Alumni /business-school/ en The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers /business-school/blogs/alumni/the-portfolio-career-curiosity-your-best-career-strategy-chloe-chambers/ <h1 class="field title-huge field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden"> The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers</h1> <div class="media--image field field--name-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=mH5cefqQ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=bhxp2G4h 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=435JugTX 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=VDxwfQyp 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=mH5cefqQ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=bhxp2G4h 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=435JugTX 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=VDxwfQyp 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="Chloe Chambers" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=mH5cefqQ" /></picture></div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Eunicia Estrocio</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2026-10-09T09:55:06+00:00" title="Friday, October 9, 2026 - 09:55" class="datetime">Fri, 09/10/2026 - 09:55</time></span> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-10-13T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">13 October 2026</time></div> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/blog-type/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> </div> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <h3><span><span><span><strong>Why a portfolio career is worth considering</strong></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span>A portfolio career isn't a fallback for those who haven't picked a lane. Many do start organically, with one opportunity leading to another, but the most successful tend to be a deliberate move, approached with patience. Done well, it's a strategy with real advantages:</span></span></span></p> <ul><li><span><span><span><span><strong>Global reach.</strong> Advisory roles, boards, and ventures can connect you with people, markets, and ideas well beyond your own organisation or country.</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span><span><strong>Sector stretching.</strong> Working across industries builds range. Insights from one sector often solve problems in another and make you more valuable in both.</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span><span><strong>Different hats, without full commitment.</strong> You can take on a new role, test a new field, or explore a long-held interest without leaving your core job or betting everything on it.</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span><span><strong>Resilience.</strong> Several sources of income, experience, and relationships mean your career doesn't hinge on one employer or one sector.</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span><span><strong>Faster learning.</strong> Moving between different organisations and problems accelerates growth, and skills from one strand often unlock progress in another.</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span><span><strong>Purpose alongside progression.</strong> You can pursue impact, creativity, or a cause you care about while keeping the stability and income of a core role.</span></span></span></span></li> <li><span><span><span><span><strong>Flexibility.</strong> You have more say over how your time is spent, and your mix can change as your life does.</span></span></span></span></li> </ul><p>Almost every portfolio career has one more thing in common:<strong> it grows through people. </strong>Opportunities rarely come from job boards. They come from conversations, introductions, and the occasional chance meeting that turns out to matter.<strong> Those who build them well also tend to pay it forward, sharing their time, contacts, and experience with others, just as others did for them.</strong></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <h3><span><span><span><strong>If the concept feels too foreign, start inside your own organisation</strong></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span>A portfolio career doesn't have to begin with a board seat or a start-up. If it feels like a big leap, start smaller by looking at what you can do beyond the edges of your immediate role. Join a cross-functional project, lead an employee network, mentor a new joiner, speak at an internal event, or offer to support a team you don't usually work with. Each one expands your network and raises your profile within your organisation and builds the habits and relationships that make external opportunities easier to find later.</span></span></span></p> <h3><span><span><span><strong>Start with curiosity</strong></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span>If "networking" makes you sigh, start somewhere else. Rather than asking "who can help me?", ask "who is doing something I don't understand yet?" People enjoy talking about their work when someone is genuinely interested, and the best connections tend to follow naturally.</span></span></span></p> <p> </p> <h3><span><span><span><strong>Think about what you can offer</strong></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span>It's easy to freeze when you're trying to work out what you want,<strong> </strong>so flip the question: what could you give? It might be expertise in a particular function, an introduction to someone in your circle, a fresh pair of eyes on a problem, or simply your time and attention. You don't need to be senior or well connected to be useful. Offering something first takes the pressure off, makes conversations easier, and is remembered long after a transaction would be forgotten. Many graduates find that what they give today comes back in ways they didn't expect, and they go on to do the same for the next person. Share an article, make an introduction, or mentor a current student, and see where it leads.</span></span></span></p> <h3><span><span><span><strong>Start close to home</strong></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span>Pick one alum whose path intrigues you. Most people say yes to a 20-minute chat, and many are glad to be asked. We're also seeing a strong preference for in-person connection, so consider reconnecting back in South Kensington!</span></span></span></p> <h3><span><span><span><strong>Look beyond the familiar</strong></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span>Join a community group, professional association, governing body, or volunteer board outside your own field. Different perspectives are where fresh ideas, and often unexpected opportunities, come from. Many portfolio strands begin this way, as a voluntary role that grows into something more.</span></span></span></p> <h3><span><span><span><strong>Show up regularly</strong></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span>One event rarely builds a relationship, but a familiar face at the third or fourth gathering does. Be patient: a portfolio career is built over years, not weeks, and the early conversations may not pay off until much later. Our alumni events, from panels to local meetups, are a good place to start.</span></span></span></p> <h3><span><span><span><strong>Keep your own direction in view</strong></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span>Be clear about what you want from each strand, whether income, learning, impact, or flexibility. Not every strand has to do everything. A well-built portfolio balances them, with one part paying the bills while another feeds your curiosity.</span></span></span></p> <p><span><span><span>Accept, too, that your portfolio will keep evolving. What suits you now may not suit you in three years, and that's part of the point. Careers are long, but decisions are made in the present, with imperfect information. Think about what the next two years should look like rather than the next ten, and you'll have room to<strong> </strong>think more broadly, without every choice feeling final.</span></span></span></p> <h3><span><span><span><strong>You're not doing this alone</strong></span></span></span></h3> <p><span><span><span>Our network includes thousands of graduates who have reinvented their careers, and most remember what it felt like to start. Career Consultants at ImperiaBusiness School work closely with our Alumni who are working this all out as they go. Contact <a href="mailto:ibcareers@imperial.ac.uk">ibcareers@imperial.ac.uk</a> if this support could help you too!</span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><div class="field field--name-field-show-different-image-on-th field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="c-social-share-widget "> <h3>Share</h3> <div class="c-social-share-widget__links"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed&amp;title=" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Facebook"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/facebook_share.svg" alt="Facebook" /></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite?url=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed&amp;title=&amp;source=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Linkedin"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/linkedin.svg" alt="Linkedin" /></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=&amp;body=Check out this site /business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Email"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/email.svg" alt="Email" /></a> </div> </div> <h2 class="field subtitle field--name-field-subtitle field--type-string field--label-hidden">For many professionals, the traditional career ladder is giving way to something more flexible. Increasingly, graduates are building portfolio careers, combining a main role with board seats, advisory work, teaching, or ventures of their own.</h2> <div class="field field--name-field-read-time field--type-estimated-read-time field--label-hidden field__item">3 minute read </div> Fri, 09 Oct 2026 09:55:06 +0000 Eunicia Estrocio 7542 at /business-school Alumni Advisory Council: New Chair and Vice-Chair appointed /business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-advisory-council-new-chair-and-vice-chair-appointed/ <h1 class="field title-huge field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden"> Alumni Advisory Council: New Chair and Vice-Chair appointed</h1> <div class="media--image field field--name-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-09/Chair%20and%20Vice%20Chair%20ACC.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=bekh6T9W 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-09/Chair%20and%20Vice%20Chair%20ACC.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=qXRx1J6J 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-09/Chair%20and%20Vice%20Chair%20ACC.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=ZNk_etsH 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-09/Chair%20and%20Vice%20Chair%20ACC.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=a3FB_mb_ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-09/Chair%20and%20Vice%20Chair%20ACC.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=bekh6T9W 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-09/Chair%20and%20Vice%20Chair%20ACC.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=qXRx1J6J 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-09/Chair%20and%20Vice%20Chair%20ACC.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=ZNk_etsH 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-09/Chair%20and%20Vice%20Chair%20ACC.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=a3FB_mb_ 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-09/Chair%20and%20Vice%20Chair%20ACC.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=bekh6T9W" aria-hidden="true" /></picture></div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Eunicia Estrocio</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-10-01T09:17:11+00:00" title="Wednesday, October 1, 2025 - 09:17" class="datetime">Wed, 01/10/2025 - 09:17</time></span> <div class="field field--name-content-bottom field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-footer-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article class="blogs-listing"><div class="blogs-listing__items"> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-flexible-blog-listings view-id-flexible_blog_listings view-display-id-listing_1 js-view-dom-id-47616fea0e2ac15029d1c8e689d39407415d3bb13f6b4eea8ab4ed7fca7e625b"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="listing-blocks listing-blocks--grid"> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Chloe Chambers" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-10-13T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">13 October 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7542" class="blog-listing-item__title">The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>For many professionals, the traditional career ladder is giving way to something more flexible. Increasingly, graduates are building portfolio careers, combining a main role with board seats, advisory work, teaching, or ventures of their own.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/the-portfolio-career-curiosity-your-best-career-strategy-chloe-chambers/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="600"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=LCruG4El 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=LCruG4El 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-07-09T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">9 July 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7504" class="blog-listing-item__title">Alumni Q&A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management & Finance 2022</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>After building experience across venture capital investments, impact asset management and fundraising, Florence Perramond developed a strong focus on connecting capital with high-impact opportunities.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about Alumni Q&amp;A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management &amp; Finance 2022" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-qa-florence-perramond-climate-change-management-finance-2022/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="900"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=9BGljOGk 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=9BGljOGk 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-06-01T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">1 June 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7488" class="blog-listing-item__title">Lessons, insights and early career advice from ImperiaBusiness School Master’s alumni</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>We recently caught up with some of our Master’s alumni, who reflected on their early careers after graduating from ImperiaBusiness School. In this blog, they draw on their own experience to offer advice to those who are about to enter the job market.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about Lessons, insights and early career advice from ImperiaBusiness School Master’s alumni" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/lessons-insights-and-early-career-advice-imperial-business-school-masters-alumni/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div> </section></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2025-10-01T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">1 October 2025</time></div> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/blog-type/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> </div> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p>Following a shortlisting and interview process over the summer, we are delighted to announce that <strong>Ansumana Bai-Marrow </strong>(Global Online MBA 2023) has been appointed the new Chair of the Alumni Advisory Council. He will be joined by <strong>Jonathan Tai</strong> (iBSc 2003; Medicine 2005;<a> </a>MSc International Health Management 2024) who has been selected to serve as Vice-Chair of the Council. Formally taking up their three-year terms from today, they will lead a 15-strong Council to support the Business School’s strategic initiatives and deliver a range of alumni activity.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong>Ansumana Bai-Marrow </strong>has already demonstrated his commitment for the alumni community as a founding member of the ImperiaBlack Alumni Network. With 20-years’ experience working in some of the world’s largest financial institutions, Ansumana brings a wealth of leadership experience to the Chair position and a passion for supporting the Business School. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ansumana-bai-marrow/">Connect with Ansumana</a>.</p> <blockquote> <p>At such an exciting time for the business school, I’m looking forward to leading an engaged and enlarged Council, serving our growing alumni community, and continuing the great progress made under Joanne’s leadership.</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong>Jonathan Tai</strong> is a two time-graduate from º£½ÇÉçÇø, having completed his medical degree in 2005, followed by a Master’s in International Health Management last year. While studying at the Business School, Jonathan led the Dean’s Student Advisory Council as President and now volunteers his time to mentor current students and speak at events. <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanctai/">Connect with Jonathan</a>.</p> <blockquote> <p>I’m delighted to be appointed and am looking forward to working with our incoming Chair. Together with members of the Alumni Advisory Council, I hope to continue our efforts in building a formidable global alumni network, listening to the needs of nearly 40,000 (and growing) alumni, and leveraging our collective experience to shape the Business School's strategy and initiatives.</p> </blockquote> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p>Following a shortlisting and interview process over the summer, we are delighted to announce that <strong>Ansumana Bai-Marrow </strong>(Global Online MBA 2023) has been appointed the new Chair of the Alumni Advisory Council. He will be joined by <strong>Jonathan Tai</strong> (iBSc 2003; Medicine 2005;<a> </a>MSc International Health Management 2024) who has been selected to serve as Vice-Chair of the Council. Formally taking up their three-year terms from today, they will lead a 15-strong Council to support the Business School’s strategic initiatives and deliver a range of alumni activity.