Komaki Foster
- Programme: MBA
- Nationality: American/Japanese
- Job Pre-programme: Legislative Aide, US Congress
- Job Post-programme: Director, International Co-Brand Partnerships, American Express
Komaki Foster began her career on Capitol Hill, working as a Political Aide with a focus on women’s economic empowerment. Her MBA at London Business School enabled her to transition into a new career spanning marketing, strategy and partnerships at American Express. It also gave her, as she puts it, “a seat at the table” and a masterclass in resilient, globally minded leadership.
“I went from being that staffer at the side of the room, taking notes, to having a seat at the table and holding my own alongside very ambitious people.”
What kind of work were you doing before you came to London Business School?
I studied for a BA in Chinese Studies at SOAS, University of London before moving back to the US to work as a staffer in the House of Representatives. My role as an aide focused on women’s economic empowerment, including issues such as affordable childcare, and also covered areas like women’s health and domestic violence. Alongside this, I was involved in political campaigns for the Democratic Party.
It was a brilliant experience, but I always felt that the world extended beyond Washington DC politics. I found myself wanting to move into a business environment, and to work for an organisation that operates responsibly, acts with integrity and has a positive impact. I also recognised that I needed a bridge to access those opportunities, which led me to pursue an MBA. London Business School was the obvious choice, not only because of London’s unique position at the intersection of politics, business and culture, but also because I was looking for a more internationally diverse environment than I felt I would find at many US schools.
Is there a particular skill, mindset, or opportunity from London Business School that you draw on in your work today?
I would not be at American Express today if I hadn't attended the School. My MBA internship helped me get my foot in the door in marketing & partnerships, and, since then, I’ve worked across multiple teams, including in a Chief of Staff capacity for the President of International Consumer Services, and as Director of Business Development. The company aligned with what I was looking for in an employer for many reasons, including its focus on delivering the best customer experience and commitment to growing internal talent.
The School also taught me how to adapt and work with colleagues from around the world, which is so important when I’m working with our international teams who may have different ways of working or communication styles. I draw on a lot of change management and organisational behaviour lessons too, but I think the biggest change was in my confidence. I went from being that staffer at the side of the room, taking notes, to having a seat at the table and holding my own alongside very ambitious people. In turn, it has helped me create an environment where people want to bring their best selves to work.
“The MBA gave me real credibility from a content and knowledge perspective, and put me in a position where I could apply to a company like American Express.”
How has the diversity on the MBA shaped your career?
I came into the MBA with no background in finance, marketing, or corporate strategy, so I probably leaned on the programme more than the typical student. I drew heavily on my very diverse study group, stayed actively involved in clubs, and regularly engaged with careers services and their teams. Over time, I learned how to work effectively with people who had many more years of significant business experience than I did.
I also became very comfortable asking for help. It’s that combination of network and early exposure that made a real difference, and it meant I was well prepared for the environment when I walked into Amex.
What’s your fondest memory of living in London during your time at London Business School?
Getting to enjoy the green space at the School and nearby Regent’s Park with my classmates and a pitcher of Pimm’s was always a highlight. London is a place where people know how to step out of the pace of the city every now and then, and it helps that the School has such beautiful greenery on campus.
Another highlight was organising the Tech and Media Club conference. I had no experience putting together anything like that, so it was a real stretch, but it gave me the confidence, the network, and the opportunity to create something meaningful.
If you had to describe your overall LBS experience in three words, what would they be?
Empowerment, as the MBA gave me real credibility from a content and knowledge perspective, and put me in a position where I could apply to a company like American Express.
Confidence, because although I had worked in politics where there is a perception of people having big egos, I didn’t come into the programme feeling especially self-assured. The MBA played a huge role in building my confidence and self-esteem.
Growth, as I was exposed to so much and learned a great deal about both how challenging and how rewarding business can be. It was a safe space to learn and build resilience, and any competition only ever felt healthy.
