From front-line customer service to CEO, Leah Cotterill’s journey proves that bold choices pay off. We spoke to her to find out more about her experience, her time at Hult, and how her Executive MBA fast-tracked her career trajectory in the healthcare industry.
Hult: Can you share your career journey leading up to your role as CEO at Cigna Healthcare?
Leah: My career started by chance—a Saturday career fair led to a 25+ year path in health insurance. I started my career at the front line—answering phones and paying claims. That experience gave me a strong foundation and a deep respect for serving customers. Over time, I moved into sales, operations, and leadership roles across multiple markets. I joined Cigna in 2008, leading sales, client management, and operational teams across the Middle East, Africa, and the US. I was drawn to leadership because I wanted to improve people’s health and productivity and to make insurance feel more human. As CEO for Cigna Healthcare MEA, I lead with a focus on our customers, our teams, and our purpose. For me, success is measured by the lives we are privileged to touch.
H: What inspired you to pursue an Executive MBA at Hult Dubai, and what skills were you hoping to unlock in your career at that point?
L: The decision to pursue an Executive MBA was about impact and proving something to myself, not credentials—though this was important for taking on a regulated position. I wanted to broaden my perspective, unlock my strategic agility, and build my network.
My top three criteria were clear:
- A truly international program
- A flexible structure that made it possible as a working mum
- A curriculum grounded in real-world case studies and application
Hult delivered on that, and I particularly appreciated the faculty who made accounting understandable, challenged conventional thinking, and brought humility and humour to the classroom.
“My top three criteria were clear: an international program, a flexible structure for a working mum, and a curriculum grounded in real-world case studies. Hult delivered on that.”
H: What was the ‘now or never’ moment that made you commit to a Hult Executive MBA in Dubai?
L: When I realized there would never be a perfect time. My career had the potential to continue to grow, and I knew that if I didn’t invest in myself at some point, I might miss the opportunity. I’d rather leap and learn from the outcome than live with the regret of never trying.
It was only during August 2021, while on vacation, that I found time to research options. The process progressed quickly, and I was in class 8 weeks later.
H: How did your Executive MBA influence your leadership style, strategic thinking, or career trajectory?
L: The Executive MBA helped me build the context to step back, see the bigger picture, and ask informed questions in support of good decision-making. The business challenge was a valuable lesson in collaboration, agility, innovative thinking, and iterative development. This process of iterative refinement is one that I recently used during the development of the latest business review deck for an executive presentation.
H: What were the biggest challenges you faced in your career, and how did you overcome them? Which accomplishments are you most proud of, and how did the EMBA support those?
L: I am naturally competitive, so I overcome challenges by setting small targets that represent progress and success. Context has been a great friend—focusing on where I can make a positive impact and trying not to sweat what I cannot influence. Colleagues, both at work and during the EMBA, are crucial to my support system.
I’m proud of many milestones, but becoming the first female CEO of an international insurance company in the UAE is a highlight—it signalled progress for gender equity in leadership. My EMBA was a catalyst for transformation, helping shape me into a well-rounded leader with the confidence and perspective to take on this role.
Every career has defining challenges. Mine taught me about taking risks when opportunities arose, consistent performance, staying close to the market, and the value of resilience.
“Becoming the first female CEO of an international insurance company in the UAE is a highlight—it signalled progress for gender equity in leadership.”
H: What’s your leadership mission, and what three actions would you recommend to Executive MBA candidates who want to create a measurable impact in business?
L: My leadership mission today is clear: to make healthcare more human—accessible, affordable, and empathetic. I also aim to foster diversity and inclusion at every level. I see leadership as a responsibility to create impact, not just results. That means driving strategic growth, expanding access to quality care, and championing gender equity in leadership.
For Executive MBA candidates, I recommend three actions:
- Lead with purpose—define the ‘why’ behind your decisions and let it guide your strategy.
- Build diverse networks—collaboration across cultures and disciplines unlocks innovation.
- Apply as you learn—don’t wait until graduation; turn insights into action immediately.
“I see leadership as a responsibility to create impact, not just results.”
H: If you were advising a peer choosing an Executive MBA with Hult, what would you recommend they focus on?
L: Like most big decisions, it is deeply personal, so fit should be high on your list. For me, flexibility was key while managing a full-time job and a young family. I also needed an in-person format. During the pandemic, I spent day after day on video calls at home, so being in person made engaging and networking easier. The learning style was also important—practical application, case studies, and thinking with a global perspective.
I would encourage those considering an EMBA to connect with alumni to hear about their experiences. It is essential to understand the commitment and the incredible sense of achievement that comes with graduation.
H: What routines helped you balance work, study, and life? Is there anything you would do differently?
L: There’s no magic formula. It’s important to invest time to work out what will work for you. Balancing work, study, and life required discipline, adaptability, and a very understanding husband.
If I could do anything differently, I would set time to reflect between modules and use a more structured approach to note-taking. A top tip for time-poor students is to orient case studies around a couple of industries or companies you are interested in.
“A top tip for time-poor students is to orient case studies around a couple of industries or companies you are interested in.”
H: Is there anything that nearly stopped you: time, cost, travel, confidence, family, or employer approval? How did you de-risk?
L: Time was a huge barrier. With a demanding leadership role and family commitments, fitting an Executive MBA into my life felt almost impossible. Cost was a consideration too, but time was the real challenge. There’s never a perfect moment; you have to create it.
I de-risked by planning meticulously and securing support from my employer and my husband. Once I committed, I got on with it. I quickly rediscovered my love of learning, and with such a fun cohort, it became a very positive experience.
“If I could do anything differently, I would set time to reflect between modules and use a more structured approach to note-taking.”
H: If you had to quantify ROI, how would you describe it across career, network, and personal growth?
L: A great question and one I’ve reflected on since graduating. From a career perspective, the Hult EMBA enabled and accelerated my trajectory.
Building my network was also a key driver. The value of a diverse cohort was immense, giving me a broader industry context and relationships that continue to be a source of insight and collaboration long after graduation.
Personal growth was possibly the biggest return. The program expanded my perspective and strengthened my strategic outlook. Having started work at 18, this was my first experience of higher education, so there was an element of proving I could do it. I also loved showing my kids what’s possible—they thought it was funny that “Mummy was going to school.”
“From a career perspective, the Hult EMBA enabled and accelerated my trajectory.”
Looking to strengthen your business acumen? Explore our Global Online MBA and Executive MBA programs on our website.
