Chair of the FA, Debbie Hewitt MBE, shares honest insights from her career journey, how she turned challenges into opportunities and the pivotal role her Bath Executive MBA played in shaping her leadership approach.
I didn’t go to university as an undergraduate; I found my way to higher education later in life. The normal A-levels to university route didn’t happen for me as I had a traumatic time just before I took my exams. I lost my mum and decided to go straight to work instead.
Joining Marks and Spencer gave me lots of wonderful opportunities to learn, to have accountability and to travel the world, although I always felt I was missing something by not doing a degree.
After various roles, I came to the Executive MBA at Bath (EMBA) as a mature student. The education and experience it provided opened my mind beyond a narrow career experience. Being with students with different life experiences, seeing things through a different lens, and the quality of teaching input was fantastic.
On the EMBA, you’re not spoon-fed, you look at case studies that are based on practical reality and are asked to interpret the lessons that come from them. It was a life-changing learning experience and one I still draw on.
The EMBA taught me how to get to develop my leadership approach to make the most of opportunities in an organisation. The programme brought in leaders who were candid with their experiences and made leadership seem accessible. It gave me the ambition to be a leader.
The education and experience the executive MBA provided, opened my mind beyond a narrow career experience.
I hadn’t really thought of myself as a role model for women in business, so it was a bit of a shock and a real honour to be named in British Vogue’s 2021 list of the most influential women.
When I first started out in my career, I didn’t initially understand the issues faced by women in business. I hadn’t realised that some people were looking at me and thinking, ‘She’s a woman, why and how has she got here?’. I had a bit of a rude awakening to this when a young woman at a conference I was speaking at told me of the issues she was facing in her role.
I’d had the luxury of a female role model as my mother was the main breadwinner in my family, which was very unusual in the 1960s and ’70s. Having her as a role model meant I wasn’t as aware as I could have been about the challenges that women faced. Meeting this young woman opened my eyes to what other women were experiencing. It made me a better leader.
When I got the job at the FA, a young girl wrote to me and said, ‘it’s amazing you’re doing this’. I didn’t think of it as ‘amazing’ at the time, it was a job I wanted to do. But once I appreciated the strong sense of purpose that the FA has, I realised how lucky I was to be in a role which young people aspire and relate to. It has been a very humbling experience to see the difference that the organisation can make to society. It makes me very grounded. I also feel a very strong sense of responsibility to help as many youngsters as I can making their way in the organisation.
On the EMBA, you're not spoon-fed. You look at case studies that are based on practical reality and are asked to interpret the lessons that come from them. It was a life-changing learning experience and one I still draw on.
I’m a massive believer in nurture. As a leader, you have the responsibility to identify and nurture the next generation. Taking risks on people is the most privileged part of being a leader. Role models are massively important to the process of developing leaders.
Nobody is born a leader; someone has to take a risk to give you the first opportunity. I still remember the manager who took the risk in giving me my first leadership role. He showed leadership in taking a calculated risk to support me in that role.
I see the job of a leader as identifying talent, taking the risk in giving that talented individual an opportunity and then supporting them to the hilt. The best leaders use every opportunity to find talent.
One of the most extraordinary qualities anyone, not just leaders, can possess is resilience. That’s the one skill I’d want to give my kids: the ability to bounce back from what life throws at you.
At the car company Lex, which I’d joined after my time at Marks and Spencer, I bought used cars at the wrong time of year and received a written warning. The formal process of a written warning felt so shameful; I’d never been in a situation like that before. But I can honestly say that I learnt so much more from that situation than many of the successes I’ve had.
I know now that when you’re new to an organisation, or to any role, you should always do an induction and always ask questions. A hard way to learn but it was a great lesson in asking when you don’t know something.
The EMBA taught me how to develop my leadership approach to make the most of opportunities in an organisation. The programme brought in leaders who were candid with their experiences and made leadership seem accessible. It gave me the ambition to be a leader.
If you’re humble in failure, it can spur you on. You don’t want to make that mistake again. Wanting to do my best is what drives me in every circumstance. I don’t want to let people down – and that’s where the imposter syndrome comes from. It’s a positive motivator, it’s not about fear.
Don’t let the message be ‘I’m going to fail’, let it be ‘I’m going to do my best’.
Ambition is an interesting word; my definition of ambition is being hungry to learn. Decisions aren’t always straightforward. They can be complicated; there are politics to navigate, and you can’t please everyone. Probably one of my biggest lessons is don’t wait for everything to be perfect, it’s progress we should celebrate.
