A senior executive with a global outlook, Mutisunge Zulu pursued the Global Executive MBA to deepen his strategic skills and broaden his impact. Here, he reflects on his journey.
It had always been my mission to complete an MBA programme. The desire stemmed from my advanced strategic thinking, global networking and my ability to collaborate with professionals from diverse backgrounds. I sought a programme that would challenge me, connect me with diverse minds, and elevate my impact on a global scale.
Why an MBA at Alliance Manchester Business School?
After completing Harvard's Advanced Management Programme, I still felt I had an unfinished chapter in my learning journey. That's when Alliance Manchester Business School (AMBS) caught my eye.
Its reputation for academic rigour, practical application of business theory (the 'Manchester Method') and truly global reach made it a compelling choice.
The ability to attend sessions in multiple international hubs sealed the deal. I was ready to expand my worldview, build a diverse network, and immerse myself in complex, real-world business scenarios.
More than a degree
Fast forward 18 months, and I can confidently say the experience was nothing short of transformative.
My professional network now spans the UAE, UK, USA, China, South Africa, Tanzania, Ivory Coast, Saudi Arabia, and Italy. The smaller cohort size ensured deep engagement with faculty and peers, creating an intimate, high-impact learning environment.
The programme's structure, intertwining new and existing students from different cohorts fostered a vibrant exchange of ideas and industry perspectives. From medicine to finance to marketing, the diversity of thought was remarkable.
The Manchester edge
What truly set the Manchester Global Executive MBA apart was its real-world focus. The curriculum didn't just simulate business, it mirrored it. The ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) emphasis deeply resonated with me, aligning with my own interests in sustainability and decarbonisation.
I also appreciated the global flexibility. I attended classes in Dubai and Singapore, gaining on-the-ground exposure to varied business ecosystems. Though I initially planned to study in Hong Kong as well, I ultimately completed my final module in Manchester, bringing the journey full circle.
Part-time by design, not by default
As a senior executive, a full-time programme wasn't feasible.
The part-time structure offered the balance I needed, allowing me to maintain professional momentum while accelerating personal growth. I participated in virtual sessions from across the world without missing a beat.
Of course, there were sacrifices. Social life took a backseat. Weekends became study marathons. But I saw it all as a short-term investment with long-term returns.
Lessons that exceed the classroom
The programme equipped me with invaluable skills and insights:
- Strategic problem-solving: I now approach challenges not as roadblocks, but as 'scenarios' with multiple considered pathways.
- Executive presence: I refined my leadership voice, personal branding, and boardroom gravitas.
- Cross-functional fluency: courses on marketing and operations showed me the power of alignment in driving results.
- Negotiation and governance: under expert faculty, I deepened my skills in negotiation and corporate governance.
- Geopolitical awareness: a standout moment was a fireside chat with a former parliamentarian exploring geopolitics' impact on business.
These lessons weren't just academic, they now reshape how I lead and think.
A career catalyst
Though I haven't changed roles (yet), the MBA has transformed how I operate. I'm more confident, strategically aligned, and globally attuned.
My enhanced credibility has led to speaking opportunities at forums like the Information Security Forum and Risk Minds, as well as thought leadership contributions - including an article I authored for the Financial Times.
Advice
Clarity is everything. Know what you want from the programme before you begin. Once you're in, commit fully. The journey is demanding, but the personal and professional dividends are immense.
If you're considering a part-time MBA, don’t just look at it as a degree, see it as a growth engine. Because with the right mindset, it can be one of the most transformative decisions of your career.
