Winnie PETIT PAUL

Warwick Business School

“Purpose-driven student blending creativity, strategic thinking, and social impact to build inclusive, community-cantered business solutions.”

Hometown: Port-au- Prince, Haiti

Fun fact about yourself: Purpose-driven student blending creativity, strategic thinking, and social impact to build inclusive, community-centered business solutions.

Undergraduate School and Degree: CTPEA – Bachelor Degree in Applied Economics

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Haitibrand – Haiti (A company I co-founded)

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? I was working in my own company

Where will you be working after graduation? I plan to return to my company and focus on developing a scaling strategy for expansion.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: I serve as the Vice President of Marketing for the Black in Business Club, which has allowed me to apply my experience to support the club’s growth and visibility.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? My role as VP of Marketing for the Black in Business Club. Before this, I ran my agency but relied on my design team for creative work—I didn’t do any design myself. However, in this role, I had to take full responsibility for all marketing aspects, including designing visuals, creating content, and making videos. I also became the unofficial photographer for my cohort. It was a challenging but rewarding experience that pushed me to develop new skills and step outside my comfort zone.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Led the implementation of the STEM ACCESS program, delivering a STEM-based curriculum to young women aged 9 to 20 years old. I managed budgets, tracked expenditures, and developed strategies to enhance community engagement, training over 400 girls and significantly improving their STEM education

Why did you choose this business school? One of the main reasons I chose Warwick was its strong focus on leadership and changemakers. I knew that coming here would allow me to connect with like-minded individuals and strengthen my leadership skills. Warwick is one of the few business schools that emphasizes this aspect, and its curriculum is designed to reflect that.

As the world rapidly shifts towards AI, the value of human-centered leadership is becoming even more critical. Warwick’s program ensures that students develop technical skills, learn to lead teams effectively and navigate complex challenges. This was an essential factor in my decision.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? Definitely, my Innovation and strategic professor, Christos Kolympiris. At first, I was hesitant about this course. Teaching creativity is difficult, but he made it so engaging and practical that every session felt valuable. By the end, I had developed a structured approach to creativity and Innovation, which I didn’t expect.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? Leadership Plus. I joined the MBA program to enhance my leadership skills, and this course provided exactly that. It’s a highly practical module where you first identify your leadership style and then work on improving it. It’s almost like having a personal leadership therapy session.

The syndicate group structure also made learning more immersive. You don’t just study leadership you practice it by working with diverse teams. Since groups change throughout the term, you are constantly adapting and refining your leadership approach. This module has been one of the most impactful in my MBA journey.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? One of my professors mentioned that our cohort was unique because of how well we bonded. This sense of community led us to organize events regularly, making the experience even richer.

One of the most memorable events was our Chinese New Year celebration. It wasn’t just a party—it was a chance to learn about Chinese culture and embrace diversity. Events like this help strengthen connections among classmates and deepen our understanding of different cultures, ultimately making the MBA experience more meaningful.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? At the start, I struggled with imposter syndrome. I spent too much time trying to fit in instead of embracing the diversity around me. If I could go back, I would focus on engaging with my classmates from day one rather than waiting to adjust. Beyond the classroom, there is so much to learn from the people around you.

What is the biggest myth about your school? Before coming to Warwick, I assumed that everyone would be focused on launching their own businesses or changing the world. However, I found that many people were more interested in becoming managers or leaders in existing companies.

What surprised me, though, was that by the end of some compulsory modules, many students started considering entrepreneurship. The program sparked a shift in their mindset, which was fascinating to witness.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? I love everything about Coventry. Now that spring is approaching, the city feels even more peaceful. It’s close to what I always imagined an old English town to be like. A simple walk through the city center on the weekend is refreshing. We also have historic sites like the old cathedral, and the people here are friendly and welcoming.

What movie or television show best reflects the realities of business? For me, Queen of the South reflects the realities of business—especially its struggles. People often talk about the success stories, but business is also about failure, learning, and adapting to new environments.

As a woman, I’ve had to navigate many challenges and adapt constantly. The show highlights key lessons in business: knowing who’s on your side, identifying allies, thinking long-term, building a strong team, and respecting the people who work with you. These lessons are crucial in both business and leadership.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? AI is definitely transforming the way we work. I don’t see it as a tool that will replace jobs but rather as one that can help people advance. I appreciate how Warwick emphasizes leveraging AI to improve efficiency while also reinforcing the importance of critical thinking.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Brindha Sharkhar is my top choice because, although she isn’t someone who speaks often, she is incredibly smart and has a unique ability to combine data with storytelling.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? I want to work for a company I love—one that is making a real impact on people’s lives. Throughout my career, I aspire to inspire others, which is why I also want to build my personal brand in a way that genuinely motivates and empowers people

What made Winnie such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“Winnie was a pleasure to have a around. She brought in lots of positive energy, had a great sense of humour and made a number of targeted comments that prompted me to think deeply and reflect. I also enjoyed the fact that she fosters a collaborative atmosphere, offering thoughtful perspectives while also encouraging others to contribute. Overall, Winnie was a true asset for everyone in the module.”

Dr Christos Kolympiris
Associate Professor in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Warwick Business School

DON’T MISS: MBAS TO WATCH: CLASS OF 2025

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