Join us at an upcoming event.
In-person information event for senior leaders who want to fit professional development around work commitments.
Find out about our one-year programme for ambitious professionals ready to make a significant career leap.
Associate Dean of School, Dr Pete Nuttall, shares insights into mastering your authentic personal brand. Learn practical strategies to differentiate yourself and transform your unique identity into your most powerful career asset.
MBA graduate Yu-Chien from Taiwan shares how Bath's MBA programme helped pivot her career from engineering to management knowledge and leadership.
For four years, I worked as a sales engineer in a company providing integrated design and production services for electronic components. The role was multi-functional, with project management and selling, so I handled projects from different perspectives. After that, I changed roles and became a coordinator who supports the CEO. I oversee the delivery of projects and collaborate with customers and employees.
Moving into a coordinator position made me aware I needed broader strategic and problem-solving skills. I decided to apply for an MBA programme.
The Bath MBA programme doesn’t require a GMAT score and, as I had limited time to prepare, this made it suitable for me. The programme focuses on teaching practical skills that relate to real careers and organisations. With the high ranking and good reputation, I decided to apply to the University of Bath.
The MBA programme includes a lot of teamwork, making it an enjoyable experience. We work with different nationalities and diverse backgrounds, just like in the real world. We’ve learned to adjust and resolve conflicts so everyone works together effectively towards common goals.
Compared to writing a dissertation, the Multi-Project Suite has been a more useful way to apply what I’ve learned. It’s practical, and I can network with different companies in parallel. There’s a connection between learning in class and working with companies. It shows us exactly what we need to improve in the working environment.
The MBA programme has helped me to develop a more systematic and multi-dimensional approach to management.
Before the MBA programme, my angle of thinking was one-sided and fragmented. I mostly relied on my own experience to solve problems. The programme has helped me to develop a more systematic and multi-dimensional approach to management.
I want to be an inspiring leader. I aim to use my past management experience and combine it with new principles to form my own management methodology.
The MBA programme is challenging but it will improve your professional skills. My advice to anyone considering the Bath MBA is to be brave and curious to explore. There is nothing to lose – try it and get out of your comfort zone.
Gain the confidence to lead with our Executive MBA, designed to boost and future-proof your career.
Helping you get ahead in a rapidly-changing world
We’ve designed our Executive MBA for senior leaders who want to fit professional development around work commitments. In these uncertain times, innovative and adaptable leaders are essential. Gain the confidence to meet your ambitions with our Executive MBA.
Challenge yourself, gain new business perspectives and develop as a confident and ambitious leader. The Bath Executive MBA lets you:
Be part of one of the UK’s leading business schools, ranked in the top 100 for Business and Management Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject).
Study for an MBA that is ranked in the top 130 in the world in the QS Global MBA Rankings 2025, ensuring you of the very best in research and teaching.
For over 50 years, we’ve shaped leaders who excel in hundreds of organisations worldwide. This history of success helps us design and deliver MBA programmes that meet the demands of today’s business landscape.
Experience an MBA that mirrors real-world collaboration and has practical business experiences at its core. Our teaching approach reflects how modern organisations work, helping you prepare for whatever challenges lie ahead.
We’ve designed our Executive MBA for senior leaders who want to fit professional development around work commitments. In these uncertain times, innovative and adaptable leaders are essential. Gain the confidence to meet your ambitions with our Executive MBA.
Challenge yourself, gain new business perspectives and develop as a confident and ambitious leader.
“I particularly like that the course material combines academic learning with the opportunity to take the learning directly into the workplace. Assignments have been an excellent balance of demonstrating learning and also problem solving real-life workplace challenges.”
Executive MBA student Jane Phillips shares why she applied and what she hopes to achieve from the programme.
Read more about Jane's story
Whatever your goal, our MBA programmes will give you the skills and experiences you need to accelerate your career to new heights.
Take the next step in your professional journey with a two-year programme of tools, expert coaching and experiential learning. You’ll focus on developing yourself and others, helping you to build resilience and emotional intelligence as you grow.
We know that nothing can replace the experience of learning in person. That’s why we teach most of our MBA face-to-face.
But we also know delivering some content online can help you to balance work-life demands, helping you learn flexibly. This is an MBA built for busy professionals.
Theory can only take you so far. On the Bath Executive MBA you’ll learn by doing. Our focus on practice-based learning means you’ll interact with real business early on. Bring your learning to life through real-world case studies, guest lectures, company visits and projects.