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--testimonial-quote testimonial--colour--blue-light testimonial--style--square-outline testimonial"><div class="testimonial__container" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-duration="1200"> <figure class="testimonial__image"><img class="restricted-width-border" alt="" src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/testimonial_square_image/public/2025-03/Rebecca%20Martin.jpg.webp?itok=-gPJ059r" /></figure><div class="testimonial__quote"> <blockquote class="testimonial__quote__container"> “I am so pleased that Ansumana and Jonathan will be leading the Alumni Advisory Council as the Business School embarks on its new strategy, ‘Where science means business’. I know they will do a fantastic job representing the alumni community. On behalf of the alumni team, the Council and the entire School, I’d also like to extend my thanks to Joanne for everything she has given to this role and to our community.” </blockquote> </div> <div class="testimonial__description"> <div class="testimonial__description__container"> <div class="testimonial__description__container__inner"> <div class="testimonial__description__details"> <div class="testimonial__name">Rebecca Martin</div> <div class="testimonial__class">Head of Alumni Engagement </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--testimonial-quote testimonial--colour--blue-light testimonial--style--square-outline testimonial"><div class="testimonial__container" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-duration="1200"> <figure class="testimonial__image"><img class="restricted-width-border" alt="" src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/testimonial_square_image/public/2025-06/Joanne%20Linder.jpg.webp?itok=FfkAVVVD" /></figure><div class="testimonial__quote"> <blockquote class="testimonial__quote__container"> “Thank you so much for your kind and generous words. During my 13 years on the Council we have handled many significant challenges and changes. Its members have given me much inspiration, wisdom and good humour during that time. The Council thrives on the extraordinary calibre of the alumni community and in Ansu and Jon it has two gifted leaders to continue its important work” </blockquote> </div> <div class="testimonial__description"> <div class="testimonial__description__container"> <div class="testimonial__description__container__inner"> <div class="testimonial__description__details"> <div class="testimonial__name">Joanne Linder</div> <div class="testimonial__class">Full-Time MBA 1996, Chair of the Alumni Advisory Council (2013-2025)</div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div> </section><div class="field field--name-key-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/volunteering" hreflang="en">Volunteering</a></div> </div> <div class="c-social-share-widget "> <h3>Share</h3> <div class="c-social-share-widget__links"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed&amp;title=" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Facebook"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/facebook_share.svg" alt="Facebook" /></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite?url=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed&amp;title=&amp;source=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Linkedin"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/linkedin.svg" alt="Linkedin" /></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=&amp;body=Check out this site /business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Email"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/email.svg" alt="Email" /></a> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-read-time field--type-estimated-read-time field--label-hidden field__item">2 minute read </div> Wed, 01 Oct 2025 09:17:11 +0000 Eunicia Estrocio 7383 at /business-school Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI /business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-careers-helping-alumni-stay-visible-and-valuable-the-age-remote-work-and-ai/ <h1 class="field title-huge field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden"> Alumni Careers: Helping Alumni Stay Visible and Valuable in the Age of Remote Work and AI </h1> <div class="media--image field field--name-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=VlCR9fsN 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=pfkfe1m2 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=VI41T95K 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=6IIvDJpT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=VlCR9fsN 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=pfkfe1m2 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=VI41T95K 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=6IIvDJpT 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-03/AI%20and%20Work%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=VlCR9fsN" aria-hidden="true" /></picture></div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Francesca Hoare</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-03-04T09:31:29+00:00" title="Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - 09:31" class="datetime">Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31</time></span> <div class="field field--name-content-bottom field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-footer-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="blogs-listing"><div class="blogs-listing__items"> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-flexible-blog-listings view-id-flexible_blog_listings view-display-id-listing_1 js-view-dom-id-43852525030701dab0614b408b705e5afe7abb49a17157ade0b6f2f06331b91d"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="listing-blocks listing-blocks--grid"> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Chloe Chambers" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-10-13T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">13 October 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7542" class="blog-listing-item__title">The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>For many professionals, the traditional career ladder is giving way to something more flexible. Increasingly, graduates are building portfolio careers, combining a main role with board seats, advisory work, teaching, or ventures of their own.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/the-portfolio-career-curiosity-your-best-career-strategy-chloe-chambers/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="600"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=LCruG4El 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=LCruG4El 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-07-09T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">9 July 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7504" class="blog-listing-item__title">Alumni Q&A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management & Finance 2022</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>After building experience across venture capital investments, impact asset management and fundraising, Florence Perramond developed a strong focus on connecting capital with high-impact opportunities.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about Alumni Q&amp;A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management &amp; Finance 2022" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-qa-florence-perramond-climate-change-management-finance-2022/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="900"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=9BGljOGk 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=9BGljOGk 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-06-01T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">1 June 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7488" class="blog-listing-item__title">Lessons, insights and early career advice from ImperiaBusiness School Master’s alumni</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>We recently caught up with some of our Master’s alumni, who reflected on their early careers after graduating from ImperiaBusiness School. In this blog, they draw on their own experience to offer advice to those who are about to enter the job market.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about Lessons, insights and early career advice from ImperiaBusiness School Master’s alumni" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/lessons-insights-and-early-career-advice-imperial-business-school-masters-alumni/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div> </section></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-02-13T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">13 February 2026</time></div> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/blog-type/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> </div> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><span>As the world of work continues to shift through the rise of remote working and rapid advances in AI, our careers consultants are increasingly supporting professionals who want to stay visible, valued, and strategically positioned. Our Careers team give some simple steps to help you navigate these changes with confidence.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p>Alumni are navigating a workplace that looks very different from the one many of them prepared for. As remote work becomes normal and AI automates more execution, the differentiator is no longer access to information — it’s clarity of contribution. </p> <p>It’s no longer enough to do good work. People need to <em>know</em> you are doing good work. </p> <p>In distributed environments, informal conversations that once reinforced reputation are harder to come by. As a result, perception gaps can widen. Silence can begin to define a professional brand if it isn’t shaped intentionally. </p> <p>Visibility is not self-promotion. It is being associated with value. It is communicating impact, demonstrating judgment, and contributing where decisions are made. In an AI-influenced workplace — shaped by tools from organisations such as OpenAI, Microsoft and Google — what stands out is no longer just output but thinking. </p> <h2>What can you do? </h2> <p>Small, consistent habits now matter more than ever. The aim is not to be everywhere, but to be clear and consistent enough that your value is recognised without you having to repeat it. </p> <ul><li><strong>Show your thinking, not just your output.</strong> Make your judgment and influence visible. </li> <li><strong>Make your work legible.</strong> Share concise, structured updates. Document decisions and outcomes. </li> <li><strong>Be known for something specific.</strong> Clarity builds credibility. </li> <li><strong>Invest in key relationships.</strong> Reputation travels through trust. </li> <li><strong>Contribute early in meetings.</strong> Early perspective shapes perception. </li> </ul></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <h3>How can Careers help you now? </h3> <p>The above behaviours are coachable.  </p> <p><strong>Coaching and workshops:</strong> </p> <p><strong>Reputation & Visibility Coaching (1:1)</strong> <br /> Focused sessions to help you identify visibility gaps, clarify what you want to be known for, and prepare for promotion or progression conversations. The world has access to a global talent pool now, which can feel overwhelming. The flip side of this is that you also have this reach – your audience is wider and being equipped to manage this is a professional responsibility. </p> <p><strong>Impact Storytelling Support</strong> <br /> Practical coaching on translating responsibilities into measurable impact — for performance reviews, leadership conversations, interviews and also digital platforms such as LinkedIn. </p> <p><strong>AI & Strategic Skills Development</strong> <br /> Guided reflection on how you are using AI, and how to position yourself as a strategic thinker demonstrating judgment, oversight and decision-making rather than execution alone. We will challenge you to identify moments when you were at your best, spot when doubt creeps in and discuss how to leverage what comes naturally to you.  </p> <p><strong>Remote Influence & Presence Coaching</strong> <br /> Support in building influence in hybrid environments — contributing confidently (but effectively) in virtual settings, strengthening stakeholder relationships, and increasing professional presence without feeling performative. </p> <p>We encourage you to stay connected and check in as new topics and workshops are introduced.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-blue paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--flexible-page-call-to-action call-to-action" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300" data-aos-duration="1200"><h2 class="call-to-action__heading"> Find out more about our services </h2> <ul class="call-to-action__links"><li class="call-to-action__link-item"> <a href="/business-school/alumni/alumni-careers/#coaching" aria-label="" class="call-to-action__link call-to-action__link--solid--navy-blue">Alumni Careers</a> </li> </ul></article></div> </div> </section><div class="field field--name-field-show-different-image-on-th field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="c-social-share-widget "> <h3>Share</h3> <div class="c-social-share-widget__links"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed&amp;title=" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Facebook"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/facebook_share.svg" alt="Facebook" /></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite?url=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed&amp;title=&amp;source=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Linkedin"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/linkedin.svg" alt="Linkedin" /></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=&amp;body=Check out this site /business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Email"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/email.svg" alt="Email" /></a> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-read-time field--type-estimated-read-time field--label-hidden field__item">2 minute read </div> Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000 Francesca Hoare 7465 at /business-school Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth /business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-careers-understanding-imposter-syndrome-and-career-growth/ <h1 class="field title-huge field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden"> Alumni Careers: Understanding imposter syndrome and career growth</h1> <div class="media--image field field--name-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=mH5cefqQ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=bhxp2G4h 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=435JugTX 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=VDxwfQyp 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=mH5cefqQ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=bhxp2G4h 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=435JugTX 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=VDxwfQyp 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="Chloe Chambers" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=mH5cefqQ" /></picture></div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Francesca Hoare</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-03-04T09:31:29+00:00" title="Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - 09:31" class="datetime">Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31</time></span> <div class="field field--name-content-bottom field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-footer-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="blogs-listing"><div class="blogs-listing__items"> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-flexible-blog-listings view-id-flexible_blog_listings view-display-id-listing_1 js-view-dom-id-2c5ed982116b8864d3c34ebca24ab7993abe560c214c90e584e84a16f385b5cd"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="listing-blocks listing-blocks--grid"> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Chloe Chambers" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-10-13T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">13 October 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7542" class="blog-listing-item__title">The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>For many professionals, the traditional career ladder is giving way to something more flexible. Increasingly, graduates are building portfolio careers, combining a main role with board seats, advisory work, teaching, or ventures of their own.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/the-portfolio-career-curiosity-your-best-career-strategy-chloe-chambers/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="600"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=LCruG4El 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=LCruG4El 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-07-09T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">9 July 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7504" class="blog-listing-item__title">Alumni Q&A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management & Finance 2022</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>After building experience across venture capital investments, impact asset management and fundraising, Florence Perramond developed a strong focus on connecting capital with high-impact opportunities.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about Alumni Q&amp;A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management &amp; Finance 2022" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-qa-florence-perramond-climate-change-management-finance-2022/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="900"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=9BGljOGk 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=9BGljOGk 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-06-01T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">1 June 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7488" class="blog-listing-item__title">Lessons, insights and early career advice from ImperiaBusiness School Master’s alumni</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>We recently caught up with some of our Master’s alumni, who reflected on their early careers after graduating from ImperiaBusiness School. In this blog, they draw on their own experience to offer advice to those who are about to enter the job market.