Leadership

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

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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

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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

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12 March 2026 News

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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

“Representation influences capital allocation” says Lara Cathcart at Imperial’s third annual Women in Finance event

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

“Representation influences capital allocation” says Lara Cathcart at Imperial’s third annual Women in Finance event

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?

3 March 2026

Once characterised as a “boys’ club”, the finance sector is undergoing a cultural shift that is reshaping how decisions are made. Greater representation at senior levels is increasingly recognised as influencing how capital is allocated.

Imperial Business School’s third annual Women in Finance event explored how women are influencing capital markets and redefining leadership across sustainable finance.

An investment narrative that is rooted in embracing change

The keynote address was delivered by Hortense Bioy, former Head of Sustainable Investing Research at Morningstar Sustainalytics, who focused on building a more sustainable and inclusive financial future. She explored how geopolitical uncertainty has reshaped sustainable investing strategies, creating both complexity and opportunity.

“The media often debates whether ESG is dead,” Bioy observed. “What we are witnessing right now is an evolution of practices, a recalibration by businesses and investors alike. What’s fading is a version of ESG that relied heavily on labels and was often disconnected from financial outcomes, to make room for pragmatism and realism.”

Her message underscored the importance of data-driven research and thoughtful analysis in navigating rapidly changing markets. She also offered advice to young women entering the sector, encouraging attendees to embrace opportunity: “Step beyond your comfort zone. Visibility and persistence matter. No is rarely the end.”

“Through events like Women in Finance, Imperial Business School reaffirms its commitment to advancing women across the financial sector, creating space for leadership, visibility and meaningful dialogue.”

Lara Cathcart

Professor of Finance, Academic Director for MSc Finance and MSc Risk Management and Financial Engineering

Improving gender inclusion in sustainable finance

The panel discussion, moderated by Fiona Frick, Finance Advisory Board Member and Founding Partner at Circe Invest, examined how female voices are shaping sustainable finance, impact investing and fintech.

Lise Renelleau, Head of Research and Innovation for the IQ Lab at HSBC Asset Management, reinforced the importance of measurable impact. She expressed optimism that as access to high-quality data improves, ESG – once perceived as a top-down imposition – is increasingly being integrated into portfolio construction and reporting. While AI and advanced technologies can enhance data analysis, she stressed that human judgement remains essential in translating information into meaningful insight.

Kamini Banga, Chair of the Banga Family Trust, reflected on her experience working in India, where workplace equity was less established when she began her career. From identifying public healthcare investment needs in rural communities to overseeing family enterprise, she highlighted the importance of a just transition in emerging markets.

Zoe Jankel, Vice President and Senior Credit Officer at Moody’s Ratings, spoke about cultural change within organisations. She noted a shift away from expectations that women must conform to traditionally masculine leadership styles. Increasingly, authenticity is recognised and valued at senior levels.

The evening concluded with remarks from Lara Cathcart, Academic Director for MSc Finance and MSc Risk Management and Financial Engineering. Acknowledging the significant evolution in the finance industry, she reflected that there are still male-dominated pockets, especially at the senior leadership level:

“Representation is not simply about equity; it directly influences how capital is allocated, how risk is assessed, and how innovation is fostered. Through events like Women in Finance, Imperial Business School reaffirms its commitment to advancing women across the financial sector, creating space for leadership, visibility and meaningful dialogue.”

Note: This article's headline was updated from: “Representation influences capital allocation” says Professor of Finance at Imperial’s third annual Women in Finance event on 05.03.2026.

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Imperial Business School’s event showcased female leaders driving sustainable investing, ESG innovation and long-term value creation.

Main image: Imperial Business School | Fergus Burnett

3 minute read

Meet Imperial’s Executive MBA Class of 2027

Rebecca Pike — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000

Meet Imperial’s Executive MBA Class of 2027

Rebecca Pike Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31

15 April 2026 Student blog

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Valentina Amoroso and the Executive MBA Class of 2026 recently attended the Executive Leadership retreat, an immersive experience designed for reflection, coaching and applied leadership development.

1 April 2026 Features

The ultimate guide to choosing a part-time MBA at Imperial

Part-time MBA programmes have grown in popularity as more professionals look for flexible ways to develop their skills while continuing to work. At Imperial, options include the Weekend MBA, Global Online MBA and Executive MBA, each designed to fit around different schedules and career goals.

9 March 2026 Scholarship blog

Championing women in leadership with the Inspiring Women – Executive MBA Scholarship

Executive MBA student Pragya Joshi shares why she chose Imperial Business School, what receiving the Inspiring Women – Executive MBA Scholarship means to her, and how she hopes to champion greater female representation in senior leadership.

2 March 2026

Features

The business world is evolving at a rapid rate. As organisations navigate AI integration and systemic change, the Executive MBA Class of 2027 reflects the evolving needs of modern business leaders. With a comprehensive curriculum designed to tackle this evolving landscape, our Executive MBA is designed specifically to equip established senior professionals with the insight, expertise and confidence to continue making a meaningful difference in their field . Supported by expert faculty and a powerful peer network, the Class of 2027 will graduate uniquely positioned not just to navigate change, but to lead it.

