Scholar Spotlight - Maral Gankhuyag

Laidlaw Scholar Maral Gankhuyag on change through education, believing in yourself and creating a sustainable future.
Scholar Spotlight - Maral Gankhuyag
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Maral Gankhuyag, a Laidlaw Scholar at Säid Business School, on change through education, believing in yourself and creating a sustainable future.

I come from a non-profit background, where I worked to bring about positive changes through education and empowerment initiatives. In order to create a more sustainable and scalable impact, I’ve realized that I need to expand my knowledge and skills. After thorough research, I’ve concluded that the Oxford MBA Program was the best match for me. During the application process, I was delighted to learn about the Laidlaw Foundation’s education initiatives and especially the Foundation’s commitment to addressing women’s underrepresentation in leadership positions. I’m truly grateful for the opportunities that the Laidlaw Foundation provides and am honoured to join a community of amazing women across the globe. 

What is the biggest life challenge you have overcome?

Becoming the primary caregiver for my family members. It taught me to appreciate the “today” more. We usually tend to get caught up in trying to accomplish something and put too much emphasis on “tomorrow”, often failing to appreciate and be present in today. Yet as the adage goes, today is a gift, and one should cherish it. 

What is the best piece of advice you have been given?

"Believe in yourself!"

I’m grateful for a friend of mine who gave me this advice and saw the potential that I couldn’t see myself.

What is the worst piece of advice you have been given?

“Don’t waste your time on sleep” 

I forgot who gave this advice, but I’m glad I didn’t follow it. Please do get an adequate amount of sleep every night. Sleep is essential in keeping one’s mind and body healthy.

Presenting at an event for women

Top 3 tips that will help someone become a better leader

⚡ Listen actively

⚡Be emphatic

⚡ Be self-aware

Which leaders in the world inspire you the most and why?

The people from various walks of life who contribute their share in making their community a better place - be it a single mother earning a minimum wage encouraging her children to dream big, a female student majoring in STEM to pursue her childhood passion knowing full well the challenges ahead of her, or a corporate CEO who’s empowering and encouraging his female colleagues to take on leadership positions even if they themselves don’t believe in their own abilities. These ordinary people doing extraordinary work every single day inspire me.

What does it mean for you to be a Laidlaw Scholar?

It means paying it forward and playing my part in creating a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Briefly describe a scene from the future you are striving to create.

A woman in a wheelchair working in an accessible and diverse workplace, where she’s heard and valued, where there are no glass barriers to her obtaining a leadership position, and where she’s proud to be contributing to creating services and products that benefit the society and environment.


Quick-Fire Questions

📺 Currently binging: The X Files

🎵 My current anthem: White Stupa by Jantsannorov

📚 My top book recommendation: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

🎧 Podcast obsession: In Our Time by BBC Radio 4

🌈 Something that made me feel joy recently: James Webb Space Telescope images


Maral is a Laidlaw Scholar at Säid Business School. You can find Maral on LinkedIn. The Laidlaw Women's Business Education Scholarship aims to help build a pipeline of future women leaders through access to best-in-class education, resources and global networks by providing full and half scholarships to women who would not otherwise be in a position to reap the benefits of attending an outstanding school. 
 


🔦 Discover more Scholar Spotlights

⚡️ Asha Scaria Vettoor on running a successful social enterprise and empowering rural women artisans.

⚡️ Xuerui Yin on overcoming societal norms, creating opportunities for underrepresented groups, and working with compassion.

⚡️ Paseka Khosa on overcoming financial hardship and advocating for unwavering belief in oneself.

⚡️ Fisayo Adeleke on her mission to increase women's access to opportunities, and dealing with uncertainty.

⚡️ Helena Couto on breaking out of your pre-defined place in society, and larger than life goals.

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