Meet the Executive MBA Class of 2026

What does the new class look like?  

At Imperial, we pride ourselves for our dynamic and diverse community and recognise the strength in bringing different perspectives to the classroom. Our Executive MBA is no different, and our students have always come from a vast range of different professional and geographical backgrounds.  

This year, we welcomed 40 students representing 16 different nationalities, with 48% of them being female. On average, our students have 16 years work experience and bring with them a wealth of knowledge to create an enriching learning environment. Our students have experience across a broad range of sectors including finance (23%), public sector (15%), engineering (15%), technology (11%), healthcare (11%), real estate (11%) and energy (7%).

Can you share a brief overview of your professional background and the industries you have experience in?

Over the course of my career, I’ve built a strong professional practice in communications, innovation programming and corporate strategy. In Canada, I worked across public affairs and public policy, sport, economic development, research and ocean technology, before joining NATO’s newest organisation, the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA), here in London.

DIANA works to accelerate and amplify deep tech start-up companies developing innovative solutions to defence, security and societal problems. As Communications Director, I tell the stories of these fascinating companies while also using strategic communications to shape the story of DIANA itself—from nascent NATO initiative to full-blown innovative scale-up.  

What are you hoping to achieve from the Executive MBA?

While I’m excited to learn and expand a wide range of practical skills that will support future operations-focused roles, I’m most excited to grow as a leader. As a woman working in often male-dominated industries, it’s vital to have the confidence in your own experience and training to succeed no matter how loud the room may be. With the Executive Coaching and amazing support from the cohort itself, I will be well-equipped to take on future leadership challenges with confidence in myself, without losing who I am in the process.

I am excited to gain both practical knowledge and theory to apply to my current role, as well as help me pursue a wider range of C-suite positions in innovative companies in the future. I’m particularly keen to focus further on corporate strategy and grand challenges, applying innovation to the most difficult problems our world faces.

Why did you choose to study an Executive MBA at Imperial College Business School?

I chose an Executive MBA to expand my ability to drive impact. With experience leading robotics and automation projects from concept to execution, I realised that shaping innovation at scale required expertise in strategy, finance and entrepreneurship.

Beyond gaining new skills, the programme is a catalyst for my transition into roles where I can influence technological adoption—how innovations are funded, positioned, and grown sustainably. Imperial’s STEM-focused environment aligns with my background and aspirations, equipping me for executive leadership in innovation. Long term, I aim to move into venture capital, guiding startups and investors in high-impact strategic decisions.

What are you most looking forward to about your studies?

I am particularly excited about the opportunity to engage in practical business projects, which will not only allow me to apply my learning to real-world challenges but also provide a platform to develop and refine my own business ideas with guidance from Imperial's esteemed faculty.

I’m also looking forward to the International Residency, ‘Technology and innovation in the US’ . Getting the chance to visit MIT and explore Silicon Valley feels like the 8-year-old me being told that we are heading to the ultimate toy store. These places have been at the heart of groundbreaking technological advancements, and being there will be a chance to experience that energy firsthand, engage with leading innovators, and see how the next big ideas are taking shape. I’m eager to immerse myself in these environments, explore what drives their success, and gain a deeper understanding of how innovation thrives in such ecosystems. 

What networking opportunities have you had since starting your programme?

Networking has been central to the Executive MBA experience so far. My cohort made it incredibly easy to connect, readily sharing their own contacts to help peers while fostering insightful discussions and valuable new connections.

Beyond my class, I’ve engaged with students from other MBA formats—Weekend MBA, Full-Time MBA, and Global Online MBA—broadening my perspective and network. MBA Careers Week was particularly impactful, offering meetings with alumni and industry professionals. It included the MBA World Café, a three-hour session with alumni from various industries which provided an opportunity to engage with professionals who have successfully navigated career transitions and hear their first-hand experiences. 

These experiences have already expanded my professional circle, and I look forward to many more opportunities ahead.

What is your professional background and what industries do you have experience in?

I began my career in psychology, working in the healthcare sector. I always enjoyed research, audit and report writing along with data analysis and statistical modelling. I did this as part of my work as a psychological therapist.

I transitioned into business having been compelled to create a startup that focussed on fine and rare coffees, exceptional quality produce, sourced globally and imported into the UK. I run a boutique online marketplace for heirloom, premium coffees – a business model of delivering bespoke premium product with next day delivery.  

What do you hope to learn on the Executive MBA?

I hope to learn how to deliver real value to organisations, create startups that solve genuine problems and are uniquely propositioned, creating impact for users and the environment. I hope to work collaboratively with cofounders, focusing on sustainable growth and profitability, and leading firms towards IPO’s.

