MBA Brochure 2020/21 FINAL-MBA-Brochure-2019-20-pages | Page 111

Why did you choose an MBA?
I needed to acquire business fundamentals like
organizational theory and economics. I also wanted to
develop my leadership potential beyond mid-level
seniority. I was reluctant to do an MBA as I associated
it with cutthroat capitalism. Hult’s social conscience
resonated with me.
How did Hult’s environment influence you?
Living and studying with people from all over the
globe made a huge difference in the lives of all of us.
We learned to see cross-culturally rather than just
through an East/West lens. Now I’m part of a global
community with friendships all over India, China, and
Europe. I couldn’t have asked for a better training—
even though I had no idea that I would go on to
become my country’s Ambassador.
What was the number one takeaway for you?
Studying in Shanghai marked my life on many levels
and it still opens doors for me even now. Learning
about doing business in China from a Western
perspective led to meaningful opportunities that would
not have been possible at a traditional business school.
Any advice for future students?
Form yourself into a global citizen. Learn languages,
travel, develop an understanding for other cultures.
Coming from a non-traditional background, I’ve often
felt like an outsider but I let it drive me rather than
stifle me. Today, I’m the most confident I’ve ever been
and all of my skills are being utilized. From one day
to the next, I’ll speak three or four languages, be
developing partnership agreements, or working to
conceptualize what entrepreneurial diplomacy might
mean for my country.
 Connect with Tonika on LinkedIn
CAREER IMPACT
Your alumni network
23,000+
alumni worldwide to connect with.
70
active alumni chapters globally.
Tonika Sealy Thompson
Barbadian
Ambassador of Barbados to Brazil
Government of Barbados
Class of 2012
ALUMNI STORY