By Shristi Maurya, MBA2025
As I boarded the flight from London to Accra, I felt a rush of excitement and anticipation. The Global Experience (GE) at London Business School, an opportunity I’d been eagerly awaiting since joining LBS, was finally here. For those unfamiliar, GE is a week-long immersion in real-world business environments abroad, where LBS students explore a specific business topic together.
Stepping off the plane in Accra, the warm climate was a welcome change from London’s winter! I had chosen Ghana for my GE because of its blend of traditional markets and modern entrepreneurship. This got me excited to understand business in a deeply rooted yet rapidly evolving economy. I was also eager to share this journey with over 40 diverse LBS students and learn under the guidance of Professor Luisa Alemany, one of LBS’s best. So, what was I really getting myself into?
A Week of Transformative Insights
Global Insights from Industry Leaders: The GE began with insights from policy experts and educators, providing me a deeper understanding of Ghana’s emerging market. Investors from MEST and Sahara Impact Ventures highlighted regional challenges and innovation opportunities, while discussions at the British High Commission shed role of international partnerships in sustainable development. And for me, the most exciting part was meeting LBS alumni who are driving impact in Ghana—a powerful reminder of how the LBS network fosters change across borders.
Resilience in Micro-entrepreneurship: In Jamestown, I saw how resilience shapes entrepreneurship in challenging environments. Mr. Aqua, a fisherman, explained how trust sustains his community-led business, often selling his fish on credit without formal agreements. I also spoke to a seamstress who shared how she pivoted to selling oil to overcome cash constraints—now a thriving business. This got me thinking, being adaptable and resourceful can really help entrepreneurs succeed, even when things get tough.
Real-Life Problem Solving: In the beginning of the week, our cohort was split into teams to work with local companies. My team partnered with DeafCanTalk, a startup developing assistive technology for deaf students. To understand technology’s impact and challenges firsthand, we visited a school in Accra and engaged with students, teachers and the principal. By week’s end, our team leveraged these insights to propose product improvement ideas and funding strategies, helping DeafCanTalk expand its reach. Applying our skills to a real-world challenge was rewarding- it made me realise the impact our work can have.
Education as a Tool for Empowerment: We visited the Design and Technology Institute, where we met students full of bold ideas for starting their businesses, many of whom came from challenging backgrounds. One standout was Gloria, a driven student with an inspiring vision—turning waste into sustainable furniture. Her passion and creativity were a testament to how education fuels innovation. At the African Science Academy that supports girls in STEM across Africa, I was inspired by confidence and brilliance of these students, blending technical expertise with strong communication skills. These moments reinforced something I’ve always thought, education is more than just learning; it’s about empowerment.
Cultural Immersion: The GE was also a deep dive into Ghanaian culture. We sipped tamarind drinks, tasted local chocolates, enjoyed Ghanaian rap and watched student-made animated videos showcasing stories from Ghana. Wanting to explore further, I extended my trip, visiting the National Gallery, Osu Castle, and the vibrant Makola Market. Walking through the Arts Centre, surrounded by handmade crafts, I saw how culture and commerce are deeply intertwined. These experiences are a powerful reminder of how understanding local traditions shape global business perspectives.
Final Reflections
As I boarded my return flight to London, I reflected on how much this global experience had broadened my perspective—not just as a business student but as a person. In just a week, I had immersed myself in a new culture, tackled real-world challenges, and saw entrepreneurship in action. This wasn’t just another elective but one that broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of global business.
Overall, my GE experience constantly reminds me that business isn’t just about number and strategies—it’s about people, their stories, and the meaningful impact we create when we collaborate and break barriers across borders.