By Vincent Yao, MIM2025
When I first arrived at London Business School as a Masters in Management student, I carried a mix of excitement and uncertainty. I knew this was a place where I could grow professionally, but I wasn’t sure if I could fully be myself. The reason? A phone call that still lingers in my mind.
Before LBS, I interned at a venture capital firm—my first experience in the industry. The morning I was supposed to start, my phone rang. It was my manager, and her words caught me off guard: “You don’t need to talk about your personal life in the office, especially your… background. Just focus on work.”
I was puzzled and, frankly, offended. Why was my identity an issue? Why was authenticity in the workplace something to be hidden rather than embraced? For the first time, I realized that despite my skills, qualifications, and dedication, I could still be seen as different in a way that some considered a liability.
That moment stuck with me. It wasn’t just about one conversation—it represented the unspoken rules in certain industries where fitting in often means leaving parts of yourself at the door. But I didn’t want to navigate my career constantly looking over my shoulder, wondering if being authentic would hold me back.
That experience left me questioning whether the finance industry would ever be a place where I could thrive without hiding a part of who I am. Then I came to LBS, and everything changed.
Discovering a Community at LBS: Out in Business Club
If there’s one thing I quickly learned at LBS, it’s that authenticity isn’t just accepted—it’s celebrated. When I joined Out in Business Club. I realized that I wasn’t alone in my experiences. OiB is more than just a student club; it’s a powerful network of LGBTQIA+ students and allies who support each other, push for greater inclusivity, and, of course, throw some of the best events on campus.
One of the most transformative moments for me was attending EUROUT, Europe’s largest LGBTQIA+ business conference. This wasn’t just another networking event; it was a space where I saw successful LGBTQ+ professionals owning their identity in industries like consulting, finance, and tech. Seeing openly queer leaders thrive in their careers and advocate for inclusion was incredibly inspiring. It reaffirmed that being authentic doesn’t hinder success—it enhances it.
Giving Back: From Contributing to Social Impact Project
Beyond the incredible support from OiB, my time at LBS has also introduced me to opportunities that allowed me to contribute to the LGBTQ+ community in meaningful ways. I participated in a strategic growth and fundraising project for an LGBTQ+ NGO in Nepal through the BCG & GiveOut Project Programme, where I worked alongside like-minded peers to drive tangible impact.
This experience was eye-opening—it showed me that companies aren’t just talking about diversity; they are investing in real change. Being in an environment where my perspective as an LGBTQ+ individual was valued made all the difference.
The Power of Representation: Why It Matters
Coming from an industry where I was once told to stay silent about my identity, finding role models and mentors at LBS who are unapologetically themselves has been life-changing. Representation matters. Seeing someone like you in a position of leadership can make you believe that success and authenticity are not mutually exclusive.
Through OiB, I met MBA students and alumni who have carved out their own space in finance, consulting, and entrepreneurship—all while being openly queer. Their stories gave me the confidence to push forward, knowing that I don’t have to fit into outdated molds to succeed.
Final Thoughts: A Place to Be Yourself
For any prospective students wondering if LBS is the right place for them, here’s what I’ve learned: this is a school where you don’t have to leave any part of yourself at the door. Whether through Out in Business, EUROUT, or the many diversity-focused initiatives on campus, you’ll find a community that embraces you for who you are.
If my journey has taught me anything, it’s that authenticity isn’t just about personal comfort—it’s about power. It’s about showing up as your full self and knowing that you belong. At LBS, I found that power, and I hope you do too.
If you want to learn more about my experience at LBS, OiB, or navigating the business world as an LGBTQIA+ professional, feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn.