How can business create real social impact? This question has been at the heart of my studies on the Oxford Executive MBA. In this blog, I’ll be discussing how the degree has helped me see business in a new light.
For the past 20 years, my work in the development sector has focused on research, policy development and impact-driven interventions to improve educational outcomes and labour conditions in countries such Costa Rica, Kenya and Myanmar. My work has taken me all around the world, working for NGOs, foundations and the UN. Through my work, I’ve come to realise that business can be and often wants to be a force for good.
I joined the public sector because I am driven by the desire to make a difference in people’s lives. In my line of work, many changes have taken place over the past decades, not least the recognition that impact – in all its forms – cannot take place without the engagement, commitment and action on the part of business.
This observation is particularly important in countries affected by conflict and crises, such as Myanmar, where I spent almost a decade of my career. While there, I was inspired by the former director of the Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business. She was instrumental in highlighting the issues around responsible business and development in Myanmar and continues to advocate for responsible business conduct there and beyond. I felt very strongly about this, too, and I wanted to develop my career in this area.
Building core business skills
To make this transition, I knew that I’d need a better understanding of the inner workings of business. Initially, I considered an MBA but decided that an Executive MBA would be more appropriate given my experience and career level.
I felt that an Executive MBA would provide legitimacy in terms of having the right training and knowledge. Studying at an institution like Saïd Business School shows that you’re taking this seriously.
The time and space to think
I’ve enjoyed the intensity of the programme. The immersive weeks in Oxford provide that time and space to think – a time when our cohort chat and challenge each other. You’re sometimes engaging in uncomfortable conversations that force you to look at issues in new ways – and that’s a good thing.
You have to put in the work. The assignments are tough. But the modules are well thought out and cleverly linked together. You don’t just get the business school – you also get the broader experience of studying at Oxford.
You don’t just get the business school – you also get the broader experience of studying at Oxford.
Learning from fellow business leaders
One of the great benefits of the Executive MBA is that you’re learning just as much from your classmates as from the teaching team. My cohort includes several CEOs – people who have an immense wealth of experience and know how to run successful businesses.
All of a sudden, the world of business has opened up to me. Before the programme, I had preconceptions about some topics. For example, I saw accounting as being purely numbers and rules based. But, in reality, there is so much subjectivity involved, and you’re making decisions that impact stock prices and people’s lives. Overall, the whole programme is shifting my understanding of business and how my skills could fit into that dynamic.
The discussions around purpose have been really helpful for my career. Some people may see these discussions as trivial, but company values are fundamental to the success of any business. They have real implications for how you feel and how you do at work.
A community that shares my values
The Executive MBA helps you grow as a person and as a professional. Saïd Business School is educating business leaders for a new world. The focus on social impact is not just palpable – it’s real and enduring throughout the programme. The degree has allowed me to pursue a business education without giving up on my values. It’s great to be in a community with people who share these values and want to make a difference.
The focus on social impact is not just palpable – it’s real and enduring throughout the programme. The degree has allowed me to pursue a business education without giving up on my values.
