Culture and Inclusion

Imperial Business School welcomes global scholars as new faculty for 2025–26

Shamita Harsh — Wed, 20 Aug 2025 10:33:43 +0000

Imperial Business School welcomes global scholars as new faculty for 2025–26

Shamita Harsh Wed, 20/08/2025 - 10:33

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5 September 2025

Imperial Business School is delighted to announce the new academic, research and teaching staff joining for the 2025–26 academic year, strengthening its global reputation at the intersection of business and technology.

The new colleagues join across all four academic areas — Finance, Management & Entrepreneurship, Analytics & Operations, and Economics & Public Policy — bringing world-class expertise in fields ranging from asset pricing and healthcare innovation to entrepreneurship, diversity and inclusion, and macroeconomic policy.

Finance

Two new assistant professors join the School’s Finance department: Dr. Alireza Aghaee and Dr. Harsha Dutta, alongside Luigi Rizzo who joins as a professor of practice.

Dr. Aghaee, who completed his PhD at Bocconi University, is an empirical researcher with interest in asset pricing and corporate finance. His award-winning work on the “index effect” in the S&P 500 has been recognised with the European Finance Association Doctoral Tutorial Best Paper Prize.

“I am excited to join Imperial’s vibrant research community, where collaboration across disciplines drives innovative thinking in finance. The School’s strong ties to policy and industry provide a unique environment to translate research into real-world impact.”

Alireza Aghaee

Assistant Professor of Finance

Dr. Harsha Dutta, previously at Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, studies the intersection of finance and development, with complementary interests in economic history and political economy. His research has appeared in journals including Science Advances and explores how financial incentives and institutional constraints shape the behaviour of households and firms in developing economies.

“I’m looking forward to working alongside Imperial’s exceptional business scholars. London’s rich historical legacy provides an inspiring environment for uncovering new insights from the past to inform modern financial policies.”

Harsha Dutta

Assistant Professor of Finance

Luigi Rizzo has more than three decades of investment banking experience. He is Vice Chair of Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley, having previously been a partner at Goldman Sachs and Head of Investment Banking for the EMEA region at Bank of America. He is an adjunct professor of business at Columbia Business School and has previously taught mergers and acquisitions as a visiting professor at the Business School. Eager to share practical insights with Imperial ��ý, he is an expert connecting theory to the realities of corporate finance.

“It is a privilege to be part of the Imperial community and help ��ý bridge the gap between theoretical frameworks and the daily realities of global finance.”

Luigi Rizzo

Professor of Practice

Management & Entrepreneurship

The department welcomes three globally recognised scholars, including two full professors, Professor Tobias Kretschmer and Professor Jeffery S. McMullen, as well as Dr. Poornima Luthra as a principal lecturer.

Professor Jeffery S. McMullen, former Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Business Venturing, is internationally recognised for advancing the theory of entrepreneurship and has been honoured with multiple awards, including the Foundational Paper Award from the Academy of Management.

“I am excited to explore the potential of entrepreneurship at a world-class STEM university dedicated to serving humanity and to do so in the middle of one of the most vibrant cities the world has ever known.”

Jeffery S McMullen

Professor of Entrepreneurship

Professor Kretschmer, coming from LMU Munich School of Management, is a leading expert in strategy and organisation design in technology-intensive industries. His work focuses on strategy and organisation design in technology-intensive industries. He currently serves as an associate editor at Strategic Management Journal.

“I’ve been studying new technologies for my entire career. Being at Imperial gives me a chance to learn in depth how these technologies work and to understand the strategic implications of technological change (and vice versa).”

Tobias Kretschmer

Professor of Strategy, Technology & Organisation

Dr. Poornima Luthra is a leading practitioner-academic in talent management and EDI, known for bridging research and practice across Asia and Europe. She is joining from Copenhagen Business School A TEDx speaker and author of multiple acclaimed books, she advises global organisations and was named a Thinkers50 top management thinker and Nordic Blaze Inclusion Trailblazer.

“I am thrilled to join Imperial Business School as it offers a dynamic environment at the forefront of global business education and research. The School’s strong commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world impact aligns perfectly with my vision for advancing knowledge and nurturing future leaders. I look forward to contributing to its diverse academic community and shaping its continued success.”

Poornima Luthra

Principal Lecturer of People, Culture & Inclusion

Economics & Public Policy

Two early-career scholars are joining this department Dr. Jasmin Moshfegh as Assistant Professor and Dr. Patrick Schneider as Assistant Professor. Ragvir Sabharwal will also be joining the Department as Senior Teaching Fellow from October.

Dr. Moshfegh, who joins from Stanford University, studies the causes and consequences of healthcare innovation, with a focus on information technologies. Her doctoral research, supported by the U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research & Quality, examined how new technologies diffuse through healthcare systems and their impact on health inequality.

“What excites me most about joining Imperial is the opportunity to be part of a department and institution that sits at the intersection of cutting-edge research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world impact. In health economics and public policy, the challenges we face—whether around healthcare access, innovation, or inequality—require perspectives that cut across economics, medicine, technology, and data science. Imperial’s unique ecosystem brings these disciplines together in a way that few other places can.”

Jasmin Moshfegh

Assistant Professor of Economics & Public Policy

Dr. Schneider, who earned his PhD at the London School of Economics, previously worked as an economist at the Bank of England, contributing to debates on Brexit and UK productivity. His work focuses on the distributional effects of macroeconomic policy. with a particular interest in inter-generational conflicts and behavioural biases.

“I’m most excited to work with our ��ý. Understanding economics is essential to functioning in today’s world, and I want to help our ��ý tool up for their futures.”

