Laidlaw Women’s Leadership Fund

Experience

“The Laidlaw scholarship meant that finances weren’t as much of a barrier for me to pursue my MBA. Even though I was committed to an MBA, the financial requirements made it challenging to pursue one in Europe, especially after having accumulated significant medical bills and spent a lot my savings. Thankfully, LBS made me aware of the Laidlaw Women’s Leadership Fund, for which I quickly applied and was lucky to have been amongst the 20 women selected. What the Laidlaw Foundation stands for is so profound - the financial help it provides is so powerful in injecting gender and socio-economic equity into the business world, and I am eternally grateful for it.”

Experience

“Moving to a new country during the pandemic has not been without its challenges. But I’m settling in well to the MiM and it’s reassuring to know there’s a cohort of Laidlaw scholars whom I’m looking forward to getting to know. Most of them are also aiming for social impact and I’m excited to hear their stories; hopefully we can support each other through the degree and beyond.

London Business School values diversity, and this is reflected in diversity of geography, culture, gender, sexual identity and race. But socioeconomic diversity is also hugely important in a business school. Ultimately, businesses serve a range of demographics, and business leaders need to be able to see the world through many lenses to succeed. Empowering future leaders to overcome financial obstacles and reach their goals creates engaged global citizens. I’d like to think I’m one of those now, and I’m so proud to call myself a Laidlaw scholar”.

Experience

“The Laidlaw scholarship was a major part of my decision to do my MBA in 2020. If I hadn’t got it, I would have definitely had to put my plans on hold. Between Covid and my own personal circumstances, it wasn’t something I could comfortably afford - I was already wondering how I would ever be able to repay a loan. Getting the scholarship took all those problems away, and made the decision easy for me.

Joining BCG straight from LBS has given me a stronger footing for my career in many ways. For example, I was afraid of networking before I came to LBS, but the MBA helped me rethink the word and made me realise how much I liked connecting with people and helping to bring others together. It’s now something I’ve been able to bring into consulting, whether I’m handling client relationships or working with internal stakeholders.”

Experience

Getting a Laidlaw scholarship meant that I could live without the financial stress I had experienced during my undergraduate degree. What I experienced previously took a toll on both my education and personal life, and not having to worry about that anymore was a weight off my shoulders. I could really embrace the journey and take advantage of the London Business School experience. It also gave me a network and community; meeting other scholars, you realise there are these capable, strong leaders in the room with you, which is both inspiring and empowering. Another important aspect was the chance to meet with Lord Laidlaw, whose foundation funds the Laidlaw scholarship. He advised and encouraged us to start something of our own. He wanted us to know we were competent and capable, and reassured us that we deserved to be there. It gave me a confidence boost I don't think I could have got elsewhere.

Email address: nmeghjani.mim2022@london.edu

Experience

“Without the Laidlaw Scholarship Fund, I wouldn’t have been able to afford to study at LBS. It’s a brilliant opportunity for young people and it’s so important when it comes to levelling the playing field for future business leaders. When I found out I’d been accepted into LBS, I was so delighted that I rang my mum and she screamed – she was so happy!

My long-term career goal? To work in a consulting role in the public sector or in an organisation focused on development issues; my priority isn’t making money – I want a role with purpose. I’ve always liked projects that benefit communities and individuals rather than private sector organisations; this kind of work is more motivating and ultimately more satisfying. And, after experiencing gender discrimination in my home country, I’d also like to become an ambassador for equality; for me, this is where change needs to happen”.

Experience

“I wanted to do an MBA to shake up my career and make a real impact in finance. Working and living in New York, I had a comfortable life but I got to the point where I wanted to do something new and challenge myself. My family still live in the same neighbourhood in Vietnam. Every time I go home, it reminds me how far I’ve come, and I’m motivated to work even harder in order to make a positive difference in the world.

The Laidlaw Scholarship has allowed me to be bolder when thinking about my future plans. It alleviates a huge financial burden, without which I wouldn’t have been able to do the MBA. My family are so proud that I’m in a comfortable position and don’t have to take the risks that they did – and I’m now more motivated than ever to take risks and push myself to consider new opportunities”.

Experience

“As a top business school in Europe, I only wanted to attend London Business School. During the admissions process, my admissions contact suggested I look into applying for a Laidlaw scholarship. The work and purpose of the Laidlaw Foundation is so inspiring, and when I was successful in my application, I couldn’t believe it. It’s such an honour – and from a financial perspective is so helpful, because I also send money home to my parents every month.

When I started the EMBA at London Business School, I was focused on individual growth – but what I’ve realised is that leadership is much bigger than one person alone. I’m particularly inspired by two women in my class, both of whom are immigrants from Nigeria. One of them, as part of an exercise in class to write our own eulogy, said she’d like it to say she helped 1,000 people change their lives. That’s the legacy I’d like to leave behind. I truly believe in the value of diversity and it was one of the draws to the EMBA programme. I know the School is known for its diversity but I was still surprised when the diversity stats turned into real people and real stories”.

Experience

“Being awarded a Laidlaw Scholarship helped me immensely from a financial point of view by alleviating the programme fees. I’ve never studied somewhere with such a global reputation in the business community and I’m really grateful to be given the opportunity to experience a world-class education.

Looking to the future, I’d like to use my position as a Laidlaw scholar to help underrepresented communities back in Côte d'Ivoire. The scholarship proves that people do care about minorities and breaking the glass ceiling that so many women face at work. It has also reinforced my intention to continue to help underprivileged children and the LGBTQ+ community, and hopefully help create a more equal world where lack of opportunity is both recognised and rectified.”