Breaking The Glass Ceiling: Exploring The World, One Experience At A Time

As my time at London Business School starts to draw to a close, I find myself in reflective mode. My MBA journey has taken me from London to Paris to São Paulo and back again. It has been such a life-changing experience that I wanted to look back on the value of global learning, community, and culture — all things that I’ve experienced along the way.

My first quarter of the calendar year was spent soaking in the beauty — and chaos — of Paris. One day I was gazing at the elegant silhouette of the Eiffel Tower, admiring its timeless beauty. The next, I was surrounded by industry leaders and AI enthusiasts at a bustling tech conference. Such was the rhythm of life during my exchange term at HEC Paris — a beautiful blend of culture, intellect, and momentum.

But as I packed my bags to return to LBS, it became clear that what truly sets LBS apart is its commitment to internationalism — not just as a concept, but as a way of life. Here, global exposure isn’t an optional extra. It’s embedded in every interaction, every opportunity, every classroom discussion. And as a First-Generation, Low or Intermediate Income (FLII) student, I’m particularly grateful that many of these experiences are both accessible and intentionally designed to be inclusive.

GLOBAL BY DESIGN, ORGANIC IN SPIRIT

Take the MBA 2025 cohort, for instance: over 450 students representing 65+ nationalities, each bringing their unique cultures and experiences to the table. This diversity isn’t just about ticking boxes — it’s the engine that drives innovation, empathy, and transformation.

Students looking to experience more than just London life can choose to attend classes at LBS’s Dubai campus, opt for an international exchange with business schools outside of the UK, and also participate in Global Experience courses in places as varied as Johannesburg, Lima and Riyadh. Add to that a thriving network of 80+ student clubs and you have a school that doesn’t just embrace diversity — it lives it.

FOSTERING A SENSE OF COMMUNITY — BEFORE STEPPING ON CAMPUS

Before formally starting the MBA journey, my cohort came together to organize a two-day trek to the English seaside resort of Brighton — a symbolic start to what would become an incredible two-year journey. I had the privilege of being one of the organizers, alongside peers from over 10 nationalities, spanning 5+ continents and four time zones.

The two days were packed with thoughtfully designed activities — from beachside chats to pub crawls — all aimed at building meaningful connections amongst the 250+ attendees.

One of the key highlights of the trek was the pub crawl. As a teetotaller exploring the pubs of Brighton, I still found myself fully immersed in the experience — jumping into spontaneous dance-offs, engaging in deep late-night conversations, and getting my first real glimpse into what MBA-style partying looks like.

It wasn’t just an icebreaker; it was our first step toward forming a global family.

LBS CLUBS – THE HEARTBEAT BENEATH THE HUSTLE

The LBS community thrives outside the classroom as much as it does within. For me, the heart of that community is found in its student clubs. Each event, each celebration, each shared meal is a reminder of the magic that happens when cultures come together.

Whether you’re drawn to diversity and inclusion clubs, career-focused groups, sports teams, or regional communities, there’s something for everyone. These clubs aren’t just extracurricular — they are extensions of identity, passion, and global community.

From learning samba from the Brazilians during the LATAM Club Dance Nights, to indulging in sizzling Korean BBQ during the Korean Night, I have found myself in thrall to the stories of home and heritage.

As a woman, I have been particularly inspired by the Women in Business (WiB) Club, which plays a central role in shaping dialogue on gender inclusion. One of WiB’s flagship events is EQUALL — Europe’s largest equality conference hosted by a business school. I couldn’t attend this years’ conference, as I was in Paris for my exchange, but I vividly remember the 2024 conference. The theme, “A Seat At Every Table,” sparked important conversations around access, leadership, and equity. One of the most powerful moments came during a talk by Francesca Carlesi, CEO of Revolut UK, who candidly highlighted the persistent gender gaps in the financial services industry. It is one of those unique opportunities where you are surrounded by trailblazing women, students, alumni, and changemakers.

One of my personal favourite moments was participating as an ally with the Out in Business (OiB) Club, which supports the LGBTQIA+ community at LBS, during Tattoo — the annual cultural festival that celebrates the school’s rich diversity. Ours was not simply a dance performance – it was a statement. Hitting the dance floor with the empowering tune of I Want To Break Free by Queen, we had a lineup that included drag queens, lesbians, gays, bisexuals, and straight allies like me. The energy was electric and the crowd was roaring. In that moment, the message was clear: at LBS, you are free to be who you are, and you are celebrated for it.

Another memorable event was the Sake Night hosted by the Japan Club. I not only learned first-hand the intricacies of the Japanese etiquette, but also gained knowledge about the cultural nuances behind the tradition. Connoisseurs of Sake presented us with a crash course in the source of sake and the cultural significance of the drink. Between the warmth of conversation and the delicate clinking of cups for those enjoying the tasting session, I left not only with a deeper appreciation of Japanese culture but also with a reminder of how food and ritual can bridge even the widest cultural gaps.