Patrick Schneider

Assistant Professor of Economics

Analytics & Operations

Joining the department are Dr. Jónas Oddur Jónasson as Associate Professor, Dr. Heeyoung Yoon as Assistant Professor and Angela O'Connell as Senior Teaching Fellow.

Dr. Jónasson, previously at MIT Sloan, specialises in improving healthcare delivery in resource-limited settings. His data-driven models have supported organisations such as the Clinton Health Access Initiative and the London Ambulance Service, and his award-winning research has influenced public health outcomes worldwide.

Dr. Heeyoung Yoon, who completed her PhD at New York University, focuses on prediction bias, consumption experiences and decision-making. Her research investigates why individuals mispredict their consumption patterns and how it affects consumer welfare as well as market outcomes.

“Imperial’s commitment to world-leading research and global impact makes it an inspiring place to be. I’m excited to contribute to and learn from colleagues who are advancing solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time.”

Heeyoung Yoon

Assistant Professor of Marketing

Angela O'Connell's journey started with a Maths degree at University of Bristol, followed by a CIMA qualification and an MBA at INSEAD. Since then, She’s worked across finance, consulting and marketing in consumer goods companies L’Oreal and P&G , and technology companies, including eight years at Google leading marketing teams across EMEA and more recently scaling teams at high-growth companies like Onfido and Plaid. Outside work, she's learning the trumpet, coaches her daughters' hockey teams, and plays padel.

“What I enjoy most is translating real world business challenges into practical learning experiences, and I’m excited to continue that approach here at Imperial Business School.”

Angela O'Connell

Senior Teaching Fellow

This diverse academic cohort embodies world-leading research, innovative teaching and a strong connection to practice. Their contributions will further strengthen the Business School’s mission to bring business and science together for the benefit of society.

This article was updated on 8 September 2025 to include revised details for Luigi Rizzo; on 9 September 2025 to include information on Angela O'Connell and Ragvir Sabharwal; on 12 September 2025 to reflect Poornima Luthra's correct title and on 3 March 2026 to reflect Patrick Schneider's correct title.

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From corporate finance to healthcare innovation, our new faculty are set to strengthen Imperial’s interdisciplinary edge

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6 minute read

Business School honours exceptional student and alumni impact through Dean’s Community Awards 2025

Shamita Harsh — Thu, 07 Aug 2025 14:07:36 +0000

Business School honours exceptional student and alumni impact through Dean’s Community Awards 2025

Shamita Harsh Thu, 07/08/2025 - 14:07

17 March 2026 News

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15 August 2025

Each year, Imperial Business School celebrates the remarkable ways in which our ��ý and alumni shape our community. Whether it is championing inclusivity or driving social impact and sustainability, they have consistently carved a way to lead by example.

The Dean’s Community Awards honour those who have gone above and beyond to lead, inspire, and pioneer new initiatives that make a difference both within the School and beyond. These awards are an yearly reflection of our community of practice, voted for by our staff and ��ý, recognising the work of ��ý and alumni who excel in extra-curricular activities.

Join us in congratulating winners of Dean’s Community Awards 2025:

Improving Society Award

Mohammad Zaid Abid Dalla, MSc Strategic Marketing, received the Improving Society award for leading impactful community initiatives as VP of Societal Engagement, including the What the Tech?! digital literacy programme and a Christmas dinner for care leavers, both of which fostered social inclusion and student volunteerism.

Dhruv Syam, BSc Economics, Finance & Data Science, received the Improving Society award for revitalising the Effective Altruism Society at Imperial and launching initiatives such as the Intro Fellowship and Impact Research Groups, which promote ethical, evidence-based engagement and empower ��ý to address global challenges.

Mohammad Zaid Abid Dalla

Dhruv Syam

Inclusive Business Award

IB Sunset Festival Student Committee comprising of Edward Lim, Kevin Alvaro Handoko, Zaid Abid Dalla, Omar Elali, Milan Koehler, Zhamilya Mukai, Sumitra Natesan, representing the courses MSc Business Analytics Online, MSc Global Health Management, MSc Strategic Marketing, received the Inclusive Business award for creating and delivering the inaugural IB Sunset Festival, an inclusive, culturally diverse celebration that successfully reimagined the School’s summer event and strengthened community engagement.

Aisha Qadi, MSc Management, received the Inclusive Business award for initiating and organising the School’s first Iftar event, which fostered inclusion, cultural understanding, and community among Muslim and non-Muslim ��ý during Ramadan.

IB Sunset Festival Student Committee

Aisha Qadi

Inspiring Brilliant Minds

Paolo Stagni, MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management, received the award for Inspiring Brilliant Minds for launching Imperial’s first-ever Hult Prize On Campus Competition, mobilising over 100 ��ý and coordinating a major cross-campus event that brought global social entrepreneurship to the heart of the university.

Andrea Martini, MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management, received the award for Inspiring Brilliant Minds for his leadership as Vice President of the Consulting Club, where he organised a diverse programme of events that enhanced student skills, broadened industry perspectives, and fostered meaningful professional connections.

Paolo Stagni

Andrea Martini

Pioneering Practical Solutions

Sameeksha (Sammy) Sahni, Global Online MBA, received the Pioneering Practical Solutions award for launching the Global Coffee Connect initiative in Dubai and hosting online prep sessions that fostered meaningful connections and support among online ��ý, alumni, and peers across programmes and geographies.

Laotan Faji, MSc Business Analytics and Maria Hayek, MSc Economics & Strategy for Business received this award in Pioneering Practical Solutions for organising the largest-ever School Intra-Programme Football Tournament, significantly improving participation, event structure, and promotion to deliver a highly successful and inclusive student experience.

