Meet Imperial College’s MBA Class Of 2025: Bogosi Shashane by: John A. Byrne on February 03, 2025 | 129 Views February 3, 2025 Copy Link Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email Share on LinkedIn Share on WhatsApp Share on Reddit Bogosi Shashane is pursuing his MBA at Imperial College Business School Bogosi Shashane Imperial College Business School Hometown: Palapye, Botswana Fun Fact About Yourself: I am a product of Botswana’s diamond industry, having received the government’s top achievers’ scholarship which has funded my seven years of education in the UK, including this MBA. This demonstrates how Botswana reinvests its diamond wealth into its people’s development. Undergraduate School and Major: London School of Economics and Political Science, BSc Actuarial Science Graduate School and Major: Imperial College London, MSc Statistics (Applied Statistics) Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Staysure Group, Pricing Manager What were your key motivating factors behind pursuing your MBA, and why did this seem like the right time for you? My pursuit of an MBA is driven by two complementary ambitions. First, having recently taken on managerial responsibilities, I seek to develop robust leadership capabilities that will enable me to guide teams more effectively. Second, I aim to leverage this experience to pivot into consulting, where I can apply my analytical background to solve complex business challenges. After five years in the insurance sector, this transition feels perfectly timed. The experience has given me a strong foundation in data-driven decision-making and stakeholder management, while the MBA will enhance my strategic thinking and organisational behaviour understanding. The move toward consulting aligns with my long-term goal of taking on executive roles, as it will expose me to diverse industries and complex business challenges while developing crucial client-facing skills. What have been your first impressions of the Imperial MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far? Tell us your best Imperial story. The school’s MBA community has impressed me with its exceptional collaborative spirit and intellectual generosity. Alumni have been remarkably accessible and forthcoming with insights about both the programme and post-MBA opportunities. What stands out most is how the diversity of our cohort – spanning nationalities, industries, and professional backgrounds – creates a uniquely rich learning environment. This diversity goes beyond demographics; it’s reflected in the varied perspectives and experiences shared during class discussions, group projects, and informal conversations. The willingness of my peers to both challenge and support each other has created an environment where everyone can grow professionally and personally. Aside from your classmates, what were one or two key aspects of Imperial’s MBA programme that led you to choose this Business School and why were they so important to you? Imperial’s commitment to ‘Intelligent Business’ resonates deeply with my aspirations. This philosophy manifests in how the programme bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application in today’s dynamic business environment. The Imperial Innovation Challenge exemplifies this approach, offering a unique opportunity to collaborate with leading academics and transform cutting-edge research into viable business propositions. Furthermore, the curriculum’s breadth – from entrepreneurship to sustainability – reflects Imperial’s understanding of modern business leadership requirements. The flexibility to choose from diverse electives allows for both broad exposure and deep specialisation, ensuring that regardless of post-MBA goals, students can craft a learning journey that aligns with their ambitions. What makes London such a great place to earn an MBA? London’s position as a global financial hub and technology centre makes it an unparalleled location for an MBA. The city hosts headquarters of numerous Fortune 500 companies, leading consulting firms, and innovative start-ups, providing unique networking opportunities and potential career paths. The diversity of London’s business ecosystem allows for immediate application of classroom concepts through real-world projects and internships. Furthermore, the city’s strategic location enables easy access to European markets and business cultures, while maintaining strong connections with Asian and American markets. Living in London during the MBA also means experiencing first-hand how global business trends manifest in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. What module, club or activity excites you the most at Imperial? The consulting club stands out as a particularly exciting aspect of the programme, offering valuable industry insights through speaker events and networking opportunities with professionals sharing similar aspirations. Academically, the corporate finance module has been especially impactful, demonstrating how theoretical concepts directly translate to real-world business decisions. The module’s exploration of topics like user cost and its relationship to house prices and airport landing fees has provided fascinating insights into practical business applications. Looking ahead, I’m eagerly anticipating the Global Experience Week in São Paulo, which will offer first-hand exposure to digitisation’s impact on modern urban environments, exemplifying Imperial’s commitment to global business understanding. Looking at your admissions process, what was the moment when you realized Imperial was right for you? Why? Mine began even before I applied, as an alumnus of the university. It made the decision to apply trivial in that I was already aware of the vastness of the institution, being especially renowned for its outputs across STEM subjects. Learning more about the MBA programme through the admissions process supported my leading hypothesis that it would merge the dedication to innovation with a profound sense of business acumen, delivered by leading academics and practitioners. What are two things you have learned at your School that have surprised you so far — one academic and one non-academic? On the non-academic front, I have been fascinated by the dynamics of self-managed group work. The absence of designated leaders, combined with competing priorities like job applications and coursework deadlines, has provided valuable lessons in adaptive leadership and collaborative problem-solving. These challenges mirror real-world business environments, making them invaluable learning experiences. Academically, the programme’s approach to teaching accounting has been refreshingly different from my earlier exposure to the subject. Rather than focusing solely on technical aspects, the curriculum emphasises executive-level thinking – teaching us to build compelling business cases, evaluate investment opportunities, and understand financial statements from a strategic perspective. This approach has transformed what could be a purely technical subject into a powerful tool for business decision-making. Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: It was leading the implementation of the General Insurance Pricing Practices regulation, a project that highlighted my ability to navigate complex regulatory changes while driving innovation. In a volatile UK motor insurance market, I spearheaded the development and testing of novel pricing approaches, managing both technical complexity and business risk. This initiative required me to collaborate across departments, translate technical requirements into actionable strategies, and ensure compliance while keeping business competitiveness. The project’s success proved my ability to lead through uncertainty, balance multiple stakeholder interests, and deliver results in a highly regulated environment. The experience continues to inform my approach to problem-solving and leadership in both professional and academic settings. Looking ahead one year, what would make your MBA experience successful? Success in my MBA journey would encompass three key dimensions: First, successfully transitioning into consulting through securing a role with a leading firm that aligns with my career aspirations. Second, building a robust professional network that extends beyond just career opportunities to include meaningful mentorship relationships and lasting friendships. Finally, developing a comprehensive toolkit of hard and soft skills that will enable me to make impactful contributions in my future roles, particularly in areas of strategic thinking, leadership, and business analytics. Beyond these tangible outcomes, I aim to challenge my perspectives and grow both personally and professionally through the diverse experiences and interactions the programme offers. What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Imperial’s MBA programme? I would emphasize three critical aspects: First, develop a clear narrative that connects your past experiences with your future goals and how Imperial specifically fits into this journey. Second, demonstrate your potential to contribute to the programme’s diverse community by highlighting unique perspectives and experiences you bring. Finally, thoroughly research and engage with the school’s offerings, alumni, and current students to understand how you can maximise the opportunity. Being authentic in your application while showing a genuine understanding of and enthusiasm for Imperial’s ‘Intelligent Business’ approach will help you stand out. DON’T MISS: MEET THE ENTIRE IMPERIAL COLLEGE MBA CLASS OF 2025