Our integrated modules combine core topics. We teach these together to reflect how organisations work. Get the broad skill set and diverse experience that modern leaders need.
Experience continuous support in a collaborative environment through your MBA and beyond. Engage with faculty, classmates, employers, alumni, and our careers and other professional support teams. Get diverse insights in a collaborative environment, helping you to build your confidence and unlock your potential.
Get the skills and knowledge you need to drive positive change. Explore sustainability, responsibility, ethics and values in the contexts of business, society and environment.
Our Admissions and Recruitment Team are here to help you take the next step on your MBA journey.
Thursday 17 July 2025 | 17:00 – 19:30 (GMT+1)
10 East, School of Management, University of Bath
We’ve designed our Executive MBA programme to keep you ahead. You’ll gain the skills to tackle today’s challenges and explore contemporary topics vital for the success of any business. Experience a programme that’s innovative and bold, designed for leaders ready to tackle complex challenges with confidence and agility. This is your MBA, designed for our times.
Beyond just business acumen, our curriculum also develops your executive presence and the abilities needed to inspire and lead at the highest levels. Our focus on personal development helps you to explore and grow your leadership style ready to drive transformative change.
Experience an Executive MBA that mirrors real-world collaboration and has practical business experiences at its heart. Our teaching approach reflects how modern organisations work, helping you prepare for whatever challenges lie ahead.
Join us for an opportunity to discover how our innovative curriculum, meticulously redesigned with input from alumni, current students, academics and industry leaders, can transform your career and leadership potential.
Begin the session with refreshments and a chance to network with current EMBA students, faculty and our career development experts.
Dr. Jane Ellis-Brush, Director of Teaching and the visionary behind the programme’s redesign, will guide you through the key elements of the EMBA journey, addressing the evolving needs of today’s business environment.
Matt Rusling, Head of MBA Operations and Careers, will provide insights into the comprehensive personal and professional development support available throughout the programme.
Engage directly with our faculty and staff, including Becky Gallagher, Head of MBA Recruitment and Admissions, who will be on hand to answer questions about how to apply.
We will conclude with a networking refreshments, offering further opportunities to connect and discuss your future on the EMBA programme.
This is an ideal event for those interested in undertaking the EMBA or a corporate partner seeking to develop your organisation’s future leaders.
This event is open to all, and we encourage you to bring along colleagues and family members who will support you in this significant commitment to lifelong learning.
Please register all guests you plan to bring and let us know on the booking form whether you or they have specific dietary requirements.
Becky Gallagher, Head of Recruitment and Admissions
Dr Jane Ellis-Brush, Director Teaching, MBA Programmes
Matt Rusling, Head of MBA Operations & Careers
If you would like more information about this event or would like to speak to us, please get in touch.
Master each step of your MBA journey with guidance from our expert-led sessions.
MBA Insights: The MBA curriculum transformed with Prof Alistair Brandon-Jones
Experience the Bath MBA and get a glimpse into one of our most dynamic new modules: Developing markets and delivering value. Discover how our integrated approach across business functions prepares you to lead through global disruption.
Wednesday 21 May 09:00 (GMT+1), Thursday 22 May 10:00 (GMT+1) or Friday 23 May 11:00 (GMT+1)
MBA Insights: Authentic personal branding strategies
Associate Dean of School, Dr Pete Nuttall, shares insights into mastering your authentic personal brand. Learn practical strategies to differentiate yourself and transform your unique identity into your most powerful career asset.
Thursday 12 June 12:00 noon (GMT+1)
MBA Insights: Real projects, real impact. The Bath MBA consulting experience
Head of MBA Operations Matt Rusling explores how the Bath MBA goes beyond theory through immersive, consultancy-style projects that transform your learning into impactful leadership.
Thursday 10 July 12:00 noon (GMT+1)
Book a place at one or more events
Our online webinars are a great way to get the information you need to start your MBA journey at Bath. Meet our academics, hear from alumni and current students, and chat with our MBA Recruitment and Admissions team to:
MBA Insights: The MBA curriculum transformed with Prof Alistair Brandon-Jones
Wednesday 21 May 09:00 (GMT+1), Thursday 22 May 10:00 (GMT+1) or Friday 23 May 11:00 (GMT+1)
Alistair Brandon-Jones, Professor in Operations and Supply Chain Management, will host an exclusive preview of one of the Bath MBA’s most dynamic new modules: Developing markets and delivering value.
