Strategic Mindset of Leadership participant, Daniel Bunce, shares his experience on the programme.

What is your name and what are you studying?
My name is Daniel Bunce, and I am a pharmaceutical and biotech communications expert based in London. I joined the Warwick Business School programme on Strategic Mindset for Leadership.

What motivated you to apply for the Strategic Mindset of Leadership programme?
I was motivated by the opportunity to learn directly from world leading presenters who are working at the cutting edge of strategic thinking, particularly approaches built for a BANI world. It felt like the right moment to upskill with people who truly understand and can guide through sometimes incomprehensible world we all live in.

Why did you choose to study this programme?
The programme brought together expertise, relevance, and a modern view of strategy. I wanted something that was not theoretical for its own sake but practical, current, and grounded in how organisations operate today. This programme offered exactly that.

What was it about the programme that stood out?
The quality of the speakers was exceptional. To be in a room with a small cohort and have what felt like close to one to one access to some of the leading minds in strategy was a real privilege. That level of proximity and interaction is rare and inspiring.

What did you hope to learn when you applied?
I hoped to learn simple and usable frameworks that I could take straight back into my company. Importantly, I wanted frameworks that were flexible rather than rigid and adaptable to different types and sizes of organisations.

What was your favourite part of the programme?
The highlight for me was the final day, when we took part in an open strategy exercise led by Christian Stadler. It was a brilliant experience that encouraged collaboration, challenged the format by which we achieve effective group thinking, and connection across regions, roles, and industries.

Did you enjoy learning in The Shard?
Absolutely. Learning in The Shard added something very special. Being in the heart of London in a building that represents innovation matched the ambition and quality of the programme perfectly.

Did you enjoy networking with your cohort?
Very much so. I made great friends during the course. The networking events and dinners were a real highlight and gave us the chance to connect beyond our own industries and everyday environments.

What will you be taking or have taken from the programme to your workplace?
I will be taking the principles of open strategy back into my workplace. It is a powerful way to bring people at all levels of the organisation together so that everyone has ownership, clarity, and unity as we shape our direction for the years ahead.

What would be your advice to someone considering applying for this programme in the future?
Dive straight in, ask questions, be open minded, and listen to your peers. It is a very collaborative and supportive space that encourages curiosity and shared learning.

Why was WBS the school you chose for this programme?
I studied at Warwick many years ago, so choosing WBS felt like a meaningful return. Coming back in a new context, alive with the energy, culture, and challenges of todays world, was inspiring. It was the perfect place to continue my learning journey.

Find out more about our Strategic Mindset of Leadership programme.