Blended Learning at WBS: Flexibility, Innovation and Global Connection 

Juggling a new business venture and a global client base, Shivani Lodhia chose Warwick Business School’s flexible Accelerator MBA to grow as a leader without pausing her career. In this blog, she shares how the blended learning structure helped her thrive.

One of the things that drew me to Warwick Business School’s MBA programme was its flexible, blended learning model. I had just started Parisi, my PR and government consultancy and I didn’t know where I was going to be in a month’s time, let alone six months, but I knew I wanted to join an executive learning course that could support me on this exciting but terrifying journey. 

I can now say with confidence that it’s one of the best decisions I’ve made. The programme is thoughtfully designed to balance academia with professional pathways, allowing you to take advantage of the best of both worlds. 

Life doesn’t pause for a degree and WBS is so mindful of that. The my.wbs platform is a brilliant tool that gives me the ability to manage my learning on my own terms. I can watch recorded lectures if I miss a live session, access reading materials while travelling (even in rural North Wales on company anniversary celebrations), and contribute to discussions from anywhere in the world. We have classmates tuning in from all four corners across time zones. 

The use of technology at WBS is also world-class and the online learning sessions feel dynamic and interactive. It’s not just another Teams call or a Zoom, it’s a real educational experience. At the same time, the in-person elements of the programme bring it all together.  

The face-to-face teaching takes place at The Shard in London, and studying in such an iconic, energising space genuinely enhances the experience. There’s something powerful about being physically present with your cohort, especially in a setting that reflects ambition. It’s also in the heart of all the action, so we’ve really benefited from being able to gain real time insights and data from people in the capital. Talking about the capital, being in the heart of a global city means access to incredible speakers, industry connections and events. The networking opportunities are phenomenal.  

One of the biggest strengths of the WBS MBA is the cohort: my course mates have such a wide variety of experience, from running their own businesses, to navigating changing industries. You’re constantly exposed to new ways of thinking, which challenges your assumptions and sharpens your own approach to problem-solving.   

Not everything needs to be in a classroom. I’ve found online simulations and group case discussions particularly effective when delivered virtually. Breakout rooms, shared documents and collaborative tools mean we can work in real-time with peers across different time zones, and sometimes, that global spread leads to better outcomes.  

Blended learning at WBS isn’t a compromise, it reflects how we actually live and work today: across platforms, across locations, and always juggling competing demands. The programme respects that reality while still delivering academic excellence, personal growth and global connection. I can be there for my team, be engaged with my clients, and not miss out on the news or political agenda – which is vital for my job. 

For anyone thinking about pursuing an MBA, especially while working, I can’t recommend this format highly enough. It’s made me a better learner, and a better leader.