By Giusy Maria Ciccone, MFA2025
What made me choose LBS in the first place was its promise of a practical, hands-on approach to learning. The London Business Challenge Week (LBCW) is the perfect example of that.
How do investment professionals make decisions when data is incomplete? How do they convince an investment committee that an opportunity is worth millions? In the classroom, we analyze case studies with structured information, but in the real world, we deal with ambiguity, shifting market dynamics, and real consequences.
LBCW has been instrumental in helping me bridge the gap between theory and practice. It is one thing to learn valuation models, investment theses, and strategic frameworks in class — but another to apply them in a high-stakes environment where numbers alone are not enough. In a real investment committee, it is about storytelling, building conviction, and making the case for why an investment makes sense.
So, how do you craft an investment proposal that holds up in front of industry experts? How do you navigate uncertainty and make confident decisions? LBCW pushes you to find out.
FROM STRANGERS TO A TEAM
When I learned that I would be working on a project for a leading global investment firm with over $600 billion in assets under management, I will admit – I felt a mix of excitement and intimidation. Five days, an investment proposal on climate to build and a team of people I had never worked with before. It sounded overwhelming.
Walking into our first team meeting, I had no idea what to expect. Would we click? Would our work styles clash? There was no time for hesitation – we had to figure it out fast. Surprisingly, things fell into place sooner than I expected. Instead of simply dividing tasks and working in silos, we found ourselves collaborating seamlessly, exchanging ideas freely, and building on each other’s strengths. Even though we assigned tasks – financial analysis, market research, competitive positioning – we constantly shared insights, articles, and relevant papers. This kept our project cohesive rather than feeling like a patchwork of disconnected pieces.
One of the best decisions we made? Working in the same space every day. It may sound simple, but it changed everything. Instead of juggling endless messages and emails, we could turn to each other instantly – brainstorming in real time, solving problems on the spot, and making decisions efficiently. Misunderstandings were minimized, and collaboration felt natural.
When you are studying for a master’s degree and applying for the same jobs, it’s easy to feel like you’re in competition with your classmates. But in high-pressure situations like this, you quickly realize that the people you work with make all the difference. If one of us was tired or having an off day, the rest of the team stepped up, pushing each other to keep going. The right team doesn’t just complete a project; they challenge you to think bigger, work smarter, and achieve more than you ever could alone. By the end of the project, I couldn’t believe that just five days earlier, I hadn’t even known these people.
GUIDANCE FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS
How often do you get a team of four experts, with a combined 60+ years of experience, providing personalized feedback on your ideas and strategy? Well, during LBCW, this became a reality.
We had the opportunity to present our draft project to four Sloan Mentors, who offered invaluable insights, helping us refine our approach and see our project from a more experienced perspective. Beyond the technical aspects, they also guided us on professional growth.
For example, when my group and I entered the room, we were so focused on our presentation and questions to ask that we completely forgot to introduce ourselves. The first piece of feedback we received? “When you walk into a room with a client — or any professional setting — you should always introduce yourself”. It was a simple yet powerful reminder that success isn’t just about ideas; it’s also about presence and communication.
In addition, the global investment firm provided us with a dedicated tutor – an internal guide who gave us deeper insight into their methods and decision-making process. The chance to engage with such experienced professionals in just a few days was truly invaluable.
EMBRACING STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES
This week hasn’t been all smooth sailing. There were moments of uncertainty, pressure, and self-doubt. But the experience became truly valuable when I realized that there must be room for weaknesses.
Unlike some of my teammates, I had never worked on a valuation outside of an academic setting. When the task came up, I had two choices: let my ego take over – attempting to figure it out on my own, potentially slowing down the group – or admit my lack of experience, step back, and take the opportunity to learn from those with more expertise. It wasn’t an easy decision, but I chose the second option, and I couldn’t be prouder of myself for doing so.
At first, it felt uncomfortable to acknowledge that I wasn’t as skilled in this area as others. We are often taught to prove our worth by excelling at everything, to never show weaknesses. But I quickly realized that true strength lies in knowing when to step up and when to step back. By observing, asking questions, and absorbing insights from my teammates, I gained far more than I ever could have by struggling through it alone. In a world where everyone strives for perfection, admitting our weaknesses is actually a strength. It shows self-awareness, adaptability, and a willingness to grow. Struggles don’t diminish our worth or abilities – they shape us into better professionals and teammates. This experience reminded me that being part of a team isn’t about proving you can do everything; it’s about recognizing when to lead, when to learn, and how to contribute in the most effective way.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Reflecting on my experience with LBCW, three key pieces of advice come to mind for future students: first, be humble in the face of challenges. Acknowledge that you won’t have all the answers and be open to learning from others. Second, stay curious about what your teammates bring to the table. Their diverse perspectives will not only enhance your knowledge but also encourage you to think outside the box. Lastly, be willing to take risks. The best learning often comes from stepping into unfamiliar territory and embracing uncertainty.
This project pushed me far out of my comfort zone and immersed me directly into the complexities of investment decision-making. It showed me that the real world isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about adapting, learning quickly, and collaborating effectively with others to find the best solutions.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this journey. How have you navigated challenges in high-pressure projects? Feel free to share your experiences or ask questions, I’d be happy to continue the conversation.