Snehal

London Business School

“A globetrotter, writer, and dancer who is in a constant state of curiosity.”

Hometown: Delhi, India

Fun fact about yourself: I do not have a last name. The last name field on my passport is blank, a rarity that always sparks curiosity. The two most common questions I get are: why is it blank, and does it cause issues?

The why stems from my parents’ philosophy. Though they have a last name, they chose not to give me one. Around the world, surnames often signal religion, caste, or nationality, shaping perceptions before a person is even known. My parents wanted people to see me for who I am – Snehal – without preconceived notions tied to a family name. As for issues, I have lived in 5 countries and travelled to over 35 without challenges. But immigration officers often do a double take, which leads me to share this story.

What might seem like an anomaly has shaped my identity, starting deeper conversations about identity and unconscious labels attached to names. Plus, it makes for a great fun fact!

Undergraduate School and Degree:

• Undergraduate degree: BA Hons. Economics, Miranda House, University of Delhi
• Masters degree: MSc. Finance and Economics, London School of Economics and Political Science

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Versuni (previously known as Phillips Domestic Appliances) as Manager, Commercial Policy & Pricing

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Accenture Strategy (Consumer Goods & Services), London

Where will you be working after graduation? Accenture Strategy (Consumer Goods & Services), London

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School:

• Merit Scholar, LBS Fund
• Co-President, Retail, Luxury, Consumer Goods Club
• Senior Marketing & Communications Officer, LBS Student Association
• Walpole Luxury Leader of Tomorrow
• Peer Leader, Consulting and Diversified industries
• Community Representative, Stream C
• Programme Facilitator, Executive Education
• Writer, LBS Blog
• Mentor, Consulting Club Mentorship Programme
• Student Ambassador (Engaging with prospective LBS students, sharing insights, answering questions, and guiding campus visits)
• Marketing & Communications Lead, Tattoo (Tattoo is LBS’s biggest student-led event, celebrating the diversity of the LBS community through culture, cuisine, and a talent show.)
• Crew Member, Sundowners (Sundowners are themed social gatherings on campus, hosted by the Sundowners crew with the Student Association and Clubs)

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? One of my proudest achievements has been leading the Student Association (SA) Marketing & Communications team (with my amazing co-lead, Darla Bautista), especially since I lack a formal marketing background.

I was driven by a vision to enhance student engagement and amplify voices, particularly those of underrepresented clubs and events. In less than a year, we have grown our social media following by over 30%, launched Campus Chronicles to give students a platform for their perspectives, and established a cohesive brand identity for SA’s flagship events. This includes the Fall Festival, Speak Out Week, and Battle of Streams (BOS). A significant milestone was building the marketing strategy for the inaugural BOS event from scratch – designing the logo, finalising the trophy and wristband designs, creating banners and certificates, and crafting a communications plan to maximise engagement.

Beyond the results, this experience was transformative in shaping my leadership skills. Managing a team without financial incentives means finding new ways to foster ownership, build trust, and keep motivation high. At the same time, I was (am!) balancing classes, recruitment, and leading another big club (Retail, Luxury, and Consumer Club), frequently switching gears while ensuring my team stayed engaged. It has been a constant juggling act, but one I would not trade for anything.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I take pride in starting a movement for gender inclusivity at a former workplace.

Throughout my life, I have seen how gender expectations shape personal and professional spaces, from household roles in some cultures to “office housework” like note-taking and event planning. These patterns prompted me to reflect on my own experiences and biases, and I realised how deeply ingrained such assumptions are in us. I knew I had to act.

I decided to initiate training at my then-employer, but first I had to prove its relevance. After analysing recruitment data at my then-employer, I found that women made up only 30% of tech roles, 60% of non-tech, and just 10% of senior leadership; presenting this data to my seniors showed that our Company had work to do. Next, I focused on creating a training environment where people felt safe discussing biases (especially in a work environment) by limiting group sizes to eight and guaranteeing confidentiality. Sharing my experiences, including my unconscious biases, helped participants see we were all learning together. This approach sparked open conversations and underscored the need for systemic changes at every level.

The training significantly raised awareness, but its value lay in the discussions it sparked. We identified three key issues: job listings featuring only male engineers, subtly suggesting a male-dominated culture and prompting us to promote more inclusive campaigns; the need for data-driven evaluation criteria to counter unconscious biases often cloaked as “culture fit” or “gut feeling”; and exit data showing that 40% of women left because they felt underrepresented, particularly at senior levels. By addressing these issues, we increased female applicants by 30% and boosted the female offer conversion rate by 20% within a year!

This experience was pivotal in my growth; it showed me that change starts with me.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose LBS for two key reasons: diversity and flexibility – it is too hard to pick just one for this answer!

Having lived and worked in India, the UK, the Netherlands, and Canada, I wanted an MBA program that embodied a global perspective…and LBS delivered. With 90% of the class coming from outside the UK, diversity at LBS isn’t just a statistic but a lived experience. Every conversation becomes a learning opportunity, whether debating the best Pisco Sour recipe or exploring Scandinavia’s advanced sustainability initiatives. This mix of cultures and perspectives ensures constant growth and a network that spans the globe. Where else can you say you have friends in over 60 countries?