Sameeksha Sahni

Laotan Faji and Maria Hayek

Power of Innovative Thinking

Rhea Khanna, MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management, received the Power of Innovative Thinking award for founding and leading Medora, a venture addressing oral care in dementia through inclusive, user-driven innovation, while also advancing student entrepreneurship and healthcare accessibility through multiple interdisciplinary initiatives.

Lara Biter, MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management, received the Power of Innovative Thinking award for contributions to entrepreneurship, inclusive innovation, and student wellbeing at Imperial, including co-founding Medora, leading national startup initiatives, and advancing accessibility and policy reform through multiple high-impact projects.

Rhea Khanna

Lara Biter

Sustainable Business Thinking

The Analytics for Society 2025 Student Organising Committee: Laotan A Faji, Margaux Drochon, Elena Lickel, Emily Peters, representing the MSc Business Analytics, Full-Time MBA, received the Sustainable Business Thinking award for transforming Analytics for Society into a global, cross-institutional platform by securing strategic partnerships, expanding international reach, and establishing a financially sustainable model that significantly enhanced the competition’s impact and visibility.

Nicolas Muller, Abdul Amin & the Climate Investment Challenge Committee comprising of Arushi Wasan, Ellie Schofield, Jessica Nutt, Alessio Boggio-Chaibi, Ofure Iribhogbe, Shraddha Kalpathi Jaidev and representing the programmes MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance, MSc Finance & Accounting, MSc Global Health Management, MSc Strategic Marketing. The group received the Sustainable Business Thinking award for organising the 2025 Climate Investment Challenge, securing new international funding, expanding global participation, and delivering a high-impact, professionally run competition addressing climate-focused financial innovation.

The Analytics for Society 2025 Student Organising Committee

Nicolas Muller, Abdul Amin & the Climate Investment Challenge Committee

Outstanding Contribution to the Business School

David Driskell and Tatiana Chang, Full-Time MBA, MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance, received the Outstanding Contribution to the Business School award for leading the creation of the School’s first student-authored EQUIS Student Report, coordinating diverse focus groups and delivering a high-quality submission that contributed significantly to the 2025 re-accreditation process.

Joanne Linder, Full-Time MBA 1996, received the Outstanding Contribution to the Business School award for chairing the Alumni Advisory Council for 13 years.

David Driskell and Tatiana Chang

Joanne Linder

Dean’s Community Award for Alumni

Marc Richly, Business Analytics Online (2023), received the Dean’s Community Award for Alumni award for leading the development of a machine learning tool to improve UNICEF India's fundraising effectiveness and for sustained contributions to student initiatives and alumni engagement through the Gandhi Centre for Inclusive Innovation.

Yasmin Baker, Intercalated BSc (2024), received the Dean’s Community Award for Alumni award for setting up a buddy scheme connecting alumni with current ��ý to enhance mentorship and support student wellbeing, and for establishing the non-profit “More than Medics”, supporting medical ��ý to explore careers beyond traditional clinical roles including consulting, medtech and policy.

Marc Richly

Yasmin Baker

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Celebrating the individuals championing diversity, inclusion and community through impactful initiatives and collaborative action.

Main image: IB Sunset Festival Student Committee - Edward Lim, Kevin Alvaro Handoko, Zaid Abid Dalla, Omar Elali, Milan Koehler, Zhamilya Mukai, Sumitra Natesan

4 minute read

Imperial awards medals to Business School's Professor Lara Cathcart and Afrey Edes

Shamita Harsh — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 15:04:25 +0000

Imperial awards medals to Business School's Professor Lara Cathcart and Afrey Edes

Shamita Harsh Mon, 02/06/2025 - 15:04

17 March 2026 News

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4 June 2025

During the graduation ceremony on 2 June, ��ý awarded the prestigious Imperial College Medal to two exceptional members of the Business School community: Professor Lara Cathcart and Afrey A. Edes. The medals came in recognition of their transformative impact on the university over the course of their distinguished career.

Professor Lara Cathcart, who has served Imperial for 27 years, was honoured for her pioneering contributions to finance education and her unwavering commitment to academic excellence, diversity, and inclusion.

“It is an honour to be awarded the Imperial College Medal, and this recognition means a great deal to me. What started out as one finance programme has become a fully-fledged department with several courses producing leaders of the finance industry. I am truly grateful to have played a part in this journey.” said Professor Cathcart, a trailblazer who has co-created and led a suite of MSc programmes.

Her dedication is mirrored with graduates and peers alike citing her as an inspiring mentor, role model, and advocate for gender equity in academia.

Reflecting on her diligence, Dean Peter Todd said, “Lara exemplifies the values of Imperial through her excellence, integrity, and enduring commitment to the university and its ��ý. It is an honour to recognise her with the Imperial College Medal.”

Continuing to shape the future of finance education both at Imperial and internationally, Lara said: “I always believed that the lack of representation of women in the field of finance served as a kind of deterrent for prospective female ��ý and academics. I felt it my duty to provide encouragement to staff and ��ý alike to pursue their dreams."

“Diversity is a strength, and the increasing representation in the Business School is furthering its success, something I am very proud of.”

Professor Lara Cathcart

Professor of Finance, Imperial Business School

Afrey Edes, Executive Director of Faculty Services and Space at the Business School, received the Medal in recognition of over two decades of transformative leadership in operational excellence, innovation, and strategic space planning. Since joining Imperial in 1996, Afrey has played a key role in the growth and development of the Business School, most notably leading on the design and delivery of space innovation initiatives.