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about Lessons, insights and early career advice from ImperiaBusiness School Master’s alumni" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/lessons-insights-and-early-career-advice-imperial-business-school-masters-alumni/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div> </section></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-02-27T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">27 February 2026</time></div> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/blog-type/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> </div> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><span>Imposter syndrome is something our careers consultants encounter frequently when supporting professionals through moments of growth, transition, and increased responsibility. Building on the insights shared by Sophie Scott during MBA Careers Week, this article brings together practical guidance from Careers Consultant Chloe Chambers to help you understand why these feelings arise and how to manage them effectively.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p>Imposter syndrome is a common experience among high-performing professionals — and it often becomes more nuanced as careers advance, as highlighted by Sophie Scott during our recent MBA Careers Week. </p> <p>Many high performers privately question whether their success is truly earned. They attribute promotions to timing, market conditions, or strong teams rather than their own capability. Even with a world-class education and an impressive track record, there can be a persistent concern about being “found out.” </p> <p>We see this most often at moments of transition — stepping into senior leadership, pivoting industries, launching a venture, or returning after a career break. Increased visibility can amplify internal scrutiny. <strong>Imposter syndrome rarely reflects a deficit in competence; more often, it reflects elevated standards and expectations.</strong> </p> <p><strong><em>In our work with Masters and MBA cohorts, and in conversations with alumni navigating complex leadership roles, we focus on practical, evidence-based strategies:</em></strong> </p> <p><strong>Create an evidence bank</strong> <br /> Reviewing objective evidence (strategic decisions you have influenced, commercial results delivered)helps separate feelings from facts and anchors confidence in proof rather than perception. It is also fantastic interview preparation. </p> <p><strong>Reframe the narrative</strong> <br /> Self-doubt often skews reality. Challenge the internal story by asking: <em>What are the facts? What evidence contradicts this belief?</em> </p> <p><strong>Adopt a growth mindset</strong> <br /> Drawing on the research of Carol Dweck, we encourage students to see capability as something developed through stretch and challenge. Readiness is rarely a feeling; it is a decision. </p> <p><strong>Build strategic confidence</strong> <br /> Confidence is not a personality trait reserved for a few. It is built through preparation, deliberate reflection, and consistent action. Confidence often follows action and not the other way around – if only!  </p> <p>Imposter syndrome does not disappear with seniority or credentials. What changes is how effectively it is managed. </p> <p><strong>How 1:1 Coaching Can Help</strong> </p> <p>In confidential sessions, we help alumni explore patterns of self-doubt and prepare for high-stakes transitions. With structured reflection and constructive challenge,  coaching can accelerate the shift from private self-doubt to deliberate actions. <strong>Coaching does not remove challenge — it equips you to progress despite it.</strong> </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p>If you are going through professional change, preparing for greater responsibility, or noticing some of these feelings in yourself, coaching conversations can provide practical support to help you. Addressing imposter syndrome through coaching can be a powerful form of <strong>future-proofing your career</strong>, building the confidence and capability to navigate change and opportunity as and when it arrives. </p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-blue paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--flexible-page-call-to-action 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href="https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite?url=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed&amp;title=&amp;source=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Linkedin"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/linkedin.svg" alt="Linkedin" /></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=&amp;body=Check out this site /business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Email"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/email.svg" alt="Email" /></a> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-read-time field--type-estimated-read-time field--label-hidden field__item">2 minute read </div> Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000 Francesca Hoare 7464 at /business-school Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025) /business-school/blogs/alumni/besnik-mustafa-weekend-mba-2025/ <h1 class="field title-huge field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden"> Besnik Mustafa (Weekend MBA 2025)</h1> <div class="media--image field field--name-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.webp?h=545231ff&itok=eNSp6Z8U 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.webp?h=545231ff&itok=5jqtK3oW 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.webp?h=545231ff&itok=kvSuCCFj 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.webp?h=545231ff&itok=sd8JpiXo 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.jpg?h=545231ff&itok=eNSp6Z8U 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.jpg?h=545231ff&itok=5jqtK3oW 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.jpg?h=545231ff&itok=kvSuCCFj 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.jpg?h=545231ff&itok=sd8JpiXo 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="Besnik Mustafa" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-03/Besnik%20Mustafa_0.jpg?h=545231ff&itok=eNSp6Z8U" /></picture></div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Francesca Hoare</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-03-04T09:31:29+00:00" title="Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - 09:31" class="datetime">Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31</time></span> <div class="field field--name-content-bottom field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-footer-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="blogs-listing"><div class="blogs-listing__items"> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-flexible-blog-listings view-id-flexible_blog_listings view-display-id-listing_1 js-view-dom-id-663642138c9bcb84b9cc77bd77a109da2d5ad83589ce392957e7967fcb73832f"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="listing-blocks listing-blocks--grid"> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Chloe Chambers" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-10-13T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">13 October 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7542" class="blog-listing-item__title">The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>For many professionals, the traditional career ladder is giving way to something more flexible. Increasingly, graduates are building portfolio careers, combining a main role with board seats, advisory work, teaching, or ventures of their own.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/the-portfolio-career-curiosity-your-best-career-strategy-chloe-chambers/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="600"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=LCruG4El 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=LCruG4El 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-07-09T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">9 July 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7504" class="blog-listing-item__title">Alumni Q&A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management & Finance 2022</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>After building experience across venture capital investments, impact asset management and fundraising, Florence Perramond developed a strong focus on connecting capital with high-impact opportunities.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about Alumni Q&amp;A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management &amp; Finance 2022" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-qa-florence-perramond-climate-change-management-finance-2022/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="900"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=9BGljOGk 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=9BGljOGk 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-06-01T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">1 June 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7488" class="blog-listing-item__title">Lessons, insights and early career advice from ImperiaBusiness School Master’s alumni</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>We recently caught up with some of our Master’s alumni, who reflected on their early careers after graduating from ImperiaBusiness School. In this blog, they draw on their own experience to offer advice to those who are about to enter the job market.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about Lessons, insights and early career advice from ImperiaBusiness School Master’s alumni" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/lessons-insights-and-early-career-advice-imperial-business-school-masters-alumni/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div> </section></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-03-04T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">4 March 2026</time></div> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/blog-type/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> </div> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><span>After beginning his career at Finance Think, Besnik Mustafa went on to advise Members of Parliament in North Macedonia. He later joined Salience Consulting, gaining experience across multiple international markets. His Weekend MBA sparked his shift in-house, and he now serves as a Network Development Manager at Meta. We spoke with Besnik about his career pivots, his transition from North Macedonia to the UK, and the lessons he has gathered along the way.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">You’ve made several interesting changes in your career. Can you talk me through that journey?</span></strong></p> <p>One thing I have realised looking back is that there was no one big leap. My career has really been a compilation of pivots.</p> <p>After finishing my Master’s in Edinburgh, I returned to North Macedonia and joined one of the country’s leading think tanks, Finance Think. Their work focuses on economic development, which aligned with my interest in emerging markets and developing the economy back home.</p> <p>After a while, I wanted to have a more direct impact on decision‑making, so I moved into a role advising Members of Parliament. I worked for the Parliamentary Budget Office, where much of my work dealt with the economic impact of COVID‑19, particularly on international trade and tourism.</p> <p>Imperiaeighteen months later, I made what was probably the biggest pivot of my career: moving into consulting. I joined Salience Consulting, a boutique firm specialising in digital infrastructure. There, I worked on everything from commercial due diligence and go‑to‑market strategies to business cases and internationalisation strategies across a range of technologies. I often joke that I covered the full spectrum, from subsea cables all the way up to geostationary satellites 30,000 kilometres above Earth, and everything in between!</p> <p>That period was incredibly important for my career development. Shifting from local issues to international ones across 10 – 20 countries, was a completely different ball game, and the exposure was invaluable. In a boutique consultancy, responsibility comes fast, and I was a lead analyst in calls literally within my first hours on the job.</p> <p>I stayed there for three and a half years, during which I began my Weekend MBA. <span>Through the MBA, I had my first session with <span>Chloe from<strong> </strong></span>Career Services, where I was confronted with the big question: What do I actually want to do? </span>Up until then, my career had always placed me at the sidelines - advising, analysing, consulting. I realised I was gaining a broad range of skills, but I wanted to apply them deeply within one organization.</p> <p>That led to my final pivot. As I was finishing my MBA, I joined Meta as a Network Development Manager in Network Investments. I had worked in subsea infrastructure in a couple of previous engagements and I was able to leverage that experience to make the transition.</p> <p><strong><span>What existing skills have you been able to carry into your role at Meta, and where have you had to learn something new?</span></strong></p> <p>When I mentioned earlier that I was leading client calls within just a couple of hours of joining Salience, that mentality is something I definitely carried with me to Meta. You have to be flexible, and willing to look for a problem and solve it. You can’t, and shouldn’t, wait around.</p> <p>But there was also a lot I needed to learn. The scale and breadth of the projects at Meta are unlike anything I’d worked on before. I had to become more open, and more proactive. I also had to learn to truly listen. The people I work with at Meta are, without question, some of the most talented and impressive individuals I’ve ever met. It’s such an honour just being on the same team as them.</p> <p><strong><span>Having made the move from North Macedonia to the UK, how has the experience been for you, and what guidance would you share with someone thinking of doing the same?</span></strong></p> <p>It was definitely a challenge! Part of that was simply adjusting to a completely new environment, but I also had to rebuild my credibility from scratch. Even with solid academic credentials and work experience, I had never worked in the UK before. I wanted a bit more legitimacy in this market and that’s why I chose to do my MBA at º£½ÇÉçÇø. It allowed me to keep working, continue my studies, and start putting together a long‑term plan for transitioning between roles.</p> <p>My focus was on overcoming what in business is called the “liability of foreignness”: entering a new market where you need to establish credibility through your experience, your network, or in my case, through the MBA. It was a challenge, but ultimately it worked in my favour.</p> <p>As for advice: London is incredibly global. No matter where you’re from, there’s almost certainly an organisation here serving that market. That ties back to my earlier point about pivots and leveraging your background. If you’re coming from Eastern Europe like I did, or have experience in regions like the Middle East or Africa, there are countless companies in London operating in those areas. Don’t sell your experience short. You have unique selling propositions that you should take full advantage of.</p> <p>Another piece of advice is to surround yourself with like‑minded people. The world is more global than ever, and especially at Imperiayou’ll find clubs and societies for virtually any interest. In the Business School especially, people tend to be deeply passionate about areas like consulting and finance. You can find your niche, bounce ideas off each other, and discover opportunities you might never have considered.</p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">What is the biggest lesson that you've learned so far in your professional life?</span></strong></p> <p>For me, it really comes down to two things.</p> <p>The first is that you have to take advantage of the opportunities in front of you. If you stay still and wait to see where the wind takes you, you’re unlikely to get very far. But if you proactively seek out opportunities, you’ll get far more out of each experience. Whether I was in a policy think tank, in Parliament, or later at Salience Consulting, I always sought to take on projects where I could have the greatest impact. And once you’ve proven yourself, very few employers will say they <em>don’t</em> want you to take on more responsibility or explore new areas.</p> <p>The second lesson is that careers tend to unfold through a series of pivots rather than one big leap. You might start in one field, as I did in policy, and gradually move toward something entirely different. For me, that ultimately meant transitioning into more commercially focused work. In certain professions you might be able to make a big double or triple jump, but for most people the most practical and realistic path is incremental change rather than that one big moment.</p> <p>This feels especially true in the current labour market. Switching sectors is difficult if you’re trying to jump too far too fast but it becomes far more achievable if you pivot gradually.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong><span>How has Imperiashaped your journey, and how do you hope to give back to current students? </span></strong></p> <p>When I was at º£½ÇÉçÇø, I had so many people go out of their way to help me - people who had absolutely no obligation to do so. I must have had ten, maybe twenty coffee chats with Imperiaalumni, and each conversation opened my eyes to something new: how different companies operate, how the London job market works, what to do, and what to avoid. A lot of the advice I give people now is really a compilation of the insights those alumni shared with me.</p> <p>I was incredibly fortunate to meet people who took time out of their lives to offer valuable information, whether through chats, panels, or informal conversations. Whenever I needed advice, there was always someone willing to help. That’s why I feel a strong responsibility to do the same for others.</p> <p><span>That commitment to paying it forward is something I carry with me today through my ongoing work with the Careers Service. I recently had the pleasure of hosting Chloe Chambers and Nan Ding from the Careers team during a visit to Meta, which was a fantastic opportunity to stay connected and discuss how we can continue supporting the next generation of talent. I really encourage everyone to keep in touch with the Careers Service - it’s a powerful way to stay involved, benefit from coaching throughout your career, and ensure that the cycle of mentorship and support continues long after we graduate.