Meet The EMBA Class Of Entrepreneurs: Executives Today, Founders Tomorrow 

Meet 18 Executive MBA entrepreneurs who used classroom lessons, global networks & newfound confidence to launch and scale ventures worldwide

Ade Balogun
Imperial Business School
 

Venture name: Zourra Wellness Limited
Date of founding:2026
Program:Imperial Executive MBA 

Tell us about your career background:Over the past fifteen years, I have built experience, leading strategy, growth and strategic initiatives,diversifyingand improving performance. Most recently, as Director of Strategy and Planning at The University of Law, I worked closely with executive leadership to shape and deliver strategic priorities, drive organisational change, and unlock new opportunities for growth. Prior to that I worked at EY, CanadaLife, Nationwide and RBS,leading change and strategy implementation. 

What is your business/venture?I have developed awellness company built exclusively for women over 40, combining science-backed supplements, personalised guidance and expert support to help women feel their best through perimenopause, menopause and beyond. 

What inspired you to found this business?
I was inspired to start this company whilst studying for my EMBA atImperial Business School.I have had issues with the quality of supplements on the market for a few years and enrolling on the EMBA gave me the confidence to develop a solution. 

Why did you enrol on the EMBA?I wanted to get the skills that’ll help me get into the C-Suite. 

How was the EMBA helped you/your business?Everything really – I was never entrepreneurial and I didn’t think I had it in me but the EMBA has given me the skills and confidence to go for it. 

Whats the onething about the EMBA that you think is undervalued?The quality of the cohort itself, being surrounded by experienced leaders, executives and entrepreneurs, from different industries and backgrounds is inspiring and it challenges your thinking, broadens your perspective, and creates opportunities that extends beyond the classroom. 

Whats next for your business?I’m aiming to grow the business and raise venture capital. 

Would you recommend the EMBA to other entrepreneurs? If yes, why?Absolutely!The EMBA equips entrepreneurs with the tools to think strategically about growth, competition, and long-term value creation. It provides frameworks fordesigning business models, building sustainable competitive advantages, navigating external shifts or uncertainty and helps you avoid common entrepreneurial blind spots. Also, the network of fellow entrepreneurs, executives, investors, faculty, and coaches provides invaluable support, andopportunities.The Enterprise Lab atImperial has also given me asupportive framework forhelping me build my business. 

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