Welcoming the Executive MBA Class of 2027: a global cohort of senior professionals

At the start of the year, we welcomed a new and dynamic cohort of executive professionals to Imperial Business School’s Executive MBA programme. The Class of 2027 brings together 31 experienced professionals – 42% of whom are female – from a wide range of industries, backgrounds and countries. With an average of 15 years’ work experience across healthcare, finance, consulting, technology, media, government and real estate, and 19 nationalities represented, this eclectic mix creates dynamic classroom conversations.

Over the next 23 months, our executive professionals will enhance their leadership capabilities through a rigorous and tailored curriculum. Through conversation and collaboration, the Executive MBA will interweave the most up-to-date knowledge of emerging technologies with fundamental business topics to further enhance their careers.

Why senior professionals choose Imperial’s Executive MBA

In our discussions, the new Executive MBA Class of 2027 chose our programme because they:

Are established in their careers and are ready to make a lasting impact as a leader.
Would benefit from a flexible, blended learning format that fits around an executive schedule and limits time away from the office.
Want to see the impact of learning in real-time, applying learning from Saturday into their business on Monday.
Are looking to strengthen self-awareness and strategic thinking skills.
Want exposure to global business settings and challenges through international residencies.
Are keen to explore the intersection of STEM, technology and business and how it is shaping organisations.
Want to advance their careers, supported by the most up-to-date business insights.
Value a diverse, multidisciplinary learning environment, learning alongside executive professionals from multiple industries.
Want access to a global network of experienced professionals.
Seek lifelong learning opportunities to stay up-to-date and create lasting impact.

We recently met with some of our business leaders from the Executive MBA Class of 2027 to discover the people behind the programme, from their career journeys to their motivations and why they ultimately chose to study with us.

Akin Akinyemi

Nationality: British
Company and job role: Bloomberg LP, Global Head of Quality Methods & Insights
Education: MEng Electronics & Electrical Engineering with Business Studies, University of Strathclyde; Engineering Doctorate System Level Integration, University of Edinburgh

How has your professional journey across industries prepared you for leadership?

My journey has been more diverse than I ever anticipated. I started at the intersection of healthcare and AI, researching machine learning for computer-aided medical diagnosis, before transitioning briefly into the energy sector as a software engineer.

For the last decade, however, I have worked in financial services in various data leadership roles. Today, I lead a function at Bloomberg where we are embedding industrial engineering techniques into our data manufacturing processes.

Why did you choose an Executive MBA at this stage of your career, and why Imperial?

I’ve reached a pivotal point where my role has shifted from managing specialists to driving large-scale organisational transformation. While my technical foundation is solid, leading a transformation function at a global firm like Bloomberg requires a broader, multi-dimensional toolkit. I see the Executive MBA as the bridge to the next decade of my career, providing the intellectual rigour and diverse perspectives necessary to move from functional leadership to high-impact business leadership.

Having hired several Imperial engineering alumni throughout my career, I was already well-acquainted with the calibre of the community and the strength of the brand. I wanted to be part of an ecosystem that does not just teach management in a vacuum but understands how to harness technical innovation to solve real-world business challenges.

What are the benefits of balancing an Executive MBA with full-time work?

I view my organisation as a laboratory for the frameworks I’m learning in the classroom. Beyond applying strategy and design thinking to my own projects, I see my role as a 'multiplier'; taking the tools and insights gained at Imperial and sharing them to develop the talent around me. For instance, I’m already viewing our philanthropic initiatives through the lens of the Corporate Sustainability module, allowing me to contribute more strategically to our firm's broader social impact.

Ella Dehghani

Nationality: Iranian
Company and role: EllaVates, Founder
Education: MEng Chemical Engineering, University of Waterloo; MSc Macromolecular Materials, KTH Royal Institute of Technology; Doctor of Science – Materials Science, ETH Zurich

Why pursue an Executive MBA at this stage of a senior healthcare career?

I’ve worked across pharmaceuticals, medtech, digital health and healthcare innovation, often at the intersection of science, business and policy. Today, my work focuses on strategic leadership in healthcare, alongside independent initiatives aimed at improving how health systems translate evidence into practice.

At this stage of my career, I am already operating at a senior level. My focus is increasingly on preventive healthcare and system-level change - moving upstream, where earlier intervention, better data use and smarter incentives can improve outcomes at scale.

What I need is not functional training, but space to sharpen judgment, challenge assumptions and strengthen how I lead across organisations and systems. The Executive MBA provides exactly that, without stepping away from practice.

Why is a STEM-focused Executive MBA advantageous for healthcare leaders?

Understanding technology and innovation is critical for leaders today, particularly in healthcare. Decisions increasingly shape not just organisations, but patient outcomes and population health. Imperial’s science-driven environment supports a more responsible and informed approach to innovation.

How will the Executive MBA strengthen your leadership and decision-making skills?

For me, leadership is about creating clarity where systems are complex, making informed decisions with incomplete information and enabling others to do their best work. It is as much about responsibility and judgment as it is about direction.

Through the Executive MBA, I want to further strengthen my systems thinking, strategic decision-making in uncertainty and executive communication – particularly where science, regulation and business priorities intersect.

Alongside the strategy, leadership and innovation-focused modules, learning alongside experienced peers adds depth and realism to every discussion. It surfaces blind spots and challenges comfortable thinking in ways that are difficult to replicate elsewhere.

Eloina Pesce

Nationality: Italian
Company and role: Darktrace, VP Channel Sales EMEA
Education: BA in Marketing, Università degli Studi di Milano-Bicocca

What is your reason for pursuing an Executive MBA?

For the past six and a half years, I’ve been immersed in the cybersecurity industry at Darktrace. For that reason, pursuing an Executive MBA will serve a dual purpose. First, it’s about becoming a more well-rounded leader and ensuring that I can collaborate effectively across functions and speak the language of finance, operations, product and other critical areas of the organisation.

Second, it’s about preparation for the next chapter. As I look toward more senior leadership roles, I recognise that success at that level requires not just functional expertise but strategic thinking, financial acumen and the ability to lead holistically across the business. The Executive MBA is my investment in building that foundation now so that when the opportunity comes, I’m ready to step into it with confidence.

Which modules and leadership initiatives are you most looking forward to?

I’m particularly excited about the “Leveraging AI for Sustainable Business Value” module. Given the pace of AI adoption in my industry, this module feels incredibly timely, addressing how we move beyond experimentation to create genuine, sustainable value. Assessing AI initiatives through a holistic business lens – considering operational changes, ROI, risk and long-term viability – is a skill I want to develop further.

Beyond the classroom learning, I’m particularly excited about the leadership journey with our Executive Coaches. That kind of personalised development will directly influence how I show up as a leader: how I present to senior stakeholders, how I coach and develop my team and how I navigate complex interpersonal dynamics within the organisation.

How does learning with senior executive peers enhance the Executive MBA experience?

Learning alongside experienced executive peers is one of the most valuable aspects of the Executive MBA for me. The ability to discuss a complex business challenge with smart, accomplished professionals who come from completely different industries, opens perspectives I simply wouldn’t encounter in my day-to-day work in tech and cybersecurity.

Edmond Chan

Nationality: British
Company and role: Astellas, Global Medical Affairs Lead
Education: Doctorate of Medicine, Imperial; Master in Science, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine; Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery, University of Dundee

What has your career journey in healthcare looked like to date?

I was trained as a kidney medicine specialist and worked in clinical practice before joining the pharmaceutical industry, which is where I’ve been for the last 13 years. I’m currently one of the global leads for the medical affairs function in Astellas Pharmaceuticals. My role bridges science and strategy in healthcare organisations, ensuring that accurate, evidence-based information is generated, communicated and applied in the industry.

What does being part of the Imperial Business School community mean to you?

I am very excited to be a part of the Imperial Business School global family. This strong and extensive network is one that I hope to rely on to find guidance and support for any future ventures. From potential new business partners, to nurturing future leaders who share the same aspirations as me, the community here really does show you the value of Imperial.

Beyond career progression, what long-term impact do you think Imperial and the Executive MBA will have on you?

As a proud recipient of the Imperial LGBTQ+ Scholarship, I believe that studying at Imperial will ensure that inclusion is not merely talked about, but actively practised.

The Executive MBA will broaden my impact, strengthen my leadership within the pharmaceutical industry and allow me to drive meaningful change. Championing diversity and inclusion on top of this ensures that no one in our community feels that their identity is a barrier to success.

Pragya Joshi

Nationality: British
Company and role: Barclays Bank, VP – Communications & Engagement (Product Technology) (most recent)
Education: BA (Hon.) Journalism (Major), Economics and Political Science (Minor), Delhi University; MA International Relations as a Chevening Scholar from India, University of Leicester; MSc South Asian Studies, University of Oxford

How has your professional journey across strategy, technology and communications shaped your leadership perspective?

I have spent 17 years at the intersection of strategy, technology and communication across banking, consulting, fintech, research and media. In my most recent role, I served as VP of Communications & Engagement for the ProductTechnology division, partnering with CIOs on large-scale digital transformation.

What has shaped my perspective is navigating complexity - regulatory environments, cross-cultural stakeholder management and translating technical transformation into narratives that drive change. I have learned that the hardest problems are rarely technical; they are about alignment, clarity and bringing people along.

What made Imperial Business School stand out when researching Executive MBA

After evaluating other London-based programmes, Imperial consistently emerged as the strongest choice for me. It stood out because it is built for leaders who operate in environments where technology is not adjacent to strategy but embedded in it.

With expert faculty across AI, data science and engineering, the modular structure and its London location offered a compelling combination of academic depth and practical applicability. The Executive MBA felt designed for the world we are stepping into, not the one we are leaving behind.

Why was an Executive MBA the right choice at this stage of your career?

I’ve led communications, marketing and strategic initiatives across a wide range of industries. While I’m confident in the impact I can deliver today, I wanted to deepen my understanding of finance, data analytics and artificial intelligence - areas that now sit at the heart of strategic decision-making.