</span></p> <p>I genuinely feel indebted to those who helped me, so I try to pay that forward. Even if I can’t directly support someone, I can put them in touch with someone who can. That’s the power of weak links: even a loose connection can create an introduction that makes a real difference.</p> <p>And because Imperiabrings together people from every imaginable background, there’s always someone relevant in your network. That kind of connectivity is one of the greatest strengths of the Imperiacommunity.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><div class="field field--name-field-show-different-image-on-th field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="c-social-share-widget "> <h3>Share</h3> <div class="c-social-share-widget__links"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed&amp;title=" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Facebook"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/facebook_share.svg" alt="Facebook" /></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite?url=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed&amp;title=&amp;source=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Linkedin"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/linkedin.svg" alt="Linkedin" /></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=&amp;body=Check out this site /business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Email"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/email.svg" alt="Email" /></a> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-programme-ref field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Programme</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/admin/content/course/2" hreflang="en">Weekend MBA</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-read-time field--type-estimated-read-time field--label-hidden field__item">7 minute read </div> Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000 Francesca Hoare 7463 at /business-school Partner with our students: why businesses should apply for our consulting projects /business-school/blogs/alumni/partner-our-students-why-businesses-should-apply-our-consulting-projects/ <h1 class="field title-huge field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden"> Partner with our students: why businesses should apply for our consulting projects</h1> <div class="media--image field field--name-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-01/Consulting%20Project%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=IW7-AYks 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-01/Consulting%20Project%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=xFUu2VfE 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-01/Consulting%20Project%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=1VfdeTMS 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-01/Consulting%20Project%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=p60NjiaT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-01/Consulting%20Project%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=IW7-AYks 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-01/Consulting%20Project%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=xFUu2VfE 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-01/Consulting%20Project%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=1VfdeTMS 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-01/Consulting%20Project%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=p60NjiaT 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-01/Consulting%20Project%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=IW7-AYks" aria-hidden="true" /></picture></div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Francesca Hoare</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-03-04T09:31:29+00:00" title="Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - 09:31" class="datetime">Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31</time></span> <div class="field field--name-content-bottom field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-footer-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="blogs-listing"><div class="blogs-listing__items"> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-flexible-blog-listings view-id-flexible_blog_listings view-display-id-listing_1 js-view-dom-id-21430a31bbcb7458297d159af4ea012da71c2e0193c08076d2e7a2e3b7742098"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="listing-blocks listing-blocks--grid"> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Chloe Chambers" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-10-13T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">13 October 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7542" class="blog-listing-item__title">The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>For many professionals, the traditional career ladder is giving way to something more flexible. Increasingly, graduates are building portfolio careers, combining a main role with board seats, advisory work, teaching, or ventures of their own.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/the-portfolio-career-curiosity-your-best-career-strategy-chloe-chambers/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="600"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=LCruG4El 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=LCruG4El 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-07-09T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">9 July 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7504" class="blog-listing-item__title">Alumni Q&A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management & Finance 2022</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>After building experience across venture capital investments, impact asset management and fundraising, Florence Perramond developed a strong focus on connecting capital with high-impact opportunities.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about Alumni Q&amp;A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management &amp; Finance 2022" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-qa-florence-perramond-climate-change-management-finance-2022/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="900"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=9BGljOGk 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=9BGljOGk 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-06-01T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">1 June 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7488" class="blog-listing-item__title">Lessons, insights and early career advice from ImperiaBusiness School Master’s alumni</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>We recently caught up with some of our Master’s alumni, who reflected on their early careers after graduating from ImperiaBusiness School. In this blog, they draw on their own experience to offer advice to those who are about to enter the job market.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about Lessons, insights and early career advice from ImperiaBusiness School Master’s alumni" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/lessons-insights-and-early-career-advice-imperial-business-school-masters-alumni/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div> </section></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-01-28T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">28 January 2026</time></div> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/blog-type/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> </div> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p>Last summer,<strong> </strong>global consulting firm AlixPartners<strong> </strong>were one of 87 companies who partnered with ImperiaBusiness School for our Consulting Projects, presenting students with a real-world business challenge. The results? Innovative solutions, fresh perspectives, and measurable impact.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p>We spoke to<strong> </strong>AlixPartners consultants Business Analytics graduate (2018) Qiuyue Zhang, Vice President, and Oli Freestone, Director, about their experience and why they believe other businesses should get involved.</p> <blockquote> <p>Working with Imperiahas been a hugely rewarding experience for AlixPartners. The students supported our team in building and running the model, giving them the opportunity to apply their knowledge to a business problem taking place in real life, real-time. While we were able to give the students a look-in to the world of consulting, the experience equally helped our firm to connect with new talent and hear external perspectives on the project.</p> </blockquote> <p>The team was impressed by the students’ ability to quickly understand the scope and deliver high-quality work. “If this was a live client situation, nailing down what the problem is and what you’ve been asked to do early on is key,” Oli explains. “Their technical capability was really impressive. What they managed to do with AI models, mock-ups, and bridging technical concepts with business-oriented explanations was outstanding.”</p> <p>Qiuyue agrees,</p> <blockquote> <p>The students were incredibly innovative. I work in the AI field myself, so understand firsthand how much time and effort it takes to upskill in those areas. They were able to do that very quickly while also having a genuine interest in solving the problem, as if it was a real-life challenge rather than just another graded part of their programme.</p> </blockquote> <p>As an Imperiaalumna, Qiuyue brought a unique perspective to the project.</p> <blockquote> <p>I can definitely put myself in the students’ shoes, having been on that side before. I remember when I did my consulting projects, I wished I’d had more opportunities to speak to consultants at the business, so I used my own experience and learnings to tailor how I supported the students and the project. I made sure that we talked regularly so that they felt comfortable with what they were working on, and so that we could address any pain points.</p> </blockquote> <p>Beyond technical skills, the project fostered growth and confidence. The first time we met, the group was relatively quiet, but then they became increasingly confident,” Qiuyue recalls. “You could see their development in real time. I’d be comfortable putting their final presentation in front of a client.</p> <p>Both leaders strongly recommend the programme to other companies. Imperiaoffers the ability to address a real business problem with innovative solutions,” says Oli. Qiuyue added, <strong>“</strong>It’s good to present a variety of projects because students have different career aspirations some technical, others more business-focused.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <h2>Ready to bring fresh thinking to your business challenges?</h2> <p><a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=B3WJK4zudUWDC0-CZ8PTB_TrMgArpC5CvX6V2Z-wiA1UMDBRNU5BMzFOR09PMDNCSlQ0NTI5QkpRSi4u">Submit your project</a> for the next Consulting Projects and collaborate with some of the brightest minds at º£½ÇÉçÇø.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-blue paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--flexible-page-call-to-action call-to-action" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300" data-aos-duration="1200"><h2 class="call-to-action__heading"> MSc Consulting Projects </h2> <ul class="call-to-action__links"><li class="call-to-action__link-item"> <a href="https://imperialcollegelondon.app.box.com/s/8x96tfe9dsy8ir3l52npzcnxmdx2as7z" aria-label="" class="call-to-action__link call-to-action__link--solid--navy-blue">View Brochure</a> </li> </ul></article></div> </div> </section><div class="field field--name-key-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/careers" hreflang="en">Careers</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-show-different-image-on-th field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="c-social-share-widget "> <h3>Share</h3> <div class="c-social-share-widget__links"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed&amp;title=" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Facebook"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/facebook_share.svg" alt="Facebook" /></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite?url=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed&amp;title=&amp;source=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Linkedin"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/linkedin.svg" alt="Linkedin" /></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=&amp;body=Check out this site /business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Email"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/email.svg" alt="Email" /></a> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-read-time field--type-estimated-read-time field--label-hidden field__item">2 minute read </div> Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000 Francesca Hoare 7449 at /business-school Alper Barut (MSc Management 2008) /business-school/blogs/alumni/alper-barut-msc-management-2008/ <h1 class="field title-huge field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden"> Alper Barut (MSc Management 2008)</h1> <div class="media--image field field--name-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Alper%20Barut.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=CbVM494X 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-02/Alper%20Barut.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=QkFpq1e_ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-02/Alper%20Barut.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=i677ZPGI 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-02/Alper%20Barut.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=Y4Ejyn-g 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Alper%20Barut.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=CbVM494X 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-02/Alper%20Barut.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=QkFpq1e_ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-02/Alper%20Barut.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=i677ZPGI 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-02/Alper%20Barut.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=Y4Ejyn-g 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="Alper Barut" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-02/Alper%20Barut.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=CbVM494X" /></picture></div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Francesca Hoare</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-03-04T09:31:29+00:00" title="Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - 09:31" class="datetime">Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31</time></span> <div class="field field--name-content-bottom field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-footer-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="blogs-listing"><div class="blogs-listing__items"> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-flexible-blog-listings view-id-flexible_blog_listings view-display-id-listing_1 js-view-dom-id-566aec69483630abebdd3117908801493c7440181c85bc46ae96b713588f3311"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="listing-blocks listing-blocks--grid"> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Chloe Chambers" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-10-13T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">13 October 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7542" class="blog-listing-item__title">The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>For many professionals, the traditional career ladder is giving way to something more flexible. Increasingly, graduates are building portfolio careers, combining a main role with board seats, advisory work, teaching, or ventures of their own.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/the-portfolio-career-curiosity-your-best-career-strategy-chloe-chambers/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="600"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=LCruG4El 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=LCruG4El 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-07-09T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">9 July 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7504" class="blog-listing-item__title">Alumni Q&A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management & Finance 2022</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>After building experience across venture capital investments, impact asset management and fundraising, Florence Perramond developed a strong focus on connecting capital with high-impact opportunities.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about Alumni Q&amp;A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management &amp; Finance 2022" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-qa-florence-perramond-climate-change-management-finance-2022/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="900"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=9BGljOGk 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=9BGljOGk 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-06-01T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">1 June 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7488" class="blog-listing-item__title">Lessons, insights and early career advice from ImperiaBusiness School Master’s alumni</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>We recently caught up with some of our Master’s alumni, who reflected on their early careers after graduating from ImperiaBusiness School. In this blog, they draw on their own experience to offer advice to those who are about to enter the job market.