Transitioning from academia to corporate leadership with a Warwick MBA

Full-time MBA alum Arthur Bernardes do Amaral shares how the Warwick MBA, and in particular the LeadershipPlus module, expanded his perspective, honed his leadership skills, and prepared him for a dynamic career in business and progression to a Country Director role.

Why WBS?

Deciding to pursue an MBA at Warwick Business School (WBS) in 2017 marked a transformative moment in my career. My journey began in academia as a Lecturer in International Relations, where I taught undergraduate and graduate students, coordinated postgraduate courses, and published extensively. During this period, I also began exploring opportunities in the corporate world, gaining valuable experience in political and economic risk analysis, corporate communications, and marketing management. By the time I joined Samsung Electronics as an Integrated Marketing Communications Manager, I had recognised a pressing need to expand my knowledge in business to navigate leadership challenges effectively.

 WBS stood out due to its global reputation, innovative programme structure, and focus on developing well-rounded leaders. What resonated deeply with me was its framing of graduates as Change Makers—individuals equipped to drive innovation and meaningful impact. As someone passionate about leading change and fostering innovation, this ethos aligned perfectly with my aspirations.

My key highlights from the MBA

My MBA experience at WBS was a journey of discovery and growth. Among the many highlights, three stood out as transformative:

LeadershipPlus

The LeadershipPlus module was a cornerstone of my MBA journey. It provided a structured environment to explore and develop leadership skills through self-reflection and real-world simulations. One of the most impactful exercises involved a two-step process. First, we completed a personality assessment using colour codes, revealing my strengths and improvement areas. Then, this assessment was shared with professional actors, who portrayed "me" in a simulated interaction. Watching an actor interpret my behaviour and then interact with me was like seeing myself in the mirror—a profoundly enlightening experience. It gave me a deeper understanding of how I come across to others and how my actions might impact those around me.

The module also introduced the concept of the "Helicopter View," a perspective that complements what I describe as "seeing the motor and not just the gears." It emphasised stepping back to analyse entire processes, their implications, and the individuals involved. This approach has been instrumental in my career, enhancing my strategic thinking and decision-making capabilities.

Negotiation and silence

Another impactful learning experience was centred on the art of negotiation and the power of silence. As someone who naturally leans toward communication, I sometimes overcommunicate. The MBA helped me adopt techniques like Active Listening and strategic silence.

Understanding the "Power of Silence" was transformative. I learnt to pause, give time for others to process, and refrain from overloading conversations with unnecessary information. Uninterrupted time to think is crucial for leaders who often make rapid decisions. Recognising this, I now focus on providing concise, necessary information and anticipating the questions a leader might ask. These insights have greatly improved my interactions with colleagues and teams.

Progressing into leadership

The MBA at Warwick was instrumental in shaping my transition into leadership roles. Today, as Country Director at Axon in Brazil, I draw upon the skills and knowledge gained during the programme daily. Lessons from LeadershipPlus, in particular, have been pivotal in managing teams, navigating organisational challenges, and fostering collaboration. They’ve helped me achieve business goals while creating a positive, inclusive work environment.

Reflecting on my MBA journey

The Warwick MBA was more than an academic achievement; it was a personal transformation. It taught me to see challenges as opportunities for growth and confidently embrace my unique leadership style. Leveraging strengths, staying adaptable, and continuously learning have been key takeaways. Seven years after completing the MBA, it laid the foundation for my current leadership position and continues to guide my professional and personal journey.