Acknowledging her journey at Imperial, Afrey said: “Cross-disciplinary collaboration has always been essential, working with teams in Estates, ICT, student representatives and academic faculty has enabled us to do something genuinely transformative. Receiving this award is both a personal milestone and a testament to the incredible teamwork that defines Imperial.”

Afrey’s leadership was especially vital during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she swiftly adapted campus facilities for multi-mode learning, enabling high-quality hybrid teaching for thousands of ��ý.

Recognising Afrey's commitment to the Business School community, Peter said, “Afrey’s calm, pragmatic approach, deep institutional knowledge, and unwavering dedication to Imperial’s mission make her a highly respected and valued colleague. It is a privilege to recognise her contributions tonight with the Imperial College Medal."

Reflecting on her work leading space design and pandemic adaptations, Afrey added: “I feel honoured to be recognised by Imperial for my contribution, it’s a moment of immense pride and reflection, which I’m very grateful for. Throughout my time here, I’ve had the opportunity to work in a number of different roles and contribute in many ways to the outstanding growth of the Business School.”

Her forward-thinking approach and deep understanding of institutional needs have helped shape an environment where both ��ý and staff can thrive.

Professor Cathcart affirms that this recognition is a testimony to the Imperial legacy: “It is the pursuit of scientific advancement, and the quantitative unity of all disciplines, that fosters the ecosystem of research, innovation and education at the Business School and Imperial at large.”

Together, Professor Cathcart and Afrey Edes exemplify the values of Imperial—excellence, innovation, and commitment to the greater academic community—and their lasting legacies continue to shape the future of the institution.

“Thinking about the student and staff experience has been at the heart of all the projects I’ve worked on, creating spaces that are inclusive, adaptable and innovative. ”

Afrey A Edes

Executive Director of Faculty Services and Space Planning

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Outstanding contributions to finance education, operational excellence, and inclusive growth recognised

Professor Lara Cathcart (left) and Afrey A Edes (right) receiving the Imperial Medal from Professor Hugh Brady | ��ý

3 minute read

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at Imperial Business School

Shamita Harsh — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 10:15:24 +0000

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at Imperial Business School

Shamita Harsh Mon, 14/04/2025 - 10:15

17 March 2026 News

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at Imperial Business School

16 March 2026 News

Imperial’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

12 March 2026 News

What does it take to lead responsibly in an age shaped by AI?

17 March 2026

What does generosity look like in global finance? This question framed the conversation between Dame Julia Hoggett, CEO of the London Stock Exchange and Peter Todd, Dean of Imperial Business School, at this year’s Joan Woodward Memorial Lecture.

As part of this year’s theme “Give to Gain”, the event, which marked International Women’s Day, focused on how generosity in leadership, mentorship and opportunity can shape stronger institutions and more inclusive markets.

The event honoured Joan Woodward, one of Imperial’s earliest female professors and a pioneering scholar, whose research showed that organisational structures must adapt to their social and technological context.

A sociologist in finance

Opening the discussion, the Dean noted that Woodward’s insight on organisations being fundamentally social systems remains highly relevant today.

“Joan Woodward brought a sociologist’s eye to questions of power, structure and technology – and demonstrated that management is, above all, a social practice.” he said. “It was therefore especially fitting that our speaker this year should be Dame Julia, someone who has carried that social and political science perspective into the heart of global finance. It was a great pleasure to have her with us.”

That perspective has shaped Hoggett’s own career. In 2024, she was awarded a Damehood for services to business and finance, recognising both her industry leadership and her work championing more inclusive workplaces.

“Markets are really sociology with money,” she told the audience. “They’re about how large groups of people think, behave and organise themselves.”

“It was... especially fitting that our speaker this year should be Dame Julia, someone who has carried... [a] social and political science perspective into the heart of global finance.”

Peter Todd

Dean, Imperial Business School

Trust and access to capital

Exchanges, Hoggett argued, act as essential conveners in the global financial system.

“Stock exchanges bring together those who have capital with those who need it,” she said. “Trust has been at the heart of every transaction in this city for 300 years, and it still is. Maintaining it requires institutions that prioritise trustworthiness.”

“What the world needs is not more trust,” Hoggett said, echoing philosopher Onora O'Neill. “The world needs more trustworthiness.”

That principle has also shaped her views on access to capital: “One of the reasons I care so passionately about public markets is that they are inherently democratising.” she said.

By contrast, she suggested that private markets can concentrate opportunity among already wealthy investors. Supporting companies as they move from private to public funding, she said, helps broaden wealth creation across the economy.

Leadership through generosity

For early-career professionals in the audience, Hoggett emphasised that leadership is about generosity – giving time, mentorship and opportunity to others.

Her advice: “You can lead from any seat in an organisation. Leadership starts when you understand your role in the wider system and take full ownership of it. Master your brief, understand the context and seek to shape outcomes, and you can do far more than you think.”

That spirit reflects the legacy of Woodward herself: a scholar whose work reshaped how organisations are understood and whose influence continues to inspire new generations of leaders to rethink how markets truly work.

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Speaking on the theme “Give to Gain” at the Business School's annual Joan Woodward memorial lecture, Dame Julia Hoggett, London Stock Exchange CEO, highlighted why trust and culture matter for markets – and why access to capital matters for the country

Main image: Imperial Business School

2 minute read

Alumni profile: Ivan Kovynyov, founder of the LGBTQ+ and Allies Business Club

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Alumni profile: Ivan Kovynyov, founder of the LGBTQ+ and Allies Business Club

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

4 March 2026 Alumni

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

After beginning his career at Finance Think, Besnik Mustafa went on to advise Members of Parliament in North Macedonia. He later joined Salience Consulting, gaining experience across multiple international markets.