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about Lessons, insights and early career advice from ImperiaBusiness School Master’s alumni" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/lessons-insights-and-early-career-advice-imperial-business-school-masters-alumni/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div> </section></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-01-21T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">21 January 2026</time></div> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/blog-type/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> </div> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p>Alper Barut (MSc Management 2008) is a serial entrepreneur and co-founder of AI-powered platform <a href="https://leadport.ai/">Leadport.ai</a>. He previously co-founded Esarj, which was built from the ground up into Turkey’s leading e-mobility charging network and later acquired by Enerjisa, the country’s largest energy distribution company. Alper is driven by a builder mindset and focuses on creating technology-led products that solve real-world problems at scale.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Can you tell us about the start of your founder journey? </span></strong></p> <p>I<strong> </strong>have always been motivated by building practical solutions through technology. Early in my career, I worked on wind power plant development projects, where I was first exposed to the energy sector and met my future co-founder. At the same time, my family’s long-standing involvement in the automotive industry gave me a close view of how mobility was evolving. Seeing these two worlds converge made one thing clear to me: electric vehicles were not a trend, but an inevitable shift driven by efficiency and sustainability.</p> <p>Rather than waiting for that future to arrive, I wanted to be part of its development by contributing to the infrastructure and software supporting the electric mobility ecosystem. As an industrial engineer, this led me to co-found Esarj, focusing on solving a very concrete problem — making electric mobility usable in everyday life. That experience shaped not only what I build, but how I build: identifying structural change early, building for real-world adoption, and staying close to execution from day one.</p> <p>At a personal level, entrepreneurship gives me a sense of freedom and identity that comes from taking full ownership — the freedom to make decisions, carry responsibility, and live with their outcomes, and the satisfaction of building a professional identity through work I am proud to stand behind.</p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">What is the biggest lesson you have learnt on your entrepreneurial journey so far? </span></strong></p> <p>The biggest lesson I have learned is that nothing truly meaningful happens quickly, and things almost never unfold as initially imagined. Real progress begins only after going to market — testing assumptions, listening carefully, and learning from reality rather than plans.</p> <p>Over time, I came to understand that building successfully is a continuous process of evolution. Products, strategies, and even early convictions must adapt as the market reveals what actually matters. The ability to identify the most critical variables early, recognize where real leverage exists, and adjust direction accordingly is what enables a business to move forward in a meaningful and sustainable way.</p> <p>I have also learned that long-term success is built on honesty and authenticity. Shortcuts may create temporary momentum, but trust compounds only when intentions, communication, and execution remain genuine. Without that foundation, growth rarely lasts; with it, learning accelerates and progress becomes durable.</p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Can you tell us about your current company? </span></strong></p> <p>I am currently a co-founder of Leadport.ai, a platform built to solve a very specific problem: the gap between customer intent and human (business) response. Many businesses lose their most valuable opportunities simply because they lack the ability to respond at the right moment, with enough context. Leadport.ai is designed to close that gap by enabling instant, voice-based connections at the exact moment a customer shows real interest.</p> <p>At its core, the platform is built around real conversations rather than surface-level data. By capturing, transcribing, and analysing voice interactions with AI, Leadport.ai functions as a learning system — one that continuously improves by understanding what works, what does not, and why. The goal is not to replace human judgment, but to augment it by helping teams respond faster, make clearer decisions, and improve through every real interaction.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin flexible-images-section"> <div class="flexible-images-section__container"> <div class="field field--name-field-images field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item image-item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin flexible-image-section" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-duration="1200"><div class="flexible-image-section__container"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-01/Alper%20Barut%20Office.webp?h=82019997&itok=a6Idwq7N 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-01/Alper%20Barut%20Office.webp?h=82019997&itok=B_G02yhr 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-01/Alper%20Barut%20Office.webp?h=82019997&itok=YujLaw1h 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-01/Alper%20Barut%20Office.webp?h=82019997&itok=3Sb7vmUh 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-01/Alper%20Barut%20Office.jpg?h=82019997&itok=a6Idwq7N 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-01/Alper%20Barut%20Office.jpg?h=82019997&itok=B_G02yhr 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-01/Alper%20Barut%20Office.jpg?h=82019997&itok=YujLaw1h 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-01/Alper%20Barut%20Office.jpg?h=82019997&itok=3Sb7vmUh 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-01/Alper%20Barut%20Office.jpg?h=82019997&itok=a6Idwq7N" aria-hidden="true" /></picture></div> </div> </article></div> <div class="field__item image-item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin flexible-image-section" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-duration="1200"><div class="flexible-image-section__container"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-01/Alper%20Barut%20Meeting.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=73XKpUIz 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-01/Alper%20Barut%20Meeting.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=Xo-ON1bv 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-01/Alper%20Barut%20Meeting.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=N9ZWhBa6 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-01/Alper%20Barut%20Meeting.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=iEkiXDNI 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-01/Alper%20Barut%20Meeting.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=73XKpUIz 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2026-01/Alper%20Barut%20Meeting.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=Xo-ON1bv 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2026-01/Alper%20Barut%20Meeting.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=N9ZWhBa6 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2026-01/Alper%20Barut%20Meeting.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=iEkiXDNI 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2026-01/Alper%20Barut%20Meeting.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=73XKpUIz" aria-hidden="true" /></picture></div> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">How do you see AI being used as a power for good in business?</span></strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p>I see AI as a tool that helps businesses use their most limited resource — time — more intelligently while bringing greater clarity to decision-making. In many organisations, valuable human attention is spent reviewing information after opportunities have already passed. AI can change this by analysing interactions in real time and surfacing what truly matters, exactly when it matters.</p> <p>Used responsibly, AI increases transparency rather than creating black boxes. It makes complex processes more visible, decisions easier to explain, and outcomes easier to learn from. By removing repetitive analysis and illuminating what drives real results, AI allows people to focus on higher-quality judgment, better collaboration, and more sustainable ways of working.</p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">What advice would you give someone wanting to become a founder?</span></strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span></p> <p>Beyond caring about a problem, aspiring founders need to understand themselves deeply — their strengths, limits, and where they can genuinely create value. Founder–market fit matters as much as product–market fit; choosing the wrong market or role will quietly drain energy over time, no matter how strong the idea initially feels.</p> <p>Execution and resilience matter more than ideas alone. Entrepreneurship offers a unique sense of freedom, but that freedom only becomes meaningful when paired with responsibility and consistency. Building something that lasts requires patience, continuous learning, and the ability to move forward through uncertainty while shaping a professional identity you are proud to carry.</p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">What drew you to study at º£½ÇÉçÇø?</span></strong></p> <p>Imperiaconsistently ranked among the world’s leading institutions, which was an important factor for me. More importantly, I was drawn to its strong analytical foundation combined with a clear focus on real-world application. Working on practical projects, business cases, and hands-on problem-solving made the learning experience highly relevant and immediately transferable to real business challenges.</p> <p>Collaborating with diverse, international teams further reinforced this approach. Imperiadid not simply teach theory; it created an environment where ideas were tested, assumptions were challenged, and concepts were translated into structured action — a way of thinking that continues to shape how I build and operate companies today.</p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">What have you taken from your time at Imperiato your current professional life? </span></strong></p> <p>Imperiagave me far more than technical or business knowledge; it fundamentally shaped how I think. Beyond frameworks and tools, it instilled a broader perspective — the ability to step back, question assumptions, and approach problems with a long-term view rather than seeking immediate answers.</p> <p><span> </span>One experience that stayed with me was being asked to explore the history of transportation and imagine the future of mobility by understanding how past transitions unfolded. It reinforced the idea that the future is not something to wait for, but something to design. What makes Imperiaparticularly distinctive is that this influence does not end at graduation. Nearly two decades on, through moments like this interview and an active alumni ecosystem, the school continues to add value — not as a static institution, but as a living community that evolves alongside its graduates.</p> <p>Find out more about  <a href="https://leadport.ai/">Leadport.ai</a>.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><div class="field field--name-field-show-different-image-on-th field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="c-social-share-widget "> <h3>Share</h3> <div class="c-social-share-widget__links"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed&amp;title=" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Facebook"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/facebook_share.svg" alt="Facebook" /></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite?url=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed&amp;title=&amp;source=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Linkedin"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/linkedin.svg" alt="Linkedin" /></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=&amp;body=Check out this site /business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Email"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/email.svg" alt="Email" /></a> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-programme-ref field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Programme</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/admin/content/course/86" hreflang="en">MSc in Management (MiM)</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-read-time field--type-estimated-read-time field--label-hidden field__item">5 minute read </div> Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000 Francesca Hoare 7445 at /business-school Allegra Fortunato (International Management 2022) /business-school/blogs/alumni/allegra-fortunato-international-management-2022/ <h1 class="field title-huge field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden"> Allegra Fortunato (International Management 2022)</h1> <div class="media--image field field--name-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-12/Allegra%20Fortunato.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=slZcjOfl 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-12/Allegra%20Fortunato.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=1iG8G7vw 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-12/Allegra%20Fortunato.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=gn-1l4xc 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-12/Allegra%20Fortunato.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=9MRpjK9f 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-12/Allegra%20Fortunato.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=slZcjOfl 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-12/Allegra%20Fortunato.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=1iG8G7vw 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-12/Allegra%20Fortunato.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=gn-1l4xc 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-12/Allegra%20Fortunato.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=9MRpjK9f 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="Allegra Fortunato" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-12/Allegra%20Fortunato.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=slZcjOfl" /></picture></div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Francesca Hoare</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-03-04T09:31:29+00:00" title="Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - 09:31" class="datetime">Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31</time></span> <div class="field field--name-content-bottom field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-footer-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="blogs-listing"><div class="blogs-listing__items"> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-flexible-blog-listings view-id-flexible_blog_listings view-display-id-listing_1 js-view-dom-id-c72a6254d91163513459e31ac0f3a60c09811d574ad4f69fd4c6ffdfe762a5df"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="listing-blocks listing-blocks--grid"> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Chloe Chambers" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-10-13T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">13 October 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7542" class="blog-listing-item__title">The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>For many professionals, the traditional career ladder is giving way to something more flexible. Increasingly, graduates are building portfolio careers, combining a main role with board seats, advisory work, teaching, or ventures of their own.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/the-portfolio-career-curiosity-your-best-career-strategy-chloe-chambers/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="600"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=LCruG4El 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=LCruG4El 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-07-09T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">9 July 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7504" class="blog-listing-item__title">Alumni Q&A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management & Finance 2022</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>After building experience across venture capital investments, impact asset management and fundraising, Florence Perramond developed a strong focus on connecting capital with high-impact opportunities.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about Alumni Q&amp;A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management &amp; Finance 2022" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-qa-florence-perramond-climate-change-management-finance-2022/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="900"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=9BGljOGk 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=9BGljOGk 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-06-01T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">1 June 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7488" class="blog-listing-item__title">Lessons, insights and early career advice from ImperiaBusiness School Master’s alumni</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>We recently caught up with some of our Master’s alumni, who reflected on their early careers after graduating from ImperiaBusiness School. In this blog, they draw on their own experience to offer advice to those who are about to enter the job market.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about Lessons, insights and early career advice from ImperiaBusiness School Master’s alumni" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/lessons-insights-and-early-career-advice-imperial-business-school-masters-alumni/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div> </section></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2026-01-05T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">5 January 2026</time></div> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/blog-type/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> </div> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p>Allegra Fortunato is Head of Strategy and Director of UK Office at <a name="_Hlk216429138" id="_Hlk216429138">Tecno </a>International, having joined the company shortly after completing her Master’s in International Management at ImperiaBusiness School. Allegra’s commitment to sustainability saw her recently named Sustainability Director of the year at the Institute of Directors Awards. She is also a committed alumni volunteer, supporting students through a range of initiatives including working with them on consulting projects and speaking at induction events.