Accelerator MBA participant Simon Souaid shares his experience of the Leadership Accelerator module and studying in our iconic Shard setting.

The most important aspect of the Leadership Accelerator module for me was its practice-based nature, with case study, reflective activity, and group work being part of the learning process. Bringing theory together with practice assisted in the comprehension of leadership issues, particularly in change leadership. Gaining personal awareness and developing self-leadership proved to be especially valuable, as it encouraged a thoughtful examination of one's leadership style and identified areas for growth.

Moreover, the spectrum of leadership models ranging from adaptive leadership to responsible leadership gave me a broader perspective of how different leadership styles work in the context of different organisational environments.

The module gave me the opportunity to explore change leadership through models such as Kotter's 8-Step Model, McKinsey's 7-S Framework, and Force Field Analysis, each offering a structured approach to assessing, planning, and implementing leadership initiatives in complex environments.

Additionally, the BANI (Brittle, Anxious, Nonlinear, Incomprehensible) model was particularly eye-opening, as it highlighted the modern-day uncertainties leaders face and underscored the importance of adaptability and resilience in an unpredictable world.

Applying learnings to work

One of my most significant learnings on the module was adaptive leadership, especially how to handle uncertainty and complexity. This will be particularly useful in working with organisational change, where stakeholder management and transformational leadership must be resilient and adaptive.

My second key learning was leadership without formal authority, leveraging factors such as expertise, social intelligence, and connectedness to influence decision-making in complex environments. I’ve already found myself using this in the leadership of cross-functional teams and in securing buy-in from senior leadership.

Supporting my professional and personal growth

On a personal level, the module encouraged deeper self-reflection through journal-based learning exercises, leading to more intentional leadership behaviours, especially in complex and ambiguous situations.

Professionally, the module equipped me with change leadership competencies, particularly in digital transformation and sustainability transitions in business. The McKinsey 7-S model and Force Field Analysis were particularly helpful in diagnosing organisation issues and coming up with implementable change plans.

Additionally, the Five Enablers of Leading (Inspire, Focus, Enable, Reinforce, Learn) framework provided a structured approach to creating lasting leadership impact. This has reinforced the importance of strategic decision-making, adaptability, and stakeholder engagement in my leadership approach.

A global perspective

The varied professional backgrounds and industries represented in the cohort, ranging from healthcare and finance to construction and technology, greatly enriched the learning experience. This diversity fostered critical reflection on the necessity of adapting leadership approaches to fit different environments, highlighting the significance of context-driven leadership strategies.
Engaging in cross-cultural discussions about various leadership styles, such as collaborative, adaptive, and responsible leadership, along with expectations of followership, offered a global perspective on how leadership dynamics can change depending on organisational and cultural contexts.

Engaging learning experience

The Leadership Accelerator module offered a highly interactive and engaging learning experience, that effectively combined academic research with real-world leadership challenges. Indeed, the structured assessments, both individual and group-based, ensured a deep understanding of leadership concepts, reinforcing the practical application of different​. Additionally, the module's structure and content were also greatly influenced by the professor's experience in strategic transformation, innovation, and leadership development, which helped to make difficult leadership frameworks understandable and applicable to our own experiences.

The interactive teaching style, along with guest speakers and case-study sessions, enriched our discussions by providing valuable industry insights. Importantly, the professor actively incorporated cohort feedback, showing adaptive leadership principles to ensure the module remained dynamic, responsive and impactful​. The module’s emphasis on self-awareness, strategic leadership, as well as change management has already begun influencing my leadership approach, arming me with practical tools and strategic insights to navigate leadership challenges effectively with confidence.

Finding Ambition, Belonging, and Purpose at The Shard

Studying at The Shard has been one of the most unforgettable parts of my time in London. Every time I walked into that building, I felt a sense of motivation — not just from the skyline views, but from what The Shard represents: ambition, excellence, and potential. Surrounded by some of the world’s top firms like PwC and EY, you’re constantly aware of the standards you aspire to and the impact you hope to make.

Being an international student, I never expected a place so far from home to feel so familiar — but this corner of London became exactly that. The constant energy around London Bridge Station, the easy access to Heathrow and City Airport, and the seamless connectivity made it feel like the center of everything. Yet it also had its own rhythm — one that helped me grow personally as much as professionally.

What made the experience even more meaningful was living in Bermondsey. I always stayed in that neighborhood — a quieter, more residential pocket just minutes away, with a lovely local park that offered space to unwind after class. Bermondsey Street quickly became a favorite spot — vibrant, creative, and filled with independent cafés that contrasted beautifully with the fast pace of the business towers. Some of my best conversations and reflections happened there. Evenings often ended with drinks at Redwood near the station — a small ritual that brought a comforting end to many long days.

This setting — both professionally dynamic and personally grounding — made the WBS Change Maker mindset feel real and relevant. Being based in such a globally connected environment gave depth to what it means to drive positive change. The Accelerator program challenged us to think boldly and act with purpose and being in The Shard made that ambition feel not only aspirational but attainable. It reminded me each day of the kind of leader I want to become — pushing me to raise my standards, dream bigger, and prepare to one day lead in one of those very buildings.

This corner of London will always hold a piece of my heart. It’s where I stretched myself, connected with others, and began shaping my next chapter. And whenever I return to London, this is the first place I’ll come back to — because it’s no longer just a landmark. It’s part of my story.