This stage of my career also demands strong judgment and balance. Managing senior leadership roles alongside raising a three-and-a-half-year-old has reinforced the value of focus, preparation and a sense of humour to make even the busiest weeks workable – if I can survive toddler negotiations, I can survive modular deadlines.

With this in mind, taking a purposeful career break to pursue an Executive MBA at Imperial felt like the right next step. The curriculum promises to accelerate my development and enable me to contribute confidently at board level and lead transformational programs with authority.

Abiy Solomon

Nationality: British
Company and role: UN Trade and Development, External Relations Officer
Education: BA (Hons) Politics with Business Management, Queen Mary University of London; MSc Development Studies, SOAS University of London; MSc Management of Intellectual Property, Queen Mary University of London

How has your employer supported your decision to pursue an Executive MBA at Imperial?

The response from my employer has been very positive. Throughout my career, I have worked across intergovernmental organisations – most notably the United Nations – where I have contributed to policy research and analysis, project implementation and international consensus building. More recently, I have stepped into a new position as External Relations Officer.

In my role, there is a strong appreciation for the importance of continuous learning and leadership development, particularly in the complex geopolitical and rapidly evolving technological landscape. The Executive MBA is seen not only as an individual investment, but one that will strengthen my ability to contribute more thoughtfully and strategically in my professional role.

What are the benefits of learning alongside executive professionals from diverse sectors?

Coming from an intergovernmental and multilateral background, I am currently the only participant in my cohort with this type of industry experience. This makes the opportunity for cross-sectoral learning particularly valuable. I am keen not only to learn from peers in the private sector, but also to contribute a different perspective shaped by policy, diplomacy and international cooperation. This exchange helps challenge perceptions on both sides and ultimately leads to more nuanced, well-rounded leadership thinking.

Why are immersive global experiences important for senior leaders?

For leaders at this level, immersive global experiences provide the opportunity to step outside familiar environments and engage directly with different innovation ecosystems, leadership cultures and ways of thinking – all of which are critical when operating in complex, global settings.

Having witnessed first-hand the level of advancement, innovation and dynamism across the Global South, I see them as the next frontier for economic growth and investment and am keen to explore global experiences in these markets.

Sepideh Shokrpour

Nationality: Iranian
Company and role: Bloomberg Media, Director of Coalitions and Community Innovation
Education: BSc Embryology and Physiology; Monash University

How has your professional journey across business, media and social impact evolved so far?

My career has evolved across business development, strategy and community-led initiatives at the intersection of media, healthcare, finance and social impact . Having worked across Australia, Hong Kong, the United States and the UK, I’ve developed a global perspective on how organisations operate within complex systems.

I currently serve as Director of Coalitions and Community Innovation at Bloomberg Media, where I collaborate with a global network of CEOs, policymakers, subject matter experts and entrepreneurs to develop actionable solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing business and society, particularly in climate and health.

How will you leverage Imperial’s global network and diverse Executive MBA community?

As organisations and industries continue to evolve at a record-breaking pace, staying intellectually agile requires exposure to perspectives beyond one’s immediate sector or role. Being part of a global network of ambitious, highly informed peers allows me to remain closely connected to how different sectors are adapting to change and how those insights can translate into immediate implementation in my work.

Over the long term, I see the Imperial community not just as a network, but as a living resource of people with whom I can exchange ideas, collaborate and continue learning well beyond the programme itself.

Tuncer Gulcicek

Nationality: Turkish
Company and role: BBVA London, Executive Director of Global Markets – Cross-Asset Sales & Coverage
Education: BSc Economics, Bilkent University; MSc Financial Engineering, Boğaziçi University

What has your professional background in global financial markets looked like?

My career spans two decades in global financial markets, with a strong focus on cross-asset solutions across FX, rates, credit and structured products.

I am currently an Executive Director at BBVA London in the Global Markets division, working as a cross-asset sales and coverage professional focused on Turkey, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. My role sits at the intersection of client coverage, structuring and strategic origination, helping financial institutions navigate balance-sheet, funding and risk-management challenges in complex and often volatile markets.

How does the Executive MBA enable immediate application of learning at work?

I view the programme as an integrated part of my professional development rather than a parallel activity. At this stage of my career, learning must be practical, immediately applicable and intellectually demanding. The Executive MBA allows me to build on experience rather than pause it, while providing structured reflection on leadership, strategy and transformation.

I expect to apply the learning directly to strategic client coverage, cross-border decision-making and team leadership. Whether it is framing complex problems more clearly, managing risk under uncertainty, or leading diverse teams, the programme offers tools that can be implemented immediately.

Over the next 23 months, ��ý can expect an Executive MBA programme shaped by Imperial’s focus on technology, innovation and leadership. They can look forward to:

Global Immersions: study experiences in Zurich, London and Boston, examining fintech, medtech, and deep tech ecosystems.
Executive Leadership Journey: a structured module that aims to develop self-awareness, influence and responsible leadership at senior and board level.
Capstone: a five-day intensive project in a European technology hub, where teams develop and test a viable business case for an emerging technology.
STEM ecosystem: engagement with Imperial’s science and engineering ecosystem, including access to the Enterprise Lab to support entrepreneurship pursuits.
Executive peer network: learning alongside an international cohort of senior executives.
Personalised career advice: the ability to apply learnings directly to the workplace and tailored guidance from a dedicated Career Consultant.