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31 January 2022

Alumni

This year sees the 50th anniversary of the very first Pride March in the UK in 1972 and this LGBT+ month the focus is on ‘The Arc Is Long’, highlighting the continuous journey towards full equality. We spoke to members of our alumni community who told us why it is still so important to champion LGBT+ rights and the role that organisations can play in supporting and educating their staff.

The LGBTQ+ and Allies Business Club

Ivan Kovynyov (Weekend MBA 2020) founded, and was President of, the LGBTQ+ and Allies Business Club at Imperial Business School back in 2018. The club, which has continued to grow from strength to strength, provides a platform connecting ��ý and alumni with companies and organisations hiring in a more inclusive manner.

“My aim in creating the club was to promote the interests of students who identify as LGBTQ+ and Allies, to help companies across the industries recruit and retain more inclusively, to encourage the self-identification of LGBTQ+ colleagues and increase LGBTQ+ visibility among senior executives and at a board level.”

How can organisations be more inclusive

Now the Practice Lead in Tech Advantage Consulting & Advisory at Zühlke Group, Ivan shares his thoughts on how organisations can support their LGBTQ+ staff and create an inclusive atmosphere:

“Many businesses have already undertaken significant steps towards a more inclusive workplace by ensuring equal promotion chances, tackling homophobic bullying and supporting the coming-out process in a workplace. As well as adopting practices to attract and retain LGBTQ+ talent.

Being part of the LGBTQ+ community has elevated my self-esteem and gave me strength in my professional and private live.

“However, there is still a large number of practical issues to be solved: offering assistance and parental leave for both partners, including bereavement leave and transgender medical coverage, installing gender-neutral toilets and others. Addressing the implicit bias towards the LGBTQ+ people should be one of the top priorities across the businesses.”

“The societal developments of the recent decades have set the foundations for an inclusive future. It is crucial to keep this momentum and secure the achievements of the recent past. For this reason being supportive of the LGBTQ+ community and colleagues is more important than ever."

Moving forward

Looking back, Ivan reflects that he was not as confident as he is now in talking about his personal life and how it crossed over into the workplace:

“Founding the Imperial LGBTQ+ and Allies Business Club back in 2018 has been part of my professional coming-out. It is so nice to see how the club has developed over the last years and the many things it has done to support a more inclusive workplace. However, back in 2018, it was very challenging for me to stand up and talk about my identity to the broader public. Luckily, so many people have encouraged me and helped me my along the way. From many conversations with my supporters, I have learned that you should never let fear, insecurity and doubt prevent you from pursuing your dreams and following your agenda.

“This has been a big takeaway for me. Being part of the LGBTQ+ community has elevated my self-esteem and gave me strength in my professional and private live.”

Culture and Inclusion

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Programme

Weekend MBA

2 minute read

Saluting our sisters during Black History Month: celebrating Alberta Asafo-Asamoah

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Saluting our sisters during Black History Month: celebrating Alberta Asafo-Asamoah

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

4 March 2026 Alumni

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10 November 2023

Alumni

The theme of this year’s Black History Month is ‘Saluting our Sisters’ and highlights the remarkable contributions that Black women have made to literature, fashion, sport, business, academia, art and more. In recognition of this, we are sharing the personal stories of Black women from the Business School who have made significant strides in business and entrepreneurship.

Alberta Asafo-Asamoah, Full-Time MBA 2020, is the Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Liquify, a platform that connects African sellers to global capital markets. In her blog, Alberta shares what inspired her to become an entrepreneur, the support she received at Imperial Business School, and her advice to Black ��ý aspiring to become entrepreneurs.

About me

I describe myself as a social entrepreneur and an educationalist. During my Undergraduate studies, I grew more interested in how policy affects private companies and their involvement in job creation. This led to me starting my career in OTC Derivatives and then in Corporate Banking at NatWest.

In 2018, I left banking to pursue a career in impact investing as I wanted to combine my experience in finance with a passion for social issues. I joined a boutique impact advisory firm as a consultant identifying and evaluating potential investments in the SME space in Uganda and Kenya to help bridge the funding gap for businesses caught in the ‘missing middle’ phenomenon.

During this period, I also founded AlgebraInTheCity (“AITC”), an educational tuition and consultancy business as part of my personal mission to help liberalise quality education and close the attainment gap in underserved communities in the UK.

Why I chose Imperial Business School

I applied for the Full-Time MBA programme at Imperial Business School because I wanted to contribute to the start-up ecosphere in Africa by developing investment opportunities for businesses and by lobbying African lawmakers to invest in initiatives for African social enterprises. I also entered the MBA programme with a business idea that I wanted to develop further during the programme.

I chose Imperial Business School because of its initiatives in advancing science and technology because I knew that for me to become a successful entrepreneur, I needed to be a part of an environment that would allow me to test and trial ideas and access a global network that I can call on when needed.

My business: Liquify

I’m the Co-founder of a company called Liquify which is an invoice marketplace that connects exporters, in the emerging markets trading with multinational companies, in need of working capital financing with financiers. Our goal is to unlock liquidity in Africa by giving asset managers in Europe and beyond exposure to invest in an untapped asset class.

One of our biggest achievements was being accepted into Techstars Web 3 accelerator programme in February 2023. This was a great opportunity for us to network with other founders, investors and mentors whilst sense checking out go-to-market strategy. The investment from Techstars has allowed us to build the first version of our product.

