From Lab Bench to Boardroom: My Journey from Chemistry to Strategic Leadership

Before embarking on the Full-time MBA at Warwick Business School (WBS), I had spent over a decade immersed in scientific research and industrial R&D. From drug discovery at a biotech start-up later acquired by Roche, to process innovation at AstraZeneca, to pesticide development at Dow — my work spanned three continents and brought me face-to-face with some of the world’s toughest technical and commercial challenges.

But as my career progressed, a new ambition emerged: I wanted to drive not just discovery, but direction. I wanted to lead teams, shape strategy, and guide innovation at scale.

To do that, I needed a new set of tools — and that’s what led me to Warwick Business School.

Why WBS?

I chose the Warwick MBA because of its deep ties to UK industry, its location at the heart of a region known for manufacturing and innovation, and its strong focus on entrepreneurship. The programme’s values — curiosity, openness, restlessness, and excellence — deeply resonated with me as a scientist ready to broaden his impact.

Modules like Entrepreneurial Finance and New Venture Creation helped me reframe how I thought about innovation — not just as a researcher, but as a business leader.

I also worked closely with institutions like Warwick Ventures and the West Midlands Growth Company to explore the dynamic intersection of R&D, policy, and regional economic development.

Life during the MBA

The MBA experience went far beyond the classroom. I learned alongside a diverse, international cohort who brought fresh perspectives to every case study and debate.

Immersive experiences like LeadershipPlus and executive coaching helped me refine my leadership style — enabling me to communicate across disciplines, lead more strategically, and navigate ambiguity with confidence.

Those lessons now shape how I approach leadership.

The career transition

Today, I work at CatSci Ltd, a private equity-backed innovation partner for the pharmaceutical industry, where we help deliver life-changing therapeutics. I lead cross-functional teams, manage strategic client relationships, and help steer the business as we scale with ambition.

The skills I developed at WBS — from strategic finance and commercial insight to stakeholder management and organisational leadership — have been essential in navigating this high-growth, high-impact environment.

The transition wasn’t just about changing roles. It was about shifting my mindset — from expert contributor to Change Maker.

Looking back — and ahead

The Warwick MBA didn’t just open new doors — it reshaped my career trajectory. It gave me the capability and confidence to lead at the interface of science, strategy, and sustainability.

If you’re in a technical role and feel the pull toward bigger-picture thinking: don’t ignore it. With the right education and support, you can bridge sectors, lead transformation, and help turn great ideas into lasting impact.

For me, WBS was where that journey began.