Bede Hesmondhalgh

Hometown: London, UK 

Undergraduate School and Major: Newcastle University, Geography 

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: ARC Ride, Head of Business Development 

Fun Fact About Yourself: I spent the last five years living in Nairobi, where I was part of the founding team of an electric motorbike company. What started as an internship quickly turned into a hands-on entrepreneurial journey, scaling operations during COVID and living what I like to call my “best life” in Kenya. 

What makes Milan such a great place to earn an MBA? 

Milan strikes a rare balance. It offers history, culture, incredible food, and a vibrant social life, while still feeling manageable and human-sized compared to other global cities I’ve lived in. It’s easy to get around, easy to meet people, and easy to enjoy life outside the classroom, which makes a huge difference during an intense MBA year. 

Aside from your classmates, what was the key part of SDA Bocconi’s MBA curriculum and programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you?
Before applying, I spent a lot of time comparing programs and trying to understand what would really suit me. What drew me to SDA Bocconi was its approach to management as a whole. Rather than pushing early specialization, the MBA offers a broad view of how businesses actually function, touching finance, operations, consulting and entrepreneurship in a way that feels integrated. That kind of perspective was exactly what I was looking for at this stage of my career. 

What course, club or activity excites you the most at SDA Bocconi?
The Entrepreneurship Club, where I currently serve as President. It’s been the most stimulating part of my MBA experience so far. The club offers space to experiment, be creative and build things alongside the academic work. We’ve hosted guest speakers and are developing initiatives with partners like Red Bull Basement, which has brought real momentum to the entrepreneurial community on campus. 

The Bocconi MBA is known for striking a balance between core business knowledge and skills that emphasize vision, judgment, and innovation. What area do you hope to strengthen during your year of business school and why?
Judgment is the area I’m most focused on developing. I want to improve my ability to read complex situations, understand how different parts of a business interact and arrive at practical solutions. I feel comfortable with vision and innovation, but sharpening my decision-making and analytical judgment is something I see as essential for my long-term growth. 

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026?
I’m naturally curious and adaptable. I enjoy learning about different industries, connecting ideas and building partnerships. That curiosity helps me move easily between contexts and create opportunities, whether between people or institutions. One example is the work I’m doing with CDP Venture Capital to help develop new career opportunities connecting the organization and the School. 

The Bocconi MBA is also known for its strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship. Why does the program’s focus on STEM insights and mindful leadership appeal to you? How have you been able to leverage this approach in your career so far?
The STEM dimension appealed to me because it provides a solid analytical base that can be applied across very different business situations. Exposure to technology, data and structured problem-solving strengthens your ability to evaluate scenarios clearly and make better decisions. 

More broadly, SDA Bocconi places a lot of emphasis on building environments where innovation can happen, through initiatives like B4i and the Tech Europe Foundation, which are particularly relevant for people with an entrepreneurial background. As for mindful leadership, I believe effective leadership starts with self-awareness. Taking the time to reflect on how you operate, both professionally and personally, is essential in any management role. While I’m still early in the program, I already see how these skills will carry over into my next role. 

When you think of SDA Bocconi, what is the first word that comes to mind? Why?
Passion. There’s a strong, shared energy around learning and building something meaningful. You sense a collective drive to improve, connect and challenge existing ways of thinking. It’s an environment where motivation feels genuine and contagious. 

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far.
Being shortlisted for Business Green Leaders’ Entrepreneur of the Year when I was 23 stands out as a defining moment. The recognition was for my work with ARC Ride, an electric motorbike startup I helped scale in Kenya. I joined the company when it was still very small, initially as an intern, and went on to lead the expansion into Kenya during COVID. That involved everything from due diligence and investment materials to fundraising support, legal setup and early sales. Being acknowledged for that work so early in my career was extremely meaningful. 

What advice would you give to help potential applicants gain admission into SDA Bocconi’s MBA program?
I’d say not to overcomplicate it. Be yourself, explain what makes you different and how you approach situations, and trust that to come through. Of course, the basics matter, but the School is interested in how you think and what you can bring, not just in ticking boxes. If you’re clear about who you are and don’t put too much pressure on the outcome, that usually works in your favor. 

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