Empowering Women in Leadership: My Executive Education Journey at WBS

Elizabeth Pearson reflects on her journey through executive education at Warwick Business School.

I can confidently say deciding to embark on an Executive Education journey has been a defining experience in my professional growth. Like many, I initially questioned whether I belonged to such a programme. Would I be the right fit? Was I senior enough? However, what I found at WBS was a collaborative, intellectually stimulating environment that not only challenges my thinking but also equipped me with the tools to navigate leadership with confidence. 

Why Warwick Business School? 

At the time, I was working in corporate communications, responsible for driving behavioural change within my organisation. The expectation was simple: send out an email, and employees will change their behaviour accordingly. But in practice, I knew this wasn't working. Something was missing - a deeper understanding of how and why people change. 

While recovering from an injury, I started exploring executive education programmes and came across WBS. The timing couldn't have been more advantageous. Within a week, I has spoken to the programme team, completed my application, and secured my place.

Looking back, that decision marked a pivotal shift in my career. 

Applying Theory to Practice-Immediately

One of the most valuable aspects of the programme was its immediate applicability. 

Shortly after completing a module, I found myself leading a global project. It was a virtual meeting - cameras off, minimal engagement, and a clear reluctance to participate. Ordinarily, this would have been a challenging situation, but thanks to the techniques I had learned at WBS, I was able to adapt my approach, re-engage the team, and create a more effective working dynamic. 

Even modules that initially felt less directly relevant - such as well-being and creativity - have proved invaluable. Concepts I learned have become part of my everyday leadership toolkit, influencing how I manage teams, communicate change, and navigate complex organisational challenges. 

Challenges as a Woman in Leadership 

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to have strong female mentors and role models. Their guidance provided a sense of representation, reinforcing that progression into senior leadership was both possible and attainable.

However, I recognise that many women do not have access to the same support. For those seeking mentorship, my advice is simple: be proactive. 

• Leverage your network - whether internally through organisational structures or externally via platforms such as LinkedIn
• Ask for guidance - a 30-minute conversation with a senior leader can provide invaluable insight
• Seek out formal mentorship opportunities - many organisations now run structured programmes designed to support women's career progression. 

Personally, I make a conscious effort to mentor and support other women in leadership. I frequently speak at industry events, including Women in Engineering Day, where I share insights on career progression, confidence-building, and navigating the challenges of leadership. 

The Power of the WBS Network

The connections I have made through WBS have been instrumental in my professional development. The network extends far beyond the classroom, with alumni and faculty providing an invaluable exchange of knowledge, support, and opportunity. 

For instance, while leading a global payroll transformation project, a fellow WBS alum - someone I had met during the programme - reached out to offer his experience in financial transformation. That 30-minute conversation provided insights that significantly shaped my approach to the project. 

Similarly, within my own cohort, I have built strong professional relationships that continue to offer support, mentorship, and collaboration long after the programme ended. 

Advice for Women Considering Executive Education

If I could offer one piece of advice to women considering an executive education programme, it would be this: don't wait for the 'perfect' time - just start. 

I waited until my mid-40s to take this step, and in hindsight, I wish I had done it sooner. The experience has been transformative - not just in terms of career progression but in how I think, lead, and engage with the world around me. 

Everyone begins with doubts. Am I ready? Will I fit in? Is this the right move? But as I learned, showing up is the first and most important step. 

Final Thoughts

My time at Warwick Business School has had a profound impact on my career. The programme has provided me with the skills, confidence, and network to navigate leadership with clarity and purpose. 

For women considering executive education, I encourage you to take the next step. Invest in yourself, embrace the challenge, and see where it takes you. 

Warwick Business School provides a range of executive education programmes designed to empower managerial or executive-level business professionals. Our Behavioural Science in Practice programme addresses how behavioural science is used in organisations to help encourage their customers and employees to change their behaviour.

To learn more about our courses, use our course finder or download a course information brochure that provides in-depth information about our highly regarded education programmes.