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Discover the ��ý behind the programme, from their career journeys to their motivations to pursue Imperial’s Executive MBA

14 minute read

Championing women in leadership with the Inspiring Women – Executive MBA Scholarship

Rebecca Pike — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 11:55:52 +0000

Championing women in leadership with the Inspiring Women – Executive MBA Scholarship

Rebecca Pike Fri, 28/02/2025 - 11:55

Relevant blogs

27 February 2025 Scholarship blog

Receiving the Dean’s Impact Scholarship

Aidan Fourie, Principal Consultant at CHISL Group and Global Online MBA student at Imperial Business School, shares his experience of receiving the Dean’s Impact Scholarship and his advice for future applicants.

29 August 2024 Scholarship blog

My Imperial Women’s Scholarship

The Imperial Global Online MBA Women’s Scholarships are awarded to women showing exceptional academic achievement and professional excellence, as well as a commitment to supporting women in business. Stella Dourtme shares her story as a recipient.

25 March 2024 Scholarship blog

Empowering women in education: My scholarship journey

The Imperial Global Online MBA Women’s Scholarships are awarded to women showing exceptional academic achievement and professional excellence. Shauna Maguire, Global Online MBA shares her experience achieving this scholarship and what it means to her.

9 March 2026

Scholarship blog

For Pragya Joshi, Imperial’s Executive MBA programme is a chance to both accelerate her progression and increase female representation in senior leadership positions. Receiving the Inspiring Women – Executive MBA Scholarship has further enhanced her desire to help shape the future of organisations, industries and boardroom conversations.

The Inspiring Women – Executive MBA Scholarship has been created in support of the 30% Club’s mission to achieve at least 30% female representation on FTSE-100 boards. Offering access to a wide array of opportunities, including cross-company mentoring and exclusive networking events with female business leaders, this scholarship is open to all female candidates applying to study the Executive MBA. Its main aim is to empower women to become influential leaders in business and beyond.

In this blog, Pragya shares what drew her to Imperial’s Executive MBA and breaks down the impact of receiving the Inspiring Women – Executive MBA Scholarship. She also reflects on the role of female representation in the C-suite and offers advice for women considering applying.

This scholarship doesn't position women as needing help to catch up. It positions us as leaders whose impact is worth investing in and accelerating.
Pragya Joshi, Executive MBA

Why did you choose to study the Executive MBA at Imperial?

I chose to study Imperial’s Executive MBA to broaden my leadership scope. Having spent over a decade across consulting, banking and technology, translating strategy and technology into compelling narratives, it felt like the right time to take a step back and deepen my understanding of the underlying drivers – data, AI, finance and how businesses make strategic decisions in technology-intensive environments.

Imperial’s Executive MBA consistently stood out as the strongest choice, offering rigorous engagement with AI, data analytics and corporate finance at a world-class STEM institution. Through this programme, I feel confident that I will be able to build the capabilities I need to operate at the highest levels of leadership, where strategy, innovation and execution intersect.

What motivated you to apply for the Inspiring Women – Executive MBA Scholarship?

When evaluating scholarship options, the Inspiring Women – Executive MBA Scholarship stood out for what it represents. Throughout my career, I've built networks for women in tech and telecoms, championed female visibility in organisations and seen firsthand that investing in women's leadership is strategic.

Applying felt like a natural extension of that conviction. Institutions that are serious about advancing women deserve applicants who are equally serious about stepping forward.

What does receiving the Inspiring Women Scholarship mean to you?

I received the email informing me that I had received the scholarship during a family holiday weekend in Cornwall. I felt this immediate rush of gratitude and energy—and yes, a little pride if I'm honest. I shared the news with my family and then stopped for a Cornish ice cream. With a pre-schooler, that seemed the most appropriate way to celebrate.

Executive education requires significant investment, and whilst the financial support matters, what resonated most was the sense of being deliberately backed by Imperial. It validates the intentional pause I’ve taken to deepen my technical and strategic expertise and recognises the diversity and breadth of my professional experience, spanning across industries and countries. This is particularly impactful at a time when women often question whether investing in themselves is justified.

Women in senior leadership often build reputations for delivery and reliability – both strong qualities. But being selected for this scholarship shifts the emphasis towards potential and future impact. Not only was that both affirming and clarifying, but that validation creates space to focus on this transformative year without hesitation – and without guilt.

How will this scholarship support your academic and personal goals?

It provides three critical things: financial confidence, intellectual focus and community.

Financially, it removes a significant barrier. This support means I can approach the programme with full attention rather than worrying about finances. That matters for genuine focus and engagement.

Intellectually, it creates space to engage properly with domains I've worked adjacent to but want to master, including corporate finance, AI and data analytics. These increasingly underpin every strategic decision, and Imperial's integration of business and technology offers exactly the depth I was seeking.

