Turkey Alsaeedy MBA

The course

Why did you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School (UEBS)?

I was looking for an MBA that would challenge me and expose me to fresh perspectives. The programme’s reputation, the global mix of students, and the city’s energy made it feel like the right place to push myself and grow.

What was it about the degree programme that particularly attracted you?

The one-year format meant I could fully commit, learn intensively, and return with stronger leadership skills.

I liked that the programme blended strategic learning, personal growth, and the ability to shape learning to meet my personal goals.

Your career

Can you tell us about your career before and after graduating?

Prior to my MBA, I earned a Master’s degree in Bioinformatics and Molecular Biochemistry from George Washington University in the US. I also gained professional experience in both the US and Saudi Arabia. Alongside my scientific career, I developed a strong passion for entrepreneurship and sought to understand how to turn ideas into viable ventures.

The University of Edinburgh Business School provided the ideal environment to challenge my thinking, sharpen my business acumen, and prepare me to thrive in Saudi Arabia’s fast-evolving market.

After completing my MBA, I joined Masterly Notion Media (MNM) as Chief Operating Officer. I had partnered with them for my MBA capstone project so was pleased that this led to a permanent role.

Together, we transformed the concept I had developed for my capstone project into Retm, Saudi Arabia’s first social media management platform, driving strategic income diversification for the company.

During the technology development phase, I also began investing in and conceptualising my own start-up, Maazeeb, a technology-driven event management solution, now part of the General Entertainment Authority’s Accelerators programme.

I’ve turned my start-up from an idea into a fully operational product that’s transforming how events are organised.

How did your degree prepare you for your career?

It gave me the confidence and tools to step beyond my technical background and take on leadership roles with a broader vision. I learned to read markets with a critical eye, shape ideas into solutions that work in practice, and guide projects all the way from an initial spark to a finished result.

Masters of Change

What notable changes has your degree enabled you to make in your professional or personal life?

Professionally, I can take an idea and build it into something structured and executable.

What are the changes you have been able to make in your chosen field, of which you are most proud?

Turning my start-up Maazeeb, from an idea into a fully operational product that is transforming how events are organised in Saudi Arabia has been a major milestone. Aligning its vision with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and securing its adoption into the General Entertainment Authority’s Accelerators programme opened doors to mentorship, regulatory guidance, and investor connections that have been invaluable to its growth.

How did your studies at the Business School help you to make those changes?

Each class in the programme was designed to provide unique value, giving me the opportunity to develop a holistic view of business and leadership. For example, the ‘Production Game’ reinforced the importance of teamwork, diverse expertise, and organisational culture in achieving results. It showed me how the environment shapes decision-making and why adaptability matters when circumstances change.

The Professional Development course built on this by challenging me to step outside of my comfort zone, strengthen my emotional intelligence, and work effectively with people from varied backgrounds. Together, these experiences taught me to break complex challenges into practical steps, adapt my style to different situations, and turn plans into real-world outcomes efficiently.

What key things that you learnt at the Business School do you still rely on today?

I still lean on the discipline of stepping back to see the bigger picture before acting, then moving ahead with purpose. The Business School trained me to question assumptions, frame challenges in a way that reveals real opportunities, and balance bold ideas with practical execution. Just as importantly, it taught me the value of listening and communicating with clarity so that people with different perspectives can move forward together.

Course highlights and advice

What are your best memories on the programme?

One moment I particularly remember was the support I received from one of the lecturers and my cohort when I heard about a family bereavement, a reminder that the bonds we built extended far beyond the classroom.

What one piece of advice would you give to current students?

Careers rarely follow a straight line, so give yourself the patience to grow, nurture relationships that matter, and measure success by the value you create, not the titles you collect.