{"id":38430,"date":"2025-12-10T16:38:18","date_gmt":"2025-12-10T16:38:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/?p=38430"},"modified":"2026-05-04T12:08:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-04T11:08:25","slug":"alumni-career-journeys-leah-cotterill","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/alumni-career-journeys-leah-cotterill\/","title":{"rendered":"Alumni Career Journeys: Meet Leah Cotterill"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">From front-line customer service to CEO, Leah Cotterill\u2019s 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/mba\/executive-mba\/\">Executive MBA<\/a> fast-tracked her career trajectory in the healthcare industry.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Hult: Can you share your career journey leading up to your role as CEO at Cigna Healthcare?\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">Leah<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">: My career started by chance\u2014a Saturday career fair led to a 25+ year path in health insurance. I started my career at the front line\u2014answering 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\u2019s 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-38433 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1761661975240-518x345.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"518\" height=\"345\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1761661975240-518x345.jpeg 518w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1761661975240-1024x683.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1761661975240-500x333.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1761661975240-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1761661975240-1536x1024.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1761661975240.jpeg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 518px) 100vw, 518px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">H: <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">What inspired you to pursue an Executive MBA at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/campuses\/dubai\/\">Hult Dubai<\/a>,<\/span><\/b> <b><span data-contrast=\"none\">and what skills were you hoping to unlock in your career at that point?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">L:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> The decision to pursue an Executive MBA was about impact and proving something to myself, not credentials\u2014though this was important for taking on a regulated position. I wanted to broaden my perspective, unlock my strategic agility, and build my network.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">My top three criteria were clear:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Georgia\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">A truly international program<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Georgia\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"2\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">A flexible structure that made it possible as a working mum<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Georgia\" data-listid=\"3\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"3\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">A curriculum grounded in real-world case studies and application<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW173270977 BCX4\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173270977 BCX4\">\u201cMy 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.<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW173270977 BCX4\">\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-38435 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1678126977212-516x345.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"516\" height=\"345\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1678126977212-516x345.jpeg 516w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1678126977212-1024x684.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1678126977212-500x334.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1678126977212-768x513.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1678126977212-1536x1027.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1678126977212.jpeg 1565w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 516px) 100vw, 516px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">H: What was the \u2018now or never\u2019 moment that made you commit to a Hult Executive MBA in Dubai?<\/span><\/b><\/h2>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">L:<\/span><\/b> <span data-contrast=\"none\">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\u2019t invest in myself at some point, I might miss the opportunity. I\u2019d rather leap and learn from the outcome than live with the regret of never trying.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW150793791 BCX4\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW150793791 BCX4\">It was only during August 2021, while on vacation, that I found time to research options. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/mba\/admissions\/\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart CommentHighlightPipeRest CommentHighlightRest SCXW150793791 BCX4\">process progressed<\/span><\/a><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightPipeRest SCXW150793791 BCX4\"> quickly, and I was in class 8 weeks later.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW150793791 BCX4\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">H: How did your Executive MBA influence your leadership style, strategic thinking, or career trajectory?\u00a0<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">L: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335551550&quot;:6,&quot;335551620&quot;:6,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">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?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">L:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> I am naturally competitive, so I overcome challenges by setting small targets that represent progress and success. Context has been a great friend\u2014focusing on where I can make a positive impact and <em>trying<\/em> not to sweat what I cannot influence. Colleagues, both at work and during the EMBA, are crucial to my support system.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">I\u2019m proud of many milestones, but becoming the first female CEO of an international insurance company in the UAE is a highlight\u2014it 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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW40401518 BCX4\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW40401518 BCX4\">\u201cBecoming the first female CEO of an international insurance company in the UAE is a highlight\u2014it signalled progress for gender equity in leadership.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">H: What\u2019s your leadership mission, and what three actions would you recommend to Executive MBA candidates who want to create a measurable impact in business?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">L:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> My leadership mission today is clear: to make healthcare more human\u2014accessible, affordable, and empathetic. I also aim to foster diversity and inclusion at every level. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">For Executive MBA candidates, I recommend three actions:<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Georgia\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Lead with purpose\u2014define the \u2018why\u2019 behind your decisions and let it guide your strategy.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Georgia\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Build diverse networks\u2014collaboration across cultures and disciplines unlocks innovation.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li aria-setsize=\"-1\" data-leveltext=\"%1.\" data-font=\"Georgia\" data-listid=\"1\" data-list-defn-props=\"{&quot;335552541&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769242&quot;:[65533,0],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;%1.