Leeland Mgiba’s MBA journey at Business School Netherlands (BSN) is a tale of more than personal success—it’s a story of transformative impact in his professional life and broader community. With a spirit fired by dedication and a deep desire to effect change, Leeland’s experience shows how an MBA can become a catalyst for broad societal transformation.
Motivation for Pursuing an MBA
It all started with a chance visit to BSN’s Cape Town office. The warm welcome Leeland received from the Director, Juanita, and her team sealed his decision. “Their friendliness was so genuine, I immediately knew this was where I needed to be to grow,” Leeland recalls. His drive to pursue an MBA was fuelled by a desire to uplift his professional skills and inspire his daughters, demonstrating how education can lead to substantial, transformative outcomes.
Leeland was particularly captivated by BSN’s commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and its pioneering Action Learning methodology. A casual chat at a braai with a friend about BSN’s vision piqued his interest further. “The school’s ethos of creating a sustainable and just world resonates deeply with my own values and professional aspirations,” he explains.
The Learning Experience
Entering the MBA programme, Leeland initially grappled with anxiety and uncertainty—a common challenge for many new students. However, the supportive environment at BSN quickly allayed his fears. “There’s a myth that those pursuing an MBA know it all. The vibrant discussions during orientation revealed it’s about ordinary individuals striving for extraordinary outcomes,” he shares.
Workshops in Human Resource Management, Strategic Management, and Operations Management opened new vistas of knowledge for Leeland. Strategic Management, in particular, taught him the criticality of process and evaluation. “I used to rush into solutions. This programme taught me the value of thoroughly weighing all possibilities first,” he notes.
Action Learning Project (ALP)
A key component of Leeland’s MBA was his Action Learning Project (ALP), aimed at enhancing consultant retention and performance in his direct sales company. He devised a comprehensive strategy involving personalised coaching, targeted training workshops, and incentivisation programmes. These initiatives, based on deep analysis of consultant turnover and feedback, markedly boosted satisfaction and performance.
“This project was crucial in honing my skills in problem-solving and strategic thinking, allowing me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges effectively,” Leeland reflects.
Impact on the Organisation
The changes Leeland introduced had a significant impact. The introduction of personalised coaching and targeted training not only uplifted consultant performance but also cultivated a culture of continuous improvement and support, enhancing engagement and building a more resilient sales team.
Broader Community Impact
Leeland’s efforts reached beyond his organisation, especially benefiting self-employed female consultants. The coaching programmes empowered these women to enhance their sales skills and entrepreneurial capabilities, boosting their earnings and enabling them to support their families more effectively. “The feedback has been incredibly positive, with consultants feeling more empowered and committed to their roles,” Leeland notes.
Personal and Professional Growth
The MBA journey has been transformative for Leeland, enriching his perspectives and professional abilities. Recently promoted to Retail Expansion Specialist, he now focuses on strategic planning and market analysis to expand his organisation’s retail presence across Africa. “My role demands a proactive strategy and the MBA has equipped me perfectly for this,” he explains.
A Journey of Transformation
Leeland Mgiba’s MBA at BSN exemplifies the transformative power of education. His commitment to applying what he has learned continues to enhance his professional capabilities and make a significant impact on his community. As Leeland progresses towards graduation, his journey is a testament to the enduring value of an MBA in fostering personal and societal growth.
We look forward to witnessing more of Leeland’s achievements as he continues to embody the principles of Action Learning and lead change in his sector.