This session will offer a glimpse into how the Bath MBA is equipping ambitious professionals with the tools to lead through rapid technological shifts, changing consumer demands and global disruption. You’ll discover how we’ve integrated marketing, strategic sales, operations, supply chain management and analytics into a powerful, future-focused learning experience.
MBA Insights: Authentic personal branding strategies
Thursday 12 June 12:00 noon (GMT + 1)
This session, led by Dr Pete Nuttall, Associate Dean of School, is a deep dive into personal branding. You will gain an understanding of how to build a professional identity that truly reflects who you are. By exploring proven branding techniques and practical approaches, this mini masterclass will show you how to stand out and tell your unique story.
MBA Insights: Real projects, real impact. The Bath MBA consulting experience.
Thursday 10 July 12:00 noon (GMT + 1)
In this interactive session, explore how the Bath MBA bridges academic learning with real business impact. Led by a panel of faculty, alumni and current students, this webinar delves into the MBA’s practice-based approach, where students take on real consultancy challenges for organisations across sectors. You’ll hear how these hands-on projects not only develop critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership skills, but also provide valuable experience that translates directly into career success. Discover how you can elevate your professional capabilities and make a tangible impact—before you even graduate.
If you would like more information about this event or would like to speak to us, please get in touch.
MBA graduate, Shuang, shares her story of how the Bath MBA enabled her to elevate her international business acumen and expand her career horizons.
My journey to the Bath MBA began after nearly 12 years of work experience, including roles at Unilever and Danone where I specialised in in-store activation management. A pivotal moment came in 2017 when I declined a fantastic opportunity to start my own business, realising I lacked the necessary experience and knowledge to succeed in such a competitive environment. This realisation ignited my passion for personal and professional growth, prompting me to pursue an MBA.
I saw the MBA as a way to systematically deepen my understanding of management, allowing me to consolidate my existing knowledge while bridging the gap between theory and practical work experience. The University of Bath’s programme stood out due to its focus on practice-based learning and the flexibility to tailor a portion of the programme to my specific career goals. The Multi-Project Suite had a significant impact on both my learning and subsequent career progress. It gave me the opportunity to collaborate with UK professionals in real business case settings and understand how to work within a Western business culture.
Professionally, the MBA has helped me organise my knowledge and strengthen my skills, opening up opportunities to work in different industries. It has built my confidence to take on more senior roles, work within Western cultures, and even lead teams composed of individuals from diverse backgrounds. What surprised me most was discovering that many of the approaches I used while working on projects are backed by strong theories and reasoning from the modules I studied, which greatly expanded my knowledge.
The Bath MBA's strong emphasis on practice-based learning allows you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations. The excellent networking opportunities with industry leaders and potential employers are invaluable for career advancement.
Currently, I’m working for a Chinese company, responsible for the Americas market in an industry that is new to me. I’ll be moving to the U.S. at the end of the year to establish a branch office there. What I enjoy most about this role is the opportunity to build a team with diverse cultural backgrounds, allowing me to make a meaningful impact through my efforts. In the short term, my goal is to lead this branch company to achieve a significant market share in the Americas. Long term, I hope to expand my responsibilities to include opportunities in the UK and Europe.
To anyone considering an MBA, I would advise clearly defining your goals and what you hope to achieve from the programme. The Bath MBA’s strong emphasis on practice-based learning allows students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world situations, and the excellent networking opportunities with industry leaders and potential employers are invaluable for career advancement. Be prepared to invest time and effort into the coursework and projects, as the learning experience is both rigorous and rewarding. Keep an open mind and be willing to embrace new ideas and perspectives, as this will enrich your journey and prepare you for future challenges in your career.
MBA graduate, Junzhi, from Shanghai, shares his experience of the Bath MBA and an extraordinary journey of personal and professional growth, friendship and fun.
Prior to my MBA at Bath, I had seven years of experience in sales and marketing in the global medical device industry. I was motivated to pursue an MBA to gain global insights through a systematic international learning experience. The opportunity to learn from diverse peers and expand my professional network was particularly appealing. The shorter duration of UK MBA programmes (one year at Bath) offered a quick, yet comprehensive, return on investment, aligning well with my career goals.
I knew I was ready to take this step when I recognised the need to expand my leadership potential and explore new perspectives by experiencing different cultures and lifestyles in other countries.
The global diversity of my classmates broadened my understanding of international business practices and cultures. Working on the Multi-Project Suite allowed me to tackle real-world business challenges across different industries, enhancing my problem-solving skills in a global context. This experience, combined with the academic modules, deepened my understanding of international business operations.
