Laura Jane Cavaciuti

“Sociologist by training, operator by trade and people-person at heart”

Program: MBA

Hometown: Whilst I was born in Italy (with both Italian and American citizenship), I grew up in Paris!

Fun Fact About Yourself: I speak 5 languages!

Undergraduate School and Major: BSc Sociology from the University of Bristol (with a placement year at McGill University, Canada.)

Most Recent Employer and Job Title:  Senior Manager at Disney+ (The Walt Disney Company)

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

As an operational leader with nearly a decade of professional experience, I was eager to build upon my hands-on expertise by pursuing a transformative MBA education. While I had developed a strong tactical toolkit through my work in program management, I sought to deepen my theoretical business acumen and gain greater clarity around potential specialization paths.

Embarking on an MBA program felt like the ideal next step, allowing me to complement my generalist background with a more structured academic foundation. I was particularly drawn to the flexibility and self-paced nature of Quantic’s curriculum, as it enabled me to continue thriving in my current Disney+ role while simultaneously embarking on an enriching educational journey.

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

Innovative. The Quantic program’s cutting-edge curriculum and delivery model perfectly align with the ambitions and learning preferences of today’s dynamic, globally-minded MBA candidates. From the flexibility of self-paced online coursework to the interactivity of collaborative group projects, every element of the experience has been thoughtfully designed to unlock maximum engagement and impact.

What I find most compelling is the program’s embrace of multimedia modalities – ranging from interactive multiple-choice assessments to pre-recorded video lectures. This blend of educational touchpoints keeps the content consistently fresh and challenging, mirroring the rapidly evolving demands of the modern business landscape. Quantic’s innovative approach empowers students to thrive within a learning environment that feels tailored to our unique needs and learning styles.

Beneath the inventive delivery, of course, lies a rigorous academic foundation. But the marriage of intellectual rigor and high-tech infrastructure is what truly makes the Quantic MBA program stand out as a modern, future-facing educational experience.

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 unparalleled global network and scheduling flexibility of Quantic’s program were undoubtedly the most compelling factors in my decision to apply. As a seasoned professional seeking to elevate my business acumen, I was particularly drawn to the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse cohort of classmates. In the past 8 months alone, I have collaborated with students spanning countries from Japan to the UK, US and Nigeria. This international component has not only deepened my cultural fluency, but also exposed me to a rich diversity of perspectives and innovative problem-solving approaches.

Just as impactful was Quantic’s self-paced curriculum, which enabled me to seamlessly integrate my MBA studies into my existing responsibilities at Disney. The freedom to learn on my own schedule, while still benefiting from interactive group projects and direct access to faculty, has been transformative. I knew I needed a program that would complement rather than disrupt my career progression, and Quantic has delivered that flexibility in spades.

Ultimately, it was the perfect marriage of worldclass networking and customized learning that made Quantic stand head and shoulders above other MBA programs. As I continue advancing my business expertise, I’m confident these two key pillars will be instrumental in unlocking my fullest potential.

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

The course on Organizational Behavior & Development has particularly piqued my curiosity and enthusiasm. As someone deeply passionate about the human-centric elements of business, I’m fascinated by how organizations can optimize their structures, processes, and cultures to most effectively achieve their strategic objectives.

At the heart of any successful enterprise are its people – and understanding how to cultivate a high-performing, engaged workforce is paramount. The course’s exploration of topics like strategic leadership, designing problem-solving infrastructures, and fostering cycles of continuous improvement aligns perfectly with my professional interests and goals.

Ultimately, I believe that mastering the nuances of organizational dynamics is critical to driving sustainable business impact. By elevating my knowledge in this domain, I already feel better equipped to drive workforce effectiveness, champion cross-functional collaboration, and spearhead transformative change initiatives. This course represents a valuable opportunity to deepen my expertise in an area I find truly captivating.

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

While I’ve only just begun the Capstone Project, this culminating experience has already proven to be an absolute highlight of my Quantic journey. As the final, integrative component of the MBA curriculum, the Capstone offers students the opportunity to synthesize our learnings into either a comprehensive business plan or an executive strategy report.

I elected to collaborate with a diverse, global team on developing a fully-fledged business plan for an exciting new startup venture. This collaborative endeavor has allowed me to apply the strategic frameworks, financial modeling skills, and cross-functional expertise I’ve honed throughout the program. More importantly, it’s enabled me to learn from the unique backgrounds and perspectives my teammates bring to the table.