The second reason was flexibility. I wanted an MBA program that would support my pivot to a new industry and give me the time and encouragement to explore possibilities I would not have otherwise considered. Thanks to LBS’s adaptable curriculum, I have completed four part-time internships, studied abroad at Columbia Business School, taken up an elective in Buenos Aires (Argentina), and travelled to bucket-list destinations like the Pyramids and Machu Picchu! These experiences have expanded my skill set and given me the courage and confidence to embrace the unfamiliar. And, of course, have the best time along the way!

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favourite professor is Simona Botti, Professor of Marketing, who brings a unique combination of authenticity, warmth, and candour to academia. She teaches Brand Management, one of LBS’s most popular electives, and her ability to blend rigorous theory with real-world insights seamlessly makes her lectures informative and immersive.

Learning brand management with her was more than just frameworks and case studies; it was a journey into understanding how brands shape and leverage perceptions and emotions. However, her final session truly set her apart, where she addressed happiness, fulfilment, and rejection. In a high-achieving, career-focused environment like business school, where success is often narrowly defined by professional milestones, she provides a rare perspective that encourages students to reflect on what truly matters in life. Her ability to integrate these deeper human elements into her teaching makes her stand out and leaves an impact.

She is also known for her impeccable style and an unwavering love for Prada!

What was your favorite course as an MBA? My favourite course is the Walpole Luxury Leaders of Tomorrow Programme, a unique collaboration between Walpole (the official UK luxury sector body) and LBS, designed to cultivate the next generation of luxury leaders.

As someone aspiring to deepen her knowledge of the luxury space, this experience gave me precisely what I needed: mentorship, industry exposure, network, and, most importantly, confidence. Being one of the 10 MBAs selected, I had the privilege of attending masterclasses led by senior executives from Harrods, Belmond, Burberry, and more, offering an insider perspective of what makes a luxury brand. Additionally, being paired with a senior industry leader gave me access to candid, one-on-one advice on navigating the sector. These insights extended beyond career strategy to the deeper nuances of luxury and the importance of humility in leadership. Even now, long after the Programme has ended, my mentor continues to guide me.

Beyond the structured learning, the Walpole Programme became a turning point in my career. It led to projects and internships at Burberry, Mulberry, and Giorgio Armani – opportunities I once considered distant aspirations. Moreover, it connected me with like-minded MBAs who share my passion for the industry. From debates about brand heritage to spontaneous mystery shopper excursions, these friendships made the experience truly special.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? It has to be the Diwali Ball. Hosted by the India Club, it perfectly embodies LBS’s diversity and student-driven culture. More than just a festive event, it showcases the School’s inclusive and tight-knit community, bringing together students from all backgrounds to celebrate one of the biggest festivals in the world. Moments like these make LBS feel truly global.

Watching my classmates from around the world embrace Indian culture, donning vibrant outfits and intricate jewelery, is a sight etched in my memory. The real showstopper, however, is the Bollywood dance competition, a tradition taken very seriously. I took on the challenge of choreographing my Stream’s (go Stream C!) performance, and it soon became one of my most cherished experiences at LBS. Every rehearsal was a whirlwind of energy, laughter, and the inevitable chaos of last-minute tweaks. Watching our team come together, with most teammates stepping out of their comfort zones to try Bollywood dance for the first time, made the journey even more endearing. Extra points to them for trying to understand the Hindi lyrics; they caught on quickly!

When we finally hit the stage, the joy of performing made every second of preparation worth it. And to top it all off – we won!

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? I wish I had explored entrepreneurship during my MBA. Business school isn’t just a place to refine ideas; it is a playground for innovation, a low-risk space to experiment, fail fast, and learn even faster. LBS has numerous opportunities to turn a spark into something tangible, from the Entrepreneurship Summer School and the Entrepreneurship Lab to the LBS Incubator, specialised courses, and dedicated mentorship programs.

Reflecting on my journey, I focused on priorities like recruitment, leadership, and travel. I kept telling myself I would pursue entrepreneurship later when I had more experience or the “right” idea. In hindsight, I understand that the perfect time rarely arrives, and often, waiting leads to missing out on the unique opportunities that business school offers. Watching my classmates pursue entrepreneurship made me realise that it is not just about having a groundbreaking idea; it involves developing a mindset that embraces risk-taking, adaptation, and execution.

What is the biggest myth about your school? Many people assume that you come to London Business School if you want to stay in London or the UK post-MBA. While this is true for many students, including myself, it is not a universal rule. LBS attracts a diverse, global cohort with career paths that are just as international. Students leverage the School’s strong reputation, extensive alumni network, and global career opportunities to pursue roles across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, North America, and beyond. Whether launching a startup in Singapore, joining a VC firm in South Africa, or pivoting into luxury in France, LBS is not just about London but about opening doors to wherever you want to go.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? I first came to London to pursue my Master’s at the London School of Economics. From summer-time picnics in Hyde Park to winter walks beneath Christmas lights, I fell in love with the city. I then moved to the Netherlands for work but knew I would be back.

