November marked the completion of a new milestone for our Sloan 2024 students, who embarked into this life-changing journey a year ago. It is truly remarkable for us, the supporting members of LBS, to witness their personal, academic, and professional growth, how their viewpoints have been challenged and broadened through active listening, and how they have begun to lay the groundwork for their future aspirations.
You may be curious about the meaning of Capstone for Sloan, and our Programme Manager, Valeria Vorobiova, who is working closely with Stephanie Kiszka and Bryony Murdoch, has offered a great definition in this sense: ‘Capstone is the final opportunity for students to come together as a class before embarking on the next stage of their LBS journey as Sloan alumni. It provides a meaningful opportunity to reflect on their experiences and celebrate the personal and professional growth achieved as Sloan Fellows’.
Valeria has also explained how the day was structured this year: ‘Capstone is a standout event, largely because it is student-led, giving students the opportunity to shape it according to their own vision. This year, several LBS professors shared their insights on a variety of topics, from future strategy to judgment in uncertain times. The keynote speaker was Lord Karan Bilimoria, who offered valuable perspectives on business leadership and practical experience.’
During discussions with several members of the Sloan class, I encountered one word that was frequently mentioned: transformational. What is the significance of this term? Let us gain further insights directly from our Sloan cohort through Milena Andrade Pedrosa, Sebastian Rendon Castano, and Hua Jessy Fan.
What did you enjoy most about Capstone?
Milena: ’Being connected with my fellow Sloans, the LBS team, and our professors. In the end, it’s all about people. Capstone, true to its meaning, is the final element, a culmination of our hard work and dedication. For me, it will always be the piece that reaffirms the power of this incredible journey we’ve shared and the possibilities that lie ahead. It symbolises the continuation of friendships, hope for a new future, and the lasting memory of everything we’ve learned.
I’d like to add a quote I love from Guimarães Rosa, a Brazilian writer: “Passage. The real is not in the departure nor the arrival: it reveals itself to us in the midst of the crossing.”
For me, Capstone is the crowning moment – a highlight – but of a crossing that continues!’
Sebastian: ‘Capstone was a great opportunity to reflect on how much we have grown and learned over the past year. It helped us see the integrity of Sloan more clearly, almost like looking into a mirror to grasp the full picture. The different experiences we each had during our time at LBS sparked interesting conversations about the new endeavours and career transitions many of us are beginning to navigate. Our discussions naturally shifted to “what’s next?” and how we can continue to build on this journey together. Talking about the future emphasised our shared identity as Sloan Fellows, a network built to support each other’s professional growth for years to come. This life project required tremendous effort and sacrifices from our families and employers in some cases, and, of course, dedication from ourselves. Capstone was not just an academic milestone, but a celebration of resilience and accomplishment.’
Jessy: ‘The enthusiasm of Capstone is truly motivating. The essence of my journey is remarkable, reflecting the growth and experiences I’ve gained throughout the year at Sloan. The insights from our recognised faculty have equipped me with valuable tools and skills. Capstone has reinforced the importance of a growth mindset, sound judgement, and strategic thinking. I truly enjoyed the day with all the wonderful sharing and the amazing celebration at the Shard. It serves as a reminder I am equipped; I feel confident in my abilities to tackle the upcoming challenges in my career.’
How would you describe your Sloan experience as a whole?
Milena: ‘If I had to choose one word, it would still be transformation—but not in a cliché way. The Sloan experience is transformative because it allows you to uncover deeper layers of yourself, your essence, and purpose. It’s not just about acquiring new skills or knowledge; it’s about discovering who you are and what drives you.
The pedagogical journey is meticulously crafted, starting with our incredible diversity of views and backgrounds. From playing thought-provoking strategy games together to sharing our life stories in the biography class, every interaction felt intentional and meaningful. Sessions with our study groups and coaches created reflection, connection, and growth spaces. Then, some courses offered the tools and frameworks to align our individual paths with our shared aspirations.
To the LBS community and my fellow Sloans, I owe immense gratitude, the relationships we’ve built, lessons we’ve learned- moments of support, shared triumphs, and enduring friendships made it truly unforgettable.’
Sebastian: ‘The Sloan experience is unique, as not many mid-career leaders in the world have the privilege of stepping back from their careers to immerse themselves in a year of academic and personal growth. Being exposed to a cohort of global leaders from diverse industries and nationalities allowed us to tackle real-life business cases across sectors, many of which, I confess, were previously outside my scope of awareness. This has expanded my horizon and sparked an interest in exploring new roles in companies I had not considered before.
Additionally, the faculty brought the perfect blend of academic rigor and practical experience, enriching our discussions by inviting leaders from top companies to share both their successes and failures. These guest speakers broadened our perspectives on strategy, leadership, and decision-making.
The programme’s integrative approach, combining fields like strategy, organisational behaviour, economics, and marketing, equipped us with well-rounded leadership profiles. Beyond the core curriculum, electives perfectly deepened our knowledge in core areas and allowed for exploration of cutting-edge fields. Most of our choices focused on innovation, social impact, sustainability, diversity, AI, and data analytics, which have prepared us to address contemporary business challenges in a rapidly changing post-pandemic world.’
Jessy: ‘Sloan changed my life and was my best investment. World-class teachers, real-life case studies, and group exercises have broadened my horizons and prepared me for real-world challenges. In my pursuit of global leadership, I gained the ability to work with the most diverse peers and create outstanding outcomes. Sloan gave me the professionalism, approach, and confidence to succeed and pivot my career. Sloan has a wonderful programme office that supported me, making this journey more enjoyable. I am proud to be an LBS Sloan student and I am forever grateful.’
To sum up this year’s class, Valeria mentioned that ‘a strong sense of community and collaboration have been cultivated throughout the programme. Despite coming from diverse backgrounds and industries, the cohort has consistently supported and learned from each other, creating a unique and enriching environment. The Capstone event, marking the culmination of this shared journey, beautifully encapsulates the bonds formed and the collective growth achieved.’
Thank you all for being part of this journey and we are looking forward to being together in the same room at the graduation ceremony next year!
For more information on LBS Sloan Masters in Leadership and Strategy programme, please visit our website.