It also connects me with a community of accomplished women navigating senior leadership across different industries and contexts. That network will matter throughout my career, not just during the programme. These are the conversations that shift perspective.

What doors has this opportunity opened for you so far?

So far, the scholarship has opened conversations that have expanded my thinking and network, with faculty, alumni and fellow scholars. Being part of a deliberately selected cohort creates a different quality of engagement. I am looking forward to the annual gathering where women scholars from top MBA programmes across the UK meet. Networking alongside other ambitious women creates bonds that often outlast the qualification itself.

The scholarship also carries weight professionally. When you're formally recognised for leadership potential, it shifts how others perceive your trajectory. That's not performative, it's simply the reality of institutional endorsement.

Perhaps most importantly, it has reinforced confidence. I'm entering this programme not as someone seeking opportunity, but as someone whose potential has been recognised and backed. That matters for how I show up and what I contribute.

What do you think makes the Inspiring Women Scholarship unique?

Many scholarships focus solely on financial access. The Inspiring Women Scholarship is designed to accelerate women who will shape organisations, industries and the broader business landscape. It recognises that barriers to women's advancement aren't just financial, they're cultural, structural and often psychological.

Imperial's distinctive position at the intersection of science, technology and business makes this scholarship particularly powerful. As industries are reshaped by AI, digital transformation and sustainability imperatives, leaders must be both technically literate and commercially astute. For women building careers in these domains - where we remain underrepresented at senior levels - that combination is essential.

Why do you think female representation in C-suites and on boards is important?

In financial services, technology and regulated industries, leadership teams operate under considerable pressure – navigating disruption, managing risk and balancing competing stakeholder interests. Diverse teams allow for better resilience. They surface blind spots, challenge assumptions and bring different frameworks to complex problems.

Representation isn't only about fairness, though fairness matters. It's about governance, risk management and sustainable value creation. Organisations that reflect the markets and communities they serve are better positioned to understand them, which seems rather fundamental when you say it aloud.

For younger women entering these fields, seeing women in senior roles expands what feels attainable. I want my son to grow up thinking women making strategic decisions is normal rather than noteworthy. That cultural shift compounds meaningfully over time, and it starts with who's in the room.

As a female leader, how do you hope that this scholarship will help you make a wider impact in senior leadership?

Giving back has always been part of how I work. I plan to utilise the opportunities of the scholarship in the following ways:

Mentorship. Throughout my career, I’ve mentored women navigating complex organisations, created spaces for honest conversations about progression and supported female talent where representation matters. I’ll continue that during the Executive MBA, particularly for women considering executive education while balancing senior roles or family commitments.

Structurally. As I move into more senior roles, I want to ensure talent isn’t constrained by informal networks or unspoken rules. The most lasting change comes from embedding fairness into systems, not relying on goodwill alone.

Culturally. I hope to model leadership that is rigorous and humane — clear in direction, open to challenge and grounded in integrity. If we can show that authority and empathy aren’t mutually exclusive, that can have a lasting impact.

What do you think will make someone stand out in their application for the Inspiring Women Scholarship?

I would say three things stand out.

Clarity of purpose. Why the MBA, why now, why this programme. Be specific about what you want to gain, not abstract about "leadership development."
Demonstrated impact. Evidence matters more than titles. Show outcomes you've shaped, challenges you've navigated and value you've created.
Multiplier effect. Scholarships are investments. Committees assess whether backing you will influence things beyond your individual career - organisations, industries, communities. Show how you'll pay it forward.

Authenticity matters too. The strongest applications are honest and grounded in genuine ambition, not what you think they want to hear.

Do you have any advice for those considering applying for the Inspiring Women Scholarship?

Don't wait until you feel entirely ready.

Many capable women delay applying because they believe they need one more credential, one more promotion, one more year of experience. Growth rarely happens at the point of complete comfort.

If the opportunity aligns with your ambition and trajectory, apply. The process itself will strengthen your clarity about what you want and why. You may also discover that others see potential in you that you're still learning to claim.

Take your time with the application. It takes longer than you expect, not because it's complex, but because you're distilling significant history into clear intention. Be specific. Ask trusted mentors to review your materials - they'll spot patterns you might undervalue.

The committee cannot invest in you if you don't put yourself forward. Trust your preparation, articulate your vision and step into the opportunity. You might be more ready than you think.

Learn more about Executive MBA

Our Executive MBA is a 23-month part-time programme designed to prepare executives to be leaders in a technology-driven world and give you a thorough knowledge of essential business disciplines.

Find out more about our fees

The fees for the Executive MBA for both UK and international ��ý.

How to apply

Discover our rolling admissions process for the Executive MBA including entry requirements, how to apply, and key dates and deadlines.

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How I plan to broaden my leadership scope through Imperial’s Executive MBA

7 minute read

Unlocking global business perspectives: Imperial's Global Immersions

Helen Richardson — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:13:30 +0000

Unlocking global business perspectives: Imperial's Global Immersions

Helen Richardson Tue, 18/02/2025 - 09:13

15 April 2026 Student blog

Developing as a strategic leader through Imperial’s Executive MBA Leadership Journey retreat

Valentina Amoroso and the Executive MBA Class of 2026 recently attended the Executive Leadership retreat, an immersive experience designed for reflection, coaching and applied leadership development.

