The journey toward an MBA is often described as transformative – an experience that shapes not only professional competencies but also brings profound personal growth; and this was certainly the case for Henley MBA graduate Pregasen Moodley, who says he came out on the other side transformed in ways he hadn’t expected.
‘The Henley MBA prepared me for something bigger,’ he says.
Walking into the MBA, Pregasen brought years of technical expertise and a career that had already propelled him into senior management. Like many executives, his motivation wasn’t a simple climb up the corporate ladder. Rather, he was looking for something less tangible yet infinitely more valuable: versatility. ‘For me, the MBA was more about making me a better, more well-rounded professional than a tool for career progression within an organisation,’ he says.
He often discussed his decision with his children, comparing the MBA to other master’s programmes. While a master’s in commerce or information technology might deepen knowledge within a specialised domain, the MBA, he explained, delivered a ‘very broad understanding of everything related to both managing a business and starting a business.’ It was exactly this breadth that became a catalyst for him – a reason to push his own boundaries, to see what new ventures he could envision with his expanded skill set.
At the time, Pregasen was working at the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), embedded in the IT department, but soon after starting his studies, his career began to change shape. It evolved beyond its technical roots, steering him into the world of operations management, new business establishment, and overseeing the creation of subsidiaries. He became the Head of Operations, tasked with the considerable responsibility of establishing South Africa’s deposit insurance scheme – a wholly owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank and a separate legal entity. It was an assignment that tested every aspect of his developing skill set: finance, strategy, HR, and legal frameworks. Through it all, he found that what he learned at Henley directly applied to each new challenge, helping him navigate the complex process with greater confidence and agility.
Yet, those professional demands did not come without cost. As his responsibilities grew, so too did the complexity of balancing work, studies, and a young family. ‘I was unable to complete the MBA within 30 months – I think it took me twice as long,’ he says. But what stood out about his experience at Henley was the school’s empathy and understanding. When professional pressures mounted, he reached out to Henley’s administrators. They listened. They didn’t press him to fit the conventional mould. Instead, they offered flexibility, giving him the space to meet his professional obligations and continue his studies on his own terms. This support proved invaluable, particularly during the most challenging period of his life. ‘I was able to live life through the MBA, and I was able to grow through the programme,’ he says.
No one could have predicted the tumult that arrived with the COVID-19 pandemic. During this global crisis, Pregasen suffered a deeply personal loss, too: the passing of his father. ‘In the face of these new challenges, Henley was still incredibly understanding,’ he says. The school’s message was clear and compassionate: ‘We want you to finish this. We are not about putting you in the same box as every other student because each person’s path is different, and our goal is to ensure that you get everything you need from the programme and to help you reach the finish line.’
And reach the finish line he did. ‘The Henley MBA gives you the confidence to be bolder. I knew I didn’t want to remain in the corporate world, and the degree gave me the impetus to take steps to go it alone,’ he says. Post-MBA, armed with all the knowledge and experience he’d gained, he took the plunge and started his own business developing custom software solutions for banks and other financial institutions, paired with a consulting arm that helps these institutions in other ways.
In its first year, the venture has been ‘incredibly successful’, he says. Looking back, he acknowledges that the MBA was only partly about new knowledge or credentials. It became a narrative of resilience, growth, and new horizons. ‘The MBA journey made me reflect on where I started and helped me push to where I am right now,’ he says.
The quick Q&A
What are your passions in life?
My family is my number one passion, and I am super-focused on being the best possible parent to the two children I brought into this world. I’ve realised that being close to your children includes engaging in a way that makes sense to them, embracing what interests them. My secondary passion is exploring anything new. From new tech, to eating out at new restaurants, and meeting new people. These are things that excite me.
What do you do in your spare time?
I started gaming with my son when he was about 10 and found I really enjoyed it. I have a pretty fancy gaming setup at home and when I’m feeling stressed or I just want to be solitary and relax I’ll get on the computer and game for an hour or two. Right now I’m playing Fortnite.
Are you a reader?
I love reading because, much like gaming, it creates an escape for me. John Grisham is one of my favourite authors but of late I am reading different kinds of books, like biographies, and technical books on subjects like regulation and legislation. Right now I’m reading a book suggested to me by my wife – The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins, because of its philosophy around letting go of unnecessary stress.
What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
I would tell him to have more fun, but also to realise the importance of a good education and having a healthy, balanced outlook on life. I would tell him to start a business early (because they aren’t built overnight); to start thinking about how he can be the best version of himself, and to focus on his health from an early age.
What advice would you give to others considering doing an MBA at Henley?
There are a lot of MBAs out there, but you need to think beyond the qualification and consider the impact your studies are going to have on your life when choosing a school. Is it family friendly? Is it internationally recognised? Will you have access to international lecturers and the fresh perspectives they bring? Henley ticks all those boxes and works really hard to make sure you succeed.