Every once in a while, a conversation reminds you why you chose this journey.
Hosting John Whitehead, a global energy strategist at Shell and an EMBA student at London Business School, was one of those moments.
It wasn’t just about careers or classrooms, it was about global experiences, humor, friendships, and the personal lessons that shape who we are as leaders.
What Stood Out
1. The people behind the programs
John reflected on his UCLA Anderson School of Management and London Business School experiences:
“I really enjoyed the time I spent on campus at UCLA… but what I’ll take most are the friendships. Lifelong friends, I’m hoping.”
That line stayed with me. It reminded me how much credit is due to the admin teams at both UCLA Anderson and LBS who work tirelessly to curate these cohorts. Their work doesn’t just create schedules, it creates communities that last a lifetime.
2. The fun side of student life
This episode had plenty of lighthearted moments.
John gave a big thumbs up to UCLA food (shoutout to Shelly Fraga 🙌).
A simple question about his name turned into a football story:
“I don’t support Liverpool, I support Tottenham. Being a Spurs fan is sort of like being a New York Jets fan… you feel like you’re on the team when they lose.”
Moments like these reminded me that no matter how serious our careers, it’s the humor and stories that connect us as people.
3. The bittersweet reality of endings
John shared:
“I only have one more elective left… it’s a little bittersweet, but there will be many more trips to see my friends over there. Lifelong friends, I’m hoping.”
What struck me most was how he spoke about his Group 3 and the classmates who have become close friends. He didn’t see the end of the EMBA as a goodbye, but as the start of a lifelong circle of friendships he would keep meeting regularly.
Too often we think of programs as finite, but John reminded me that the relationships are the part that truly live on.
4. Lessons that stay with you
One of the most powerful moments was when John shared advice from his father:
💡 “My dad always said, no matter who you are, always take time to sit down and have lunch with people. That’s how you learn who they really are.”
That struck me deeply. In a world where it’s easy to rush through, that reminder to pause, share a meal, and connect resonated with me.
I told John that in many ways, these conversations are my version of that lunch table, an opportunity to slow down and hear the stories that don’t always show up on resumes or LinkedIn profiles.
5. The similarities that matter
What surprised me most in this cross-campus exchange was how similar our experiences really are:
At UCLA Anderson School of Management and London Business School, group projects bring the same late nights, the same debates, and the same eventual laughter.
Both schools foster diversity that challenges us to lead with openness and adaptability.
Whether in London or Los Angeles, we’re all learning to balance school, work, and family, and realizing that leadership is as much about empathy as it is about strategy.
And then there was John’s shout-out to Professor Gonzalo Freixes, a reminder of how great faculty leave a mark not only through teaching, but through the personal impact they make on students.
The accents, food, and weather may differ, but the MBA journey, and the friendships it creates, feel universal.
Why This Matters
Cross-campus exchanges like this remind me of the power of dialogue.
When we share stories, about projects, professors, food, football, or even fatherly advice, we discover common ground and build connections that make our journeys richer.
For me, this was the first UCLA–LBS crossover, but I hope it won’t be the last. There’s so much we can learn from each other’s campuses, cultures, and approaches to leadership.
🙏 Thank You
To John Whitehead , for being open, funny, and thoughtful.
To his Group 3 and the friends he named, you are part of the reason these programs are life-changing.
To Professor Gonzalo Freixes , for leaving an imprint that students carry beyond the classroom.
To the UCLA Anderson School of Management and London Business School admin teams, for shaping the communities that make conversations like this possible.
And to classmates and peers everywhere, let’s keep finding ways to bridge campuses and share our journeys.
My Takeaways
Global learning doesn’t just happen in classrooms, it happens in the stories we swap.
Cohorts, professors, and admin teams shape us in ways we’ll carry for life.
Friendships outlast programs, they’re the real ROI.
So who’s next, from LBS, UCLA, or beyond, to join the conversation?
🔗https://open.spotify.com/episode/2FJq6FJPeP01XpLgB82ZhA
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