Vivian Maeda MBA

The course

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

I chose UEBS as it has a great reputation, a good team of lecturers and appealing subjects.

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

The part-time nature of the MBA degree allowed me to combine work and studies.

Your career

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

When I embarked on the MBA, I was working for NHS National Services Scotland in the events team. I was also their sustainability project lead and divisional lead for equality and diversity.

Three years after graduating, I moved to Business in the Community, the UK's largest responsible business network, where I took responsibility for managing various national programmes. I provided support and advice to a portfolio of businesses, both large and small, enabling them to have a better societal and environmental impact.

I am now Diversity and Inclusion Consultant with Inclusive Employers which involves providing support and strategic advice to our members to ensure that inclusion is fully embedded throughout.

I’ve steered clients from simple compliance to transformational leadership.

How did your degree prepare you for your career?

The MBA provided the perfect opportunity for me to take some time to reflect. I was able to apply some of the business principles in research projects and discuss them with ambitious peer colleagues from my cohort.

Masters of Change

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

The MBA enabled me to further my academic achievements. It provided some of the academic research to my sustainability project and it reaffirmed my interest in responsible business.

From a personal perspective, undertaking the MBA whilst working was incredibly challenging but I used my inner motivation to make it work. That said, I don't miss my Sunday morning study group or the late evenings at the lab!

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

My interest in sustainability was there for a long time and thanks to the MBA and my personal determination, I was able to secure a full-time role in the area of responsible business. In my role with Business in the Community, I provided key advice for businesses to move from compliance to transformational leadership.

In my new role as Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, I am pleased to have already seen positive changes in the perceptions of inclusion by leaders who have attended my Inclusive Leadership sessions.

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

We covered many subjects throughout the programme. For me, both Carbon Management and Organisational Studies were the most memorable. We also had the chance to pitch ideas in a Dragon's Den-type competition which was great. Overall, working with colleagues from different sectors was particularly enriching.

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

Success is a journey not a destination, we work for it and the journey is just as rewarding.

Course highlights and advice

What are your best memories on the programme?

I particularly enjoyed the weekend away at Loch Tay. It was a beautiful location and a great way to spend time with my MBA colleagues, many of whom I am still in contact with.

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

Keep your minds open, challenge yourself to learn from others and be humble. The world is constantly evolving and collaboration is key.