14 April 2026 Careers

Why adaptability is the most important career skill

The professional landscape facing today’s graduates is evolving at pace. Advances in technology, shifting economic conditions, and changing organisational needs are redefining roles and career paths.

1 April 2026 Features

The ultimate guide to choosing a part-time MBA at Imperial

12 April 2024

Features

At Imperial Business School, we equip our ��ý to engage with business on a global level. The Global Immersion elective on our Masters' programmes offer ��ý the chance to travel across the world to gain first-hand experience of the business dynamics in a different country.

These Global Immersions include visits to various companies representing diverse industry sectors, along with social and cultural activities. They also provides an opportunity for valuable networking opportunities as ��ý travel alongside peers from a range of programmes within the Business School.

This week around 300 of our Masters’ ��ý chose to travel to either the US or Singapore. Each of the five trips taking place focus on a different theme, and range from visits to major investment banks, to exploring how data and advancing technologies function in a real-world corporate setting.

The importance of Global Immersions

By engaging in international experiences, ��ý gain a unique perspective on global business practices and develop a broader understanding of different cultural contexts. They experience first-hand how businesses operate in diverse environments, which fosters adaptability, cross-cultural communication skills, and a global mindset. These qualities are increasingly vital in today's interconnected and globalised business landscape, and this skill set is highly sought after by employers.

Find out more about the five different trips that took place this week, including the companies involved and highlights:

Global Digital Applications

Destination: Boston & New York, US
Programmes: MSc Management, MSc International Management, MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Management

This module explores how data and artificial intelligence is being applied in real-world corporate settings. Students visited both Harvard and MIT to learn more about their innovation labs and the future of business applications of AI and data. In New York, ��ý met large corporates such as Estée Lauder and JP Morgan to learn how they use AI and data to enhance their businesses.

The Future of Cities

Destination: Singapore
Programmes: MSc Management, MSc International Management, MSc Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Management

This module explores Singapore as a Smart City and how local innovations make it unique. Students visited Changi airport to learn why their strategic vision makes it the world's best airport. Other visits included a trip to Volocopter, an electric drone operated helicopter providing novel approaches to transportation.

Corporate Finance for Practitioners

Destination: Singapore
Programmes: MSc Finance, MSc Finance & Accounting, MSc Investment & Wealth Management, MSc Risk Management and Financial Engineering

This is a taught elective which incorporates visits to banks located in Singapore. Student lectures were hosted by the Wealth Management Institute, and we visited major international banks such as Bank of Singapore, HSBC and DBS.

Introduction to Quantitative Investing

Destination: New York, US
Programmes: MSc Finance, MSC Financial Technology, MSc Investment & Wealth Management, MSc Risk Management and Financial Engineering

This is a taught elective which incorporates visits to banks located in New York. Student lectures were hosted by Cornell Tech at their Roosevelt Island campus, and we visited major investment banks such as UBS and Two Sigma, as well as the Deutsche Bank trading floor.

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Our rankings

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2 minute read

Developing as a strategic leader through Imperial’s Executive MBA Leadership Journey retreat

Rebecca Pike — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 09:13:30 +0000

Developing as a strategic leader through Imperial’s Executive MBA Leadership Journey retreat

Rebecca Pike Tue, 18/02/2025 - 09:13

15 April 2026 Student blog

Developing as a strategic leader through Imperial’s Executive MBA Leadership Journey retreat

Valentina Amoroso and the Executive MBA Class of 2026 recently attended the Executive Leadership retreat, an immersive experience designed for reflection, coaching and applied leadership development.

1 April 2026 Features

The ultimate guide to choosing a part-time MBA at Imperial

18 March 2026 Features

Imperial’s Global Online MBA programme ranked second in the world by Financial Times

Imperial Business School is delighted to announce that our Global Online MBA programme has been named second in the world in today’s Financial Times ranking of online MBAs.

15 April 2026

Student blog

As our ��ý highlight in the above video, leadership development is central to the Executive MBA at Imperial Business School, helping experienced professionals accelerate into senior and C-suite roles.

What happens when technical expertise is no longer enough to lead? The Executive MBA tackles that question in the core module Executive Leadership Journey, a programme-wide module focused on building a personal leadership style, from self-awareness and communication to coaching and navigating executive transitions.

Valentina Amoroso, now in her second year, recently attended the Executive Leadership Journey retreat at Windsor Great Park - an immersive experience designed for reflection, coaching and applied leadership development. Here, she shares how the experience has shaped her leadership approach and professional growth.

Choosing the Executive MBA at Imperial Business School

My path to Imperial Business School hasn’t been linear. It’s taken me from aerospace engineering and construction into consulting, and now into strategic leadership within the built environment. As Associate Director at Eckersley O’Callaghan, I lead complex multidisciplinary projects while driving key growth initiatives for the firm.

