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Frances Ibe

  • Degree Programme: Executive MBA London
  • Global Nationality: British
  • Profile Job Pre-programme: Director of SaaS Product Strategy and Implementation, CareerBuilder
  • Profile Job Post-programme: N/A


“The programme gave people who wanted to become entrepreneurs a great opportunity to challenge their ideas to avoid going through the pain of implementing something that’s not necessarily going to be viable or successful.” 


Taking the part-time Executive MBA (EMBA) programme is to embark on a voyage of discovery. So says CareerBuilder’s Frances Ibe, who has uncovered new aspects about herself since joining LBS. One is that she needed to focus on achieving her long-term career goals.

This realisation came when Frances met one of her fellow classmates for the first time. “They are successful because they approach things with a different mindset,” she says. “I didn’t think we had much in common when we first spoke to each other, but they taught me to be more direct.”

Frances learnt the essentials of success, whatever the role: to challenge herself and adapt. “You learn to critically analyse situations, so you’re not going into them blind, and you gain the tools to pull apart a problem more quickly and more efficiently. Those are the key takeaways from my time at LBS.” 

Frances, who is director of SaaS product strategy and implementation at global recruitment firm CareerBuilder, has discovered a passion for business while taking modules in strategy and entrepreneurship. 

“The entrepreneurship courses were a great opportunity to understand every aspect of what it takes to start a successful, scalable business,” she says. “Many people think it is easy, but you get a reality check when asked to challenge your assumptions or do an exercise that requires you to rethink and pitch your new business ideas to current owners. And you really understand the lifestyle choices needed to go out on your own. 

“The programme gave people who wanted to become entrepreneurs a great opportunity to challenge their ideas to avoid going through the pain of implementing something that’s not necessarily going to be viable or successful.” 

Career Benefits

The experiences and expertise gained on the programme will stand Frances in good stead throughout her career. “I’ve found value in the varied and new learning opportunities on the part-time EMBA, and have challenged myself to apply these straight away back at work,” she says. “It’s really important to pass on what I’ve learnt such as organisational design and strategies to maximise the value chain, and encourage people to take a different perspective when doing everyday activities.”
The insights gained from her programme peers are beneficial, she believes: “People are happy to discuss their careers and backgrounds, so the EMBA isn’t just about what you learn in the classroom. You’re exposed to other people’s viewpoints, experiences and insights. 

“This programme has seen me develop new friendships with people who I can talk to about any topic. In terms of personal development, it’s a great opportunity to develop yourself, question what you have done in the past and how you want to move forward and improve.&rdquo

Executive MBA - London