Natasha Makhubele, a Laidlaw Scholar at Oxford Saïd Business School is driving change by guiding and inspiring other women to pursue their ambitions.
I am a Chartered Accountant with a background in audit, advisory, and management consulting. I hold a Bachelor of Commerce degree and Postgraduate Diploma in Accounting from the University of Cape Town. I thoroughly enjoyed my time in the professional services environment, especially the teamwork and the chance to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds. Being part of projects where I could help solve challenging client problems was particularly fulfilling.
Post MBA, I plan to transition sectors into impact investing, specifically focusing on education. I aim to merge the skills acquired from my MBA with my financial background to develop solutions that will enhance both the access to and quality of education, while ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of social impact organisations that support education initiatives.
I applied for the Laidlaw Scholarship because its mission resonates deeply with me: addressing the persistent underrepresentation of women in senior leadership roles. Throughout my career, I often struggled to find female mentors in the senior positions I aspired to. I also frequently encountered discussions about the difficult choices women face as they advance in their careers, often framed as an unavoidable trade-off between professional growth and personal responsibilities. These conversations rarely offered solutions on how women could succeed at both.
Pursuing an MBA at Oxford is part of my commitment to developing my leadership potential and gaining the skills and networks needed to thrive in senior roles as a woman. The Laidlaw Scholarship has been instrumental in making this journey possible. I hope to bridge the mentorship gap I experienced by guiding and inspiring other women to pursue their ambitions and lead confidently.
What is the biggest life challenge you have overcome and what did you learn from it?
The biggest life challenge I’ve overcome was leaving my first job. I genuinely loved the work, my colleagues, and the environment—it felt like a second home. But I knew it was time for a change and a new direction. The transition was harder than I anticipated, and I found myself missing the familiarity and camaraderie of that workplace. Through this experience, I learned that grief isn’t limited to the loss of people; it also shows up when we part ways with places, relationships, and routines that have been meaningful. Letting go can feel like a loss, and it’s okay to take time to mourn that. This lesson taught me to approach transitions knowing that grief comes with the package, honoring the past while embracing new beginnings.
What is the most useful/impactful piece of advice you have been given in your life?
“Don’t just accept things as they are. There’s always room to negotiate and advocate for what you truly want.”
Because of this advice, instead of passively going along with the status quo, I’ve learned to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and push for what aligns with my goals and values. There’s often more flexibility than we initially think and the worst someone can say to your ask is no.
Conversely, what is the WORST piece of advice you have been given?
'Don’t pursue something unless you have a fully fleshed-out plan.’
While planning is important, I have learned that waiting for a 'perfect' plan can lead to missed opportunities, having a general sense of direction is sufficient to take the first step. Some of my best experiences and achievements have come from jumping in, learning as I go, and adapting along the way.
Oxford Matriculation day
What are your top 3 leadership tips?
Have a clear vision: When others can see and align with your vision, it’s easier for them to follow and contribute meaningfully.
Surround yourself with people who aren’t afraid to tell you when you are wrong.
Listen, to understand and not respond, people appreciate leaders who make them feel heard.
What does it mean for you to be a Laidlaw Scholar?
Being a Laidlaw Scholar has given me the confidence to see myself as a future leader capable of thriving in the business world. I feel honored and deeply inspired by my fellow Laidlaw Scholars, who are championing women’s causes globally. This experience has empowered me to trust in my own efforts and recognise the impact of every contribution toward advancing women.I hope that receiving this scholarship not only strengthens my own journey but also inspires more women—especially those from Africa—to pursue their dreams and believe in their potential to lead and make a difference.
Putting my MBA body language lessons into practice at the Scholars' Breakfast
Which leaders inspire you the most and why?
The leaders who inspire me most are those who speak with conviction, stand firmly by their beliefs, and have the courage to admit when they’rewrong. I admire leaders who serve others with integrity and lead by example.One leader who recently inspired me is Naledi Pandor, the former South African Minister of International Relations. She has navigated complex global policy issues with remarkable conviction, assertiveness, and grace—qualities I deeply admire and aspire to embody in my own journey.
Describe a scene from the future you are striving to create.
I envision a future where it’s entirely normal for women to pursue and excel in roles traditionally dominated by men—a world where women can thrive professionally without compromising their personal lives. I am committed to advancing investment in education to make this future possible, with the hope that more girls and women will have access to quality education, learn about diverse career paths, connect with mentors, and be empowered to pursue their ambitions with confidence.
Natasha Makhubele is a Laidlaw Scholar at Oxford Saïd Business School. You can find Natasha 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:
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⚡️ Lucy Nyamaah, a Laidlaw Scholar at Oxford University's Saïd Business School, on pushing past gender norms and envisioning a female-led future in the Energy sector.
⚡️ Juliana Ruseva, a Laidlaw Scholar at London Business School, on volunteering, helping women break the glass ceiling and tackling issues step by step.
⚡️ Adebusola Adegbuyi, a Laidlaw Scholar at Saïd Business School, on facing challenges with optimism and empowering young women to begin careers in technology.
⚡️ Aya Hammad, a University of York Laidlaw Scholar, on understanding the origins of cancer, promoting equality in healthcare, and learning to be adaptable.
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