Why I became an entrepreneur

I grew up in an entrepreneurial family so I always knew I would start a business at some point but I thought it would be much later in life. However, what pushed me to start sooner was my experience as a banker. Although I loved the structure of a stable career, as a solution-driven individual, I found it difficult to be creative because of the bureaucracy. So, I started to explore passions beyond my job. I left the bank in November 2018 to focus on developing an edu-tech business and to establish a career in impact investment.

Challenges I have faced

I am a black woman founder, in a female-led start-up, developing a fintech company in the UK, with a focus in Africa. This can be challenging! There is sometimes an assumption that you haven’t considered all risks, so it means as a team, we are often overly prepared and go two to four steps further on some decisions. I must say that we have been lucky to have advisors and allies who provide sound advice and make introductions when needed.

How Imperial Business School has helped me

The Business School has been supportive of my academic journey and entrepreneurial journey. I received the Social Impact scholarship which showed that the institution cares about the issues I am trying to tackle and instilled a level of personal responsibility to continue working on these problems. Imperial provided a really good ecosystem for entrepreneurs, and I took every opportunity. I received feedback on my business pitch at Pitch ‘N’ Mix events, I took part in hackathons and also chose ‘Entrepreneurial journey’ electives so it prepared me for the post-MBA world. Imperial has also promoted my journey through its community and social channels which has allowed me to connect with a new network of people.

Advice I would give to Black ��ý aspiring to become entrepreneurs

Firstly, build a community or an advisory board of people from diverse backgrounds so that you can get objective advice from different perspectives.

Secondly, do not discount the importance of peer mentors as they can be crucial to getting your product from zero to one when you do not have the financial resources from a large sponsor.

Lastly, when you do finally make it, don’t forget to help others along the way and invest in your community.

Culture and Inclusion

Entrepreneurship

Programme

MSc Climate Change, Management & Finance

4 minute read

Black History Month alumni spotlight: celebrating Akoma Health's exceptional co-founder

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Black History Month alumni spotlight: celebrating Akoma Health's exceptional co-founder

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

4 March 2026 Alumni

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

27 February 2026 Alumni

Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth

Imposter syndrome is something our careers consultants encounter frequently when supporting professionals through moments of growth, transition, and increased responsibility.

13 February 2026 Alumni

Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI

18 October 2023

Alumni

In celebration of Black History Month, we are shining a light on the Business School’s outstanding Black entrepreneurs. Niyi Michael-Adenuga, MSc Business Analytics 2020, is the distinguished co-founder of Akoma Health, a health tech company in Africa.

About me

I’ve completed two degrees from Imperial - my undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering (completed in 2017) at Imperial London and my Business Analytics Master’s at Imperial Business School (completed in 2020). In the six years since my undergraduate degree, I’ve worked across upstream Oil & Gas, Telecoms, FinTech and now HealthTech.

Prior to applying for the MSc Business Analytics programme at the business school, I had been working in an Operations role in upstream oil and gas. My motivation for applying was primarily to transition into a data-centric/strategy role at a tech company, leveraging the data analytics skills I had been building at work and on my own.

My business: Akoma Health

I’m the co-founder of Akoma Health,a tele-therapy web application, providing thousands of Africans with access to virtual mental health consultations through our large network of psychologists, therapists, counsellors and coaches. Our core mission is to improve accessibility to mental health care (overcoming barriers around the cultural perception of therapy and stigma attached to going to physical clinics). One of the most significant ways we have achieved this is by integrating with leading Health Insurers/Health Maintenance Organisations on the continent in providing our services through their channels. Through these processes, we offer very customised user experiences via features like our preference survey, algorithmically matching users to providers based on their symptoms and desired traits in providers.

We have made tremendous progress in the last year, and we are proud to be one of the startups in the 2023 cohort of Google’s Black Founders Fund. We are looking forward to deepening our relationships with Health Insurers, Employers and other health care stakeholders, across the continent. Expanding the care modalities on Akoma Health is another priority for us - we’ve recently released solutions for asynchronous care through our chat feature.

What inspired me to become an entrepreneur

The first moment was in 2020, when I experienced a tremendous lack of resources available for mental health care in Nigeria. At the time, I was struggling with sleep and other anxiety-like symptoms. I know I needed some support, but I had no idea where to begin looking for trusted solutions or professionals.

In the process of discussing with others who had also been looking for solutions and tried them, therapists, and other stakeholders, I understood the broader context and realised this was a much bigger challenge than I had initially imagined. Beyond this, I noticed a sea-change in employers and insurers, who were looking for mental health solutions due to the demand side.

Challenges I have faced along the way

Given that Akoma Health operates in Africa, fortunately, there have not been many challenges I’ve that have been directly attributable to race. One disconnect was the experience of having to explain to foreign investors the context of mental health in Africa, and the progress made in recent years around consumers’ awareness and motivation to pay for solutions. Luckily, we have been supported by funds/angels with a lot of operational experience on the continent, such as Google BFF, Visible Hands, HoaQ and many more.

How Imperial Business School has helped me

My MSc in Business Analytics directly prepared me for my role at Bamboo, an African WealthTech company, where I led data analytics and experimentation. I ended up working very closely with both founders and in the process, I learnt a lot about what it takes to be a founder of an early-stage company. They continue to be invaluable supporters and advisors of Akoma Health. I have also been supported by many members of the Imperial Business School team such as Clare Turner and Dean Francisco Veloso.

My advice for Black ��ý aspiring to become entrepreneurs

Spend time listening and be open to learning from existing operators and other stakeholders in your chosen area. They will almost have insights that are essential to creating a valuable solution.