Beyond its world-class professional opportunities and unmatched diversity, what makes London extraordinary is how it makes you feel like you are a part of something bigger. It is a city that doesn’t just surround you; it engages and challenges you in ways few places can.

London exposes you to new ideas, cultures, and industries. One moment, you are in Canary Wharf surrounded by global investors; the next, you are in Shoreditch, where entrepreneurs are redefining sectors. This city makes you feel like anything is possible because, here, innovation and tradition coexist in a way few places can replicate.

I love London because it continuously teaches me, whether through its culture, creativity, history, or the people who call it home.

What movie or television show best reflects the realities of business and what did you learn from it?

The movie that best reflects the realities of business is The Pursuit of Happyness. It taught me that business success is about resilience, adaptability, and having the courage to bet on yourself. I learned that adaptability is crucial; whether finding creative ways to stand out or making the most of limited opportunities, success often comes to those who think on their feet. Chris Gardner, the protagonist, demonstrates this when he impresses a potential employer by solving a Rubik’s Cube in a taxi ride, turning a chance encounter into an opportunity.

Another key lesson is that rejection and failure are not the end but part of the journey. Chris exemplifies this when he maximises his cold calls by skipping breaks, calling high-value prospects first, and adapting his approach to be more efficient than his peers. Even when he faces homelessness, he remains focused, studying late into the night in public restrooms, proving that perseverance and resourcefulness are more valuable than circumstances.

My favourite quote from the movie (also my North Star) is, “Don’t ever let somebody tell you, you can’t do something. If you have a dream, you have to protect it.”

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? LBS integrates AI into both its curriculum and professional development resources.

The AI and Machine Learning for Business elective course provides students with frameworks to effectively apply AI in decision-making, strategy, and operations. In the Digital Strategy course, a particularly interesting assignment required us to critique and refine a solution generated by ChatGPT. This exercise underscored a crucial lesson for me: while AI can generate ideas, its outputs must be critically assessed, fact-checked, and improved.

Anyone can input a prompt into ChatGPT and receive a passable response. However, what distinguishes an LBS graduate is the ability to go beyond the surface – evaluating the quality of the answer, identifying its strengths and weaknesses, and refining it into a more insightful, high-value contribution. In an era where AI tools are universally accessible, superior judgment and strategic application have become the true differentiators.

Additionally, LBS promotes AI for research, resume building, and job applications, utilising platforms like VMock for career support.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? The MBA classmate I deeply admire is Ikponmwosa Amadasun, or IKP as he likes to be called. He wears many hats: President of the Black in Business Club, President of the Investment Management Club and Senior Portfolio Manager of the Student Investment Fund, yet he carries it all with quiet strength and humility. While others might lead with volume, IKP leads with presence, thoughtfulness, and a commitment to those around him.

What makes him remarkable is not just his accomplishments; it is how he shows up. He is not the loudest cheerleader, but the most consistent one. He notices when you are struggling, offers steady encouragement when you doubt yourself, and leads by example rather than words.

Through his leadership, advocacy, and the subtle ways he supports his friends, IKP has shown me that authentic leadership is not about being the loudest voice in the room but about being the person people can always rely on.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? My top two professional bucket list items are:

Empowering Indian girls through a global support network: As an Indian woman with the privilege of international experiences, I know firsthand the desire many of us share to give back but often struggle with where to begin. I want to create a fund that bridges this gap, connecting Indian women worldwide with girls in India through mentorship and sponsorship. The fund would build a lifelong support system that nurtures confidence, provides critical tools, and unlocks opportunities. With time, these empowered girls could reinvest in the fund, supporting the next generation and creating a self-sustaining cycle of upliftment and opportunity.

Leading with empathy: I always strive to lead with compassion. While people may forget what you say, they will always remember how you made them feel. I believe that leadership is not just about authority or decision-making; it is about genuinely listening, creating space for diverse voices, and considering those affected by decisions. As my career progresses, I hope to foster trust, empower individuals, and make an impact rooted in human connection. Ultimately, I want to be a leader who drives success with compassion, integrity, and a genuine commitment to others.

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

“In spite of Snehal living life with “just” a first name, she more than makes up for this by leading an incredibly full life where she seemingly has no limits. At the start of the programme, we encourage students to focus on making the MBA their own – to follow their own path, and to prioritise their own values. This can be hard to do alongside 500 other students trying to do the same! But Snehal has been an exemplary role model of how to do this, and to do so without obvious compromise. Her contributions to the School community have been felt by every student on campus, with her dedication to the Student Association and the student clubs she is actively involved in. From an academic and careers standpoint, I have seen firsthand the thoughtfulness and rigour Snehal has had in preparing for Walpole masterclasses. Going the extra mile to be prepared and to show up with passion and enthusiasm is something Snehal seems to thrive on. This will, I’m sure, continue to drive her forward for even greater success in the future.”

Helen Foley
MBA Programme Director

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