One of the most valuable aspects of the programme was the diverse network I built. Engaging with peers from various backgrounds challenged my perspectives and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone. This not only improved my communication and collaboration skills but also fostered greater self-awareness and resilience. We shared memorable moments hiking and travelling together during my spare time, which enriched my MBA journey and provided insights into different cultures.
The Bath MBA has equipped me with a deeper understanding of different business functions in a global context, allowing me to take on more senior roles and contribute more effectively to my company.
The Bath MBA has equipped me with a deeper understanding of different business functions in a global context, allowing me to take on more senior roles and contribute more effectively to my company. I’m currently working as a Global Senior Product Manager at a MedTech company, and my long-term ambitions focus on advancing into a leadership role within the medical healthcare industry, particularly managing a team in global product marketing or business strategy.
The Bath MBA is like a turbo boost for your career, with incredible professors and classmates from different countries, distinctive and practical Multi-Project Suite projects and a professional career centre. You not only get to level-up your brainpower but also embark on a fantastic adventure! Plus, Bath is charming enough to make you feel like you’re living in a postcard, with stunning architecture and cozy cafes and bars just wait for you to discover. It’s been an unforgettable journey of personal and professional growth, friendship and fun.
Complete the form to register your interest for our events in Shanghai and Beijing
Thank you for registering your interest in our event. We’ll be in touch with further details soon.
Give your career the boost it deserves with the Bath MBA.
Helping you get ahead in a rapidly-changing world
We’ve designed our MBA programmes to keep you ahead. You’ll gain the skills to tackle today’s challenges and explore contemporary topics vital for the success of any organisation. Experience a programme that’s innovative and bold, designed for leaders of the future. This is your MBA, designed for our times.
But your journey with us will be about more than just business success. Our focus on personal and professional development helps create well-rounded leaders who move with the times and relish the opportunities of the future.
Experience an MBA that mirrors real-world collaboration and has practical business experiences at its heart. Our teaching approach reflects how modern organisations work, helping you prepare for whatever challenges lie ahead.
Be part of one of the UK’s leading business schools, ranked in the top 100 for Business and Management Studies (QS World University Rankings by Subject).
Study for an MBA that is ranked in the top 130 world in the QS Global MBA Rankings 2025, ensuring you of the very best in research and teaching.
For over 50 years, we’ve shaped leaders who excel in hundreds of organisations worldwide. This history of success helps us design and deliver MBA programmes that meet the demands of today’s business landscape.
Beijing: Thursday, 28 November | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Shanghai: Sunday, 1 December | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Meet the Dean of the School of Management, Professor Steve Brammer, and the International Associate Dean, Dr Pete Nuttall, in person.
Spaces are limited so early registrations are encouraged.
To request an appointment or find out more, complete our form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Whatever your goal, our MBA programmes will give you the skills and experiences you need to accelerate your career to new heights.
Whether you know what path you want to take or not, we know you want to grow as a leader. We can help you get there. It’s so important we’ve made it a core part of the Bath MBA.
And we’ll be there for you after you graduate. Our MBA Careers Team will be happy to support you as you progress through your career.
Theory can only take you so far. On the Bath MBA you’ll learn by doing. Our focus on practice-based learning means you’ll interact with real business early on. Bring your learning to life through real-world case studies, guest lectures, company visits and projects.
Our integrated modules combine core topics. We teach these together to reflect how organisations work. Get the broad skill set and diverse experience that modern leaders need.
Get the skills and knowledge you need to drive positive change. Explore sustainability, responsibility, ethics and values in the contexts of business, society and environment.
Experience continuous support in a collaborative environment through your MBA and beyond. Engage with faculty, classmates, employers, alumni, and our careers and other professional support teams. Get diverse insights in a collaborative environment, helping you to build your confidence and unlock your potential.
Our School of Management building opened in 2022. The latest technology gives you a flexible learning environment to inspire you to do great things. The building design focuses on working together. Enjoy studying, collaborating and socialising in our dedicated MBA suite.
“The Bath MBA is like a turbo boost for your career, with incredible professors and classmates from different countries, the distinctive and practical Multi-Project Suite projects and a professional career centre. You not only get to level-up your brainpower but also embark on a fantastic adventure!”
MBA graduate, Junzhi, shares his experience of the Bath MBA and an extraordinary journey of personal and professional growth, friendship and fun.
Read more about Junzhi's story
Our Admissions and Recruitment Team are here to help you take the next step on your MBA journey.