Equally special was the opportunity to share my own culture at the Diwali Ball. Over 500 students joined in the festivities — dressed in vibrant Indian attire, dancing to the beats of Indian music, and enjoying Indian delicacies. For many, it was their first Diwali. For me, it was a proud moment of cultural exchange — watching my peers embrace the joy, colour, and spirit of India.

No reflection on clubs at LBS would be complete without mentioning a cause that is especially close to my heart: the FLII Club. As the current president, I’ve had the opportunity to drive initiatives that promote social mobility and foster real, systemic inclusion. With my team, we’ve built corporate partnerships with leading consulting firms and tech companies, aiming to connect our members with tangible career pathways. On campus, we’ve championed infrastructural and policy changes to make the MBA experience more equitable.

Two moments in this journey stand out. The first: moderating a fireside chat at the London office of McKinsey with members of McKinsey’s PRISM ERG, a group focused on socio-economic mobility. The second: leading a cross-campus collaboration with 10+ clubs to provide subsidized access to key treks and events, ensuring financial barriers don’t stand in the way of belonging.

These weren’t just events. They were windows into worlds I may never have known otherwise — and mirrors that helped me understand my own culture more deeply. Amid all the hustle, the clubs at LBS became my grounding force. They reminded me that learning doesn’t always come from textbooks or case studies. Sometimes, it comes from dancing, dining, listening, and simply showing up for each other.

INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE – THE HYPERLOOP TO THE FUTURE

In my second year, I was fortunate to be selected for an international exchange program at HEC Paris. LBS offers students the chance to spend a term abroad at leading business schools across Africa, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, Latin America and the USA — a rare opportunity to not only experience another academic environment, but to expand your network far beyond geographical and institutional borders.

My time at HEC was transformative. Nestled in the quiet outskirts of Paris, the campus offered a unique blend of academic intensity and cultural immersion. It was a chance to engage with European business dynamics, especially through the lens of tech and innovation — areas I’m particularly passionate about.

As a tech enthusiast, one of the most defining moments came during a fireside talk with Aravind Srinivas, the CEO of Perplexity, where I had the chance to ask questions directly about the future of AI-powered search and its implications for global knowledge-sharing. This wasn’t just theory — it was frontline learning from one of the world’s emerging tech pioneers.

Another eye-opener was discovering the technological innovation happening within Europe’s luxury industry. Coming from a background where luxury and tech are rarely spoken about in the same sentence, I was fascinated by how high-end brands are integrating AI, data science, and immersive experiences to redefine customer journeys and operational efficiency.

Academically, I was particularly inspired by Prof. Anne-Laure Sellier, whose course on Decision-Making struck a beautiful balance between rigorous theory and thoughtful discussion. She challenged us to reflect not just on how decisions are made, but why we make them the way we do — bringing in behavioral science, psychology, and ethics into the business equation.

What stood out most about HEC was how it felt both familiar and entirely new. The case discussions were sharp and the debates lively. Yet, there was a distinctly European rhythm to the way ideas were unpacked — slower, more deliberate, more rooted in context. It reminded me that leadership isn’t just about agility; it’s also about depth.

My exchange at HEC wasn’t just an academic stint. It was a hyperloop into the future — giving me a clearer view of the global tech landscape, deeper insights into cultural intelligence, and lasting friendships that transcend geographies.

WHY I CAME TO LBS

Reflecting on these experiences — from the cafes of Paris to the clubs of London — I’m reminded of why I chose London Business School in the first place.

I didn’t just want an MBA. I wanted a passport to the world. I wanted to immerse myself in cultures, build global friendships, work on meaningful challenges, and develop the kind of empathy that no classroom alone can teach.

For students like me with a FLII background, often figuring things out as we go — these opportunities are life-changing. They expand our worldview, boost our confidence, and most importantly, remind us that we belong.

London Business School gave me that room. And now, I’m walking through its doors with purpose — and with people from all over the world by my side.

---

Divya is an MBA 2025 at London Business School and a Laidlaw Scholar. She is an accomplished data analytics professional with 8+ years of work experience, including 4 years at Google. She is one of the first people in her city and the first person in her family to pursue an education abroad. She strongly believes in equity and advocates for DEI at college and work. To know more, check her LinkedIn profile here.

DON’T MISS:

BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING: FROM AMAZON’S HEADQUARTERS TO THE AMAZON RAINFOREST

BREAKING THE GLASS CEILING: AN INDIAN FIRST-GENERATION STUDENT’S PATH TO LONDON BUSINESS SCHOOL