If I could only freeze this moment - a bittersweet moment of goodbyes and new beginnings. As I bid farewell to one chapter and embrace the next, I find myself reflecting on this incredible journey. If someone had told me two years ago that I’d be graduating from Oxford with an Executive MBA while balancing life as a mother, wife, daughter, colleague, and friend, I would’ve laughed and reached for another cup of coffee, probably with an extra shot of espresso!
A sense of purpose
As an accomplished professional with more than 16 years of experience in leading multinationals, pursuing an education at Oxford had always been a milestone that felt both aspirational and deeply personal. I’d reached a pivotal moment in my life where I was not just thinking about career advancement but also reflecting on my broader purpose. How could I navigate the complexities of juggling all my hats while staying true to myself? What legacy did I want to leave behind – both in the corporate world and as a role model for the next generation of female professionals? Most importantly, how could I give back to my community and those around me? These questions became the driving force behind my decision to embark on a transformative journey. And, yes, there is no such thing as a perfect time for an Executive MBA. At some point, you just have to take that leap.
To say the journey has been a juggling act would be an understatement. Picture this: studying for a negotiation strategy exam while my toddler is negotiating for ‘just five more minutes’ of screen time, and my seven-year-old is reminding me, ‘Mom you promised to come to my football practice’. In between meetings and assignments were school runs, family events and moments where being a good friend meant lending an ear, even if my brain was working on financial models in the background. There were nights when exhaustion felt like a second skin – when I’d sit at my desk, textbooks open, but the words seemed to blur together. There were moments of burnout where the weight of expectations – from everyone around me – felt almost unbearable. But it was in these moments of vulnerability that I discovered my strength. I learned to lean on others, forgive myself for not being perfect, and find humour in the chaos – even if it meant celebrating small victories like not burning the mac and cheese that night.
Finding my tribe
But here’s the beauty of it all – despite the chaos, every single bit was worth it. The Oxford Executive MBA challenged me, pushed me, and showed me just how far I could stretch without snapping. Along the way, I’ve lost some connections and gained others, but the ones who stayed were my bedrock. They reminded me of my strength on days when the load felt heavy.
The Oxford Executive MBA widened my perspectives and possibilities. It’s given me the confidence to try new things. The diversity in the cohort wasn’t just about professions but perspectives – private equity professionals, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and tech innovators each brought unique insights to the table.
My journey wouldn’t have been the same without the incredible group of 70 fellow cohort members who became my lifeline throughout the programme. At the start, we were strangers with little in common beyond a shared ambition. But, as the months unfolded, their stories became my inspiration. I’ll never forget the late-night Zoom calls for my group project, during which one cohort member, despite battling illness alongside his partner, still found the time and focus to help us crack a challenging financial model. These moments reminded me that, while each of us was navigating our own storms, we became each other’s anchors along the way. More than classmates, my fellow students became my tribe, my challengers, and my lifelong friends.
But here’s the beauty of it all – despite the chaos, every single bit was worth it. The Oxford Executive MBA challenged me, pushed me, and showed me just how far I could stretch without snapping.
A sense of accomplishment
Today, as I reflect on this journey, I’m filled with gratitude and pride. I’ve grown professionally, of course, but even more so personally. So here’s to the 36 flights, 18 assignments, late nights, the 5am club, the working weekends, and every moment I doubted I could keep all the plates spinning. I made it. And I did it with a sense of purpose and a touch of humour that kept me going.
To my kids, who’ve probably learned more about business than they bargained for, and to my spouse, who never complained when ‘study mode’ turned into ‘barely-there mode’ – thank you. I don’t know how we did it, but we surely did. As I step forward, I carry with me not just a degree but a renewed sense of purpose, a network of inspiring peers, and the confidence to embrace whatever comes next.
