Why did you apply to Oxford Saïd?
I had spent about a decade in developing energy projects in various locations around the world. I always reflected on the projects which I developed and thought that there was a business case and commercial pre-determined value to be derived from executing these projects.
Someone somewhere with business acumen made these decisions. I wanted to attain these business skills and move further up the decision chain in project development and to also do it in a school that encourages impact and provides a well-established network for growth.
What were you aiming to achieve?
I wanted to smartly transition from pure-play engineering/technical side to the commercial side and build lifetime friends. And I am glad to say, I have reasonably succeeded in both outcomes.
What made the biggest impact on you during your time on the Oxford MBA?
Without a doubt, biggest impact were my classmates. It was great honour to work, learn and grow with such a wonderful group of talented individuals.
The camaraderie was (is still) strong and commendable, we went through it all together, sharing guts and glory. Interestingly, it was during the MBA that I internalised the impact of climate change and why we all have to work towards a net zero world, which I do in my current role.
Where has your career taken you since graduating from the MBA?
After graduating I worked in consulting, predominantly on growth strategy for companies in the energy sector. One of my clients in the energy & mobility sector who had just had an initial public offering (IPO) headhunted me to come onboard and execute those growth plans - you know make those PowerPoint decks come to fruition.
It was an interesting journey, especially considering how we had to adapt to evolving scenarios (no one saw Covid-19 limiting all but essential mobility). My current role is mainly to get us to net zero by delivering low carbon solutions to various heavy industries at one of the most forward-looking energy giants.
Fun-fact, about 5 years out of the MBA, I was introduced and encouraged to apply for my current role by networking with an alumnus of Saïd Business School. It just reinforces the view that you graduate with a wide network that, if you engage, can be meaningful in your journey.
Is there anything from your time on the MBA that still influences you or that you still refer to?
My industry is primarily driven by regulations, and I frequently reflect on discussions with Professor Jan-Emmanuel De-Neve during his Business Strategy & Politics course, interacting with regulators must be conducted with the right framework. You need to fully take into consideration what the regulators are trying to achieve before you decide on your approach irrespective of how you feel about any regulation.
Another key takeaway from the course is how organisations in the same industry are viewed as having the same practices by members of the public and how much effort goes into delineating good performers. I really did enjoy that course and the simulation of real live dilemma organisations face in bidding for turn-key government contracts.
Finally, how would you sum up the overall impact that the MBA has had on you, and how has it enabled you to increase your own impact on your organisation and beyond?
The impact of the school has been tremendous on me and my families' life. For example, my family has moved to a new continent and my wife's current role is also linked to the MBA. I sometimes pinch myself when I think about my current career trajectory and exciting things I have got up to since leaving the business school.
Attending the MBA was a big step out of my comfort zone, and I wanted a business school that encouraged me to dream it and do it, which is a mantra I still follow till date. In the near term, I will be actively championing Africa's participation in the opportunities that arise with the energy transition, and I am assured that I have a reliable Oxford brand, strong alumni network and learnings from Saïd Business School to valorise these opportunities.