Adel Khurshid: From Project Management to Strategic Leadership
Adel Khurshid
Participant of the International MBA part-time
With a strong background in technical project management, Adel Khurshid sought to expand his expertise in strategy and leadership. His decision to pursue an International MBA (IMBA) at emlyon business school was driven by a desire to develop a global perspective and accelerate his career towards management consulting.
Why did you choose to pursue an International MBA at emlyon ?
As I advance in my career, I look forward to pivoting into management consulting. I need to deepen my understanding of business strategy, leadership, and innovation. While I had a strong technical foundation, I wanted to broaden my perspective and develop my business acumen to drive organizational change and enhance my decision-making skills at the executive level. The International MBA part-time provided me with the hard skills needed to understand how businesses work and the soft skills required to be a great leader. Besides I was drawn to emlyon’s entrepreneurial and innovative approach to leadership development. The school’s focus on sustainability and its strong ties to industry aligned with my career aspirations.
Why did you opt for the part-time track ?
The part-time IMBA program offers flexibility and allows me to balance work commitments while pursuing the program, making it the perfect fit for my professional and personal goals. It reflects emlyon’s understanding of the needs of working professionals.
What is memorable about your experience at emlyon ?
The International MBA offered by emlyon business school has been much more than just a degree, it’s been a personal journey of growth and discovery. It has helped me redefine what success looks like, not just in terms of career achievements but also in my ability to contribute to solving some of the most pressing challenges facing organizations today. I believe that with the combination of my technical expertise, the IMBA's holistic approach, and the relationships I've built here, I am well-equipped to bring about meaningful change. Indeed, we were a small but diverse family (12 different nationalities out of 14 persons), which allows us to connect with both peers and teachers.
Collaborating with other colleagues, who bring such different skills, creates an interactive learning situation in which everyone feels free to question ideas, and seek creative solutions
Do you believe your cohort improved your IMBA experience?
Absolutely. Outside the classroom, the group's collaborative spirit has been a reliable source of encouragement and affiliation. Engaging with peers who share their challenges and solutions has deepened my learning experience, and I’m confident these connections will remain invaluable throughout my career.
Team building workshops conducted at the beginning of the International MBA program were especially effective in getting to know each other on a professional and personal basis. These early interactions laid a strong foundation of trust and collaboration, which will undoubtedly support us as we navigate the marathon of the IMBA together.
Working alongside peers with varied expertise fosters a dynamic learning environment where everyone is encouraged to challenge assumptions and explore innovative solutions.
What did you find most valuable about the program?
The emlyon curriculum, based on the "learning by doing" motto, enables us to implement the concepts discussed in each class. In this way, this approach is particularly relevant as part of the IMBA, since we immediately use the knowledge gained and tools to solve the problems in our current employment. For example, leadership development programs provided an unparalleled chance to hone asset skills that are readily transferable to professional and personal environments, thereby delivering immediate impact and tangible value to an MBA experience.
Would you recommend the emlyon IMBA?
Absolutely. I would highly recommend the emlyon IMBA to professionals looking for a program that seamlessly integrates theory with practice, offers an international perspective, and places a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability.
This MBA is an exceptional opportunity for those seeking to develop into high-impact leaders, step out of their comfort zones, and gain invaluable global exposure. The combination of a diverse cohort, strong corporate partnerships, and emlyon’s commitment to responsible leadership makes this program truly unique in the European landscape.