Christian John Rojo

London Business School

“Small-town dreamer turned adventurer, carving a fulfilling journey through life’s twists and turns.”

Hometown: Bacolod City, Philippines

Fun fact about yourself: I attended elementary school at St. Scholastica’s Academy, an all-girls school that was transitioning to co-educational. As you can imagine, our class ratio resembled something out of a rom-com—8:1 girls-to-boys.

Princess Diaries and Mean Girls became my go-to movies. I remember dancing to the iconic “Jingle Bell Rock” with friends. Thankfully, smartphones had not yet been invented back then to document my passionate yet awkward dancing to it!

On a more serious note, this unique school environment played a pivotal role in shaping my views on gender roles and gender equality.

Undergraduate School and Degree: I earned a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from University of St. La Salle, Bacolod

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? I worked at PTC Holdings, which is a diversified Philippine conglomerate. My last position there was as the Interim Head of IT for Health Metrics, Inc., its healthcare subsidiary.

Where did you intern during the summer of 2023? I worked on a project at Ada Ventures, a venture capital fund located in London, United Kingdom.

Where will you be working after graduation? At the moment, I’m focused on securing funding for a SpaceTech startup alongside our technical co-founders, though I remain open to exploring other opportunities within SpaceTech as well.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: As president of the LBS First Generation, Low and Intermediate Income (FLII) Club, I spearhead initiatives that empower students from all socio-economic backgrounds, fostering a more inclusive community at LBS. As one of the four student-led diversity groups on campus, FLII tackles barriers in recruitment, student life, campus integration, and career development, ensuring an inclusive experience for all. FLII represents individuals from various walks of life, including children of refugees, first generation graduates, those from single-parent households, and individuals educated in state schools…among others.

Additionally, I am a member of the Senior Executive Committee (ExCo) of the LBS Women in Business (WiB) Club, where I contribute to the Allyship pillar. As part of that role, I have worked with the WiB conference team in the development of the allyship panel for EQUALL 2024, which is the club’s annual conference coinciding with International Women’s Day celebrations. It is the largest conference on gender empowerment hosted by a European business school.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? I’m thrilled to have helped organize the first student-led conference focusing on socio-economic diversity ever held at a business school – the ELEVATE conference, which is taking place at LBS’ London campus on May 30th. Organized by the LBS FLII Club, we’re deeply grateful for the extensive support from London Business School. The school has been instrumental in assisting us in various aspects. They include planning logistics,  marketing our conference (including media connections), facilitating outreach to high-profile speakers, and providing research to inform our content. The conference will span the entire day and is open to all, whether you’re a prospective admit exploring LBS, an FLII alumni eager to give back, or an MBA student from another school but of FLII background joining our community. We eagerly anticipate seeing our vision materialize and hope to welcome everyone there!

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One of my proudest professional achievements is spearheading the successful turnaround of a digital transformation project amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As Interim Head of IT, I led the integration of the company’s clinical management system with the financial reporting system. This project marked the most ambitious and complex digital transformation in our company’s history, with every department as a stakeholder.

Facing challenges with an error rate close to 100%, I focused on quick wins and strategic management to restore confidence to the system across the company. In just five months, my team reduced the error rate to virtually 0%, achieving full integration and automation of both systems. As effectively the Chief Technology and Information Officer for the company, this experience marked one of my initial forays into an executive-level role, shedding light on the significance of influence and delegation. It underscored the complexities inherent in C-level challenges and the vital role of fostering collaboration across departments.

