Leaders from across banking, industry and the third sector – each a graduate of Ulster University Business School’s Executive Master of Business Administration (Executive MBA) – gathered in Belfast this week for a breakfast event exploring how the programme is shaping leadership capability and career progression across Northern Ireland’s economy.
Hosted at the Academy Restaurant on Ulster University’s Belfast campus, the event brought together prospective students, alumni and business leaders for a keynote address from Professor Karise Hutchinson on “Leading in the Grey Zone: Turning Ambiguity into Opportunity,” followed by a panel discussion chaired by broadcaster Lynette Fay.
The session provided insight into how experienced professionals are using the programme to strengthen strategic thinking, navigate complexity and drive impact within their organisations.
Mark McCrory, Executive MBA Programme Director and Senior Lecturer in Management at Ulster University Business School, said the programme is designed to equip leaders with the mindset and tools needed for a rapidly evolving business landscape.
“This is about more than gaining a qualification – it’s about challenging how leaders think, make decisions and influence change.
“We work with experienced professionals who are already operating at senior levels and help them step back, see the bigger picture and lead with greater confidence, clarity and purpose. The impact is not just personal; it’s felt across their organisations and sectors.”
A panel of business leaders and Executive MBA graduates shared their experiences of the programme and reflected on how it has influenced their leadership approach and professional development.
Gavin Nelson, Managing Director of Third Sector Connect, said the learning experience has strengthened his ability to lead with purpose in the voluntary and community sector.
“The third sector operates in a space where resources are limited but expectations are high. The programme helped me sharpen my strategic focus and better articulate impact – not just organisationally, but socially.
“It reinforced the importance of values-driven leadership and gave me the tools to build partnerships, influence policy and support sustainable growth in the communities we serve.”
Ian Russell, Head of Private Banking at Danske Bank, said the experience strengthened his ability to lead in a complex financial environment.
“Banking is evolving at pace – regulation, digital transformation and customer expectations are constantly shifting. The Executive MBA gave me the strategic framework to step back from the day-to-day and make more informed, long-term decisions.
“It challenged my thinking, broadened my perspective and connected me with leaders from different sectors, which has been invaluable in shaping how I lead teams and serve clients.”
Gail Troughton, Head of Logistics and Fleet Procurement at C&C Group, highlighted the practical impact of the programme on operational leadership.
“In a logistics and supply chain environment, decisions have immediate and visible consequences. The learning gave me the confidence to think more strategically, communicate with influence and drive change across complex operations.
“It also provided a space to reflect on my own leadership style and develop the resilience needed to lead through uncertainty and transformation.”
The discussion reflected a broader theme of leadership development and employability, with speakers emphasising the importance of continuous learning for professionals navigating increasingly complex roles.
By bringing together leaders from diverse sectors, the programme creates opportunities for knowledge exchange, collaboration and professional growth, supporting participants to apply academic insight directly to live organisational contexts.
The event formed part of Ulster University Business School’s ongoing engagement with industry and prospective students ahead of the next EMBA intake in September 2026, offering insight into how postgraduate study can support career progression, leadership development and organisational impact.
To find out more about the Executive MBA (Master of Business Administration), visit:
ulster.ac.uk/courses/202526/executive-mba-master-of-business-administration-36816