Image of Karyn Sansom
Karyn Sansom
Executive MBA (2025 - 2027)

I joined the Executive MBA (London) at Warwick Business School in September 2025, while working as a Senior Consultant in Digital Transformation.

My academic background began in electronics and electrical engineering before specialising in telecommunications, which led into a career across telecommunications and technology roles, and more recently large-scale business transformation.

Throughout my career I’ve been drawn to roles that sit at the intersection of technology, people and organisational change, helping businesses translate strategy into real operational impact.

Choosing Warwick Business School

Warwick Business School stood out to me for several reasons. I had strong recommendations from people whose judgement I trust, but I also took time to explore other London-based MBA programmes before making a decision.

What ultimately resonated with me about WBS was the combination of academic credibility, genuine values and the approachability of the school itself. The marketing and recruitment team felt authentic and grounded rather than overly polished, and the diversity and balance within the cohort, particularly the strong representation of women, was refreshing to see.

Practical learning and programme highlights

What has stood out most so far is the relevance of the programme to real leadership practice. The modules are not theoretical exercises detached from reality; they bring practical frameworks and perspectives that can be applied immediately in professional contexts.

For example, the Organisational Behaviour module has deepened my understanding of how culture, incentives and behaviour shape organisational outcomes, something that directly relates to my work in transformation and change leadership. Strategy and Strategic Advantage have broadened my thinking about how organisations create and sustain value in increasingly complex environments.

Operations Management has reinforced how strategy, processes and operational design must connect for organisations to deliver meaningful impact. Financial Management, while newer territory for me, has been particularly valuable in strengthening my understanding of strategic decision-making and long-term value creation.

The MBA experience

Studying for an MBA is both demanding and energising. It challenges you to step back from day-to-day execution and think more deeply about how organisations work, why decisions are made, and how leaders shape outcomes. The academic content is important, but the conversations, debates and shared experiences within the classroom are what truly bring the learning to life.

Cohort and community support

One of the most rewarding aspects of the programme has been the community. Our cohort is made up of individuals with impressive experience across industries and geographies, yet the environment is remarkably supportive. People are ambitious but also generous with their time and knowledge, and that combination makes the experience both intellectually stimulating and personally encouraging. The lecturers often comment on how collaborative our cohort is, and that sense of shared commitment makes even the most challenging modules feel manageable.

The wider Warwick Business School community has also been incredibly supportive. The careers team offers a range of development opportunities, from coaching sessions to workshops on topics such as negotiation and career strategy, alongside inspiring speaker events that broaden our perspectives on leadership and impact.

Studying while working

Balancing work and study has certainly been demanding. I started a new role at the same time as beginning the MBA, which meant stepping into a new professional environment while also adapting to academic life again. However, the support from the WBS team at The Shard, London and the encouragement from my cohort have made that transition far more manageable than I expected.

Future aspirations – career and community impact

Looking ahead, my ambitions extend beyond traditional career progression. I want to continue growing into roles that sit closer to the strategic heart of organisations, helping leadership teams navigate complex transformation and align strategy, operations and people in a way that delivers meaningful and sustainable change. The Executive MBA is helping me deepen the strategic thinking, financial understanding and organisational insight required to contribute at that level.

Alongside my professional ambitions, mentoring and community impact are deeply important to me. I am passionate about supporting the next generation of leaders, particularly young women and underrepresented groups entering technology and STEM careers. Through mentoring programmes and future initiatives, I hope to expand access to guidance, confidence and opportunity for those who may not otherwise see a path into these industries.

Advice for prospective MBA students

For anyone considering an MBA, my advice would be simple: be prepared for the commitment, but also for the rewards. An MBA requires focus, discipline and a willingness to challenge your own assumptions. However, even in the early stages of the programme, the intellectual growth, professional development and network you build make the journey incredibly worthwhile.

Warwick Business School offers more than an academic qualification. It provides a community, a platform for growth and an opportunity to rethink how you lead, contribute and create impact in the world.