Why did you choose this business school? London Business School’s flexible curriculum was the primary reason for my choice. Having flexibility meant that I could explore entrepreneurship as a post-MBA career path. The ability to work part time was crucial for me, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the world of entrepreneurship as I worked for a number of startups. Throughout my first year, I maximized my elective count. In my second year, I strategically opted for block week and evening classes to allow me to time to get involved with the local venture capital and startup community. This seamless integration of my educational journey with my entrepreneurial pursuits was paramount in my decision to choose London Business School. The extra money I earned while working part time was an added bonus.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My standout was Teaching Fellow of Strategy and Entrepreneurship Stefano Turconi, who teaches LBS’ Luxury Strategy class. I deeply appreciated his dedication to the course, evident in his meticulous preparation of the course materials and skillful management of guest speakers. He meticulously organized each session, ensuring a thorough and enriching learning journey. Our class culminated with the Ferrari Business Challenge, where we had the opportunity to apply our learnings in a real-world client setting, presenting to Ferrari executives. Additionally, he organized networking events after each class, providing valuable opportunities to connect with the guest speakers and the rest of their team. While demanding, with a substantial amount of work required from students, this approach fostered some of the most engaging and dynamic class discussions I’ve experienced. If you’re on the lookout for him, just keep an eye out for the best-dressed professor at LBS – chances are, that’s him.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? Associate Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship Gary Dushnitsky‘s “Pathways to Start-up Success” course was truly enlightening. We delved into concepts such as the funding buffet, discovery-driven planning, and managing founder dynamics. What distinguished this course was the practical insight shared by guest startup founders and industry professionals. While this format may be common in other business schools, Professor Dushnitsky’s skillful facilitation ensured a perfect balance between exploring various points and keeping the discussion relevant to the course.

Entrepreneurship is often romanticized, and I like how the course (through the course material and the discussions with the guest speakers) delved into both the highs and lows of the journey, offering a realistic perspective. This experience was instrumental in my decision to pursue entrepreneurship after completing my MBA.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? (What did it reflect about your business school?) I thoroughly enjoyed the Global Experience (GE). For those unfamiliar, this week-long program offers a deep dive into a country’s business culture through a topical theme. For my GE, I chose Entrepreneurship & Innovation in Complex Environments, which was held in Ghana. The experience was eye-opening. While exploring Accra as part of cultural immersion, I unexpectedly encountered a television show from my home country, showcasing the interconnectedness of cultures. During our presentation to the client assigned to us, Zeepay, a fintech based in Ghana. Despite lacking prior sector experience, I discovered I possessed more knowledge than I realized, allowing us to offer valuable recommendations appreciated by the client. I have not been home ever since I came here for the MBA, and the warmth of the Ghanaian people cured my homesickness.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? Reflecting on my MBA journey, if given the chance to do one thing differently, I would have proactively sought out and enrolled in electives with a higher proportion of Graduate Masters students. London Business School occupies a unique position among MBA programs as the electives provide a chance to study alongside students who have recently graduated from university, with up to two years of professional experience. From my experience, these peers are among the most insightful and dedicated, offering fresh perspectives on topics such as brand authenticity and innovation. Engaging more with this demographic would have enriched my learning experience and broadened my understanding of key business concepts. The classes, which included everyone from Graduate Masters students to executives in our Sloan program, fostered some of the most stimulating classroom environments.

What is the biggest myth about your school? The prevailing myth about our school suggests that we exclusively cater to finance and consulting industries. While our strong placement in these sectors is undeniable, the truth is far more diverse. My peers are pursuing an extensive range of industries and ventures, spanning fintech, healthcare, energy, luxury, and beyond.

Thanks to the relatively open work authorization requirements in the UK (and in the geographies that our peers go to after graduation), students have the freedom to explore opportunities in various areas. I know of people exploring burgeoning fields such as cryptocurrency, video gaming, and biotech investing. This breadth of pursuits exemplifies the diverse experiences and interests within our vibrant school community.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? What I loved most about London was its vibrant international atmosphere. It truly embodies a melting pot of cultures, where diversity thrives. It’s commonplace to witness friend groups transcending racial and cultural boundaries across the city. Additionally, the time zone overlap added a unique touch to my experience, particularly in this era where Zoom meetings are the norm. I could be talking to a SpaceTech startup in Singapore and meeting with a potential investor in New York in just a single day.

What surprised you the most about business school? I was pleasantly surprised by the level of support and camaraderie at LBS. Contrary to my initial belief that it would be a competitive environment, I found everyone to be incredibly helpful. Everyone extended a helping hand whenever needed, be it resume reviews, introductions, or simply a listening ear.

