What I learned on my EMBA

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Roula Khalaf, editor of the FT, picks her favorite stories in this weekly newsletter.

Ricky Chong Lai Kei
Hong Kong. CUHKGraduated 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 program to address real-time challenges in my role. By incorporating these new approaches, I can make more informed decisions that align with the changing needs of my team and the business.

My leadership has changed in three ways. Firstly, the course completely changed my way of thinking and pushed me to adopt a forward-looking perspective. I am constantly reminded to rethink my strategies, innovate and adapt. Secondly, the course strengthened my resilience. Today, I approach challenges with a proactive attitude and view setbacks as opportunities for growth and improvement. This has also fostered a culture of continuous improvement within my team. I have finally acquired the ability to learn effectively, which has opened me up to a world of new ideas and perspectives. By remaining open to new concepts and approaches, I can drive a culture of innovation that drives the company forward.

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Marcin Jasiński
Polishing. Kozminski UniversityGraduates 2025. Board member, KBJ SA; CEO, Albit Software, Warsaw

How do you balance a busy work schedule with life and studies?
During the EMBA recruitment process, I was warned that it would be a very intense and challenging time in both my professional and personal life. That’s true. I decided to take on this challenge with full awareness, and now, in the midst of it, I know it’s worth it. The added stress, strain and fatigue are offset by the satisfaction of personal growth and my goal of obtaining a diploma from an internationally recognized institution is getting closer and closer.

My children are a great support – they show great understanding and encourage me. My company also recognizes that my personal growth will increase my value to the organization and therefore views it partly as a professional obligation. My colleagues try to lighten my load and help me find time to study. The key to balancing school, work and home is surrounding yourself with the right people – I’m lucky to have them.

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Connell O’Leary
Canadian. Together Kellogg Schulich Executive MBA, graduating 2022. Corporate Risk Manager, Toronto

Did anything surprise you about the course?
I expected it to be difficult, and it was. It was quite challenging. I also expected to gain more knowledge in finance, accounting, marketing, etc. – and I learned that and more.

But it really changed the way I see the world. You can apply all the learnings to every section of the newspaper you open, be it sports, business, real estate or international relations – everything just makes a little more sense because of the lessons learned from the program. I didn’t expect this comprehensive change of perspective. The international perspectives – thanks to the partner schools and their diverse student groups – were more than I imagined and also contributed significantly to my overall learning and experience. The only way I can describe it is that it made more sense to the world.

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Pablo Bouvier
Uruguayan/American. Arizona: CareyGraduated 2018. Director of Commercial Operations and Strategy, NextEra Energy, Florida

What role does the EMBA network now play in your professional life?
It is a key factor that contributes to my career today. I’m turning back to my classmates – especially a few people who I really trust and who have become my friends and contacts, giving me objective advice about my career and the challenges I’m facing. They are just a phone call away and offer very insightful feedback and independent advice.

Also my professors: I can still turn to them if I have specific questions about topics. I also really appreciate that: They are very accessible and close to the alumni.

Last but not least, Arizona State University Executive Coaching Group. They provide career advice from a more formal, professional perspective and coaching on executive challenges. I still go to the few people I was assigned to during my EMBA degree for leadership development and advice on how to deal with and overcome the challenges in my career path.

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Natalie Bonnick
British. Bayes Business SchoolGraduated 2025. Head of Supply Chain Development, Lower Thames Crossing, London

What are your application tips?
Be honest about what you want. I think, especially with women, we sometimes downplay the fact that we are ambitious. But everyone who gets 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 still decided to talk to the Bayes team to see what they thought, and after reading my CV and chatting, they said I should apply.

So don’t be put off by strict entry requirements, because there is a selection process that doesn’t necessarily take into account your technical skills, but rather your behavior, your contribution in class to get the best out of the discussions, and your offering something that the others don’t can. So ask the question and have a conversation with the dean, recruiting team, or faculty. And be sure to taste it because there you can see first hand what it’s like.