Esther's comments were originally featured in her profile on the Poets&Quants 2025 Best & Brightest Online MBA list 2025.

Tell us a bit about yourself

I’m 44 and originally from Guildford, United Kingdom. I’m currently General Counsel at The Gap Partnership, a global negotiation consultancy. I’ve previously worked in the drinks industry for over 15 years and have a legal background, with degrees in Economics & Politics, Law, and Legal Practice. I live with my husband and our three sons – and I’m also running a long-term “me-search” project on negotiation tactics… with mixed success on my own children!

Why did you choose Warwick Business School to pursue an Online MBA?

Warwick Business School’s Global Online MBA stood out to me because of its long and prestigious history – this wasn’t a programme that had been created in response to the pandemic. WBS has a genuine track record and deep expertise in delivering world-class online education. From the quality of delivery to the kinds of students it attracts, it was clear that the school had built something exceptional.

What drew you towards the Online MBA?

I have a young family, and between my career and my husband’s, committing to a full-time residential or executive MBA just wasn’t feasible. The online format offered the flexibility I needed to balance study with life, while still providing access to a rigorous academic experience and a highly engaged, international student cohort.

What did you gain from the MBA that you were able to bring into your current job?

The MBA provided a dual lens: I could immediately apply what I was learning in real time to my professional role, enhancing how I analysed problems and contributed to strategic conversations. One major highlight was the negotiation module in my second year – it inspired me to shift my academic focus to behavioural science and negotiation, which in turn helped me transition into a new industry. My dissertation on negotiation tactics aligned perfectly with my new role and genuinely strengthened my performance both academically and professionally.

What’s been your proudest moment during the course?

Before starting the MBA, I had doubts about whether I had what it took to succeed. Juggling a new leadership role, raising three children, and completing a rigorous academic programme was a challenge. But finding out I had scored 90% on my dissertation was a powerful affirmation. It wasn’t just a grade—it was proof that I could push boundaries, manage complexity, and still thrive. It gave me the confidence to pursue further academic study.

How did you find the balance of study, work and family?

It was definitely demanding, but the flexibility of the online MBA made it possible. The programme allowed me to study from wherever I happened to be, and to fit my academic work around both my professional and personal life. I typically dedicated 12–16 hours a week to the MBA, and the structure of the course meant I could adapt that around my other responsibilities.

What’s your long-term aspiration after completing the course?

I want to deepen my expertise in negotiation and behavioural change and continue my academic journey. I’ve already enrolled in a Master’s in Behavioural Science and have my sights set on pursuing a doctorate in the future. The MBA didn’t mark the end of my studies—it was just the beginning of the next chapter.

What advice would you give to a current Online MBA candidate?

Don’t underestimate the value of flexibility in a rigorous programme—it can be the deciding factor in your success. And embrace the diverse perspectives your cohort brings; it’s a key part of the learning experience. Finally, use all the resources available to you. For me, AI tools became an excellent supplement to the core teaching, helping me clarify complex topics and stay on track.