Gustavo Martinelli, Sloan 2023 student, shares his thoughts on how the The Sloan Masters in Leadership and Strategy programme has helped develop his leadership skills and contributed in expanding his professional network. Read more below.
What does strong leadership mean to you, and how has the Sloan programme helped you develop as a leader?
To me, strong leadership means guiding development through values, purpose, motivation, and rational decision-making. Leading by example is the most effective way to build team alignment and establish a strong corporate culture. The Sloan programme at LBS is brilliantly designed to leverage the cohort’s vast experiences, fostering discussions that refine personal perspectives rather than dictate answers. Engaging in these thought-provoking conversations with diverse colleagues—now lifelong friends—under the guidance of exceptional faculty has deepened my understanding of leadership complexities.
Has the Sloan programme provided you with any specific frameworks or tools for effective leadership? If so, can you share an example of how you’ve applied them?
The programme offers numerous leadership frameworks, but Porter’s 5 Forces and the Congruence Model stood out the most for me. The Congruence Model provides a structured approach to analysing corporate culture, emphasizing the alignment between incentives, tasks, formal/informal organization, and leadership dynamics. Applying this model helped me identify misalignments in our organization’s structure and leadership approach, allowing for targeted improvements that reinforced a more cohesive and high-performing environment. Similarly, Michael Porter’s Five Forces proved invaluable when brainstorming new business ideas, enabling me to better assess market positioning and refine niche opportunities. By applying these frameworks, I was able to make more informed strategic decisions that directly impacted business outcomes.
How has the Sloan programme helped you expand your professional network? Can you share a story of how a connection made through Sloan has impacted your career?
London is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, and LBS strengthens these connections across all programmes. Rather than forming small national groups, we embraced diverse perspectives and backgrounds, which enriched our experience beyond expectations. More importantly, despite their incredible success, my peers remained humble, fostering an environment of mutual support. Even today, I maintain close bonds with colleagues worldwide.
The impact on my professional life has been transformational. One example was interpreting macroeconomic views with the help of highly distinguished professionals, which directly influenced our family business’ capital structure strategy. However, the most significant impact came through collaborating on a startup in AgTech. I met my exceptional business partner—an alumnus from a subsequent Sloan cohort—over a casual lunch with friends. Today, our venture benefits from the expertise of LBS colleagues, who support us with market insights, industry connections, and even potential investments. This level of trust, collaboration, and generosity within the Sloan network has been invaluable.
What advice would you give to someone entering Sloan, about effectively leveraging the programme for networking?
Approach Sloan with an open mind and a genuine interest in others’ experiences—networking is not about collecting contacts but building meaningful relationships. Engage actively in discussions, listen more than you speak, and be willing to share your insights. The more you contribute to the community, the more you’ll gain in return.
Most importantly, be selfless in offering help. The strongest networks are built on trust, generosity, and mutual support. Remember, your cohort is not just a professional network—it’s a group of future collaborators, mentors, and lifelong friends. The bonds you create will be just as valuable as the knowledge you gain.
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