My name is Zoe, and I’m a Global Women's Leadership Scholar currently pursuing my Executive MBA at Bayes Business School. While business school is often thought of as a place for "finance bros," my background is a little different—I’m a chartered architect. This is my second master’s degree, and my first time stepping into the world of business school, where I’m excited to expand my skills and get ready to lead in today’s fast-paced business world.

After starting my career in architecture, I made the shift into project management within commercial real estate firms, and now I’m the Director of Projects at a global hospitality and real estate group, overseeing asset improvements and capital projects in the UK.

As I progressed in my career, my roles evolved to include strategic business planning, team leadership, and building cross-functional partnerships to drive our objectives. It became clear that my passion lay in leadership, which led me to seek further development in my business acumen, particularly in finance, strategy, and innovation. Pursuing an MBA felt like the natural next step to broaden my horizons and advance my career.

Why I chose Bayes for my MBA

Choosing Bayes was a straightforward decision for me, particularly due to its prime location in the heart of London’s finance district—a perfect match for balancing my work and studies. The school’s commitment to nurturing diverse leadership, reflected in their MBA leadership framework, really resonated with me. The Modular Executive MBA, delivered over one long weekend a month,  offered the flexibility I needed, aligning seamlessly with my career ambitions and busy lifestyle. Plus, the vibrant community at Bayes was an immediate draw.

Expanding my horizons: My MEMBA experience

It’s been intense and challenging, yet incredibly enjoyable. Even after just six months, I’m amazed at how much I’ve learned and the progress I’ve made. Some modules cover areas I rarely encounter in my role and initially thought wouldn’t spark my interest. However, I’ve discovered a newfound enthusiasm and joy in exploring these subjects during the MEMBA programme. This learning journey has really broadened my horizons and ignited my curiosity to delve deeper into the remaining modules.

Bayes has an outstanding academic reputation, and a significant reason I chose to study here was the strong emphasis on inclusion and diversity. This commitment shines through in the varied experiences, industries, and backgrounds of my fellow MBA students, creating a rich and vibrant learning environment. The diverse perspectives within my cohort greatly enhance our discussions and foster a culture that encourages innovative thinking. The assignments have been thought-provoking, continually pushing the boundaries of my understanding and challenging me to engage critically.

How Bayes helped me secure a new role

The career team at Bayes has been incredibly supportive throughout my studies. Through various workshops and events, I’ve had the opportunity to learn and apply valuable leadership skills. I’ve particularly enjoyed the professional development aspects of the programme, which I’ve been able to implement immediately in my day-to-day activities—skills like negotiation and executive presence have already had a positive impact at work. I’m delighted to see that, just a few months in, several of my classmates have received promotions, myself included. These sessions also provide a fantastic opportunity to share stories and make meaningful connections with classmates from my cohort and beyond. The openness, support, and encouragement I’ve encountered throughout this journey have greatly contributed to my growth, both professionally and emotionally. I find the career events to be invaluable, offering excellent networking opportunities that allow me to connect with peers across various industries and MBA cohorts.

Global Women’s Leadership Programme

I first discovered the Global Women’s Leadership Programme (GWLP) while browsing the Bayes' website, and I was thrilled to find a dedicated initiative aimed at developing women’s leadership. This is a cause I am deeply passionate about. The selection process began with an online application, where I had the opportunity to articulate my experiences. During the scholarship interview with Programme Director, Professor Janina Steinmetz , I shared my career journey in the UK’s construction and real estate sector, where women represent only 15% of the workforce. As a female professional from an ethnic minority background, my ascent into senior positions in such a male-dominated field reflects my unwavering commitment to resilience and driving positive change.

Learning from other women leaders

What I genuinely value about the GWLP events is their focus on women’s leadership. These gatherings offer a wealth of invaluable learning opportunities that significantly enhance my personal and professional development. I resonate with the stories shared by other female leaders during these events, which allows me to discuss and learn practical strategies and skills from them. This exchange of insights has played a crucial role in shaping my own leadership style. The encouragement I receive from these women makes me feel more confident, especially since I often find myself as the only female in workplace meetings.

The programme also equips us with essential tools and guidance to bolster our leadership abilities. Additionally, becoming a board member has provided me with the chance to collaborate with the board in shaping and guiding the programme. This role not only fuels my passion for making a difference but also aligns perfectly with my commitment to promoting women’s leadership in the professional arena. Being part of this initiative enables me to contribute actively to creating an environment where women can thrive as leaders—something I feel strongly about.

Ultimately, the GWLP events do more than just inspire me; they empower me to effect meaningful change in my career and beyond. I’m excited to continue this journey and see where it leads!