Backing myself: What the Manchester MBA made possible
From first‑generation student to managing director and entrepreneur.
Phillip began the programme focused on simply getting through it. What followed was a transformation in confidence, leadership and ambition that would shape his progression to Managing Director, which led him to launch two businesses.
Breaking new ground
University wasn’t a path anyone in my family had taken, which is why I initially chose an apprenticeship. I started my degree in Engineering in my late 20s, studying part-time, and did extremely well – maybe even better than on my MBA. Once I finished in 2019, I knew I wanted to take the next step and complete a Master's degree.
Covid and the arrival of our second child delayed those plans, but then the opportunity came up to do an MBA through my company. By that point, I was Technical Director and the business was looking at a future succession plan. I jumped at the chance.
Although I had considered other universities, the reputation of my hometown university, the positive feedback from alumni, and the ability to study flexibly without disrupting my career meant there was really only one choice.
Finding my confidence
I applied for the Global Executive MBA (GEMBA) not expecting to be accepted. Looking at the criteria, I thought I might be on the younger and less experienced side. But my presentation, which went on much longer than it probably should have, seemed to strike a chord and I managed to secure a place.
As I said in my LinkedIn post at the time, my initial plan was simple: head down, just pass. I made my first assignment relatable, linking the Halo Effect and Rolls-Royce to John Stones.
I thought if I fail miserably, at least I can get a Manchester City reference into a sea of paragraphs on financialisation and shareholder primacy. I achieved 85%, which completely changed how I saw my own capability.
A year on, the biggest shift wasn’t just academic performance. It was confidence. Anyone who has been through the MBA will recognise that moment when you realise you are more capable than you thought.
Having worked at the same company for most of my career, you don’t always know how your skills compare externally. Being exposed to new scenarios and such a diverse cohort helped me recognise my strengths, work on my weaknesses, and develop into a stronger leader.
Around 12 months into the course, I was promoted to Managing Director. I think the company recognised the professionalism and confidence I had developed during the programme.
Applying it in the real world
While some courses broadened my horizons, many were directly relevant to my role. I was able to apply the learning immediately.
I took over as Managing Director in extremely difficult circumstances. Frameworks such as PRISM helped me navigate complex situations with more structure and clarity. Around 50% of my assignments focused on my own company – which struck the right balance between applying knowledge in real time and being exposed to something completely new.
From developing new ways to scrutinise performance metrics in BAF to conceptualising the trains of 2030 for TransPennine Express, the programme continually stretched both practical and strategic thinking.
Resilience, mindset and the MBA network
If anyone asks me about the MBA, I often compare it to SAS training on TV. Yes, academically it’s tough, but the real test is resilience and mindset. You're balancing work, learning and deadlines, and there are personal and social sacrifices along the way.
But anyone who’s been through it knows that the intensity is part of what makes it so formative. When I sat with Cohort 9 at their introductory dinner recently, I felt slightly jealous that they have that experience ahead of them. I made lifelong friends and built a network that I still value today.
The MBA didn’t just give me knowledge; it gave me a group of people I can turn to when facing new challenges.
To come out of it with Student of the Year, Project of the Year and the Dean’s Award in 2025 was the cherry on top, but the real reward was the confidence and perspective I gained.
The MBA ultimately gave me the confidence to start my own business. Not just because of the knowledge and skills I developed, but because it reinforced my ability to take calculated risks.
Backing myself
The MBA ultimately gave me the confidence to start my own business. Not just because of the knowledge and skills I developed, but because it reinforced my ability to take calculated risks.
When you know how many new businesses struggle, it helps to have both the mindset and strategic grounding to back yourself.
Today, my business Battery Safe Solutions designs and develops UN-certified fire-resistant containers for lithium battery storage and transport, addressing safety gaps in the growing battery energy storage sector.
I’ve also launched Ramsdale Consultancy Ltd, providing strategic operations consulting to businesses.
I have no doubt that without the Manchester MBA, much of this would not have happened.
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