Studying at Oxford had always been an ambition of mine. Many years ago, I applied for a master’s degree at Saïd Business School and was rejected. But I was determined to make it happen.
I'm still relatively young compared to the average executive running a business, not to mention a business that is nearing €200 million in revenue and growing fast. Being young in such a position means that I’ve always felt like I had to catch up in terms of experience. Most of my learning has come from the day-to-day challenges I’ve faced, the people I’ve worked with and the decisions I’ve had to make under pressure, but a few years ago, I recognised that the experience gap would need to be addressed.
I was already operationally responsible for the business, and I knew that I was on the path to becoming its CEO, but I lacked the exposure to other senior executives that could help me refine my leadership skills. I needed an external source of learning, something that would challenge my thinking, broaden my perspective, and prepare me for the next stage of my career.
This is what led me to Saïd Business School.
The decision to pursue an Executive MBA
At 26, I started seriously considering an executive education programme. I had a background in business and finance, but I knew that an Executive MBA would put me in a room with leaders who had decades of experience - people who had tackled high-level strategic challenges that I was just beginning to encounter. It was clear to me that being in such an environment would be invaluable.
The structure of the Oxford Executive MBA particularly stood out. Unlike programmes that relied on weekend learning, Oxford’s part-time model of intensive weeks allowed me to step away from my business, fully immerse myself in new ideas and then return with fresh perspectives and actionable insights. This format suited my situation perfectly.
The long road to admission
Applying for the Executive MBA was not straightforward. Given my age and level of experience at the time, I was initially told that I wasn’t a fit for the programme. They typically sought candidates with more seniority, and I was encouraged to wait a few years. But I couldn’t afford to wait - I needed this now, not later.
After several discussions with the admissions team, I was directed towards the Diploma in Organisational Leadership as a stepping stone. It turned out to be the perfect entry point. The diploma helped me reflect on my leadership style and provided valuable learning that I could apply immediately in my business.
Throughout the process, I remained persistent. I connected with key people at the school, built relationships, and proved my commitment. Eventually, after excelling in the diploma programme, I was able to secure admission to the Executive MBA.
Oxford has become a part of my story. It’s not just a school; it’s a community that has fundamentally changed the way I think about business, leadership, and the future.
The impact of Saïd Business School on my career
My years with Saïd Business School have been transformative. Juggling intensive executive programmes with running a rapidly growing business and raising a family was challenging, but the rewards have been immense.
One of the biggest benefits was learning how to step back from the daily grind and look at the bigger picture. Being away from the business for extended periods forced me to delegate more effectively, trust my team, and empower them to take on more responsibility. This shift in leadership style didn’t just help me - it made our entire organisation stronger.
The network I built at Oxford has also been invaluable. Unlike other business schools where competition among pears can be cutthroat, the Oxford cohorts foster a collaborative environment. The diversity of experiences and backgrounds in the room means that every discussion brings new insights, many of which I can directly apply to my business.
Perhaps most importantly, the programmes have broadened my perspective. They taught me to think about business in a holistic way, beyond just financials and KPIs. They emphasised the importance of sustainability, ethical leadership and most importantly long-term impact. These lessons have shaped not just how I run my company but also how I see my role as a leader in the broader business world.
Recognition and growth
While still in the Executive MBA programme, I was honoured to be featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. Without a doubt, my experience at Oxford contributed to that achievement. Making an impact in business is about more than just individual success - it’s about building the right team, fostering the right culture and driving meaningful change. These are principles that were reinforced during my time at Saïd Business School.
Since beginning my Oxford journey, my company has tripled in size. While there are many factors that contributed to this growth, I passionately believe that my time at Oxford played a significant role. The education, the network and the strategic insights I gained have all helped me become a more effective leader.
Continuing the journey: AI and the future
Even after completing both the Executive Diploma in Organisational Leadership and the Executive MBA, I’m still not done. Starting this week, I’m coming back for the 2025 Executive Diploma in AI for Business. The business world is evolving rapidly, and one of the biggest shifts we’re seeing is in artificial intelligence. Given that our company operates at the intersection of fashion, e-commerce and technology, staying ahead of AI advancements is critical.
Interestingly, I’m the first person to transition from a diploma to an EMBA and back to a diploma. That speaks volumes about how integrated Oxford has become in my career.
This next step will allow me to stay at the forefront of innovation, ensuring that my company remains a leader in its field. More importantly, it continues my journey of lifelong learning—something that Oxford has instilled in me from the beginning.
The real return on investment
Looking back, the return on investment from my education at Saïd Business School has been immeasurable. It has shaped me as a leader, expanded my worldview and provided me with a network of brilliant minds that I continue to learn from every day.
Beyond just business success, it has given me the confidence to take on bigger challenges and make a real impact in my industry. The lessons I’ve learned extend far beyond the classroom - they are embedded in the way I lead, the way I build teams and the way I approach problem-solving.
Oxford has become a part of my story. It’s not just a school; it’s a community that has fundamentally changed the way I think about business, leadership, and the future. And for that, I couldn’t be more grateful.
Find out more about: Oxford Executive MBA, Oxford Executive Diploma in Organisational Leadership and Oxford Executive Diploma in Artificial Intelligence for Business.
