The Bottom Line? Helping People

While studying for his MBA in 1991, Ian Walker recognised the potential for international business to help people.

With that in mind, Ian started to learn the global language of business—partly through working with classmates from all over the world. This helped him clinch a job with the international department at Johnson & Johnson, where he spent over a decade testing his skills in marketing, commercial sales and international relations.

Luckily, Ian was working with a company that values their ability to fund positive change in the world.

He is now a senior director for the Global Community Impact arm of Johnson & Johnson, supporting healthcare in some of Africa's poorest countries. The company works with partners on projects that have the potential to save lives. For example, they support healthcare worker training, obstetric fistula treatment, and regularly donate surgical products, essential drugs, and hygiene kits during natural disasters.

How does it feel to be selected for the Alumni 100 list?

"Very humbled and honoured. I have always been very proud of my MBA from the University of Edinburgh Business School."

What made you choose to study at the University of Edinburgh Business School?

"The course, the location, the city, the reputation. Many reasons to choose."

What are your memories of studying at the Business School?

"You forget the course and the pressures, but you keep the friends. Nearly 30 years later, I am still good friends with my course colleagues."

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

"Being able to speak the language of business."

Proudest work-related achievement to date?

"Leading my company to the Queen's Award for International Trade in 2014."

What's the one thing you think current students need to develop or learn before entering the modern workplace?

"It's not all about strategy. You have to be able to deliver tactically against a strategy."