Why I chose to study an Executive Diploma at WBS

Executive Diploma in Digital Leadership alumni, Jo-Ann Trotman-Waterman, explores why she decided to join the programme and her journey with WBS. 

The decision to study at Warwick Business School was an easy one. However, the selection of an Executive Diploma stream was more difficult as there were several credible options available: Organisational Change, Strategy and Innovation and my final choice Digital Leadership.

I was seeking a programme that brought the right balance between academia and professional application and allowed me to interact with international professionals to build my network. Having completed my PhD at Warwick University in 2006 and professional certifications in IT and Audit, more recently, I needed to invest my time and finances wisely. Warwick Business School (WBS) did not disappoint. After successfully being awarded scholarships to complete my studies, I made the financial arrangements necessary to start the course.

The team at WBS assisted me tremendously from the beginning of the course to the end. The course was the correct blend of academic theory and practice, the class interactions were robust and even though I participated online, I often felt that I was engaged with the group. The technology assisted greatly, and the staff assigned to manage the online experience were responsive. Most importantly the courses and faculty were exceptional, diverse and knowledgeable; I have maintained contacts and connections with them and members of our cohort… a second-to-none experience.

Life has some unpredictable twists and turns and tragedy struck in the first two months of my studies… a close friend passed away and my family grew from a team of 4 to 9. The compassion and concern I felt from my peers, faculty and team were tremendous. At one point the pressure was too much, and I found myself not being able to focus and needing extensions and guidance. The WBS team turned up and supported me.

I am now grateful that my faith was sustained, and my family is now able to celebrate this achievement with me. I am one of the graduates of the Digital Leadership Programme, with a Merit…. a more mature and seasoned professional with a love for artificial intelligence, governance and data-driven decision-making.

The modules delivered as follows:

• Platform Strategy
• Business Analytics for Executives
• Business Impacts of Artificial Intelligence
• Leading Digital Transformation
• Project – Change Management for Knowledge and Innovation

The modules in AI and Digital Transformation were my most rewarding. I was able to blend my experience in technology, risk management and governance into the emerging area of Artificial Intelligence. Digital Transformation was intriguing as this was an opportune learning event concerning design thinking and change management. I used this opportunity to be more reflective on changes in my organisation and analyse the successes and failures of change programmes which I experienced during my career.

WBS never fails to live up to its ranking and motto. After first attending in 2001, the long association with Warwick Business School has made for many memorable moments and achievements…

For those considering Warwick whether on campus or online, make it your first choice. The best of many worlds and a brand promise that has resonated for a long time.