Siya Xabanisa

IMD Business School

“From humble South African roots, a leader with empathy, passion for cooking, and conflict resolution.”

Hometown: Cape Town, South Africa

Fun fact about yourself:

Cooking is my therapy, and seeing people enjoy my food brings immense fulfillment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when the hospitality industry suffered, I channeled my cooking passion into a meaningful cause. A famous chef and restaurateur organized a home cooking competition to support those affected in the industry. I took a chance and entered, making it to the semi-finals! This journey strengthened my conviction in cooking’s ability to spread happiness and positively impact others.

Undergraduate School and Degree: University of Cape Town, Bachelor of Business Science

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school?

Calulo Investments – A South African investment company focused on energy and related industries.

Where did you intern during the summer of 2023? N/A

Where will you be working after graduation?

I will be working at Grundfos, a leading global manufacturer of pumps and pumping solutions based in Denmark.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: Embarking on an MBA journey at a top-tier business school in Europe has been a dream come true. However, my proudest accomplishment so far is being chosen by my peers as one of the Ombuds representatives for the class of 2023.

At IMD, the role of Ombuds individuals is highly valued, as emphasized by our Dean, Omar Toulan. Given the diversity of our class, having intermediaries who can effectively bridge the gap between students, the MBA office, and professors is crucial. The election process for this role was a significant event, and the fact that my classmates entrusted me with the responsibility to represent their needs and concerns is an honor that holds deep meaning for me.

Elected as graduation class speaker.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? One of the achievements I hold closest to my heart from my time at IMD is being selected as the class speaker for the Class of 2023. This honor was deeply meaningful to me, as it highlighted the importance of representation and giving a voice to the diverse experiences of my peers. Serving as the class speaker was a privilege that allowed me to reflect the collective journey of our vibrant community, each member bringing their unique perspective to the table. I took this responsibility seriously, aiming to share our stories with authenticity and respect, and to celebrate the diversity that our school embraces.

Moreover, this role gave me the opportunity to contribute to an inclusive environment where every voice was valued. It was a chance to emphasize the importance of listening to and learning from each other’s experiences, enriching our collective understanding and growth. Being the class speaker was a reminder of the progress we had made together and the positive impact we could achieve by embracing our differences.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One of the highlights of my career has been leading a successful divestiture project without a background in finance. This challenge forced me out of my comfort zone, prompting me to dedicate many hours outside of work to mastering key valuation techniques. Throughout this project, my interpersonal skills were crucial. I was able to navigate complex situations with ease, understand various viewpoints, and unite the team toward a common goal. The outcome of our combined efforts was extremely satisfying, as the organization saw substantial cost savings from the divestiture, surpassing our expectations. This achievement not only enhanced my financial valuation skills but also demonstrated the significant impact of utilizing my soft skills in addressing a highly technical challenge. The IMD MBA has been a transformative experience, equipping me with a blend of leadership and financial expertise to lead similar projects in the future.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose IMD for its strong emphasis on leadership development, which deeply resonated with me. The school’s commitment to fostering self-awareness and personal growth aligns with my belief that effective leadership begins with understanding oneself. IMD’s comprehensive approach to leadership, including personalized sessions with an analyst, a leadership coach, a career counselor, and a mentor, has been instrumental in enhancing my leadership skills. These sessions have provided invaluable insights into my strengths and areas for improvement, enabling me to develop as a well-rounded and self-aware leader.

Furthermore, the leadership focus at IMD is deeply integrated into the school’s culture, mirroring the supportive village that raised me. The emphasis on collaboration, empathy, and resilience has reinforced my belief in the power of leadership to inspire and uplift others. Choosing IMD for its leadership focus has been a transformative experience, equipping me with the skills and mindset to lead with confidence and make a real impact in the world.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite MBA professor was Arturo Bris, Professor of Finance and Director of the IMD World Competitiveness Center. His exceptional ability to simplify complex financial topics and make them easily understandable was truly remarkable. Professor Bris’s teaching style was both informative and engaging, thanks to his great sense of humor and interactive approach. He had a unique talent for capturing the class’s attention and making learning an enjoyable experience.

What I appreciated most about Professor Bris was his dedication to ensuring that every student fully grasped the subject matter. He created an inclusive learning environment where all voices were heard and valued. Beyond his teaching, his passion for the finance profession was contagious, inspiring us to delve deeper into the field. His commitment to excellence and genuine care for his students’ growth made him an outstanding educator and mentor.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favorite course during the MBA program was High Performance Leadership by George Kohlrieser. This course was incredibly personal and focused on introspection and understanding one’s inner self. It challenged us to confront difficult topics around leadership and provided insights into why we behave the way we do in both personal and professional environments.