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Can you tell us about your career journey to date?</span></strong></p> <p>I’m currently Head of Strategy and Director of UK Office at Tecno International, where I focus on sustainability strategies for different companies. I’ve been with the company for over three years now, having joined after completing my Master’s in International Management at º£½ÇÉçÇø.</p> <p>My move into sustainability was actually quite unexpected. The role itself was what I really wanted to do because it was about applying strategy to business. I thought working for such a purpose-driven company would add even more value to the strategy process. It was at a time when sustainability was rapidly gaining importance, and it felt like the perfect opportunity to learn hands-on.</p> <p>One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt so far is that there’s no linear career path in this field. Sustainability work is dynamic, and you have to constantly learn and adapt.</p> <p>What I love most is that my role goes beyond traditional strategy consulting. I get to engage in things like the consulting projects at º£½ÇÉçÇø, mentoring young professionals, and getting involved in public speaking to promote sustainability. It’s really refreshing to have all these different projects to work on.</p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">You were recently named Sustainability Director of the Year by the Institute of Directors. Congratulations! What was that moment like?</span></strong></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">It was totally unexpected. I applied a while ago, got shortlisted, and then honestly put it aside. So when I won, it felt very humbling and deeply meaningful. </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">It wasn’t just about personal recognition. It felt like an acknowledgement of the collective effort at Tecno International and across all our sustainability initiatives. </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">I rarely stop to think about my work, and the award really helped to affirm that what I do on a daily basis is making an impact. It’s about translating ambitions into actions, whether that is through speaking at workshops, events or simply having conversations with other professionals. We’ve been working quietly in the background, but this recognition shows that our efforts are being noticed and making a difference.</span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin flexible-images-section"> <div class="flexible-images-section__container"> <div class="field field--name-field-images field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item image-item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin flexible-image-section" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-duration="1200"><div class="flexible-image-section__container"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-12/Awards%20Group%20Photo.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=pJ3BRFcg 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-12/Awards%20Group%20Photo.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=60cp-j4v 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-12/Awards%20Group%20Photo.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=otM4_H-I 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-12/Awards%20Group%20Photo.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=ZGU3xyN7 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-12/Awards%20Group%20Photo.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=pJ3BRFcg 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-12/Awards%20Group%20Photo.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=60cp-j4v 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-12/Awards%20Group%20Photo.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=otM4_H-I 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-12/Awards%20Group%20Photo.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=ZGU3xyN7 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-12/Awards%20Group%20Photo.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=pJ3BRFcg" aria-hidden="true" /></picture></div> </div> </article></div> <div class="field__item image-item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin flexible-image-section" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-duration="1200"><div class="flexible-image-section__container"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-12/Allegra%20Fortunato%20Award.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=h61u5LWU 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-12/Allegra%20Fortunato%20Award.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=ugl0xP3m 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-12/Allegra%20Fortunato%20Award.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=XeL-eSNU 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-12/Allegra%20Fortunato%20Award.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=SgAwOmw5 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-12/Allegra%20Fortunato%20Award.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=h61u5LWU 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-12/Allegra%20Fortunato%20Award.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=ugl0xP3m 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-12/Allegra%20Fortunato%20Award.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=XeL-eSNU 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-12/Allegra%20Fortunato%20Award.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=SgAwOmw5 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-12/Allegra%20Fortunato%20Award.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=h61u5LWU" aria-hidden="true" /></picture></div> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">What advice would you give to others looking to integrate sustainability into their business strategies?</span></strong></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">In a nutshell, it starts with a change in mindset. Sustainability isn’t just for carbon-intensive industries. It can and should apply to everyone. Having spoken with businesses from different sectors, what comes out of every conversation is that the mindset is the first thing that needs to be changed. Real change only happens when sustainability stops being treated as a side project or an add-on and becomes fully integrated into the core business strategy.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">My advice would be to explore sustainability across all departments. Today, sustainability is increasingly human. Just think about Gen Z entering the workforce, who are looking for purpose-driven companies. The same goes for partnerships, as many stakeholders expect sustainability to be embedded in your overall strategy.</span></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">So, don’t treat it as a separate initiative. It needs to be developed both top-down and bottom-up, with ideas coming from all areas of the business. To sum it up, I would say shift the organisational mindset and start treating sustainability as part of the core strategy of your business.</span></p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">What do you think makes a good leader?</span></strong></p> <p>I’ve thought about this a lot, especially after receiving the award. One of the main qualities, in my view, is listening, because leadership is ultimately about empowering the people you work with. Managing people at a young age has been both a privilege and a challenge, and I’ve had to learn how to balance being assertive with being kind.</p> <p>Listening helps others feel truly valued, and when people feel valued, they perform at their best. A good leader understands their team while still setting clear priorities. It’s about putting people first, learning their strengths and identifying blind spots, so you can make the most of the team.</p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">What drew you to study at º£½ÇÉçÇø?</span></strong></p> <p>It was a combination of factors. The course description aligned with what I wanted to do after my bachelor’s degree, but it was also about being part of a community where I knew I’d meet interesting, like-minded people. And that was definitely the case! I wanted a master’s that would combine my passion for international experiences with business, while offering more than just classroom learning.</p> <p>In fact, one of the most valuable aspects was the practical approach. During my year, we travelled to places like Estonia, Dubai, and Portugal to work on consulting projects. Applying what we learned to real-life cases, where culture also played a role, was incredibly interesting. It gave me a strategic perspective that I still find useful in my work today.</p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">You’ve returned to Imperiaa few times as one of our incredible alumni volunteers. What has been the best thing about supporting current students?</span></strong></p> <p>Doing all this volunteering has given me an opportunity to give back. When I think of myself at the start of the course, I wish I’d spoken more with people who had just completed it to hear their thoughts. The more alumni who get involved in that way, the better for incoming students. It’s refreshing and stimulating to engage with the academic side because young people often have perspectives on our everyday work that we sometimes forget.</p> <p>For anyone thinking of volunteering, I’d say, do it. Students have so many questions before starting, and it’s valuable to give them real advice, not just what they find on leaflets. Setting aside even an hour or two to share your experience can make a big difference and it at the end of the day it feels good to give back to a community that gave us so much.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><div class="field field--name-field-show-different-image-on-th field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="c-social-share-widget "> <h3>Share</h3> <div class="c-social-share-widget__links"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed&amp;title=" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Facebook"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/facebook_share.svg" alt="Facebook" /></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite?url=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed&amp;title=&amp;source=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Linkedin"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/linkedin.svg" alt="Linkedin" /></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=&amp;body=Check out this site /business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Email"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/email.svg" alt="Email" /></a> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-read-time field--type-estimated-read-time field--label-hidden field__item">5 minute read </div> Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000 Francesca Hoare 7438 at /business-school Joanne Linder, Full-Time MBA 1996 /business-school/blogs/alumni/joanne-linder-full-time-mba-1996/ <h1 class="field title-huge field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden"> Joanne Linder, Full-Time MBA 1996</h1> <div class="media--image field field--name-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-11/Joanne%20Linder%20IB.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=sBHItd0X 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-11/Joanne%20Linder%20IB.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=aesxW2y8 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-11/Joanne%20Linder%20IB.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=ZgX_Jige 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-11/Joanne%20Linder%20IB.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=3P0qF1ve 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-11/Joanne%20Linder%20IB.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=sBHItd0X 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-11/Joanne%20Linder%20IB.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=aesxW2y8 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-11/Joanne%20Linder%20IB.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=ZgX_Jige 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-11/Joanne%20Linder%20IB.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=3P0qF1ve 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="Joanne Linder IB" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-11/Joanne%20Linder%20IB.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=sBHItd0X" /></picture></div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Francesca Hoare</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-03-04T09:31:29+00:00" title="Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - 09:31" class="datetime">Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31</time></span> <div class="field field--name-content-bottom field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-footer-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="blogs-listing"><div class="blogs-listing__items"> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-flexible-blog-listings view-id-flexible_blog_listings view-display-id-listing_1 js-view-dom-id-b3a81983b11fa6d60a92559f097a2d16d2ec41e3238dfb94a7492b61c1c8f49c"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="listing-blocks listing-blocks--grid"> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Chloe Chambers" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-10-13T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">13 October 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7542" class="blog-listing-item__title">The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>For many professionals, the traditional career ladder is giving way to something more flexible. Increasingly, graduates are building portfolio careers, combining a main role with board seats, advisory work, teaching, or ventures of their own.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/the-portfolio-career-curiosity-your-best-career-strategy-chloe-chambers/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="600"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=LCruG4El 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=LCruG4El 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-07-09T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">9 July 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7504" class="blog-listing-item__title">Alumni Q&A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management & Finance 2022</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>After building experience across venture capital investments, impact asset management and fundraising, Florence Perramond developed a strong focus on connecting capital with high-impact opportunities.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about Alumni Q&amp;A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management &amp; Finance 2022" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-qa-florence-perramond-climate-change-management-finance-2022/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="900"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=9BGljOGk 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=9BGljOGk 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-06-01T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">1 June 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7488" class="blog-listing-item__title">Lessons, insights and early career advice from ImperiaBusiness School Master’s alumni</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>We recently caught up with some of our Master’s alumni, who reflected on their early careers after graduating from ImperiaBusiness School. In this blog, they draw on their own experience to offer advice to those who are about to enter the job market.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about Lessons, insights and early career advice from ImperiaBusiness School Master’s alumni" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/lessons-insights-and-early-career-advice-imperial-business-school-masters-alumni/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div> </section></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2025-11-06T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">6 November 2025</time></div> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/blog-type/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> </div> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p>Joanne Linder, Full-Time MBA 1996, is one of the Business School’s most dedicated alumni volunteers. She joined the Alumni Advisory Council (AAC) 13 years ago and was appointed Chair just a year later, providing steady leadership through a period of significant change. After 12 years at the helm, Joanne passed the baton to Ansumana Bai-Marrow and Jonathan Tai last month, who become the Council’s new Chair and Vice-Chair respectively. We caught up with Joanne as she reflected on more than a decade of service to the Business School community.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">You have an incredible 30-year connection to º£½ÇÉçÇø. What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen at the Business School and wider University during that time?</span></strong></p> <p>Yes, it’s hard to believe it’s been that long! I started my Full-Time MBA in 1995, almost exactly 30 years ago before business tools like mobile phones, social media, and even email became widespread.</p> <p>The Business School back then was still very much finding its feet. At the time, it was known as the Management School and was part of the Engineering Faculty. Fast-forward to today, and it is a world-leading Business School that is a separate faculty within º£½ÇÉçÇø.</p> <p>Experiencing that evolution, from a small department to a globally recognised Business School has been amazing. Its role within the University has grown in prominence and importance. I recently saw a BBC article that described Imperiaas a leading institution in “science, technology, engineering, medicine <em>and</em> business” underlining that business education has become an integral part of º£½ÇÉçÇø’s identity.</p> <p>I think everyone who is connected to the Business School is extremely proud of that journey.</p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Do you have a favourite stand-out Imperiamemory?