By Moe Kimura, MIFFT2025
Since moving to London, I have had countless incredible experiences, but I would like to focus on my time in the study group.
I have been truly fortunate to work with such skilled, talented, and mature individuals in my group. I have learned a great deal from them, not only about finance but also about group management and communication.
Group Management in Diverse Environments
Our study group consists of six people from Singapore, Thailand, Mexico, Egypt, Switzerland, and Japan, each bringing unique professional backgrounds, including derivative sales, financial planning, portfolio management, corporate restructuring, corporate banking, and central banking. Despite our differences, we have successfully completed assignments and presentations together.
As a university student, I spent six months in Germany and wrote my thesis on European anti-immigration parties. Since then, I’ve been interested in how we can maximise the potential of diversity, given that diverse communities often face challenges related to cultural understanding. While finding a definitive answer is not easy, my experiences here have taught me a few key values:
1. Shared Goals: Our goal wasn’t just to complete the tasks; we were all equally motivated to make the most of our time in the MIF programme.
2. Communication: We maintained open communication, often over lunch, where we explored each other’s local cuisines. This ensured that everyone stayed well-informed and connected. Even when I felt stuck, casual chats with them always lifted my spirits.
3. Autonomy: We didn’t overcomplicate the process. Each member contributed their ideas independently, allowing us to leverage our strengths without imposing rigid rules.
One thing that stood out was the constant willingness of some members to learn and improve, which inspired and motivated the rest of us. This is not limited to a global environment, but I truly learned that one person’s effort can inspire others, creating a “chemical reaction” that multiplies our collective strength.
My Personal Values as a Non-Native Speaker
I’m neither a native English speaker nor did I graduate with a finance-related degree. Still, I’m committed to maximising my experience here. To do so, I focus on three principles:
1. Curiosity: Even though this is a business school and many people seek job opportunities here, it is important to approach everything with genuine interest, as it is an educational environment.
2. Consistent Character: I’m not sure if this is part of my character, but I always wear overalls because I like them. People recognise me for it, and some give me compliments. I found that it helps to have something that’s easily understood and appreciated across cultures.
3. Clear Communication: This is what I am working on now – speak clearly and repeat yourself if necessary. There’s no need to sound overly polished – just make sure you’re understood.
Few places offer the kind of culturally diverse environment that LBS provides, where individuals with similar interests come together from different parts of the world. This has been a rare opportunity to learn how to maximise the value of diversity as a professional working team. This experience is not only helping me build practical skills but also teaching me how to thrive and play a role in diverse environments.