As an engineer – and a self-confessed geek – I’ve always been drawn to how things come together to solve problems. To me, running a business is no different from tackling an engineering challenge. As the SME I work for has grown, I saw an opportunity to build the capabilities needed to help lead its next phase.

The Executive MBA felt like a natural next step: combining rigorous learning with real-world application, all alongside other experienced professionals. Studying at a leading tech university during the AI revolution has given me a front-row seat to change, not as theory, but as something actively reshaping how we lead, innovate and create value.

This intersection of practical leadership development and cutting-edge thinking marked a turning point for me, making it clear that this is the direction I need to take to step into more strategic leadership roles.

The Executive Leadership Journey retreat

The retreat – a weekend away with my cohort – is the culmination of the Executive Leadership Journey module. It brings together everything we’ve learnt and creates space to step back and reflect on how it applies to our development. It also integrates another key module from the programme: Responsible Leadership for Corporate Success. Whilst the corporate responsibility module gave us frameworks for understanding our role in creating sustainable value for modern work environments, the leadership journey helped us understand ourselves as leaders and how we show up in complex, changing environments.

The retreat brought these threads together in a practical, experiential way, structured across two intensive days.

Day one focused on leading and developing the self, including a workshop with former Olympic champion Greg Searle, followed by group coaching and a sporting activity with the cohort.

Day two focused on executive career development, with sessions from executive search professionals and further group coaching.

Throughout the weekend, we also had the opportunity to interact with alumni from the programme and exchange our experiences, which was incredibly valuable.

A personal highlight from the weekend

The highlight for me was Greg Searle’s workshop and his story of moving from Olympic rowing to professional sailing for the America’s Cup. His journey really resonated with me - it mirrored my own transition from aerospace, where I was an expert, to construction and then consultancy, where I had to rebuild my expertise.

Two lessons from his session stood out:

First, his visual metaphor of rowing versus sailing. In rowing, you face backwards; in sailing, everyone faces forwards. It perfectly captured what I’ve been learning about strategic leadership: the importance of looking ahead, asking the right questions about where we’re going, rather than staying comfortable looking back at what worked before. Leading strategic growth initiatives in a fast-changing environment means keeping my focus forward and on why we do what we do.
Second, his philosophy on balancing belief with a learning mindset. Belief gives you the foundation - the conviction that a goal is possible - but unchallenged, it can turn into rigidity. A learning mindset allows you to stay curious, ask questions, and ‘unlearn’ what no longer works. Coming from someone who had lived it, who had to shed an expert mindset at the peak of success and adapt to entirely new realities, this lesson felt both credible and inspiring.

Lessons on leadership from the retreat

The Executive Leadership Journey retreat reinforced how essential resilience and a growth mindset are, not just for professional success, but for personal fulfilment.

Throughout the Executive MBA, I’ve learned to see volatility and ambiguity as the constant environment we navigate, shifting my focus from control to building adaptive capacity in myself and my teams.

The group coaching sessions were particularly powerful: each person worked on their own development while the rest of us supported them, offering new perspectives and reminding me that leadership growth is both personal and collective.

Experiencing an intense year of coursework alongside senior professionals from diverse backgrounds, supporting each other through transitions and moments of vulnerability, has been a masterclass in the kind of environment I hope to create as a leader.

Applying my learnings to my organisation

The great thing about studying part-time is I can take what I learn at the Executive Leadership Journey retreat straight back to the office. One immediate change I’m introducing is more space in our project reviews and strategy sessions for ‘forward-looking reflection.’

Practically, this means adding a short learning review to our monthly leadership meetings to discuss surprises, what we’ve had to unlearn, and what we’re experimenting with next. The aim is to create psychological safety, so the team feels confident taking calculated risks, challenging old methods, and bringing fresh perspectives. Building this culture of curiosity and adaptive learning will help us navigate the complexity and ambiguity of driving real business transformation.

The importance of immersive experiences on the Executive MBA

For an experienced professional, the immersive retreat format offers something that’s almost impossible to create in the normal flow of work: dedicated space for strategic reflection on how your learning applies to you as a leader - not just intellectually, but practically and emotionally.

This is what transforms the Executive MBA from an academic programme into a genuine developmental experience. The coursework provides the frameworks; the immersive elements create the space to integrate that learning on a deeper, more personal level. They also strengthen relationships within the cohort in a meaningful way. For those of us who can often feel isolated in leadership roles, it’s an opportunity to build a network of peers who become trusted advisors and accountability partners well beyond the programme.

At this stage in my career, as I transition from technical expertise into more senior roles, this kind of focused, intensive experience is exactly what I need to develop the broader perspective and adaptability that senior leadership demands.

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Valentina Amoroso reflects on her leadership learnings from the recent Executive MBA retreat

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Dr Tim Weiss highly commended in the Financial Times’ Responsible Business Education Awards

Evie Burrows-Taylor — Mon, 27 Jan 2025 11:41:14 +0000

Dr Tim Weiss highly commended in the Financial Times’ Responsible Business Education Awards Evie Burrows-Taylor Mon, 27/01/2025 - 11:41

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