The sessions fostered a sense of vulnerability and openness among our class, bringing us closer together as we shared our experiences and learned from each other. I never anticipated that I would gain so much from an ex-hostage negotiator, but Professor Kohlrieser’s wisdom and caring approach had a profound impact on my understanding of leadership and personal growth. This course was a transformative experience that I will always cherish.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? My favorite MBA event was the MBA Tournament (MBAT), an annual tradition hosted by HEC Paris, which IMD participates in each year. The event was a highlight for me because it showcased the incredible talents of my classmates, even though we were from a smaller cohort compared to other schools. The level of support every classmate provided, whether participating in a game or activity or not, was truly remarkable.

The camaraderie experienced during MBAT is what stands out most in my reflections. Despite having only 87 students in our cohort, IMD managed to achieve the highest point average of any school when normalized for program size. This accomplishment underscores the spirit of collaboration and mutual encouragement that IMD instills in its students. It’s a testament to the school’s emphasis on leadership and teamwork, qualities that were not only evident during MBAT but also woven into the fabric of our everyday MBA experience.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? I understood the significance of not overburdening myself with leadership responsibilities. It’s essential to distribute tasks and roles equitably among the team members, allowing everyone to contribute and grow. If I could do one thing differently, it would be to embrace my limitations, foster a culture of shared learning, and ensure a balanced distribution of leadership roles within the team. This approach would not only alleviate pressure on myself but also empower others to take initiative and develop their skills, enhancing the overall learning experience for both myself and my peers.

What is the biggest myth about your school? A prevalent myth about the IMD Business School MBA program is that it predominantly caters to older executives, which might suggest it’s not the right fit for younger professionals. However, this assumption doesn’t hold true. Even though I was the oldest in my class, I found that IMD highly values diversity in age and experience. The program is meticulously designed to support individuals at various stages of their careers, providing a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that embraces the unique perspectives each participant brings to the table.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? What I cherished most about my business school’s town was its strong emphasis on family, healthy living, and safety. Coming from South Africa, where urban life is often fast-paced and safety concerns are prevalent, the town’s serene and secure environment was a welcome change. The community’s focus on family values and well-being resonated with me, offering a balanced lifestyle with ample green spaces and outdoor activities.

Moreover, the sense of community extended beyond the academic sphere. Our neighbors, who were not part of the student community, frequently invited my wife and me to their homes for aperitifs and social gatherings. These warm interactions deepened our sense of belonging and provided a glimpse into the local culture, making the town feel like a second home.

What surprised you the most about business school? What surprised me the most about business school was the exceptional quality of the lunches at the on-campus restaurant. I initially assumed that the meals would be average, but I was pleasantly surprised by the culinary experience. The variety of salads was impressive, and all the dishes were very tasty. It was a pleasant surprise to dine in an actual restaurant setting rather than a typical school cafeteria. The friendly staff further enhanced the overall dining experience.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Selecting just one MBA classmate to admire is a difficult task, as the diversity within IMD’s vibrant community has allowed me to connect with and be inspired by so many remarkable individuals in different ways. Each person brought their unique background, experiences, and passions, enabling me to form connections with classmates on various levels and be inspired by their different strengths and qualities.

During my time at IMD, I experienced a sense of community that reminded me of the care and love I felt growing up. I’ve seen classmates share their passions and support each other in extraordinary ways, from introducing others to skiing to motivating us to stay active and healthy. The compassion of our cohort was evident when students offered networking opportunities to those in need or provided home-cooked meals and emotional support to peers facing challenges. These experiences underscore the collective spirit of our class and the individual contributions of each person, making it impossible to single out just one peer for admiration.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

Open a Relaxed Pub-Style Restaurant: I dream of opening a cozy, pub-style restaurant, where I can share my love for cooking by serving a limited but exceptionally tasty menu, focusing on hearty roasts and comfort food. This venture would provide a warm, welcoming space for the community to come together and enjoy the delicious results of my passion for culinary arts.

Spearhead a Global Think Tank on Conflict Resolution with Youth Involvement: I aim to lead a global think tank dedicated to solving some of the world’s most significant conflicts, with a special focus on involving and empowering the youth. By bringing together young leaders and experts in diplomacy, international relations, and peace studies, we can develop innovative strategies for conflict resolution and promote a more peaceful and secure world for future generations.

What made Siya such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2024?

“Siya was a role model for his classmates. Besides his brilliance (he was strong academically), he had both a diverse and mature view on the world, which was informed by his unique upbringing. Raised as a young child during Apartheid in South Africa, Siya understood what oppression, exclusion, and inequality truly meant. As a result, he worked in the MBA class to raise his fellow classmates up by, for example, explicitly highlighting their contributions. He also worked to create a more inclusive environment, by, for example, showing all classmates respect. And he worked for a classroom that embodied equality by, for example, ensuring that each of his classmates got equal voice in activities and discussions.

Additionally, as one of the class’s Ombuds People, which is a role elected by his classmates, Siya demonstrated prudence, respect, and trust both towards his classmates and to the MBA office. His empathy, charisma, professionalism and approachability was greatly appreciated by all! (Jennifer Jordan, Professor of Leadership and Organizational Behavior).”

Jennifer Jordan
Professor of Leadership and Organizational Behavior

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