Working alongside ambitious, like-minded individuals from vastly different industries and career stages has been incredibly enriching. Together, we’re tackling the full lifecycle of new venture creation – from ideation and market analysis to financial projections and go-to-market planning. This hands-on, iterative process has elevated my understanding of business fundamentals in a way that mere coursework could not.

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

I’m immensely proud of my work leading the Women@Meta board’s pioneering Girls Rising initiative during my time at the company. By developing this first-of-its-kind outreach program, I was able to elevate my role and deepen my connection to Meta’s mission in a profoundly meaningful way.

In the four years I co-led the initiative, Girls Rising provided over 120+ female high school students from underprivileged London communities with access to monthly personal and professional development workshops held at Meta’s offices. Beyond these transformative sessions, we connected each participant with a dedicated Meta mentor, facilitating even deeper, personalized explorations of their future career aspirations.

The program, run in collaboration with the Camden STEAM non-profit, quickly blossomed into a vibrant, impactful community. Its success was underscored by the initiative earning praise and recognition from the highest levels of UK leadership, including acknowledgments from King Charles.

This experience exemplified my steadfast commitment to elevating underrepresented voices and creating tangible pathways for young women to access careers in technology. I’m immensely proud to have played a key role in shaping this trailblazing program, which has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on its participants and the broader community.

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

I would enthusiastically recommend The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle to any prospective MBA student. This fascinating exploration of the DNA fueling the world’s most effective organizations offers invaluable lessons on cultivating high-performing, purpose-driven teams.

Coyle’s research unpacks three core pillars underpinning organizational excellence: fostering a true sense of belonging, embracing vulnerability to build trust, and aligning around a shared sense of purpose. These themes resonated deeply with me, as I’ve witnessed firsthand how signals of connection, habits of mutual risk-taking, and transparent narratives can galvanize individuals into cohesive, results-oriented communities.

One quote that particularly stuck with me was Coyle’s observation that “highly successful cultures are energized and engaged, but at their core their members are oriented less around achieving happiness than around solving hard problems together.” This insight underscores the importance of moving beyond superficial markers of positivity and instead focusing on the tough, candid work required to bridge the gap between current and aspirational states. The Culture Code has personally equipped me with a powerful framework for building and leading teams primed for transformative impact.

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

Academically, I’ve been thoroughly impressed by Quantic’s innovative teaching methodology, which represents a marked departure from the traditional MBA lecture format. Rather than relying on passive video content, the program’s curriculum is deliberately designed to keep learners actively engaged through frequent interactive assessments and collaborative projects. The rhythm of module quizzes, course exams, and group work ensures that knowledge is continually reinforced and applied, rather than simply consumed. What’s more, Quantic has thoughtfully woven in ample touchpoints with faculty and subject matter experts, from regular Slack communication to open Zoom discussions.

Beyond the classroom, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the breadth and diversity of Quantic’s extracurricular offerings and societies. With examples like the Health & Wellness club, the Photography club, Biohacking organisation, and Italian Language Society – there are communities catering to an incredibly wide range of personal interests and passions. This speaks volumes about the caliber of driven, proactive and resourceful individuals attracted to this program – each bringing their unique talents and perspectives to enhance the collective Quantic experience. The academic rigor combined with the vibrant extracurricular culture has created an unparalleled ecosystem for personal and professional growth.

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

Prospective MBA candidates should recognize that Quantic’s unique, self-paced online format requires a distinct application approach. While academic rigor is paramount, the admissions team is ultimately seeking students who will actively leverage the program’s expansive global network and contribute their own distinctive value.

In my case, I highlighted my extensive extracurricular experience leading and participating in female leadership initiatives as a key part of my professional development journey. Flagging this focus area in my application has since enabled me to deepen my impact, joining the Quantic Women’s Network and engaging in stimulating discussions and panels on topics I’m deeply passionate about.

The most compelling applications will seamlessly weave together an applicant’s academic prowess, professional accomplishments, and unique personal interests and talents. By tailoring your narrative to demonstrate how you’ll uniquely thrive within and enrich the Quantic community, you’ll be well-positioned to stand out in this dynamic, forward-thinking MBA program.