One of the most eye-opening aspects of my Cambridge MBA journey has been experiencing difference – not just in cultural backgrounds but in mindsets, working styles, and problem-solving approaches. Knowing that my cohort comes from 51 countries and many diverse industries was one thing, but working together made those differences even more tangible.
I quickly realised that difference is more than just nationality – it’s shaped by past experiences, professional training, and underlying assumptions. For example, my consulting background has trained me to structure challenges logically and systematically, while others from operational roles prioritise speed and flexibility. At times, these contrasting approaches led to friction, but they also created opportunities for growth and learning.
One of my biggest takeaways was learning when to adapt and when to stand firm. There were moments when I needed to embrace new ways of thinking, even if they initially felt uncomfortable. At the same time, I also learned when to assert my perspective and offer a structured approach to move discussions forward. Finding this balance was challenging but rewarding.
Beyond professional differences, cultural backgrounds played a key role in shaping communication and decision-making styles. Some teammates were naturally more direct and decisive, while others were consensus-driven. Navigating these nuances helped me develop stronger cross-cultural collaboration skills – something I know will be invaluable in my future career.
This last term has reinforced that difference is not a barrier but an advantage – when approached with curiosity, patience, and adaptability. As I move into the next phase of my MBA journey at Cambridge, I am committed to embracing diverse perspectives and continuously learning from those around me. After all, growth happens at the intersection of difference.