</span></strong></p> <p>There are honestly so many. When you’re involved with somewhere like º£½ÇÉçÇø, you get to see a lot of amazing developments and activities. But if I had to pick one, it would have to be an event in 2016, where Imperiacelebrated 25 years since <a href="/news/172520/britains-first-astronaut-celebrates-25-years/#:~:text=Britain%27s%20first%20astronaut%20celebrates%2025,helped%20to%20train%20Tim%20Peake."><span>Britain's first astronaut in space</span></a>.</p> <p>Helen Sharman, who works in the Department of Chemistry at º£½ÇÉçÇø, was the first British person in space in 1991. Astronauts from all over the world came to Imperiato mark the 25-year anniversary, and there was even a live link to Tim Peake who was, at that time, on the International Space Station.</p> <p>If you ever want to feel humbled, stand in a room full of astronauts! That was definitely a stand-out moment for me.</p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">You have been Chair of the Alumni Advisory Council for 12 years. What are you most proud of during that time?</span></strong></p> <p>One area I do feel particularly proud of is the Council’s role in supporting the development of the undergraduate programme at the Business School.</p> <p>Historically, the Business School had always focused on postgraduate education. Undergraduate programmes were seen as the realm of the wider University, and it wasn’t something the Business School had ever really done. So, when the School proposed launching an undergraduate programme, it had to make a very strong case to do so.</p> <p>I remember the Council meeting where it was presented to us. The Council members were so enthusiastic in providing input. Many of them had children who might be interested in studying business, giving it a truly personal connection. We could only discuss it for a limited time during the meeting, but afterwards, several members continued the conversation with the staff that were developing the programme.</p> <p>Of course, the Council was just one stakeholder contributing to the process, but I think we did so in a very positive and constructive way. In its inaugural year it was the second most subscribed undergraduate course across the entire University. It has been such a success and is something I’m very proud to have been a part of.</p> <p>Reflecting now, I also feel proud of helping to shape a Council with a strong identity and that works well as a team. At the end of the day, the AAC isn’t about any one person. My role was to make sure meetings run smoothly, to motivate, and to make people feel included. I hope that is something I have achieved.</p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">What do you see as the biggest opportunity for the AAC in the coming years?</span></strong></p> <p>One of the most significant developments is the creation of task forces, where Council members and other alumni can collaborate outside of the Council meetings to get involved in key issues. It’s something we have wanted to do for a while, and it will provide a fantastic opportunity for alumni to get involved with specific initiatives such as lifelong learning, philanthropy or community engagement.</p> <p>The University and the Business School really value the voices of the alumni community. So, if anyone is wondering how to get involved, I’d strongly encourage them to join one of these task forces.</p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">What have your learnt from this role?</span></strong></p> <p>It’s always interesting chairing a group of talented volunteers. Whilst I have previous experience of this, each group is unique, and the dynamics are very different to chairing meetings in a business setting.</p> <p>What has really struck me is the enthusiasm and commitment of everyone involved. We all lead busy lives, and yet we are all giving up our time and energy to help. It’s so important to respect the time and goodwill that volunteers offer. That goodwill can take time to build, and it’s important to recognise it, value it and appreciate it.</p> <p>If I had to sum it up, I’d say the role has taught me a deeper understanding and appreciation of volunteering, and the strength of community that comes with it.</p> <p>The other thing I’d add is around chairing itself. I think I’ve become better at it during the 12-year period. You learn to be a better facilitator, a better listener, to be inclusive and to motivate people. All those skills have definitely helped me.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin flexible-images-section"> <div class="flexible-images-section__container"> <div class="field field--name-field-images field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item image-item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin flexible-image-section" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-duration="1200"><div class="flexible-image-section__container"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-11/AAB%20Grioup%20Photo.webp?h=5306661d&itok=UJGfxkX_ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-11/AAB%20Grioup%20Photo.webp?h=5306661d&itok=jg7sqIJh 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-11/AAB%20Grioup%20Photo.webp?h=5306661d&itok=aqcP46Ri 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-11/AAB%20Grioup%20Photo.webp?h=5306661d&itok=YxH5wDIo 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-11/AAB%20Grioup%20Photo.jpg?h=5306661d&itok=UJGfxkX_ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-11/AAB%20Grioup%20Photo.jpg?h=5306661d&itok=jg7sqIJh 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-11/AAB%20Grioup%20Photo.jpg?h=5306661d&itok=aqcP46Ri 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-11/AAB%20Grioup%20Photo.jpg?h=5306661d&itok=YxH5wDIo 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-11/AAB%20Grioup%20Photo.jpg?h=5306661d&itok=UJGfxkX_" aria-hidden="true" /></picture></div> </div> </article></div> <div class="field__item image-item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin flexible-image-section" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-duration="1200"><div class="flexible-image-section__container"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-11/Joanne%20Linder%20Speaker.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=kqjEkNIH 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-11/Joanne%20Linder%20Speaker.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=A-3l389c 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-11/Joanne%20Linder%20Speaker.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=RjWTJ0zJ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-11/Joanne%20Linder%20Speaker.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=z0T52Wui 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-11/Joanne%20Linder%20Speaker.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=kqjEkNIH 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-11/Joanne%20Linder%20Speaker.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=A-3l389c 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-11/Joanne%20Linder%20Speaker.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=RjWTJ0zJ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-11/Joanne%20Linder%20Speaker.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=z0T52Wui 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="Joanne Linder" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-11/Joanne%20Linder%20Speaker.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=kqjEkNIH" /></picture></div> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Do you have any advice for alumni thinking of volunteering? </span></strong></p> <p>Don’t over think it. A lot of people hesitate to put themselves forward because they think, ‘What do I have to offer? What if other things get in the way?’, but everyone has something of value to offer.</p> <p>There are so many <a href="/business-school/alumni/get-involved/">ways to get involved with the Business School</a> and make a real difference. Imagine your own life without education and then imagine helping someone else to experience what you’ve had. Is there any better incentive than that?</p> <p>Volunteering is also a great way to continue your own personal and professional development. As I mentioned earlier, I learnt a lot during my time as Chair, and I know other volunteers have shared a similar experience. They enjoy giving back while developing personally from the experience. They learn new skills, gain insights into what’s happening at º£½ÇÉçÇø, build up their knowledge and their network. There’s a real sense of fulfilment, and a feel-good factor too.</p> <p>So I’d say: don’t hesitate. Get in touch. Everyone has something valuable to give, and you will learn a lot along the way.</p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">What message would you share with fellow alumni about the impact their collective giving can have on º£½ÇÉçÇø?</span></strong></p> <p>I’ve been a donor for many years, and I come from a time and place when education was largely free. It’s impossible to overstate the value of education, both personally and for society as a whole. But education isn’t free, and we need to find the funds to ensure people have access to it.</p> <p>Giving doesn’t have to be in the form of a large gift. All the smaller contributions together add up to something powerful.</p> <p>We’ve all benefited from an Imperiaeducation, and it’s meant a lot to us. One of the best ways to understand the impact is to speak to someone who has benefited from a scholarship or <a href="/giving/impact/hear-from-imperial-students/"><span>read their testimonies</span></a>. Their stories show what a difference the support has made to their lives.</p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">What does it mean to you personally to be a part of the Imperiaalumni community?</span></strong></p> <p>When you’re working in a job or a particular role, your perspective can become quite narrow, whether that’s because of your sector or your specific function. But being part of a community like Imperiareally broadens your horizons. You’re interacting with people from all over the world and learning about things outside of your own professional sphere.</p> <p>If someone asked me why they should get involved or attend an event, I’d say, you’ll learn so much just by stepping outside your usual field and getting involved with something completely different. Otherwise, we all risk becoming too narrow in our focus.</p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">How do you hope your future relationship with the Business School and Imperiacontinues?</span></strong></p> <p>I’m still very much connected to Imperia- I remain a member of the Business School’s Advisory Board, and I will continue to be a donor to support its many great initiatives.</p> <p>It’s so important to have a learning mindset and I want to keep expanding my horizons. Where better to keep learning than by staying connected with one of the world’s best educational institutions?</p> <p>I would always encourage people not just to focus on what’s happening at the Business School, but to keep that connection with the wider University. We live in a world with many challenging issues, and seeing the work that is being done at Imperiamakes me feel proud, positive, and hopeful for the future.</p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">If you could sum up your time as Chair in three words, what would they be?</span></strong></p> <p>Pride. Joy. Belonging.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-blue paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--flexible-page-call-to-action call-to-action" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300" data-aos-duration="1200"><h2 class="call-to-action__heading"> Find out more </h2> <ul class="call-to-action__links"><li class="call-to-action__link-item"> <a href="/business-school/alumni/alumni-advisory-council/" aria-label="" class="call-to-action__link call-to-action__link--solid--navy-blue">Alumni Advisory Council</a> </li> </ul></article></div> </div> </section><div class="field field--name-key-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/volunteering" hreflang="en">Volunteering</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-show-different-image-on-th field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="c-social-share-widget "> <h3>Share</h3> <div class="c-social-share-widget__links"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed&amp;title=" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Facebook"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/facebook_share.svg" alt="Facebook" /></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite?url=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed&amp;title=&amp;source=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Linkedin"> <img 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class="field title-huge field--name-title field--type-string field--label-hidden"> Black History Month: Lola Aworanti-Ekugo, Weekend MBA 2018</h1> <div class="media--image field field--name-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=DsM_Aur6 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=RlgWnDVh 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=1-BHiHsT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=yA34-iYI 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=DsM_Aur6 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=RlgWnDVh 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=1-BHiHsT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=yA34-iYI 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="Lola Aworanti-Ekugo" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=DsM_Aur6" /></picture></div> <span class="field field--name-uid field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden"><span>Francesca Hoare</span></span> <span class="field field--name-created field--type-created field--label-hidden"><time datetime="2025-03-04T09:31:29+00:00" title="Tuesday, March 4, 2025 - 09:31" class="datetime">Tue, 04/03/2025 - 09:31</time></span> <div class="field field--name-content-bottom field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-footer-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="blogs-listing"><div class="blogs-listing__items"> <div class="views-element-container"><div class="view view-flexible-blog-listings view-id-flexible_blog_listings view-display-id-listing_1 js-view-dom-id-21603503ad13b23eeeeeca33059fc3531b11436ecdd60610025a3cd1c1f5fa10"> <div class="view-content"> <div class="listing-blocks listing-blocks--grid"> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="300"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=jUtuYGVe 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="Chloe Chambers" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2023-11/Chloe%20Chambers.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=eQsWZ53R" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-10-13T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">13 October 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7542" class="blog-listing-item__title">The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>For many professionals, the traditional career ladder is giving way to something more flexible. Increasingly, graduates are building portfolio careers, combining a main role with board seats, advisory work, teaching, or ventures of their own.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about The Portfolio Career: Curiosity Is Your Best Career Strategy, Chloe Chambers" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/the-portfolio-career-curiosity-your-best-career-strategy-chloe-chambers/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="600"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=LCruG4El 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=LCruG4El 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-07/Florence%20Perramond%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=s-w6qozB" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-07-09T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">9 July 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7504" class="blog-listing-item__title">Alumni Q&A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management & Finance 2022</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>After building experience across venture capital investments, impact asset management and fundraising, Florence Perramond developed a strong focus on connecting capital with high-impact opportunities.</p></div> <a aria-label="Read more about Alumni Q&amp;A: Florence Perramond, Climate Change, Management &amp; Finance 2022" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-qa-florence-perramond-climate-change-management-finance-2022/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> <div class="listing-blocks__animation" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-delay="900"> <article class="node node--type-flexible-blog node--view-mode-flexible-page-builder blog-listing-item"><div class="blog-listing-item__media"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.webp?h=87b4785c&itok=9BGljOGk 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="448" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="315" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_16x9_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=9BGljOGk 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="560" height="448" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x4_560/public/2026-05/Graduation%20Royal%20Albert%20Hall%20Statue%20Blog%20Header.jpg?h=87b4785c&itok=6Hs6u4qT" aria-hidden="true" /></picture><div class="blog-listing-item__details blog-listing-item__details--full"><time datetime="2026-06-01T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">1 June 2026</time> Alumni</div> </div> <div class="blog-listing-item__content"> <h3 id="blog-title-7488" class="blog-listing-item__title">Lessons, insights and early career advice from ImperiaBusiness School Master’s alumni</h3> <div class="blog-listing-item__summary"><p>We recently caught up with some of our Master’s alumni, who reflected on their early careers after graduating from ImperiaBusiness School. In this blog, they draw on their own experience to offer advice to those who are about to enter the job market.