Estevao Bagi
Executive MBA (London) (2023-2025)

Tell us a bit about yourself

I am a proactive and strategic senior healthcare leader with extensive experience in radiology and nuclear medicine services. My expertise lies in driving performance improvements, optimising resources, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care across multi-site operations.

My motivation is deeply rooted in personal life experiences, particularly witnessing civil wars as a child, which shaped my resilience and determination to create a meaningful impact. Additionally, my background in competitive football instilled in me the values of discipline, teamwork, and continuous improvement. These experiences drive me to tackle challenges head-on, take accountability, and deliver results.

I believe in fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment where every team member is empowered to contribute. Known for my critical thinking, openness to new ideas, and commitment to continuous learning, I actively encourage knowledge-sharing and professional development within my teams, aligning their growth with organizational goals.

What first attracted you to Warwick Business School?

I first heard about Warwick Business School (WBS) through a colleague, and I was immediately impressed by its core values, particularly its emphasis on diversity and continuous learning. After speaking with an alum who highly recommended the Executive MBA programme, I felt confident that WBS would be a great fit for me. Their strong endorsement of the school as an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming institution further reinforced my decision.

Why did you ultimately choose Warwick Business School for your MBA?

There are four reasons why I ultimately chose WBS for my MBA:

  • Location and flexibility: The London site and the programme’s flexible structure allowed me to balance work, study, and personal commitments.
  • Diverse learning environment: The opportunity to engage with professionals from various leadership backgrounds meant I could both share my expertise and learn from others.
  • Supportive recruitment process: From the initial inquiry to the interview stage, WBS demonstrated a student-centred and equitable approach, ensuring that all candidates were treated fairly.
  • Financial flexibility and commitment to Change Makers: The school’s willingness to support students on their journey to becoming Change Makers, particularly those with an open-minded approach to learning, was something I highly valued.

Has the Leadership module had an impact on your leadership style? If so, in what way?

Absolutely. It has helped me develop emotional intelligence. I have become more self-aware and attuned to the needs of my team. I now embrace vulnerability and complementary leadership approaches. I now listen more, seek diverse perspectives, and value different leadership styles. The module has refined my decision-making, enhancing my ability to make strategic decisions in complex environments.

What elements of the programme do you value the most and why?

The three most valuable aspects for me have been:

  • Diverse and comprehensive modules: The core modules provide a well-rounded foundation for executive leadership, while electives offer opportunities to specialise.
  • The cohort: The variety of perspectives within my cohort has been incredibly enriching.
  • Flexible and engaging learning methods: The combination of case studies, interactive lectures, and real-world applications makes the learning experience dynamic and relevant.

What kind of support have you receive from the careers team? How has it helped you?

The careers team helped me to recognise my strengths, showing me how to articulate my value and frame my skills more effectively. Their guidance has built my confidence, enabling me to position myself for senior leadership roles. They provided me with tailored advice on career development, helping me align my ambitions with practical next steps.

Can you tell us about your career plans? What’s next for you?

I am currently in a career transition, looking to leverage my experience and MBA knowledge to step into a Director or C-suite position. While my background is primarily in healthcare, the MBA has equipped me with the leadership and strategic skills to explore senior roles beyond my industry of expertise.

What did you hope to get out of our programme? What have you actually got?

I joined the programme with the ambition to become a well-rounded leader, deepen my understanding of leadership, finance, and strategic decision-making, challenge my thinking and expand my professional network.

What I have gained is a significant increase in my strategic leadership skills, a broader network of high-calibre professionals and a newfound confidence in tackling complex business challenges. The MBA has transformed my approach to leadership giving me a stronger focus on inclusivity, innovation, and resilience.

How did you find the work/life balance?

It has been challenging but rewarding. The MBA has strengthened my ability to manage time effectively by staying disciplined and organised. I am fortunate to have a strong support system from my friends and family, who have been incredibly understanding throughout this journey.

Do you have any advice for anyone currently thinking about studying for an MBA?

Go for it! An MBA is a game-changer for both personal and professional development. It is a fast-paced, transformative experience that offers:

  • Invaluable leadership and business knowledge
  • A powerful and diverse network
  • Opportunities for growth and career advancement

It may seem daunting at first, but once you begin, it becomes an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling journey.