Meet Oxford Saïd’s Inaugural Class Of Future Leader Scholars

Laurinda Tchouanga

MBA class year: 2025
Hometown/ Home Country: Douala, Cameroon / Montreal, Canada

I was born and raised in Douala, Cameroon, and moved to Montreal, Canada in 2016 to study Industrial Engineering . I’ve always loved math, physics, and problem-solving, which made engineering a natural fit. After graduating, I went into strategy consulting because I wanted to have an impact across various organizations, be exposed to a wide range of challenges, and work on complex problems.

Along the way, I developed a deep interest in sustainability, particularly in how businesses and industries can transition to more sustainable models. Coming from Cameroon, I’ve seen firsthand how the impact of climate change isn’t equally distributed—despite contributing the least to global emissions, many African nations are among the most vulnerable to its effects. This reality drives me to build expertise at the intersection of business and sustainability, so I can contribute to solutions that not only address environmental challenges but also support economic resilience in regions that need it most.

Summary of your professional background prior to MBA:

Before my MBA, I worked as a strategy consultant at McKinsey & Company, specializing in large-scale transformation programs across the manufacturing, construction, and automotive industries. My work focused on helping clients drive operational excellence, navigate organizational change, and develop strategies for decarbonization. Supporting companies in their journey to reduce emissions and transition to more sustainable practices reinforced my passion for sustainability and business impact.

Prior to consulting, I gained experience in the manufacturing, telecommunications, and aerospace industries, working on various strategic and operational projects. Beyond my client work, I was actively involved in diversity and inclusion initiatives—both at McKinsey and in my community—mentoring young students, helping them explore career opportunities, and advocating for greater representation of women and Black professionals in consulting and engineering.

Why did you pursue an MBA?

I pursued an MBA to develop the skills needed to drive meaningful change at the intersection of business and sustainability. With an engineering background, I wanted to strengthen my business acumen and deepen my understanding of how businesses navigate complex challenges, particularly in transitioning to more sustainable models. The MBA also allows me to reflect on my career’s next chapter and explore new ways I can make an impact. It’s been an opportunity to broaden my horizons, challenge my own perspectives, and grow both personally and professionally in a dynamic and global environment.

Why did you choose Oxford Saïd’s MBA?

I chose Oxford Saïd’s MBA for three key reasons:

• A focus on sustainability and global impact: Oxford’s commitment to addressing global challenges through business aligns perfectly with my own aspirations. The school’s strong focus on sustainability and responsible leadership provides a unique environment to explore how businesses can lead in the transition to more sustainable models. I wanted to be in a place that emphasizes both purpose and impact, helping me grow as a leader who can drive meaningful change.
• Connection to Africa: Oxford’s deep engagement with Africa, especially through initiatives like the Oxford Africa Business Alliance, was a major draw for me. I am passionate about finding solutions to Africa’s unique challenges, and the opportunity to engage with like-minded leaders tackling the continent’s economic development and sustainability issues is a powerful aspect of the program.
• A diverse and engaged community: With 50+ nationalities represented in the student body, the diversity in the Oxford MBA adds incredible value to the learning experience. Beyond the MBA, being part of the broader Oxford community gives me the opportunity to connect with students from all over the university, broadening my perspectives in ways that go beyond the classroom.

What has been the hallmark of the experience so far?

What has really stood out for me so far is the incredible diversity and intellectual curiosity of my classmates. Every conversation—whether it’s in class, over lunch, or at social events—makes me rethink my own perspectives and broadens my understanding of global challenges. Beyond the MBA, I’ve had the chance to connect with students from across the university, whether it’s at the Oxford Union, during College Formal Dinners, or in other settings, which has been a great way to exchange ideas and learn from people with such different experiences. On top of all that, soaking in Oxford’s history and traditions adds a special depth to the whole experience.

What has been the most valuable?

What has been most valuable to me so far is the opportunity to leverage the depth of expertise across Oxford to deepen my understanding of complex concepts and then bring that knowledge back into a business context through the MBA program. For example, I’ve had the chance to join the School of Climate, a broader Oxford program, to further my understanding of climate change and its entire ecosystem. This has allowed me to grasp the bigger picture of the challenges we face, and then, through courses at Saïd, learn how to translate that knowledge into actionable business strategies as a future leader. This integration of learning across disciplines is something that truly sets Oxford apart for me.

What does the Oxford Saïd: Black Leaders Scholarship mean to you personally and to your ability to pursue an MBA?

The Oxford Saïd: Black Leaders Scholarship holds significant value to me, both personally and in terms of my journey toward this MBA. With the percentage of Black students in the Oxford MBA program still relatively low, representation is something I deeply value. It’s not simply about diversity for its own sake—it’s about the power of different perspectives in solving complex challenges.

In a time when DEI efforts are being questioned, it’s essential to remember that bringing a variety of voices into decision-making spaces leads to better, more innovative solutions for organizations, and for the world in general. Scholarships like this are helping to push that message forward, creating opportunities for more underrepresented leaders to take their place at the table and shape the future with their unique experiences and insights.

What leadership aspirations do you have for after the MBA program?

After the MBA, I want to continue driving impact at the intersection of strategy, operations and sustainability. My focus will be on helping organizations navigate sustainability challenges—particularly in energy transition and decarbonization—by developing strategies that drive both business success and long-term impact. Beyond my professional path, I will remain an advocate for DEI and an engaged Saïd alum, working to expand access to opportunities—whether by continuing to support young immigrants in their career journeys, increasing representation of women and Black candidates in industries like consulting and/or engineering, or contributing to changing the narrative about Africa and its potential.

What are you most looking forward to in the next term of your program?

Next term, I’m excited to dive into several impactful opportunities. I look forward to engaging in entrepreneurship project courses that will allow me to work on real-world ventures, as well as potentially completing an internship to gain hands-on experience in my area of interest.

One of the biggest highlights will be heading to Cape Town for the Doing Business in Africa course, getting an on-the-ground perspective of the continent’s business landscape. On campus, I’m looking forward to bringing the Oxford Africa Business Forum to life as Co-Director and to continue driving conversations on sustainability as the events director for the Sustainability OBN, creating more spaces for my cohort to engage with relevant topics.

What is next for you?

Post-MBA, I want to continue helping organizations devise successful strategies that integrate sustainability challenges, particularly in energy transition and decarbonization. Beyond that, I plan to continue using my platform as an active Saïd alum and a dedicated advocate for DEI—supporting young immigrants in exploring career opportunities, promoting more women and Black candidates in engineering, and/or consulting, and contributing to shifting the narrative about the African continent. For me, it’s about using my experience and platform to create more opportunities for others while driving meaningful change in the industries I care about.

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