Hello! My name is Mayowa and I am an operations director with a background in architecture and interior design, bringing over eight years of experience in the real estate and design industries. I have led design teams, optimized processes, and driven operational efficiency to improve business performance. Currently, I am pursuing an MBA at IE Business School, where I am focused on expanding my leadership and business expertise to drive operational excellence and strategic innovation. As a Laidlaw Scholar, I am committed to research and leadership initiatives that foster industry transformation and efficiency. After my MBA, I aim to transition into management or strategy consulting, leveraging my expertise in operations and business strategy to solve complex challenges and drive sustainable growth.

Bringing Global Perspective & Proven Expertise to Drive Impact Impact and a global mindset have been part of my life since I first began traveling and living in different countries. From the Caucasus region to Europe, Asia, and the US, I’ve seen firsthand how creative ideas, creative thinking, collaborative diverse teams, partnerships, and human-centred leadership can transform communities, organizations, and even countries. Currently, as an International MBA candidate at IE Business School, I am expanding my expertise into digital business, transformation & innovation, and ethical leadership - building on 9+ years of cross-sector, cross-cultural experience in driving impactful outcomes in diverse environments. • Deep understanding of cultural nuances and behaviors that cross boundaries. • A proven track record in relationship building, partnership management, negotiation, project & operations management, and strategic planning. • Orchestrated 80+ projects, events ranging from small-scale workshops to international conferences, forums, and expos. • Strong expertise in cross-cultural and cross-functional communication with government officials, multinational companies, CEO's, executives, and senior managers. Stakeholder management. • Experience contributing to innovation-driven projects (tech & Edtech), with strong skills in leveraging technology for organizational advancement. • Leadership in mentoring teams, capacity building, driving collaboration, and achieving results in diverse settings. • A creative and tech-savvy approach to problem-solving and innovation. Beyond my professional work, I’m a traveler, life-long learner, writer, and dancer—passions that keep me curious, adaptive, and deeply connected to people from all walks of life.

Hello! I've directed the Laidlaw Scholars Program at Brown University since 2023. I care deeply about lifting up the next generation of leaders, change-makers, and engaged scholars to create a more just and equitable world. My PhD is in U.S. History and Gender Studies with a focus on families, childhood and youth. Send me a message if you'd like to connect! My Clifton Strengths are: Achiever, Relator, Strategic, Learner, Individualization 

I am currently an International MBA candidate at IE Business School, supported by the Laidlaw Women Scholarship, where I am expanding my knowledge in global business strategy, corporate governance, and technology-driven solutions for organizational management. With over ten years of experience in internal audit and governance within Kazakhstan’s mining and metallurgy industry, I have contributed to transformative initiatives, including audit system automation, ERP integration, and sustainable reporting processes.  My academic and professional journey has equipped me with skills in change management, process improvement, and corporate policy development. As I progress through my MBA, I am particularly interested in exploring new perspectives on sustainability in business and fostering inclusive organizational cultures. Proficient in English, Russian, and Kazakh, with intermediate Spanish skills, I am eager to connect with and learn from a diverse community of forward-thinking leaders.

A graduate of Cambridge University, Susanna’s professional experience includes over 15 years in senior leadership roles in international B2B and learning businesses. Susanna began her career at the Institute for International Research (IIR) where she first worked with Lord Laidlaw, rising to Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). When IIR, which was the world’s largest organiser of commercial conferences, was acquired by Informa plc in 2005 Susanna was appointed CMO of the enlarged group and also led the public company’s investor relations programmes. She subsequently joined Emap Ltd as Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer and CEO of Emap Networks, that group’s conferences business. Later she became CEO of the fashion industry forecaster WGSN and was latterly Group Content and Marketing Partner of the leading strategy consultancy Brunswick Group. A German-American raised and educated in the UK and a committed internationalist, Susanna has been involved in globally trading businesses throughout her career, directing activity in the Americas, across continental Europe, and the Asia Pacific. Susanna has been extensively involved with education and professional development over many years. She was Head of Group Training and led the commercial acquisition and integration of a portfolio of corporate training businesses whilst at IIR; and created learning academies at both Informa and Emap. She believes experiencing and appreciating different cultures promotes better global understanding, creativity and leadership. She is passionate about the power of education to transform lives; and believes that we need to develop a new generation of diverse leaders who are curious, bold and devoted to decency, truthfulness, and innovation. Susanna is committed to diversity not only as a societal imperative but as a critical component of commercial success. As an advisor to the trustees of the Foundation, Susanna first learnt about its purpose and programmes before becoming its Chief Executive responsible for the Laidlaw Schools Trust, the Laidlaw Scholars and its other education programmes. Susanna read English and Philosophy at Newnham College, University of Cambridge. She has five half blues in swimming and water polo; and played netball and rowed for Newnham.

Hello everyone, I am a (graduated) Laidlaw scholar from the 2021/2022 cohort. I am very interested in African studies, linguistics and all forms of art and media. I am currently in my penultimate year at LSE, whilst undertaking a year abroad at Sciences Po in Reims to improve my French language skills. In my free time, I work as a freelance photographer whilst writing and editing for magazines.