estate or international relations; Everything made a little more sense, according to the accumulated learning of the program. That broad change in perspective is something I didn’t expect. The international perspectives, thanks to the partner schools and each of their diverse student bodies, were more than I imagined and also contributed greatly to my overall learning and experience. The only way I can really describe it is to simply say that it made the world make more sense.
Pablo Bouvier
Uruguayan/American. Arizona: Careygraduated in 2018. Director of Business Strategy and Operations, NextEra Energy, Florida
What role does the EMBA network now play in your professional life?
It is a key contributing factor to my career today. I go back to my classmates, specifically a couple of people I really trust and who have become my friends and sounding board, giving me objective advice about my career and challenges. They are just a phone call away and provide very insightful commentary and independent advice.
Also, to my professors: I can still go to them if I have specific questions about topics. That’s another thing I really value: they are very accessible and close to alumni.
Last but not least, the executive coaching group at Arizona State University. They offer professional advice from a more formal and professional point of view and coaching on executive challenges. I will still go to the couple of people I was assigned in my EMBA for leadership development and advice on how to approach and navigate challenges in my career path.
Natalie Bonnick
British. Bayes Business Schoolgraduates in 2025. Head of Supply Chain Development, Lower Thames Crossing, London
What are your tips for applications?
Be honest about what you want. I think, especially for women, we sometimes downplay being ambitious. But everyone who pursues an MBA wants to go far, and that means different things to different people, so be honest. I also didn’t know if I had enough years of experience in the industry. I decided to speak to the Bayes team anyway, to see what they thought, and once they had read my CV and had a chat, they told me to apply.
So don’t be intimidated by the rigid entry requirements, because there is a selection process that doesn’t necessarily focus on your technical competencies: it’s about behaviors, how you can contribute in class to get the best out of discussions, and how you offer your services. something that others cannot. So ask the question and have a conversation with the dean, recruiting team, or faculty. And definitely give it a try, because that’s where you’ll see firsthand what it’s like.