Riccardo Bassiri 

Imperial College Business School 

Hometown: Glasgow, Scotland

Fun Fact About Yourself: During my early years at Stanford, I played the piano in a chamber music group, which became a rewarding way to balance creativity, collaboration and personal growth.

Graduate School and Major: University of Glasgow, PhD in Physics

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Stanford University, Deputy Director/ Senior Research Scientist

What were some of the key motivating factors behind pursuing your MBA, and why did this seem like the right time for you? After over a decade as a research scientist, I wanted to shift toward a career that combined my technical expertise with leadership and entrepreneurship. An MBA offered the perfect opportunity to explore new industries, broaden my network, and develop the business acumen necessary to build impactful ventures. It felt like the right time because I had reached a natural transition point in my career and wanted to return to the UK to contribute more directly to its growth and development.

2What have been your first impressions of the Imperial MBA students and alumni you’ve met so far? Tell us your best Imperial story. The students and alumni have impressed me with their diversity—not just in terms of backgrounds but also in how they approach challenges. Collaboration is at the core of the programme, and there is a genuine willingness to help each other succeed. A standout moment for me was attending an Enterprise Lab Community Collider event, where I met people from across Imperial’s different schools, both current students and alumni. It was fascinating to explore how our varied skillsets could come together to tackle real-world challenges, showcasing the interdisciplinary spirit that makes Imperial unique.

Aside from your classmates, what were one or two key aspects of Imperial’s MBA program that led you to choose this Business School, and why were they so important to you? One key factor was the school’s focus on innovation and entrepreneurship. Its connections to London’s vibrant start-up ecosystem and its emphasis on deep tech and AI aligned perfectly with my long-term ambitions. 

Another aspect was the global experiences embedded in the programme, particularly opportunities like the Global Experience Week in Brazil which focuses on digital transformation. These elements highlighted how the MBA could not only prepare me for my future but also expand my understanding of global business challenges and opportunities.

What makes London such a great place to earn an MBA? London is a global hub for business, innovation, and culture. It offers unparalleled access to multinational companies, venture capital, and a thriving start-up scene. The city’s diversity also fosters a dynamic environment where ideas and collaboration flourish. Personally, being in London allows me to stay close to family while pursuing world-class opportunities, providing an ideal balance between professional and personal growth.

What module, club or activity excites you the most at Imperial? The AI Ventures module is the aspect of the programme I am most excited about, and it was a key reason I chose Imperial College Business School. As someone deeply interested in the intersection of innovation and AI, the chance to work in diverse teams to develop AI-driven ventures is incredibly compelling. I am particularly drawn to the module’s integration of generative AI as a “thought partner,” which transforms how business ideas are developed. This approach challenges us to think critically about the outputs of Large Language Models (LLMs) and how they can be harnessed for real-world impact. For me, this is not just about learning a framework—it is about developing the skills and mindset to launch ventures that push the boundaries of what AI can achieve, which is precisely where I see my future.

Looking at your admissions process, what was the moment when you realized Imperial was the right programme for you? Why? The moment I realised Imperial College Business School’s MBA was the right programme was during my conversations with current students and alumni. Hearing about their journeys and how the programme had transformed their careers gave me confidence that it could do the same for me. Their stories of collaboration, growth, and impact resonated deeply, reaffirming that this was the right choice to achieve my aspirations.

What are two things you have learned at your School that have surprised you so far — one academic and one non-academic? Academically, I was surprised to learn how companies use accounting not just to track their performance but to shape the story they present to shareholders. For example, adjusting how they report depreciation or timing revenue recognition can influence how their financial health is perceived. It has made me realise that financial statements are not just static reports but strategic tools for communication.

The LEADS (Leadership, Ethics, Awareness, Diversity, Society) core module has surprised me outside of the traditional academic setting by challenging me to think more deeply about my values, strengths, and weaknesses, and how this applies to the type of leader I am and want to become. One of the lectures focusing on resilience even had us dancing under the guidance of an award-winning choreographer—a refreshing and unexpected way to learn about leadership.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: Co-founding the Centre for Coatings Research (CCR) while at Stanford University is my biggest career accomplishment to date. Establishing the CCR required a vision for how collaboration could drive innovation and a strategy to bring together researchers from multiple disciplines to solve a  complex applied-physics based problem. Leading this initiative taught me the importance of building a strong team, securing stakeholder buy-in, and creating a shared purpose. The CCR continues to deliver impactful research and remains a testament to the power of collective effort and leadership.

Looking ahead one year, what would make your MBA experience successful? Success would mean having a clear vision for my next steps—whether that involves launching a start-up or joining a company that aligns with my values and aspirations. Building a strong network, further developing my leadership skills, and embracing new challenges will also be key measures of success. Personally, I hope to look back and feel that I took full advantage of the unique opportunities the programme offered, from academics to extracurricular activities.

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into Imperial’s MBA program? Be authentic about your aspirations and why Imperial is the right fit for you. Use your essays and interviews to demonstrate your commitment to collaboration, your ability to reflect on your experiences, and your desire to create positive impact. Connecting with current students and alumni can also help you gain insights into the programme and refine your application.

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