Beyond the corner office

Career ambition is often seen as culminating in a gleaming corner office with a skyline view and power suit – the ultimate symbols of success. At least, that was the vision Michelle Bignall had in her mind when she embarked on her MBA journey; climb the corporate ladder, bag the top job, job done.

But life, and a Henley MBA, have a funny way of changing you. Today, with her MBA newly in hand, Michelle is less interested in titles and more focused on impact. As the Global Leadership Development Specialist at Smollan – a global company that connects brands, retailers and shoppers at the point of purchase – she’s passionate about unleashing the potential in others, leveraging technology to drive impactful learning and shaping leadership that truly makes a difference.

‘I’m passionate about unlocking potential, whether it’s in leaders, teams or even my dog, who still pretends not to understand “sit,”’ she says. 

‘In business, I thrive on designing experiences that create real impact. In life, I love learning, exploring different perspectives, and having conversations that make people pause and rethink.’ 

This is because people are at the heart of everything she does. Ensuring they have opportunities to grow, collaborate and excel not just a personal passion – it’s a business imperative. 

Having been fortunate enough to have her employer invest in her development, Michelle understands firsthand the power of learning to build both capability and loyalty. 

Before her MBA, she was ready to stretch her thinking, expand her knowledge and take on new challenges. A career coach’s words ignited a spark: ‘Do you have the ability to be in a C-suite or executive level?’ The coach pointed out the versatility of an MBA, its ability to open doors beyond HR into IT, marketing, and anywhere. Intrigued, she began researching, with her line manager’s blessing, and Henley quickly stood out.

What drew her in was the promise of practical learning with real-world application. The Henley MBA wasn’t just about the theory; it was about learning that could be applied immediately. In fact, the essence of the programme was about adapting the frameworks and theory to your own business context. This was a revelation. Models weren't static; they could be moulded and refined? To Michelle, it was the perfect fit.

‘If you're practically minded like me, this is the way to learn … Plus I realised I could transition to a new role without being stuck in my silo,’ she says. ‘Marketing, HR, anything! Suddenly, the world felt… vast.’

Equally important was Henely’s emphasis on support and flexibility. She'd seen MBAs break people, turn them into stressed-out husks. Henley, though? “Family-friendly” doesn't even begin to cover it, she says.

Halfway through her studies, tragedy struck – Michelle lost her mother. Yet the Henely community and support structures rallied around her, ensuring she could graduate – with distinction ‘nogal’.

‘They deserve a certificate too!’ she laughs, giving credit to her husband, who held the fort at home and gave her the space and encouragement she needed to knuckle down to the books and her colleagues at work, who stepped in during her absence. And the Henley faculty for their unwavering support.

While she’s excited now to take all that she’s learned over the past few years into the next phase of her life and career, Michelle says that right now, she’s taking a moment to pause and reflect.

‘The MBA isn’t a lightning bolt from the blue or a silver bullet. It’s a bit more subtle than that,’ she says. ‘It’s less about charging in to make change and more about gaining awareness and emotional depth and recognising what truly needs to change.’

Through this journey, she’s gained more than business acumen – she’s gained clarity, confidence and a renewed sense of purpose.

‘The degree really encouraged reflection, something I found I’d often neglected in the constant drive to execute. It taught me to question the status quo, embrace curiosity, and explore possibilities. I learned new techniques to stay calm in challenging situations, too.’

Michelle says that the process also encouraged her to focus more on her strengths, not just pick apart her weaknesses. ‘It's easy to get caught up in what we need to fix, but we often overlook the power of enhancing our strengths. In this process, I started to seek for more meaning in what I do, and I really reconnected with my deep desire to connect, really connect, with people and to be in a role that supports and grows people. 

Her journey with the Henley MBA shows how education can be more than just a career accelerator, it can be the spark that ignites personal transformation. What started as a pursuit of corporate success evolved into something much bigger: a deep commitment to unlocking potential, driving meaningful change, and recognising that the real power of leadership isn’t in the title, but in the daily commitment to making a difference. 

‘So much has changed in the world, in South Africa over the past few years, but most importantly, I have changed! Henley Business School has been an extraordinary part of this chapter. This experience was challenging and heartbreaking at times, but absolutely transformative. I am so proud to call myself a Henley alum.’ 

The quick Q&A

 1. What’s the biggest conversation in your industry right now?

The biggest conversation in retail right now, aside from the difficult economic conditions, is how to use generative AI in the retail space. From pricing and promotions to assortments and hyper-personalised loyalty programmes, there are so many opportunities around AI. But the bigger challenge when it comes to generative AI is how leaders actually integrate it into existing systems. At this point in time, I’m not sure that our leaders realise just how much our systems and cultures need to change in order to integrate AI effectively.

2. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Stop overthinking, start experimenting. Perfection is overrated, clarity comes from action. Oh, and buy Bitcoin!

3. What is the most meaningful book you have read recently?

The Culture Map by Erin Meyer. It’s been a game-changer in understanding how different cultures communicate, make decisions and lead. Given my global role, this book has helped me navigate cross-cultural dynamics more effectively and avoid some awkward misunderstandings.

4. What advice would you give others who aspire to a career with impact?

Find the intersection between what the world needs and what you love doing, then show up, consistently. Small, intentional actions create real change. And – don’t wait for permission to lead, impact starts with how you show up every day.