The decision to pursue an international MBA was never about an immediate career pivot. Rather, it was a strategic move to future-proof my leadership skillset for a world that is becoming increasingly digitised, globalised and interconnected.
As industries rapidly evolve and business challenges grow in complexity, I recognised the value of pausing to gain a more structured, strategic perspective on global business dynamics, innovation and leadership. The Global Online MBA at Porto Business School (PBS) was the natural next step to complement my international career experience and equip me to lead confidently in the future workforce economy.
Why Pursuing an MBA
The main driver was to evolve from strong operational and regional expertise into a profile that is globally minded and digitally fluent. I believe that modern leadership requires the ability to navigate complex international markets, understand emerging technologies, and drive business growth while addressing sustainability and people leadership challenges. The academic rigour and world-class faculty at Porto Business School provided me with advanced frameworks, innovation-driven methodologies, and a rich peer-learning environment—accelerating my transformation as a future-ready leader.
Choosing the Right MBA
My MBA selection process was driven by clear personal and professional objectives. I evaluated top global business schools based on their ability to offer:
I. A strong international alumni network
II. A modern, customisable curriculum focused on innovation, leadership and sustainability
III. Flexibility to balance study with my professional commitments
IV. Being London-based, I wanted a location that would help me expand my personal and professional connections
I spoke with alumni across the UK and globally, analysed rankings from sources like the Financial Times, and participated in virtual open days. Ultimately, the alignment between PBS’s programme strengths and my development goals made the decision clear.
Why Porto Business School
Porto Business School (PBS), ranked 8th by the Financial Times globally, immediately stood out as the right fit. While I have extensive professional experience in the Iberian Peninsula, my activities had historically been centred in Spain. Portugal remained a strategic white space in my network and professional knowledge and so, enrolling at PBS provided an ideal opportunity to broaden my understanding of the Portuguese market, culture and business environment.
Additionally, the school’s dynamic, international cohort and close ties to industry resonated with my objective of building relationships across sectors and geographies. The quality of the faculty and the forward-looking curriculum convinced me that PBS would provide the best platform to strengthen my leadership capability in an international context.
Experiencing Porto: Culture, Connection and Perspective
My visits to the city of Porto including for the Business Impact Challenge – where I collaborated with my cohort have been both enriching and memorable. Porto offers an exceptional balance of tradition and modernity. The city’s atmosphere fosters both reflection and learning. Each visit has been highly rewarding, from exchanging insights with professionals across diverse industries to experiencing the distinctive culture, cuisine and history of Porto. These experiences have allowed me to forge strong personal connections with my peers, the school and the city itself.
Customising My MBA Journey at PBS
From day one, I’ve been intentional about aligning my MBA experience with my long-term ambitions. I have prioritised electives and projects that focus on leadership in international environments, digital transformation and innovation strategy. The flexibility of PBS’s approach has afforded me with the opportunity to customise my learning journey and gain maximum value from both the academic and networking dimensions.
Next Steps After Graduation
The MBA has positioned me to navigate the next phase of my career with greater confidence and preparedness. I aim to continue building a career focused on leading market expansions, driving sustainable growth and embracing digital opportunities within international business landscapes. My ambition is to apply the knowledge and global network I have gained to positively influence strategic business decisions and contribute to building future-ready organisations.