Kennedy Baboloki Kwati

Asia School of Business in Collaboration with MIT Sloan

“Building bridges, not walls, on a global journey to maximize positive impact and promote goodness.”

Hometown: Gaborone, Botswana

Undergraduate School and Degree: Bachelor of Business Administration- Management. University of Botswana

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? African Leadership University, Chief of Staff

Where did you intern during the summer of 2023? Twin Towers Ventures, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Where will you be working after graduation? N/A

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

Class Co-President

Member of the Community Service Club, Green Club, and Finance Club

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? The ASB MBA’s Action Learning projects were incredible – real-world challenges where we tackled complex problems for companies. My most rewarding project involved helping a Vietnamese securities firm forecast cash flows and develop a strategy to hedge against foreign exchange risk. This meant diving deep into financial modeling and risk management – areas outside my comfort zone. But that’s where the magic happens! Mastering these new skills and seeing the real impact on the company’s future was incredibly rewarding.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? In 2017, at just 23, I joined the fledgling African Union’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) as employee number 15. My defining moment came when I was entrusted to lead the establishment and operation of the Eastern Africa regional office. Despite being the youngest team member, I successfully operationalised the office and led a team of experienced professionals, coordinating disease control efforts across 15 countries. We played a pivotal role in combating outbreaks like Ebola and Marburg, protecting millions in the region. Seeing the Africa CDC grow from a handful of us to a continental force tackling public health challenges across Africa fills me with immense pride. It was an incredible experience to be part of a team that made a difference in public health.

Why did you choose this business school? Coming from the non-profit sector, I’m deeply passionate about social impact. However, I felt a gap in my skillset – I wanted a deeper understanding of the business world to maximize my future contributions. Specifically, I wanted to develop a financial skillset and understand how businesses measure ROI.

That’s why ASB stood out. Their Action Learning program was the perfect fit. It wasn’t just in-class case studies; it offered real-world projects with companies, allowing me to test and apply my newly acquired financial knowledge and skills in a practical setting. This ‘learning by doing’ approach resonated strongly with me, and the ASB MBA provided exactly what I was looking for – and more!

What was your favorite course as an MBA? This might surprise some, but my favorite course was Competitive Strategy. It wasn’t just about building a moat around your business (although that’s important too!). This course really opened my eyes to how successful companies win because of a bunch of smart choices, not just one. It’s like a well-oiled machine – all the parts working together to create something truly powerful. It definitely changed how I think about building a successful enterprise, social or commercial, in the real world.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? My favorite ASB tradition is definitely Jom Makan! It’s this monthly event where everyone gets together over amazing Malaysian food (“Jom” means “let’s go” and “makan” means “eat” – genius, right?). It’s like a giant family dinner, but with classmates from every program. We laugh, we chat, we stuff ourselves silly – it’s a total break from the stress of classes and job hunting. I have attended every Jom Makan, and it really showed me the heart of ASB. It’s not just a business school, it’s a community that celebrates good food, good company, and maybe even a little friendly competition over board games!

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? Looking back, I’d prioritize self-compassion and teamwork a bit more. My dedication to high standards sometimes meant sacrificing sleep or social time. In the future, I’ll strive for excellence while being kinder to myself and fostering a collaborative environment. Even if it takes a little longer, patiently explaining things to my team can lead to better outcomes and stronger bonds.

What is the biggest myth about your school? The biggest myth about ASB? That our young age translates to a less diverse student body. Coming from a new school, I expected a mostly homogenous group. Boy, was I wrong! ASB is an international melting pot – classmates from all corners of the world. It’s not just theory – traveling to Southeast Asia with them immersed me in their cultures first-hand. It blew away my friends and family who questioned my choice to study in Malaysia. Plus, being based in Kuala Lumpur, a vibrant and unconventional city, added another layer to the experience. ASB may be young, but its global perspective is truly unique. I left with not only a world-class education but also lifelong friends from all continents in the world – all united in this unconventional MBA hub, Kuala Lumpur.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? One thing I absolutely loved about Kuala Lumpur was the weather – a runner’s paradise! Sure, it’s a bit humid but it’s also pretty consistent year-round, which meant predictability. Every morning at 5:30 am, I could lace up my shoes and hit the pavement, knowing I wouldn’t get caught in a downpour or a snowstorm. Even with afternoon rain showers, mornings were almost always clear. In the entire year-and-a-half I was there, only four mornings forced me to skip my run. Talk about consistency – that’s what Kuala Lumpur’s weather offered for amateur runners like me!

