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They say the journey of an entrepreneur is a rollercoaster – exhilarating highs met with challenging dips.... with the occasional feeling that you're not in control and may end up upside down briefly. Sufficed to say, it can be quite a ride!
As a woman and a so-called Gen X'er, I've had my own thrill rides and I've seen my share of cultural and technological shifts over the years, from the rise of personal computers to a globalised economy.
After years of climbing the corporate ladder and helping them succeed, I found myself wanting something different.
As much as I enjoyed working in enterprise, I began to crave personal growth and a chance to build something of my own.
I wanted a way to show that I could achieve success on my own terms, beyond the comfort blanket of working within a large corporation.
P45 Consultancy is testament to that, but it's not the only way I've illustrated that desire over the years.
SOAS + MBA = University of London
Following a prolonged period, with unwavering determination, I embarked on an MBA (Master of Business Administration) in Entrepreneurship at SOAS (The School of Oriental and African Studies) at the University of London.
This decision, fuelled by sheer tenacity, has become a defining moment in my entrepreneurial journey, so I wanted to bring you along for the ride and give you a front-row seat to how I graduated and what it gave me.
The Power of Knowledge and Skills
An MBA equips you with an arsenal of knowledge and skills – a war chest for the battles ahead.
The program delved deep into all aspects of entrepreneurship including finance, marketing, operations, human resources and strategic management.
As a female entrepreneur, these are the things you know already, at least, you THINK you know them already. You very quickly learn that your existing understanding exists only at a relatively surface level. It was time to dive in deeper.
As the course progressed, the more I learned, the more I grew. There was an intrinsic link between the two. This newfound knowledge transformed how I approached running my business.
Financial statements, once an economic mystery, became tools for informed financial decisions.
Marketing courses equipped me to craft a compelling brand and reach my target audience.
Operations management sheds light on streamlining processes and maximising my efficiency and that of my team.
Each area became a new building block for my business's growth, collectively helping me build upon reinforced foundations for my future success.
Leadership and Management: A Woman's Strength
An MBA program hones not just business acumen but leadership and management skills – essential for any entrepreneur, especially female ones in an invariably male-dominated field.
Through collaborative projects, case studies and leadership workshops, I learned to navigate conflicts, I understood more about how to build strong teams and saw more clearly so I could make strategic decisions with increased confidence.
This newfound leadership style fostered a positive work environment and helped me inspire my team to push forward.
In a world where women are often underestimated, asserting my leadership was crucial.
The MBA instilled in me the confidence and competence to guide my team effectively, becoming a driving force for my business on the road ahead.
Sharpening the Analytical Edge
I don't think there's any denying that today's business landscape demands sharp analytical skills. The MBA program also helped hone mine.
Over time, it began teaching me to dissect complex problems, evaluate scenarios and craft strategic plans. Being able to strip away from the day-to-day stuff we all have to deal with helped me see further than ever before.
This analytical mindset has been invaluable. It's helped me identify opportunities for growth and innovation, anticipate potential challenges and ensure the long-term success of my company.
The Network: A Launchpad for Success
One of the most rewarding aspects of my MBA journey was the extensive network I built.
The program connected me with a diverse group of peers, faculty, alumni and industry professionals. I'm so grateful for the time we spent together.
These connections have become a source of invaluable support, mentorship and even potential business collaborations.
Meeting established business leaders and fellow entrepreneurs broadened my perspective and ignited a passion to think bigger.
The relationships I built during my MBA continue to be a source of collaboration and guidance even now. A vital support system in the ever-evolving world of entrepreneurship and something I'll treasure forever. I hope they feel the same.
Investing in My Future, Empowering Others
Pursuing an MBA wasn't just about my business; it was about career advancement and growth.
The degree has enhanced my credibility and marketability, solidifying my position as a knowledgeable and capable leader.
This has led to increased visibility for my business and opened doors to new partnerships and collaborations.
As a woman entrepreneur, I believe in empowering others to follow their dreams. My MBA journey is a testament to the power of tenacity and determination.
The skills, knowledge, and network gained can equip other women to break barriers, lead with confidence and achieve their entrepreneurial aspirations.
A Heartfelt Thank You
I've met some incredible people over the time I was studying so I wanted to express my thanks and respect to all of them.
If you're in the photograph below, then know I think the world of you and take a HUGE thank you from me for being part of my journey. I'm so grateful to have met you.
I'm also grateful to the Black British Initiative and the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation for making this opportunity a reality.
I wanted to express special thanks to Darren Miller for creating a program where Black entrepreneurs can flourish with the right support, education and network.
His vision and dedication have significantly impacted my journey and countless others.
Receiving our certificates from Baroness Doreen Lawrence OBE was a moment I will forever cherish, despite her heartbreak over 30 years ago, she has emerged stronger and more dedicated to positive change. A powerful symbol of achievement and resilience if ever there was one.
The Final Chapter: It's All About the Journey
"For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope." - Romans 15:4
My MBA experience at SOAS University of London was a transformative step in my entrepreneurial journey.
The knowledge, leadership skills, analytical abilities and network have propelled my business to new heights and will continue to do so for many years to come.
I urge aspiring female entrepreneurs to consider the immense value an MBA offers and take the steps to invest in their future success.
With the right education, tenacity, and support, we can shatter glass ceilings and become the leaders the business world needs. #BelieveInSuccess
I hope this blog has entertained and inspired you to make the most of your own potential. They say every day is a school day so I hope you learned a little something about the impact this experience has had on me. I'd love to know what you think too.
Is education something you have used to help your own business grow? How old were you when you re-entered education? How did it impact on you as a person and as an entrepreneur? Let me know in the comments below.
If you have got something from this blog and would like to show your appreciation, then you can always buy me a virtual coffee by clicking the link below. You'll be happy I drank and I'll be grad-u-ate.
Congratulations! Such a good messages, thank you for sharing.