&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}\" data-aria-posinset=\"1\" data-aria-level=\"1\"><span data-contrast=\"none\">Apply as you learn\u2014don\u2019t wait until graduation; turn insights into action immediately.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559737&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240,&quot;335559991&quot;:360}\"><br \/>\n<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<blockquote><p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW66702986 BCX4\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW66702986 BCX4\">\u201cI see leadership as a responsibility to create impact, not just results.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><img class=\"size-medium wp-image-38436 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1678126974480-460x345.jpeg\" alt=\"\" width=\"460\" height=\"345\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1678126974480-460x345.jpeg 460w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1678126974480-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1678126974480-500x375.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1678126974480-768x576.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/blog\/media\/uploads\/2025\/12\/1678126974480.jpeg 1280w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 460px) 100vw, 460px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">H: <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you were advising a peer choosing an Executive MBA with Hult, what would you recommend they focus on?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">L:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> 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\u2014practical application, case studies, and thinking with a global perspective.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">I would encourage those considering an EMBA to connect with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/alumni\/\">alumni<\/a> to hear about their experiences. It is essential to understand the commitment and the incredible sense of achievement that comes with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/playlist?list=PLVmlVjJX_QXiXJ3MkI175jUQ-dlC4E97u\">graduation.<\/a><\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">H: What routines helped you balance work, study, and life? Is there anything you would do differently?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">L:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> There\u2019s no magic formula. It\u2019s important<\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\"> to invest time to work out what will work for you. Balancing work, study, and life required discipline, adaptability, and a very understanding husband.\u00a0<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">If I could do anything differently, I would set time to reflect between modules and use a more structured approach to note-taking. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">A top tip for time-poor students is to orient case studies around a couple of industries or companies you are interested in.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><i><span data-contrast=\"none\">\u201cA top tip for time-poor students is to orient case studies around a couple of industries or companies you are interested in.\u201d<\/span><\/i><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">H: Is there anything that nearly stopped you: time, cost, travel, confidence, family, or employer approval? How did you de-risk?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">L: <\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\">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\u2019s never a perfect moment; you have to create it.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW177413930 BCX4\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW177413930 BCX4\">\u201cIf I could do anything differently, I would set time to reflect between modules and use a more structured approach to <\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW177413930 BCX4\">note-taking<\/span><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW177413930 BCX4\">.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW177413930 BCX4\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW177413930 BCX4\">\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<h2><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">H: <\/span><\/b><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">If you had to quantify ROI, how would you describe it across career, network, and personal growth?<\/span><\/b><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:0,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b><span data-contrast=\"none\">L:<\/span><\/b><span data-contrast=\"none\"> A great question and one I\u2019ve reflected on since graduating. <\/span><span data-contrast=\"none\">From a career perspective, the Hult EMBA enabled and accelerated my trajectory.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">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.<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-contrast=\"none\">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\u2019s possible\u2014they thought it was funny that \u201cMummy was going to school.\u201d<\/span><span data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:240,&quot;335559739&quot;:240,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote><p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW136953627 BCX4\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW136953627 BCX4\">\u201cFrom a career perspective, the Hult EMBA enabled and accelerated my trajectory.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<hr \/>\n<p><span class=\"TextRun SCXW132959740 BCX4\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW132959740 BCX4\">Looking to strengthen your business acumen? <\/span><\/span><span class=\"TextRun SCXW132959740 BCX4\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun SCXW132959740 BCX4\">Explore our <\/span><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/mba\/online-mba\/\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW132959740 BCX4\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart CommentHighlightPipeRest CommentHighlightRest SCXW132959740 BCX4\">Global Online MBA<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW132959740 BCX4\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightPipeRest SCXW132959740 BCX4\"> and <\/span><\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hult.edu\/mba\/executive-mba\/\"><span class=\"TextRun Underlined SCXW132959740 BCX4\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"><span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentStart CommentHighlightPipeRest CommentHighlightRest SCXW132959740 BCX4\">Executive MBA<\/span><\/span><\/a><span class=\"TextRun SCXW132959740 BCX4\" lang=\"EN-GB\" xml:lang=\"EN-GB\" data-contrast=\"none\"> <span class=\"NormalTextRun CommentHighlightPipeRest SCXW132959740 BCX4\">programs on our website.<\/span><\/span><span class=\"EOP SCXW132959740 BCX4\" data-ccp-props=\"{&quot;134233117&quot;:false,&quot;134233118&quot;:false,&quot;201341983&quot;:0,&quot;335559738&quot;:0,&quot;335559739&quot;:300,&quot;335559740&quot;:240}\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From front-line customer service to CEO, Leah Cotterill\u2019s journey proves that bold choices pay off. We spoke to her to find out more about her experience, her time at Hult,&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":244,"featured_media":38443,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[151],"tags":[168,222,175],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v18.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Alumni Career Journeys: Meet Leah Cotterill | Hult International Business School<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Leah Cotterill\u2019s journey shows how bold career moves and an Executive MBA can accelerate leadership success.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Alumni Career Journeys: Meet Leah Cotterill | Hult International 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