I would like to learn about mergers and acquisitions, nuances of corporate strategy, organisational behaviours and data/AI as a product, whilst building upon skills in corporate sustainability and reporting in time for incoming EU legislative change. 

What have you got involved in so far outside of the programme?

Imperial recently held an exclusive winter ball at the Natural History Museum, which was attended by thousands of Imperial students. This was also preceded by a class dinner. Seeing the famous ‘blue whale’ lit up above us as we danced the night away to 70’s hits was one of the most memorable nights of my life.

What is your professional background?

I have built a career in engineering and construction, taking on global projects and senior management roles in buildings and infrastructure, which has been highly rewarding.

These experiences have strengthened my technical expertise and leadership while driving me to deepen my understanding of business organisations and prepare for greater responsibilities—leading me to pursue an Executive MBA at Imperial.

How will the Executive MBA influence your career trajectory?

In just a few weeks, the programme has already exceeded my expectations. Reflecting on some of the diverse topics we have covered in the core modules so far, I have seen growth in my mindset within my current position and responsibilities.

My goal is to develop business acumen and confidently drive high-level conversations and decisions. I also aim to better understand our fast-moving world and tackle global challenges. By embracing new technologies and innovations, I hope to contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.

How do you balance your MBA studies with your professional responsibilities?

Adjustments definitely need to be made, and I am very grateful to my family and company for helping me make suitable plans to manage my MBA studies. 

The programme demands a high level of commitment and is designed to facilitate consistent study and gradual learning. I generally try to plan ahead by reviewing the MBA schedule, which involves managing my time in the evenings after work and on weekends. It is crucial as there are individual and group assignments to deliver, requiring effective time organisation to manage everyone's expectations. While self-motivation is essential, the support from my classmates and study group has been invaluable for sharing our challenges and tips to overcome them. 

Finally, I like to stay active to keep my energy levels up and make sure to spend quality time with my friends and family. It really helps me balance all my commitments as best I can!

Why did you choose to study an Executive MBA at Imperial College Business School?

I’m starting the Executive MBA during a period of transition in my wider life and career. I’m in the process of relocating with my family to Scandinavia and, as part of this move, I have stepped forward from my role as CEO of a telecommunications provider, and into a position that enables me to focus more of my time and energy on the strategic direction of the company as it enters the next phase of its growth.

The MBA fits perfectly with this wider transition – an opportunity to consolidate the lessons I learned in my first role as a CEO, an opportunity to use the lessons from my studies to shape the future of the organisation, and an opportunity to push my own career forwards, in new directions and towards new challenges.

What is one thing you’re looking forward to on the Executive MBA programme?

I’ve already met so many amazing people who have already achieved truly impressive things in their professional lives. This diverse cohort ensures that we have  a wide range of professional and cultural perspectives, as well as a significant amount of experience to learn from  –  I’m genuinely excited about the lessons we’re going to learn from each other, and the new perspectives we’re going to gain on the world we live and work in. With world class lecturers, international residencies, and an amazing support network around us, I hope to gain a lot from this programme!

What is your professional background?

I am currently a product owner leading the finance technology product ownership, overseeing the development and implementation of FP&A and Business Finance solutions.

Prior to my current role, I held leadership positions in consulting, advising major organisations on finance system architecture, transformation strategies, application development, process optimisation and technology-driven financial solutions. I specialised in bridging the gap between business and technical expertise, leveraging both agile and waterfall methodologies to deliver impactful finance solutions.

Why did you choose to pursue an Executive MBA at Imperial College Business School and what do you hope to achieve on the programme?

I have chosen the Executive MBA because of its comprehensive approach. As I want to advance towards a c-suite role within technology, continuous learning is critical for me. The programme looks at how business intersects with technology, which aligns with my career goals and will increase my prospects going forward.

I believe that the Executive MBA programme will strengthen my leadership skills, especially as I navigate multi-organisational projects. The structure intertwines theoretical knowledge with practical application and enables me to directly implement my learning in my day-to-day job. Additionally, I’m aiming to further develop my skills in articulating a technology strategy for the products and areas that I oversee, enabling me to support in strategic decision-making for senior stakeholders.

How do you plan on networking with the Imperial community?

In the first instance, being a part of the Executive MBA programme is a great networking opportunity for me. I am privileged to be part of a cohort that is home to people from various backgrounds on multiple levels, including professionally. It has been a pleasure to get to know many of my classmates. In addition to that, I am looking forward to joining upcoming events for women in leadership, in technology, sustainability and entrepreneurship.