My deep desire to connect with the world while learning and growing led me to the Executive MBA programme at the Saïd Business School. My cohort’s diversity allows me to gain perspective from 70+ amazing humans, from over 25 countries. Furthermore, the international modules in the curriculum provide the opportunity to learn business and leadership through a global lens. My Oxford EMBA journey has been an 'ije oma' (the good journey) indeed, as indicated by my name. Each module, whether at Oxford or any other city that the faculties take us to, can be likened to being at the United Nations, deliberating global issues on markets, climate change, wicked problems, ethical governance, emerging markets and many more critical topics.
Halfway through the two years duration of the programme, the monthly long-haul trips to attend modules at Oxford had become routine; consequently, I was excited to head to an international location for the Business in Emerging Markets module (BEM). When asked to choose between India, Vietnam and Brazil, I knew instantaneously that it had to be Vietnam. Firstly, all that came to mind when I heard ‘Vietnam’ was the war, erroneously so. Secondly, I had never been anywhere in Asia, which meant a Vietnam trip could then become one of the many trophies to be acquired from participating in the EMBA.
On 15 December 2022, I landed at Ho Chi Minh Airport with a feeling of ease not usual for a first-time visitor to a country. This was because I had run into four other coursemates who were on my connecting flight from Doha. And this is yet another beauty of being in the EMBA, you get to form great friendships as I have, some of whom become like family due to shared experiences in the course of the journey.
The BEM faculty organized the module to perfection, which was evident in the activities carefully curated from the core learning activities to routine arrangements for accommodation, transportation and evening socials. I was particularly impressed with the quality and variety of industries and speakers that were lined up, to enhance our learning experience. Between a Professor of Economics from a leading University in Vietnam, several captains of industries and business owners from small-medium size businesses, we gained practical knowledge on both market and non-market factors that impact business in Vietnam; and the role of these businesses in the plan of Vietnam to become a developed country by 2050.
Notable amongst the field trips was our visit to AstraZeneca, where we discussed the impact of socio-economic and geo-political factors on the role of technological advancement and cutting-edge innovations in medicine and pharmaceutical fields in a Post-Covid era. Another highlight was the trip to a luxury real-estate masterpiece, where we explored, assessed and queried the viability of the investment in an emerging market like Vietnam (what do you expect when you let loose a bunch of Oxford ‘smarties’ who need to show off their acquired knowledge after learning how to adopt the global rule of the games).
My Vietnam story is incomplete without the tales of my ‘offline’ adventures in Ho Chi Minh City. These were self-organized field trips with some friends within the cohort. The city scooter tour may well be one of the most adventurous things I have done in a long time since it had been ages since I mounted a two-wheeled scooter – 'okada' (as it’s known in my home country; Nigeria). And so, with the wind blowing through my hair, I explored the city, end to end on my white scooter. Whilst exploring the various distinct districts and night markets, our tour guides ensured that we enjoyed the Vietnamese hospitality and that we learnt much more about the social and cultural aspects, that could only be experienced on the streets of Vietnam. One popular Vietnamese culture is feasting on delicious street food such as xoi, bun cha, Bahn mi, and ‘dragon eye’; a priceless experience!
Our other activities included a trip to the famous ‘Lunch Lady’ street food stall (known as ‘Bukka’ in Nigeria) popularized by the Anthony Bourdain show; an enlightening trip to the war museum, and a day out at the Ben Thanh Market. All these activities enriched my overall learning experience, providing context to the topics taught and deepening my appreciation for the Vietnamese people's beauty, hospitality and resilient spirit.
Today, when I think of Vietnam, I no longer think of just war, rather I think of the power of determination to recover and rebuild; the power of harnessing an unfair advantage. The Vietnam story resonates deeply with me because it’s akin to the story of a Nigerian female, who embarked on a journey in the bid to harness her unfair advantage. It’s my Oxford journey, its ije oma – the good journey.