Where it really manifested was when it came to matters unrelated to recruitment or academics. When I had a medical scare last year, my friends at LBS provided comfort and support during that difficult time. They even said that they would accompany me to surgery if it came to that. The people I worked with in the clubs also stepped up and filled in for me as I dealt with the anxiety of waiting for the medical diagnosis. This sense of community and care truly made my experience at LBS special.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Many exceptional peers have inspired me, especially those leading student clubs who have introduced significant reforms and innovative programs this year, and I am proud to share that the LBS administration commended everyone for their efforts from our last Presidents meeting.. Among them, Priyal Keni, Student Association (SA) President, stands out. Her dedication, ambition, and work ethic have left an indelible mark. Her exceptional leadership is evident in the vastly improved SA experience and her willingness to listen, even during difficult conversations where we shared feedback with her. The FLII Club values our collaborative relationship with her and the rest of the SA.

What truly elevates Priyal, though, is her genuine kindness and passion for inclusivity. As fellow FLII students, we share a mission to empower those from similar backgrounds. In her stint as SA President, she has instituted a culture of financial inclusion which helped pave the way for FLII to partner with different clubs to provide access tickets to club events ranging from conferences to even the annual snow trek. Priyal’s legacy is multifaceted. It ranges from the inception of the Student Association Awards and Scholarships to the revival of the LBS Yearbook to the establishment of a SA Advisory Board. Most inspiring of all is her ability to motivate. Seeing someone like her succeed proves that socio-economic background doesn’t limit potential. I have no doubt her future will be filled with remarkable achievements and impactful contributions.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? Building my own company sits atop my professional aspirations. I see entrepreneurship as the culmination of my career journey and a synthesis of lessons learned through my MBA. I firmly believe that the current landscape, though challenging, presents a catalyst for wide scaling yet sustainable innovation. Some of the most prominent tech giants that we see today such as Microsoft, WhatsApp, Uber, and Airbnb were all born amidst a recession.

Driven by childhood dreams and present opportunities, I’m excited about the prospects in SpaceTech entrepreneurship, where I aim to make a significant impact through innovative ventures. Since childhood, I have harbored dreams of becoming an astronaut. However, growing up in rural Philippines, I found myself grounded (literally and figuratively) to earthly pursuits. Now, here in the UK pursuing my MBA, I am reigniting that passion. I have immersed myself in the industry, engaging in conversations with founders and investors alike. Through these discussions, I’ve discovered that SpaceTech represents not only a passion project but also holds immense potential. According to Space Capital’s report as of Q4 2023, investments into the sector reached $4.6 billion for the quarter, marking a 31% quarter-on-quarter increase. One particular venture has captured my attention, and I’m deeply involved in fundraising efforts. I’m thrilled to share that we’re gaining significant momentum as we progress towards due diligence!

It goes without saying that listing that company on the stock exchange would be the second rung on my bucket list, the ultimate reward for this entrepreneurial journey. It would symbolize the transformation of my sci-fi dreams into tangible reality!

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

“Among each MBA cohort, there are always at least one or two students who are perhaps not the loudest or most extrovert of personalities, but whose potential for growth and impact surely and steadily builds throughout the programme, often surpassing those who get the most attention at the outset. This is exactly how I would describe Chris’ contribution to the class of MBA2024. While in many ways a quiet and unassuming person, Chris’ commitment to his values and his ability to not only stay true to these, but to bring other people along with him, is inspiring to everyone around him.

Chris’ professional pre-MBA background is, on its own, impressive, but when coupled with his lower socio-economic background and the additional hurdles this has meant, his success, and his ongoing ambition, is even more impressive. Leading the FLII club in 2023-24, Chris has championed for opportunities for all students, irrespective of their financial background, working to improve further the inclusivity of all students across LBS programmes. His engagement with the School in sharing his story for the benefit of future students has been hugely impactful, with students immediately sharing their increased level of confidence in knowing that they are not alone. The FLII club story is the envy of other business schools who look to the work Chris and his FLII colleagues are doing to improve opportunities for all students – a role model not only at LBS, but for the wider business school community.

Not content with championing socio-economic diversity, Chris’ commitment to being an ally for women is critical, supporting the work of the Women in Business club through inspiring all students to see the value that gender equity brings to everyone.

At LBS, we talk a lot about diversity and inclusion. In Chris, we have someone who does much more than “talking the talk”, taking action and showing vital leadership in driving forward the importance and value of being truly inclusive.”

Helen Foley
MBA Program Director

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