By Tomás Soares, MFA2025
When I embarked on my journey at London Business School (LBS) as a Master in Financial Analysis (MFA) student and Out in Business (OiB) Scholar, I knew I was stepping into a new world of opportunities. But this hadn’t always been the case.
Picture this: 16-year-old me, fresh out of the closet, convinced that being queer meant waving goodbye to happiness and a career in high finance. Fast-forward a few years, and here I am, writing this post as an LBS Scholar, VP of DEI Advocacy at OiB, and someone who’s been to more queer banking networking events lately than Beyoncé has Grammys.
So, as I vividly recalled the impact of supportive spaces in my life, where acceptance and understanding empowered me to embrace my identity unapologetically, I wanted to pay forward the kindness and support I had received. This desire to ensure that fellow LGBTQIA+ individuals at LBS and beyond feel seen, heard, and valued is what led me to my involvement with OiB and its hallmark event, EUROUT.
What is the Out in Business (OiB) club?
For everyone tired of the traditional Finance or Consulting clubs, LBS has the undeniably funniest, most fabulous, and gayest club out there. OiB is like that cool aunt who shows up to family functions with a cocktail in hand, ready to tell it like it is. And it’s for everyone! So, no, OiB is not just another student club — it’s a vibrant, inclusive community that champions LGBTQIA+ representation.
More than that, it’s the club that will make you dance to Chappell Roan at Heaven in September but cry to inspirational stories at EUROUT in November. For over 25 years, this club has been supporting LGBTQIA+ students and allies whether for professional growth, a sense of community, or just some epic parties. With over 900 members and more events than your calendar app can handle, OiB is the kind of club where you’ll meet future CEOs, rock stars, and the occasional queer icon.
EUROUT: The Oscars of LGBTQ+ Business Conferences
Now, let’s talk about EUROUT. It’s Europe’s largest LGBTQIA+ business conference (and yes, it’s a big deal!). Think red carpets, power suits, and enough coffee chats to rival a Starbucks annual report. This year, we had over 500 attendees, students and professionals from across the globe. And, I’m proud to say I survived three days of intense networking without once mixing up anyone’s name (okay, maybe just once…). Most importantly, we were supported by over 35 amazing sponsors, including BCG, Salesforce, and Strategy&, and featured thought-provoking panels, skill-building workshops, and an inspiring keynote by Dame Julia Hoggett, the first openly gay CEO of the London Stock Exchange. So, let me summarize. Keynotes, panels, and a careers fair — it’s like speed-dating but for your career. Plus, EUROUT culminated with the glamorous Strategy& Ball at Guildhall, which is basically prom for business school students but in the same setting as Harry Potter and in the middle of the City. Let’s just say my dance moves will never be forgotten (or forgiven).
My Involvement with OiB and EUROUT
If you’re in that exciting but awkward stage of navigating which schools to apply to or, hopefully for you, which offers to accept, you’ll ask yourself what makes one (business) school stand out from the others. For me, it was the one where I can be my true self, that is, as unapologetically queer as I want while still being able to drive my career goals. And luckily, during my application process, I met one of OiB’s former Presidents who has now become a pivotal mentor to me and confessed LBS was Europe’s gayest school. There were no more doubts for me after this…
So, later on, having accepted an offer from LBS, joining OiB wasn’t just a choice — it was a calling. As an ExCo member, I started on the Corporate Engagement team over the summer, where we met with companies and charmed them into sponsorship collaborations. Our secret weapon? Strategic use of puns in emails. When the academic year started, I became VP of DEI and Advocacy, which sounds fancy but really just means we get to promote allyship and inclusion (fyi, making the school as gay as possible). Most importantly, during the EUROUT conference, I helped backstage, where we made sure every session ran smoothly, every speaker felt like Charli XCX before going on stage, and every attendee left thinking, “Wow, those gays really know their stuff. So brat!”
The Importance of Representation and Community: The Queerer, the Merrier
Growing up, I struggled with the fear that coming out would limit my personal and professional prospects. After all, I had always wanted to work in high finance but had been wary of the stereotypical image of the industry. Well, and that wasn’t helped by the lack of visible queer role models.
But LBS and joining OiB changed everything. Seeing successful queer professionals thriving in the industry was incredibly refreshing as I met incredible mentors and peers who shattered stereotypes and redefined success.
Representation matters. Seeing someone who reflects your identity — be it on a panel, at a conference like Dame Hoggett, or in a leadership role — can inspire confidence and ambition. It’s why communities like OiB are essential!
How OiB Helped Me Slay (Professionally and Socially)
OiB has been central to my LBS experience, both socially and professionally, whether at mixers, networking events, EUROUT, off-sites, or our infamous Rainbow Party at Heaven. Through OiB, I’ve made friends who are as obsessed with personal growth as they are with finding the best brunch spot in London.
But the beauty of the club is that as a Graduate Masters student like me, you are surrounded by MBA students who have years of experience and more maturity. Truly, I’ve made fantastic bonds with people from all walks of life who now are some of my closest friends.
Professionally, OiB opened doors I didn’t even know existed. Being the OiB Scholar and a VP of the club allowed me to attend plenty of LGBTQIA+ networking events that were organized by the most prestigious banks in London. More than that, many of those OiB-facilitated networking events led to subsequent coffee chats and even some interviews! This would not have been possible without the support of the OiB community, both current and past members.
Final Thoughts: Pride, Grit, and Greatness
Being part of OiB has been a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and connection. I’ve met incredible people from all over the world and made friendships that will last a lifetime. It’s taught me that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of authenticity. If anything, being true to myself has been my greatest asset so far.
So, to any (queer) prospective students wondering if London Business School is the right place: yes, it is. Come for the world-class education, stay for the incredible community, and prepare to be amazed by the sheer fabulousness of OiB. Oh, and don’t forget to bring your tuxedo — you’ll need it for EUROUT.
If you want to learn more about my journey, LBS, the MFA, or OiB feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn.