Kiki Hughes

“A highly adaptable, intuitive integrator, blending creativity, empathy and insight with analytical and agile thinking”

Program: MBA

Hometown: Cape Town, South Africa

Fun Fact About Yourself: I can make natural wines by hand, from start to finish, thanks to the organic winery my father and I own.

Undergraduate School and Major: Stellenbosch University (South Africa) – Bachelor of Science Human Physiology & Genetics

Graduate School and Major: University of the Free State (South Africa) – Master of Science – Genetics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title:
(Current) Chief Experience Officer for a climate tech company, Decarb.earth

What were some of the key motivating factors behind pursing your MBA, and why did this seem like the right time for you?

After completing my Master’s degree, I got a job at a climate technology start-up. In classic start-up fashion, everyone wore multiple hats, and I was immediately fast-tracked to a senior leadership position. After switching departments various times ad hoc, my role finally settled on Chief Experience Officer, which was perfect for my unique skill set as I oversee both internal and external ‘happiness’.

It was my first experience in a tech start-up, and playing a core part in the development of a business from scratch. I realized I needed some professional insight into how to run a global company, and an MBA seemed the perfect place to start. The unique flexible, remote-working culture of my current company, combined with the need for me to align my formal education with a fast-unfolding career, made it the perfect time to expand my professional skills in business. An MBA that supported remote learning was a no-brainer to achieve this.

When you think of your school, what is the first word that comes to mind and why?

Flexible. The flexibility of Quantic’s curriculum and platform is perfectly suited for working people. While it puts the correct amount of gentle pressure to motivate you to stay on track, it’s also forgiving when you may be a bit behind schedule due to life or work.

What are one or two key aspects of this MBA program that stood out among the others, and why were they so important to you?

The well-built, intuitive learning platform is really well-designed for remote and flexible learning. As a busy professional with lots on my plate, I am constantly stimulated and absorbing information. The simplicity and bite-sized nature of Quartic’s lessons make the information easy to absorb, and the interactive features make it easier to retain information. The fact that I can also study whenever I have time is really perfect for my current, very busy lifestyle.

The personal touch of the Quantic team. From my enrollment interview to the support I’ve received from staff members on course material, the Quantic team really cares about you as an individual. They take the time to give thoughtful, personalized feedback.

What course were you/are you most interested in taking coming into the program and why?

Courses related to organizational structure and culture were particularly interesting to me. In my work, I am actively contributing to the development of a company from scratch, which includes setting the tone for the culture and workplace structure, as well as people management protocols and policies. It is quite an abstract concept that is full of emotion, so I was looking forward to having practical guidance on the best way to execute it. It has helped tremendously to have that knowledge in my work.

What club, activity, or experience at the school have you most enjoyed so far, and why?

Due to my busy schedule I have not been able to participate in as many activities as I would like. However, the orientation session at the start of my cohort where we got to know our classmates in breakout rooms, and were taken through the ins and outs of Quantic, was really well structured and facilitated.

What do you consider the biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

I consider my biggest accomplishment to be the speed at which I was able to adapt to a senior leadership position in a technology company, when I hadn’t worked in the position or industry before. Within 1 year, I was required to manage culture, hire people, and write policy, while also performing my normal functional work, and I’m proud of my ability to adapt and add value as needed. To do this and also be considered someone that the whole team is comfortable to share with and come to with problems is a great accomplishment for me.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to other prospective MBAs? Why?

I recently read Atomic Habits by James Clear. If you’re a working person and planning to do an MBA with Quantic, it’s a great toolbox of tips to help form healthy habits and balance studies and work.

What are two things you have learned at your school that have surprised you so far – one academic and one non-academic?

From an academic perspective, I have learnt that company culture can make or break even the greatest company, and should never be underestimated. While people often view the topic as an annoying or insignificant requirement to just adhere to protocol, it is actually one of the most valuable things you can learn.

From a non-academic perspective, I have learnt that lots of small little steps are better than a few large ones to get to your destination. You’ll use less energy, and the things you will have learned on the way are more likely to stick if you do a little at a time, consistently.

What advice would you give to help prospective MBA gain admission into the MBA program?

Be upfront, honest and authentic about what you want to achieve in your career, and what you need to get there. The Quantic team really cares about your personal story; this is what sets them apart. If you transparently share your goals and ambitions with them, they will do everything they can to help you achieve them.