Master communication and letting go to boost your...
Discover the KEDGE MBA through the eyes of Tori Griffiths (class of 2022)
Explore the many facets of the KEDGE MBA through the eyes of our graduates. Successes, challenges overcome and valuable advice, discover how this transforming experience forged their path to professional excellence.
In a few words, who are you and what is your background?
I am a British woman working in public affairs for a global pharmaceutical company, with 15 years' experience in philanthropy and charity. I've spent much of my career outside the UK, including 5 years in Paris, but I'm now settled at home in London.
Why did you choose an Executive MBA at KEDGE Business School?
I was living in Paris at the time and was looking for a well-known Executive MBA with flexible dates. To be honest, I also needed a helping hand from the admissions team as I lacked self-confidence at the time. What's more, financing the course would have been impossible without the support of the admissions team and a generous "Women in Business" grant I was awarded towards tuition fees. On reflection, I'm glad I took the course in France because I believe I had the opportunity to grow more and know myself better while being outside my home country and comfort zone.
How did the MBA help you anticipate the transitions facing companies and organizations today?
Before I did my EMBA, I was very apprehensive about change, especially at work. I felt that as soon as I got used to the status quo, something would start to change, and I'd have to relearn everything. The last few months of the MBA took place during the pandemic, and we had to do our courses online. I believe that the combination of KEDGE's excellent coaching support, the growth mindset of the course and the practical application of what I had learned in the seminars meant that I was able to thrive despite this period. I've now learned not only to accept change, but also to welcome it positively. It's a hackneyed expression, I know, but the only certainty in life is change. I'm sure that this change in attitude is due to the MBA course, and I feel very well placed today to deal with the short- and long-term transitions that happen daily in the professional world.
In a business environment that is becoming increasingly digitalized and "environmentalized", how has the MBA enabled you to better understand the importance of human capital in the changes that companies need to make?
I think it's important to recognize the enormous opportunities and disruptions that digitization will continue to bring to every aspect of our lives. But the importance of human capital should not be downplayed. Corporate cultures that value empathy and respect their employees are great places to work - and company performance often reflects this. When I look at my own career - and those of my friends, family and EMBA peers - culture is everything. If we can find a way to harness digitization while keeping the employee at the center of the workplace, it's going to continue to be a winning combination for companies. I have to mention my employer here, Roche, because we have an incredible work culture and we're also embracing digitization, ultimately for better patient outcomes: the two things are not mutually exclusive.
As a woman, what were the main contributions of the MBA to your professional development?
I changed sectors and landed a role I'd wanted for a long time! The EMBA was a gas pedal in developing my skills, of course, but also my self-confidence. In the charity sector, I've spent a large part of my career working with other women who have similar skills to me. Being on the MBA course has exposed me to people from totally different sectors, backgrounds, levels of expertise and seniority, and it has shown me where my strengths lie. Of course, there are areas where my technical knowledge is definitely lacking, but I know I'm excellent with people and have other key skills that will support me on my journey at Roche. The EMBA has honestly had a profound impact on my life - both professionally and privately - and I can only recommend it to anyone considering undertaking one. Please do not hesitate to contact me to find out more about the KEDGE Executive MBA.
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