Entrepreneurship is hard, so make sure you have a solid support network that includes people who are also entrepreneurs/have a lot of understanding of what the experience is like.

I’m fairly new into my entrepreneurship journey, but I’m happy to support you in any way and answer questions you might have. I’m available on LinkedIn.

Culture and Inclusion

Entrepreneurship

Programme

MSc Business Analytics & AI

3 minute read

Women@Imperial Week: Alumni profile, Tennessee Watt

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Women@Imperial Week: Alumni profile, Tennessee Watt

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

4 March 2026 Alumni

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

27 February 2026 Alumni

Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth

Imposter syndrome is something our careers consultants encounter frequently when supporting professionals through moments of growth, transition, and increased responsibility.

13 February 2026 Alumni

Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI

7 March 2022

Alumni

Tennessee Watt (MSc Management 2018) is a brand and product marketer, technologist and social justice advocate. Currently she is a Marketing Manager Brand & Reputation at Google, and previously held roles as a Digital Communications Associate at Purpose Union. At Imperial she specialised in digital innovation and stays active in the Imperial alumni community as a member of the Imperial Business School Alumni Advisory Board.

What does Break the Bias mean to you?

To me, break the bias means challenging stereotypes against women. These stereotypes can make you feel personally underestimated or that need to prove a point. It is difficult to have the courage to challenge these, but looking at the bigger picture, if they are not challenged, it may result in missed opportunities for women in the future. Breaking the bias is getting over that interpersonal experience and making it a bigger cause and fighting for the rights of all women.

How have you faced bias in the workplace?

In the past I had a difficult work situation. It was a challenge to be in that environment as a woman specifically as I was underestimated quite a lot and felt a lot of microaggressions. Even though I had just graduated with a business degree, people in my team would ask if I could handle data, or assumed I wasn’t interested in a specific project on video games because I was a woman. There’s a stereotype that girls and women are not as quantitative and are more the emotional and creative. It was very difficult to navigate.

My role at Google is focused on Diversity and Inclusion so I feel like the experiences I went through, were almost a pathway to inclusion work. Working in inclusion has been so cathartic, and it has allowed me to make sense of a lot of the experiences I have been through. It feels positive for me to help companies create cultures that would stop these experiences from happening to someone else.

No company is perfect when it comes to EDI, it’s more of an upwards trend towards inclusivity. I am more empowered to challenge this behaviour now because of the experiences I’ve had. I’ve had a few female and male mentors that have helped me navigate these problems. I feel it’s my role to contribute to fostering inclusivity within the environments and spaces that I occupy for my career.

How has Imperial equipped you with tools to deal with gender bias?

I had a negotiation class whilst studying my Masters at Imperial and that has really helped me. Years after I graduated, it’s provided tools and has reminded me the importance of negotiation.

Imperial has provided me with speaking opportunities for ��ý and to contribute to editorial content. Imperial has just put me forward for the Management Today 35 under 35 Women in Business Award which has really made me feel confident and inspired in my career.

Culture and Inclusion

Programme

MSc in Management (MiM)

2 minute read

Women@Imperial Week: Alumni profile, Morgan Mixon

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Women@Imperial Week: Alumni profile, Morgan Mixon

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

4 March 2026 Alumni

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

27 February 2026 Alumni

Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth

Imposter syndrome is something our careers consultants encounter frequently when supporting professionals through moments of growth, transition, and increased responsibility.

13 February 2026 Alumni

Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI

7 March 2022

Alumni

Morgan Mixon (MBA 2021) is Co-Founder of Cleannest, a babycare e-commerce platform dedicated to bringing modern families more peace of mind with category-defining, premium nappies and hassle-free service. Before pursuing an MBA at Imperial, she was Chief Operating Officer of accelerateHER (now EQL:HER), a global network and event series focused on re-balancing gender in the technology sector, and a corporate communications consultant representing governments as well as energy and infrastructure companies.

What does break the bias mean to you?

To me break the bias means taking action to combat inequity. Action can manifest in many forms and it’s about identifying the tangible ways you can contribute. Breaking the bias requires challenging the status quo, and often that process is uncomfortable - as all meaningful change is. Leaning into those difficult moments can be less daunting, especially at first, if you’re drawing from your personal strengths. Most importantly, continuously check yourself. Ask yourself, friends, family, or colleagues how you can make a bigger impact. Never settle.

How have you faced bias in the workplace?

Of course, but I have been fortunate to work throughout my career with incredible role models - including Jules Chappell, Laura Stebbing, and Poppy Gaye to name a few. These leaders worked hard to create inclusive work environments founded on empathy and trust so that I could thrive and so that my career path was not limited. I’m grateful for their support and recognise the importance of playing my part to lift up the next generation of women and other under-represented groups. Vouching for the quality of her/their work, opening my network, providing honest feedback on ideas, or recommending people for the media opportunities I see are a few things I've been trying out. Drafting that email for 5 minutes may open a huge door for someone. Give it a go.

How has Imperial equipped you with tools to deal with gender bias?

Crucially Imperial has elevated diversity and inclusion to a core aspect of its curriculum and student experience. The biggest game-changer for me has been Imperial’s financial support of me and my business. I was awarded a Forté Foundation scholarship which made my MBA experience possible and, unbeknownst to me at the time, set me on the path to founding Cleannest with fellow Imperial graduate, Rima Suppan. That financial support in combination with programmes like the Enterprise Lab’s WeAccelerate have made it possible to confront one of the biggest challenges women face - systemic financial inequality. My hope is that many more women also pursue and benefit from Imperial's impressive pool of financial resources.