</p> </div> <a aria-label="Read more about Lessons, insights and early career advice from ImperiaBusiness School Master’s alumni" class="blog-listing-item__link link--arrow" href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/lessons-insights-and-early-career-advice-imperial-business-school-masters-alumni/" rel="bookmark">Read more</a> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article></div> </div> </section></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2025-10-22T12:00:00Z" class="datetime">22 October 2025</time></div> <div class="field field--name-field-blog-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/blog-type/alumni" hreflang="en">Alumni</a></div> </div> <section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><span><span><span>Lola Aworanti-Ekugo, Weekend MBA 2018, is the founder of AfriBorder, a company which is revolutionising financial services and international trade across Africa through technology. With two decades of experience, Lola has held senior leadership positions across Europe and Africa, driving transformative change. In 2024, she was named winner of º£½ÇÉçÇø’s Emerging Alumni Leader Award, and more recently she joined the Business School’s Alumni Advisory Council and has just taken up the role of Co-Chair of º£½ÇÉçÇø's AI Alumni Affinity network.</span></span></span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Can you give us a potted history of your career journey?</span></strong></p> <p>I’ve been in my career for around 20 years now, and recently found myself reflecting on where it all began.</p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Back then, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to study because I was good at both arts and sciences. I initially planned to become a doctor, but it didn’t feel like quite the right path for me. Then someone mentioned a foundation course in Computer Science to my parents. It was still a relatively new area at the time, and there was a lot of uncertainty about whether it would take off. But once I started the course, I just fell in love with Java. It felt like a second language to me, and that was where I found my flair. </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">My career kicked off when I got an internship at an investment bank as a software developer. It wasn’t a particularly popular career choice, especially for women! When I first started out there were maybe four or five women, out of around 40 people. It never really bothered me though as I enjoyed what I was doing so much. </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">From there, I worked at some of the key banks in Europe such as, Dresdner Kleinwort, </span>Commerzbank, and, BNP Paribas before I moved back to Nigeria to lead the digital transformation of one of the country’s biggest banks.</p> <p>Today, I run my own firm, Afriborder, which enables me to work on a much larger scale. My focus is on advancing digital technologies and digital trade across Africa, making it easier for people to trade and connect, no matter where they are.</p> <p>What I love most about my work is the impact. It feels meaningful. Innovation changes lives. It saves people time, helps them do things they couldn’t before, and brings ideas to life they never imagined. Seeing the results in real-life is incredibly powerful.</p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">The theme for Black History Month this year is standing firm in power and pride. What are you most proud of?</span></strong></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">I’m most proud of my ability to evolve and grow. Technology is such a dynamic industry. What was cutting edge three years ago is now completely different, and today we are talking about innovations like AI. It’s a constantly changing industry, so staying relevant means staying up to date. </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">I’ve made a conscious effort to upskill and respond to changes in the industry. That’s not always easy, especially when life pulls you in different directions or you feel the urge to disconnect. </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">But that ability to keep learning, evolving and growing is something I am truly proud of!</span></p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">How can those in leadership use their position to empower others?</span></strong></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Giving people a voice is one of the most powerful things a leader can do. It’s something I’ve always prioritized wherever I’ve worked, especially with those whose roles can often be overlooked. I make a point of asking, “<em>what do you think?</em>”, and you’d be surprised by how powerful that question is. It shows people that their perspective matters and that they have something valuable to contribute. </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Ultimately, leadership is about people. If you’re leading an organization, then you are leading people. And beyond that, whatever business or initiative you’re running, it’s still people who will engage with it, use it, and bring it to life. That’s why it’s so important for leaders to understand people – what makes them tick and what drives them. </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Of course, you also need to have a passion for your work. When you combine a heart for people with a heart for your work, leadership becomes something truly enjoyable and rewarding. </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">When people feel that they matter, it changes everything – how they work, how they relate to others and how they show up. And when they see your passion for the work, it inspires them to do more and be better themselves.</span></p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Can you tell us about any projects you have been involved with that help break down barriers?</span></strong></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">The work I do is so exciting because we are at the forefront of global change. It’s a beautiful vantage point, especially when you are shaping policies or building solutions to real-world problems. </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">One project I’m particularly passionate about at AfriBorder focuses on increasing intra-African trade. Currently, trade between African countries sits at about 15-17%, compared to over 50% in regions like Europe and Asia. We are working with the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, ODI Global, and other partners to align cross-border payments, digital identity and data systems to seamless enable trade. This includes looking at payment systems within Nigeria and across the continent, digital identity systems, and creating solutions and policies, all to drive meaningful change. </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">The goal is to increase the amount of trade happening between African countries. For me, that is what breaking down barriers looks like. We’re engaging stakeholders in the public and private sector, conducting research, and working to ensure there is visible, lasting impact. </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">The objective of trade is to improve lives. When people can trade more easily, they can grow their business and scale beyond borders. A trader in Ghana can sell to the rest of Africa with one click. A trader in Kenya can do the same. That kind of access improves livelihoods and strengthens economies. For me, I hope that can have a huge impact across Africa.</span></p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">You mentioned you were one of just a few women when you started your career. What action would you like to see taken to encourage more Black women to pursue a career in finance, business and technology?</span></strong></p> <p>The first thing I would say is advocacy. From a young age, many girls hear limiting messages like, “<em>This career isn’t really for women</em>” or “<em>It’s going to be really tough, maybe you should consider something else”. </em>I remember being in meetings where people say, “<em>programming is quite hard, would you consider design?</em>” And I’d think “<em>What does that even mean?</em>” Women can do hard things. And what is ‘hard’ anyway? What one person finds difficult, another might find intuitive.</p> <p>We need to do a lot of work at those early stages, when young people are just starting to consider their career options. There are still so many voices saying, <em>“You’re a woman,”</em> or <em>“You might want to start a family, so choose a career that fits around that.” </em>But women are already out there doing incredible things. That narrative is outdated and needs to change.</p> <p>We also need to amplify the voices and stories of women who are already thriving in finance, business and tech. When people see someone who looks like them succeeding, they know it is possible, and it helps them visualise it for themselves.<span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US"> </span></p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-silver paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin flexible-images-section"> <div class="flexible-images-section__container"> <div class="field field--name-field-images field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item image-item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin flexible-image-section" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-duration="1200"><div class="flexible-image-section__container"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo-Kensington.webp?h=dbc35669&itok=uHZR57sc 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo-Kensington.webp?h=dbc35669&itok=meRTEiUQ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo-Kensington.webp?h=dbc35669&itok=nPTOB3G3 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo-Kensington.webp?h=dbc35669&itok=ER__kL00 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo-Kensington.jpg?h=dbc35669&itok=uHZR57sc 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo-Kensington.jpg?h=dbc35669&itok=meRTEiUQ 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo-Kensington.jpg?h=dbc35669&itok=nPTOB3G3 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo-Kensington.jpg?h=dbc35669&itok=ER__kL00 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo-Kensington.jpg?h=dbc35669&itok=uHZR57sc" aria-hidden="true" /></picture></div> </div> </article></div> <div class="field__item image-item"> <article style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin flexible-image-section" data-aos="fade-up" data-aos-duration="1200"><div class="flexible-image-section__container"> <div class="field field--name-field-image field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <picture><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/webp" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo-Fellowship.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=YCwgfYP8 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/webp" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo-Fellowship.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=iqoO_LPW 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/webp" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo-Fellowship.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=0vZLf232 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/webp" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo-Fellowship.webp?h=aa81dfca&itok=0Tgs1Reb 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 1060px)" type="image/jpeg" width="960" height="576" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo-Fellowship.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=YCwgfYP8 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 840px)" type="image/jpeg" width="740" height="445" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_720/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo-Fellowship.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=iqoO_LPW 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 576px)" type="image/jpeg" width="560" height="336" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_560/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo-Fellowship.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=0vZLf232 1x"></source><source media="all and (min-width: 0)" type="image/jpeg" width="480" height="288" data-srcset="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_480/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo-Fellowship.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=0Tgs1Reb 1x"></source><img loading="eager" width="960" height="576" alt="" class="lazyload" data-src="/business-school/sites/default/files/styles/focalpoint_5x3_960/public/2025-10/Lola%20Aworanti-Ekugo-Fellowship.jpg?h=aa81dfca&itok=YCwgfYP8" aria-hidden="true" /></picture></div> </div> </article></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><section style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--bnk-page-builder paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--section--colour--section-white paragraph--full-width-section"><div class="field field--name-field-component field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div style="margin-top: 0rem; margin-bottom: 0rem; padding-top: 1rem; padding-bottom: 1rem;" class="paragraph paragraph--text paragraph--view-mode--default paragraph--margin"> <div class="field field--name-field-body field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="text-formatted "> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">You have tapped into your creative side by writing a novel, <a href="/business-school/blogs/alumni/alumni-profile-lagos-london/"><em>Lagos to London</em>.</a> Can you tell us more about that process?</span></strong></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">I’ve always had a way with words, even as a child. That is probably why I struggled to choose between science and the arts growing up. Over the years, I had started several books but never finished them, until I decided my first novel would be <em>Lagos to London</em>. </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">Although it’s fiction, the story is inspired by my own journey of leaving my family and moving to the UK to study. It was a life-changing experience, and I know so many other people have gone through something similar: leaving their home to pursue new opportunities. The book is about stepping into new environments, thriving and finding success. </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">I believe that everyone has a story to tell, but too often we put ourselves in a box. We think, <em>“I work in tech”</em> or “<em>I’m an accountant”</em>, and assume writing is something only a professional writer can do. </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">The writing process wasn’t as straight-forward as I imagined. I think a lot of people assume you sit down and write until the book is done. But for me, I started, and then life happened, and I paused for nearly two years before picking it back up again. I finally completed it during Covid. It took much longer than expected, but I’ve learned life is about the journey. So, if you’re stuck on page one of your book for years, don’t be discouraged! </span></p> <p><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">I’d encourage everyone to explore something outside of their career – whether it’s dancing, writing, poetry, or something else entirely. Writing took me to another world and introduced me to a whole new industry. I didn’t realise that publishing was such a complex ecosystem – there are publishing houses, royalties, marketing, and so much more. I went into it with a story to tell, and came out having learnt and grown during the process.</span></p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">You joined the Alumni Advisory Council earlier this year. What impact do you hope you can have?</span></strong></p> <p>It’s an honour to be part of the Alumni Advisory Council. For me, it’s about making sure there are strong regional ties and that alumni stay connected to the school to drive lasting impact. I believe in the vision of º£½ÇÉçÇø, especially the commitment to lifelong learning. There are so many ways we can learn beyond the classroom. We learn through networking and the connections we build too.</p> <p>There’s so much value to be unlocked when alumni and the Business School stay connected. Imperiabrings together some of the most innovative minds in the world, and when alumni engage, we can achieve so much more together.</p> <p>This is a powerful community. There is so much opportunity to connect, build relationships, grow professionally, and share ideas that could have a global impact. Where else would you want to be?</p> <p><strong><span lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US" xml:lang="EN-US">What advice would you give to new students, as they start their Imperiajourney?</span></strong></p> <p>Be your own competition, not anyone else’s. Wake up every day and ask yourself, “<em>How can I be better than I was yesterday?</em>”. You’re on your own unique path and it’s not about comparing yourself to others. If you approach each day with that mindset, you’ll become unstoppable!</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section><div class="field field--name-key-topics field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/category/key-topics/volunteering" hreflang="en">Volunteering</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-show-different-image-on-th field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="c-social-share-widget "> <h3>Share</h3> <div class="c-social-share-widget__links"> <a href="http://www.facebook.com/share.php?u=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed&amp;title=" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Facebook"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/facebook_share.svg" alt="Facebook" /></a> <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite?url=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed&amp;title=&amp;source=/business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Linkedin"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/linkedin.svg" alt="Linkedin" /></a> <a href="mailto:?subject=&amp;body=Check out this site /business-school/taxonomy/term/5/feed" target="_blank" aria-label="Share on Email"> <img src="/business-school/modules/composer/social_media/icons/email.svg" alt="Email" /></a> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-programme-ref field--type-entity-reference field--label-above"> <div class="field__label">Programme</div> <div class="field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/business-school/admin/content/course/2" hreflang="en">Weekend MBA</a></div> </div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-read-time field--type-estimated-read-time field--label-hidden field__item">8 minute read </div> Tue, 04 Mar 2025 09:31:29 +0000 Francesca Hoare 7411 at /business-school