What surprised you the most about business school? I came into the MBA expecting a program for extroverted networkers. Not me! Long days left me wanting to recharge alone, not hobnob at events. To my surprise, the MBA offered a fulfilling experience for introverts too. It wasn’t all about schmoozing – the program catered to diverse personalities. While there are definitely opportunities to connect, the program is designed with flexibility in mind for everyone to succeed, regardless of personality type. I thrived despite not being a natural networker, and that’s a testament to the MBA’s well-roundedness.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Vladimir Gaylun.

He is the epitome of dedication in my eyes. Maybe it’s his military background, but his discipline is incredible. Once he sets his sights on a goal, it’s like a laser focus – nothing can derail him. He’s a problem-solver, always finding ways to get things done, no matter the obstacle. It’s truly inspiring to be around someone with such unwavering resolve. Whenever I hit a snag in a project, seeing Vladimir just buckle down and find a solution motivates me to push through my own challenges. He’s definitely someone I look up to in the program.

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

1. Orchestrating a Global Sporting Event: I’m a lifelong track fanatic and the chance to help organize a mega-event like the World Athletics Championships or the Olympics would be a dream come true! Imagine the meticulous planning, the international cooperation, the sheer scale – it’s a logistical marvel. To be a part of creating that magic on the world stage would be incredibly fulfilling.

2. Democratizing Quality Education: On a more personal note, I want to make a real difference in education access. Growing up in dusty streets of Molepolole, I benefited from incredible teachers who ignited my passion for learning. I have enjoyed a global career and an international network of colleagues, friends, supporters, mentors and cheerleaders. That privilege shouldn’t be reserved for the fortunate few. I want to find a way to ensure high-quality education reaches underprivileged children, opening doors to opportunities they might not otherwise have. The power to unlock potential and build a brighter future shouldn’t depend on zip code. Finding ways to bridge that gap is a cause I deeply care about.

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

“I am honored to recommend Kennedy Baboloki Kwati for the “MBAs To Watch” recognition by Poets and Quants, a testament to his exemplary leadership, academic excellence, and significant contributions to the community at Asia School of Business (ASB). Kennedy’s story is one of remarkable perseverance and dedication, hailing from Molepolole, Botswana, where he spent his holidays working on the family farm and embracing the value of hard work and education. This foundation propelled him to build an impressive international career across Africa before undertaking an MBA at ASB, where he has continued to distinguish himself as a natural leader and a beacon of
inspiration for his peers.

Kennedy’s leadership journey at ASB is characterized by his election as Class Co-President, a role in which he has demonstrated exceptional commitment to fostering a cohesive and supportive student body. Recognizing the significance of this position, Kennedy has worked tirelessly to engage with his classmates, spearheading initiatives to strengthen the community and advocate for their needs and aspirations. His ability to lead with integrity, empathy, and a deep respect for others has earned him widespread admiration and respect, establishing him as a pillar of the ASB community.

Beyond his leadership roles, Kennedy’s contributions to the school’s values committee highlight his profound wisdom and thoughtful approach to addressing complex issues, reflecting a maturity and insight that is truly beyond his years. His efforts have been instrumental in upholding and promoting the core values that define our school’s culture, reinforcing a sense of unity and purpose among students and faculty alike.

Kennedy’s nomination for Poets and Quants recognition is driven by his unwavering determination, hard work, and commitment to building a community that is markedly enriched by his leadership. His unique blend of strong academic performance, leadership excellence, and community engagement exemplifies the qualities that Poets and Quants seeks to celebrate, making him an outstanding candidate for this honor.”

DON’T MISS: MBAS TO WATCH: CLASS OF 2024