Culture and Inclusion

Programme

Full-Time MBA

2 minute read

Women@Imperial: Alumni profile, Giverny van Heemstra

Francesca Hoare — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Women@Imperial: Alumni profile, Giverny van Heemstra

Francesca Hoare Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

4 March 2026 Alumni

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

27 February 2026 Alumni

Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth

Imposter syndrome is something our careers consultants encounter frequently when supporting professionals through moments of growth, transition, and increased responsibility.

13 February 2026 Alumni

Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI

7 March 2022

Alumni

Giverny van Heemstra (MSc Finance & Accounting 2019) is a Senior Analyst at Goldman Saachs based in Amsterdam. After studying MSc Finance & Accounting at in Imperial in 2019 she worked at EY in Audit & Assurance.

How have you faced bias in the workplace?

Finance is still a male dominated sector, but I am seeing interesting new initiatives from my organisation to unite women. I am a part of the Women’s Network and it’s an interdivision network that I can connect with other employees from across the organisation and share experiences. We look at different topics, biases or current issues facing women in the workplace and in general. We look at how we can drive specific recruitment events aimed at women and community work that we can align with.

One thing that has been interesting to see in the Private Wealth sector is more diversification of our clientele. As the world is developing, we have seen an increase in more women expanding their portfolios. There have been internal initiatives to support these potential female clients, which is fantastic.

What does Break the Bias mean to you?

Break the bias means having role models in positions of leadership. I am lucky to have strong female leadership at the organisation I am now. When I was at EY, my team worked with a female partner who was quite young and had children and it was a great example for us to see this. It was so inspiring to see this and to work with her. It’s so important to see representation.

Where the whole sector can take some steps, is to acknowledge that female communication is different than male communication, and to create awareness around this.

How has Imperial equipped you with tools to deal with gender bias?

I was looking to study in London as it’s a financial hub and I felt it was a city that could really broaden my horizons. I wanted to meet lots of interesting and international people. The whole culture at Imperial was so inclusive and positive. I’ve met so many strong and inspiring women whilst I was at Imperial, from my classmates to staff members. I was empowered by the support offered to ��ý on an individual basis to ensure you are confident to apply for jobs and go out in the workforce. In the Netherlands, I was often the only woman in the classroom in my courses, as time this changed, but at Imperial my programme was so diverse and talented.

Culture and Inclusion

Programme

MSc Finance & Accounting

2 minute read

Culture and Inclusion

Imperial Business School welcomes global scholars as new faculty for 2025–26

Imperial Business School welcomes global scholars as new faculty for 2025–26

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at Imperial Business School

Imperial’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

What does it take to lead responsibly in an age shaped by AI?

Finance

Management & Entrepreneurship

Economics & Public Policy

Analytics & Operations

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From corporate finance to healthcare innovation, our new faculty are set to strengthen Imperial’s interdisciplinary edge

Business School honours exceptional student and alumni impact through Dean’s Community Awards 2025

Business School honours exceptional student and alumni impact through Dean’s Community Awards 2025

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at Imperial Business School

Imperial’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

What does it take to lead responsibly in an age shaped by AI?

Improving Society Award

Inclusive Business Award

Inspiring Brilliant Minds

Pioneering Practical Solutions

Power of Innovative Thinking

Sustainable Business Thinking

Outstanding Contribution to the Business School

Dean’s Community Award for Alumni

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Celebrating the individuals championing diversity, inclusion and community through impactful initiatives and collaborative action.

Imperial awards medals to Business School's Professor Lara Cathcart and Afrey Edes

Imperial awards medals to Business School's Professor Lara Cathcart and Afrey Edes

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at Imperial Business School

Imperial’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

What does it take to lead responsibly in an age shaped by AI?

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Outstanding contributions to finance education, operational excellence, and inclusive growth recognised

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at Imperial Business School

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at Imperial Business School

“Markets are really sociology with bond maths,” says London Stock Exchange CEO at Imperial Business School

Imperial’s Global Online MBA ranks first in the world for alumni salaries

What does it take to lead responsibly in an age shaped by AI?

A sociologist in finance

Trust and access to capital

Leadership through generosity

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Speaking on the theme “Give to Gain” at the Business School's annual Joan Woodward memorial lecture, Dame Julia Hoggett, London Stock Exchange CEO, highlighted why trust and culture matter for markets – and why access to capital matters for the country

Alumni profile: Ivan Kovynyov, founder of the LGBTQ+ and Allies Business Club

Alumni profile: Ivan Kovynyov, founder of the LGBTQ+ and Allies Business Club

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth

Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI

The LGBTQ+ and Allies Business Club

How can organisations be more inclusive

Moving forward

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Saluting our sisters during Black History Month: celebrating Alberta Asafo-Asamoah

Saluting our sisters during Black History Month: celebrating Alberta Asafo-Asamoah

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth

Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI

About me

Why I chose Imperial Business School

My business: Liquify

Why I became an entrepreneur

Challenges I have faced

How Imperial Business School has helped me

Advice I would give to Black ������ý aspiring to become entrepreneurs

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Black History Month alumni spotlight: celebrating Akoma Health's exceptional co-founder

Black History Month alumni spotlight: celebrating Akoma Health's exceptional co-founder

Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)

Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth

Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI

About me

My business: Akoma Health

What inspired me to become an entrepreneur

Challenges I have faced along the way

How Imperial Business School has helped me

My advice for Black ������ý aspiring to become entrepreneurs

Advice I would give to Black ��ý aspiring to become entrepreneurs

My advice for Black ��ý aspiring to become entrepreneurs