Riwilo
Masulani

Explore our Executive MBA:  Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA)

What motivated you to pursue an MBA, and why did you choose Nottingham Business School?

"I needed to improve my strategic leadership and management skills. At the time, Nottingham Trent University was awarded the coveted Times Higher Education University of the Year, so it was only logical that Nottingham Business School (NBS) was my first choice for pursuing further studies. Besides, I received the NBS Dean's Scholarship Award for Academic Excellence based on my reflections on how various leadership styles impact on staff motivation."

How has the MBA programme at Nottingham Business School impacted your career progression and personal growth?

"As the MBA programme at NBS also covers modules required for CMI Strategic Leadership and Management, it helped me to become a Chartered Manager. This has helped me to progress from technical roles to leadership and management roles."

What is your current job title and responsibilities?

"I am a Principal Permitting Manager at the Mining Remediation Authority (formerly the Coal Authority). I manage the permitting functions of the Authority and the permitting service that grants permits that enable development in areas historically impacted by coal mining. The permits are a tool that the Authority uses to manage significant liabilities from Great Britain’s coal mining past.

I also lead and support the permitting team comprising permitting managers and technical officers who grant around 1800 permits annually that facilitate economic growth and development on the British coal fields."

Can you describe a key project or accomplishment in your current role that your MBA helped you achieve?

"Although I have received awards since completing my MBA, winning Chartered Management Institute’s Chartered Manager of Year 2024 has been my biggest accomplishment. The Chartered Manager of the Year Award is an accolade that celebrates excellence in professional development. It recognises individuals who have made noteworthy progress in their careers and consistently demonstrate a dedication to improving their skills and abilities."

What aspects of the NBS MBA programme did you find most valuable?

"All the modules were valuable. Of most interest were the International Consultancy and international trip as they gave me the global perspective and applicability of modules taught."

Were there any specific skills or knowledge areas from the MBA that have been particularly useful in your career? 

"Apart from gaining skills on developing and implementing strategy, managing change, influencing and communication skills which are fundamental in management and leadership, gaining knowledge on ethical values-based leadership has been especially important in my career. Gaining knowledge on values-based leadership has enabled me to fit within a values-based organisation and be responsible for the leadership ethics expected of Chartered Managers."

How has the network you built at NBS influenced your career or professional opportunities?

"The network has been a useful sounding board that helps with peer review on new innovations within the industry that impact my area of work. They also help in publicising the work I do, which helps in attracting niche expertise and support to our programmes."

What advice would you give to a prospective student considering the programme?