With four years of sales experience in the tech industry, I realized it was time to refine my business and leadership acumen in a well-rounded manner to pivot into a managerial role. IMD stood out to me as the perfect choice as its values and approach align with my aspirations.
Starting my career without a technical background, I worked my way up from an installed base account specialist to installed base sales, eventually gaining the title of GreenLake Sales Manager, a pivotal moment in my journey. Due to my age and limited experience, I faced significant professional challenges. While striving to contribute ideas for a new business model, I encountered skepticism from senior colleagues, leading to my exclusion from key client discussions. The frustration was overwhelming – I felt my contributions were not recognized, and I questioned whether I could do more.
However, a piece of wisdom from my direct manager changed my perspective: leadership transcends formal titles. From that moment, I shifted my mindset, focusing on what I could control rather than how others perceived me. By doing so, I not only exceeded my performance targets but also effectively managed internal stakeholder relationships. Eventually, I was given the opportunity to represent my company in client presentations, industry seminars, and press interviews. This experience fueled my ambition to become a leader who fosters inclusivity and drives strategic business growth, particularly in the tech industry, where women remain underrepresented in managerial roles.
With my commitment to inclusive leadership, I was determined to pursue an MBA at an institution that not only shared my values but also fostered a diverse and collaborative learning environment. IMD stood out as the perfect fit, with its emphasis on leadership development, experiential learning, and global perspectives.
Receiving the Nestlé Scholarship further reinforced my confidence in choosing IMD, as it not only recognized my achievements but also provided me with the invaluable opportunity to fully immerse myself in the MBA experience without financial constraints. This support allows me to focus on expanding my skills, building meaningful connections, and exploring diverse career prospects. Beyond the financial assistance, this scholarship reinforces my belief in the importance of empowering future female leaders, and I am deeply grateful for this opportunity. It strengthens my determination to contribute to a more inclusive business landscape and make a lasting impact in the tech industry.
Now, after one month at IMD, I am truly amazed by the diversity of my cohort. My classmates come from vastly different backgrounds, bringing unique perspectives to every discussion. Despite our differences, we are all open-minded, eager to share, and willing to listen and learn from one another. This has reinforced my appreciation for IMD’s strong emphasis on diversity and inclusivity. Furthermore, I am particularly drawn to the program’s focus on strategic thinking and personal reflection – essential qualities for effective leadership. Beyond learning how to define problems and structure solutions, we have also explored the biases that often distort decision-making. This deep level of self-reflection fosters a growth mindset, equipping us to continuously learn and evolve.
IMD is already exceeding my expectations, challenging me intellectually and personally. I am excited for the journey ahead, knowing that each lesson, challenge, and insight will shape me into the leader I aspire to be.
