Carl Ding, MIFFT 2025, shares his thoughts and insights around being a recipient of the Out in Business Scholarship and the benefits of being a member of the Out in Business Club, here at London Business School. Please read further below.
What inspired you to pursue your studies at London Business School?
I was looking to transition into a career in finance, and having lived in Asia and North America, I had always wanted to explore the European financial markets and build my global network and deep knowledge of the EMEA business ecosystem. LBS’s MiF program fit perfectly with all my professional criteria, being the No.1 post-experience Masters in Finance program in the world. Beyond academic prestige, LBS hosts EUROUT, the largest student-run LGBTQ+ conference in Europe, which speaks volumes about its inclusive strategies. I felt that my personal boundaries would be respected, and my individuality valued in a community committed to creating a safe space for all its members.
What did it mean to you to be selected as an Out in Business Scholarship recipient?
Receiving the OiB scholarship is a testament to my commitment to DEI. It fundamentally changed how I viewed the social work I had been doing. I used to volunteer at Pride-related events primarily for myself – as a form of mental liberation and self-redemption from my conservative upbringing. The OiB scholarship encouraged me to break free from traditional societal expectations and embrace my authentic self proudly and openly. It continues to remind me of my responsibility, as someone from an underrepresented background, to inspire others within and beyond LBS to embrace their unique identities.
How has receiving this scholarship impacted your master’s journey so far?
It has positively shaped my journey at LBS. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with other scholarship recipients and attend numerous DEI-related events – learning about Black history, supporting EUROUT 2024, and participating in company-specific LGBTQ+ events at Blackstone, Bain, and BCG, among others. These experiences have helped me grow both my professional network and my confidence to be out at school and in the workplace.
How do you see this scholarship supporting your long-term career and leadership ambitions as an LGBTQ+ professional?
Since receiving the OiB scholarship, I’ve attended some of the most inspiring OiB events and heard from powerful LGBTQ+ leaders. In March 2025, I listened to a panel led by Pedro Pina, Head of YouTube EMEA, who shared how he rose to the top without hiding his identity as a gay man in the workplace. It made me realise that leaders don’t need to wear a strict poker face – they can also be fun, expressive and authentic. That example reinforced my belief that embracing who I am can be a strength in leadership.
What does being a part of the Out in Business Club mean to you?
It means creating a safe space for myself among like-minded individuals and contributing to tangible, positive social change. I participated in an OiB pro bono impact consulting project with BCG, where we helped an Asia-based LGBTQ+ NPO with fundraising. Having grown up in Asia, I understand how difficult it can be to face discrimination and regulatory uncertainty as part of the Pride network there.OiB gaveus real opportunities to help LGBTQ+ organizations solve pressing challenges globally – something I deeply appreciate as an Asian gay man.
Can you share any initiatives or events within OiB that have been particularly impactful for you?
I took part in the OiB mentorship programme, which connects current LBS students with leaders across industries. Mentors came from consulting, banking, private equity and tech. The programme helped me form a meaningful and lasting connection with my mentor.
Why do you think clubs like Out in Business are so important in business schools and beyond?
At OiB events, attendees receive two types of lanyards – one indicating consent to be photographed and another for those who prefer not to be. This small but powerful gesture reflects OiB’s deep respect for personal boundaries and consent. Such consideration encourages participation from individuals questioning their identity, allies and anyone interested in DEI topics. That’s the core value of clubs like OiB, Women in Business, and other affinity groups: they create safe spaces for free expression and lay the foundation for a more inclusive business world globally.
What does Pride Month mean to you personally?
I participated in Pride Month for the first time in 2020. During that unique period amid COVID, when everything was online, I was graduating from college and anxiously searching for my first job. LGBTQ+ professionals made that Pride Month special – I secured a project internship with a top consulting firm focused on expanding healthcare access for underrepresented communities and researching the long-term effects of COVID on LGBTQ+ populations. One internal Pride event at Deloitte introduced me to the firm’s national Pride leader, who later offered me a position in their people and culture consulting team. Pride Month gave me a platform to make a tangible impact and launched my professional journey. Pride 2025 will be my first in London, and I’m excited for the new adventures it will bring.
How do you see yourself contributing to the visibility and legacy of LGBTQ+ leaders in business?
LGBTQ+ individuals are often grouped together under one umbrella, but each identity is fundamentally unique. A gay person may not fully understand the experiences of trans or queer individuals. In Canada, many Indigenous people identify as Two-Spirit, and there remains widespread misunderstanding and bias toward bisexual individuals. Sexuality is a complex, multifaceted topic that deserves deeper exploration. I see myself helping to bring more transparency and awareness – both within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond – to reduce misconceptions and promote broader understanding.
If you could leave one piece of advice for future LGBTQ+ students at LBS, what would it be?
Be confident in your sexuality and proud of who you are. I’ve overheard many conversations among LBS students who identify as LGBTQ+ but are hesitant to join the OiB community or attend events for fear of being labeled or outed. Coming out – or choosing not to – is a deeply personal decision, and everyone should have the freedom to make that choice. But no one should ever feel pressured to not be out.
For more information about the Out in Business Scholarship, please view here.
To find out more about the Out In Business Club, please view here.