Please note that this blog discusses highly sensitive personal themes relating to my life story and journey to the Executive MBA.
It was a moment I’ll never forget. I opened the email with great trepidation. I read it several times over until the news fully sank in: an offer of a place to study on the Oxford Executive MBA – with a scholarship.
I felt overwhelmed, excited, nervous and hopeful. I couldn’t believe that I’d be studying at Oxford – where 31 British Prime Ministers, 55 Nobel Prize Winners, 120 Olympic medal winners and so many other inspiring people have studied before me.
But I also felt quite nervous as, just a few days earlier, I’d discovered I was going to be a mother. Two life-changing moments coming together at exactly the same time. Lots of thoughts flew through my mind. Could I juggle an Executive MBA with looking after a newborn? How would I manage the assignments? How would the logistics work? But, at that moment, I knew I wanted to make it work.
I’d like to share with you my journey as a new mum studying on the Oxford Executive MBA.
An unexpected turn of events
Life events can often take unexpected twists and turns. And that was certainly the case for me back in 2020. I’ve been fortunate to enjoy a rewarding career in tech – with Bloomberg and, most recently, at Meta. I was living a comfortable life in Singapore but, for six years, my husband and I were also on an IVF journey. Five years ago, I was thrilled to discover that I was finally pregnant – only to lose our baby five months later. It was devastating.
This heartbreaking situation prompted me to reflect on my life. I had a fulfilling career but I wanted to make a broader impact. I’m a huge advocate of lifelong learning and I wanted to broaden my knowledge to deliver greater impact. After considerable thought, I decided to complete a Philosophy course at the University of Oxford, which helped me think through different ways I could make a difference.
I’d had a fantastic career in tech but I was keen to break out of the tech bubble and be exposed to different ways of working. I also wanted to explore how I could achieve greater impact through entrepreneurship.
I was impressed by the Oxford Executive MBA and Saïd Business School’s message of creating ‘impact from within’ and nurturing leaders who embrace change. I knew that Oxford was the right place for me and I applied for a place.
Taking the plunge
I was completely overwhelmed when I received the offer. But, after the initial excitement had abated, I started to think more about the practicalities following my pregnancy news. Was it feasible to combine the two? Should I defer my place? After a lot of thought, I realised that there would never be a perfect time to complete my studies. It was now or never and I took the plunge.
I won’t lie – juggling life as a new mum with the Executive MBA has been tough. I never thought I’d be nursing a three-week-old baby while watching the recording of an Executive MBA class! But I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
My little girl is now ten months old. As you can imagine, I have to be very disciplined with my time. I study whenever my daughter sleeps. She often naps in the afternoon, so I can get stuck into reading a paper, writing an essay or preparing for a class. But, of course, babies are unpredictable. So, at times, I’ll work late into the evening. I also take short naps in between the days to recharge.
I never thought I’d be nursing a three-week-old baby while watching the recording of an Executive MBA class! But I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
Having a good support network has been so important. My husband, my parents and wider family have stepped in to provide childcare during my study weeks at Oxford. And I also try to cut myself some slack. If I can’t make a class, I don’t beat myself up about it. The School has been fantastic, ensuring that I always have recordings and any study materials I need. My fellow students have also shared their notes and offered encouragement. This wonderful support has given me the motivation to keep going when I’ve been up all night with my baby and feeling sleep-deprived.
I know I’m privileged to have this opportunity. But with privilege comes responsibility and sacrifice. I don’t want to waste the chance to study in such an amazing place, learning alongside brilliant people. I came to Oxford to broaden my horizons, and it’s far exceeded my expectations on every front.
Thinking back, I will never forget those traumatic times when my husband and I lost our baby. But hope often comes along when you least expect it. Those dark days prompted me to reflect on my life – which ultimately led me to the Executive MBA. I’ll be forever grateful for this opportunity.
Find out more about the Oxford Executive MBA.
