Ahmad Yahya
- Programme: Executive MBA Dubai
- Nationality: Saudi Arabian
- Job Post-programme: Executive director, strategy and planning, Bupa Arabia
Jeddah-based Ahmad began his career in consulting, rising the ranks to management before making the transition to an in-house strategy role in the private healthcare sector. There, his career has continued to rise rapidly, with Ahmad progressing from management to director level. He is keen to make his mark both on his company and on wider society, and credits joining the London Business School Executive MBA in Dubai with helping to shape him into a more impactful leader, while broadening his world view.
Where were you in your career before starting at London Business School?
I joined Accenture straight out of engineering school in a business strategy role. My career took off there, progressing from analyst to consultant and then to manager. I really enjoyed consulting, but often it involves working on a project, making a recommendation, and moving on before you can see the long-term impact of your work. That was a key reason I moved to Bupa Arabia — to set up what is essentially a consulting-type function within the company and build out their strategy team. Now, I can see my impact over the long term while bringing in the energy and know-how I gained from consulting.
“Regardless of titles, I want to make an impact on my company and on society at large. It’s easy to get tunnel vision when you’re deep in your work, and LBS provides the broader perspective you need.”
What drew you to London Business School’s Executive MBA?
I’ve long had ambitions to progress to the C-suite, and I knew that reaching that level would require a more advanced, but also practical, set of skills. London Business School offered an education rooted in real-world experience, with a flexible structure and a wide range of electives. When I was applying, there was nothing else that felt comparable — it was London Business School or nothing for me! Fortuitously, I have since joined the executive team at Bupa Arabia as executive director, reporting directly into the CEO, so the timing of joining the Executive MBA couldn’t have been better.
What were you hoping to gain from the programme, and how is that shaping your experience so far?
I wanted to build my network and create a new circle of colleagues, which happened instantly. I was immediately plugged into a diverse network across the region and different sectors. You start connecting with people to solve problems and make valuable connections that can drive business development.
There’s also a major sense of accomplishment — you’re not pausing work to study; you’re continuing work while layering this experience on top. It can be intense at first. During my Orientation week in September, my company was also in the middle of a restructure, so I had a lot on my plate. But you quickly hone that discipline and balance. It requires proper time management to juggle between work, studying, and family – and the trick is to put time in the calendar for LBS, whether it’s studying or working on assignments.
“I’ve learned a lot about the behavioural side of management, understanding what motivates people, how incentives shape behaviour, and the impact this has on work culture. I’ve already begun applying these insights at the office and can see a difference.”
What has been the most valuable takeaway from the programme so far, and how have you been able to apply it directly in your workplace?
I’ve learned a lot about the behavioural side of management, understanding what motivates people, how incentives shape behaviour, and the impact this has on work culture. I’ve already begun applying these insights at the office and can see a difference. The programme encourages experimentation in the workplace, so you’re applying learnings in real time.
More broadly, it reinforced the idea that what got you here won’t get you there — constantly finding new ways to learn and develop, both as an individual and as a professional, is essential to being more effective and impactful.
What are your top three tips for prospective students considering LBS?
Tip number one would be: If you want to do it, don’t wait, because there will never be a perfect time.
My second tip would be: Invest in your cohort by spending significant time with your peers outside of class. This breaks down barriers, builds bonds, and enriches in-class discussions with insights drawn from 10, 15, or 20 years of experience. Having spent much of my life outside Saudi Arabia, I’ve found that the sense of diversity you get from colleagues here is a huge plus and gives the School a unique flavour.
Finally, have fun with it. I never think “I have to go study” because it is genuinely enjoyable, both inside and outside the classroom.
“When I was applying, there was nothing else that felt comparable — it was London Business School or nothing for me!”
What are your aspirations for the future, and how do you see London Business School helping you get there?
Regardless of titles, I want to make an impact on my company and on society at large. It’s easy to get tunnel vision when you’re deep in your work, and LBS provides the broader perspective you need. Electives are a crucial part of this; this summer, I hope to work on strategy execution — an area I know well — as well as mergers and acquisitions, which is entirely new for me.
If you had to describe your overall experience so far in three words, what would they be?
Beginning a journey. It’s a milestone and the start of a new phase. Some people use a programme like this to shift careers or industries, which is great. For me, it marks a new chapter in my existing career, designed to accelerate my path and broaden my horizons.