Meet Oxford Saïd’s Inaugural Class Of Future Leader Scholars

Growing up in Cameroon in Central Africa, Laurinda Tchouanga saw first-hand the unequal impacts of climate change. Many African countries are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of a warming planet, despite being among the lowest contributors of global emissions.

“This reality drives me to build expertise at the intersection of business and sustainability, so I can contribute to solutions that not only address environmental challenges but also support economic resilience in regions that need it most,” says Tchouanga, a Class of 2025 MBA candidate at University of Oxford Saïd Business School.

She wanted an MBA to leverage her engineering background into driving change at the intersection of business and sustainability. She chose Saïd for its focus on sustainability and global impact, its close ties to Africa, and its diverse and engaged community.

“These three elements made it the perfect fit for me to build the skills and network I need to make a real impact,” she tells Poets&Quants.

Tchouanga is one of 29 inaugural recipients of Oxford Saïd’s Future Leaders Scholarship, an award made possible by a record-breaking donation from the school’s founding benefactor, Wafic Saïd.

LARGEST GIFT IN OXFORD SAÏD HISTORY

The £10 million gift from Wafic Saïd and the Saïd Foundation is the business school’s largest single donation in its history. Worth up to £40,000, the scholarship will be awarded to up to 50 Saïd MBAs per year.

This fall, the school welcomed the first cohort of 29 scholars, half of whom are women. They come from 15 countries, including Ghana, Singapore, Vietnam, and several across the United Kingdom and Europe. They arrive with standout accomplishments across a range of industries and are already making their mark during their first term.

The Future Leaders Scholarship aspires to elevate the school’s international reputation by supporting students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, and global impact.

“The primary focus of my philanthropy is investing in talent through Higher Education. I am interested in its huge power to transform the life opportunities of individual students; and through them, as its agents of change, organisations, businesses and societies, finding solutions to the world’s problems,” Wafic Saïd says in a release. He is founder of Saïd Holdings Limited, a privately-held international investment company. He is also the founding benefactor of Saïd Business School as well as founder and Chairman of the Saïd Foundation, a charity serving children and talented young people from Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine.

MEET THE SCHOLARS

This year’s scholars represent sectors ranging from energy to journalism to social enterprise.

Julia Schnelting, a former McKinsey consultant and first-generation college student from Germany, is using her MBA to sharpen her leadership and financial skills before returning to consulting and ultimately transitioning into industry leadership.

Jose F. C. Hong, an environmentalist from Singapore and former journalist, hopes to manage global food supply chains in a way that protects the planet.

Nathaniel (Unathi) Harding has more than seven years of experience in social impact strategy and operations. As an Oxford Black Leaders Scholar, he will focus on launching Spark: The Global Flourishing Foundations Course – an education startup focused on key social impact goals such as the UN SDGs.

“While most of the leaders I’ve worked with are clear about the problems they want to solve in the world, few have articulated a clear vision for a world we desire,” he tells P&Q.

Below and on the following pages, we profile four of Oxford Saïd’s exceptional Future Leaders Scholars. Learn more about the scholarship here.

Julia Schnelting

MBA class year: 2025
Hometown/ Home Country: Essen, Germany

I grew up in Germany with my sister, surrounded by a supportive family that always encouraged my curiosity and ambitions. Growing up in a family of technical professionals, I developed a natural interest in engineering and technology. I was the first in my family to earn a university degree, focusing on both engineering and business, as I found the intersection of these fields fascinating. I did competitive rowing for many years and spent two years rowing at a U.S. university. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, skiing, and CrossFit.

Summary of your professional background prior to MBA:

With my background in industrial engineering, holding both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Sales Engineering and Product Management, I began my career in product management at a German mining plant manufacturer, before transitioning to consulting. I joined McKinsey & Company, where I focused on technology and energy-heavy industries across diverse global markets.

Why did you pursue an MBA?

I hope to improve my managerial skills, which will help me become a more confident team leader and effective thought partner for clients. These skills are crucial for successful leadership in an industrial company later in my career. My current role requires a combination of technical and basic managerial skills, but I recognize that my colleagues in leadership positions have deeper managerial knowledge. Many of them gained this expertise through an MBA, which is why I decided to pursue one myself.

Additionally, I aim to gain a stronger understanding of corporate finance, financial markets, and related topics, which are essential for making informed business decisions. I also hope to further develop my personality, gaining greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence to lead more effectively and connect better with teams.

Why did you choose Oxford Saïd’s MBA?

I have chosen the Oxford Saïd MBA for its unique one-year format, which offers an intensive, fast-paced learning experience that aligns with my goal of quickly acquiring the skills needed for leadership in my field. The program’s combination of excellent academics and exposure to a diverse, international cohort also impressed me.

Additionally, being part of the wider Oxford University system seemed like a unique possibility for my as it provides access to a rich network of resources, expertise, and thought leadership extending beyond the MBA program itself.

What has been the hallmark of the experience so far?

The hallmark of my experience so far has been the Leadership Development Weekend, which allowed me to gain valuable insights into my leadership style and how to strengthen my approach. It provided an immersive environment where I could reflect on my strengths, receive constructive feedback, and connect with peers, ultimately refining my leadership skills in preparation for the challenges ahead

What has been the most valuable?

The most valuable aspect of my experience has been the insights gained from diverse research areas and professors, which have expanded my perspective, even within similar fields. I’ve also gained a great deal from extracurricular activities like the Generational Success Workshop Series and Distinguished Speaker Seminars, where I connected with thought leaders and peers. Ultimately, learning from the vast experiences of my fellow students has provided invaluable practical knowledge, shaping my approach to problem-solving and leadership.

What does the Oxford Saïd: Future Leaders’ Scholarship mean to you personally and to your ability to pursue an MBA?

The scholarship provides me with additional financial freedom to focus entirely on my MBA experience, allowing me to engage fully with the learning opportunities. This recognition of my professional achievements and accomplishments prior to the MBA is both humbling and motivating. It increased my commitment to contribute meaningfully to the program and to excel in my future career.

What leadership aspirations do you have for after the MBA program?

After completing my MBA, I aspire to take on first-team leadership roles in consulting, with the goal of eventually becoming a partner. In the long term, I aim to transition into leadership positions in industry, where I can leverage my technical background and consulting experience to make strategic decisions and foster successful change.

What are you most looking forward to in the next term of your program?

In the next term of my program, I’m looking forward to taking more elective courses in finance, as they’ve been helpful and have provided great learning opportunities. I’m also excited to compete at MBATs with my cohort and to participate in more interesting extracurricular workshops as well as speaker events. Another great event will be Summer Eights in which I will participate with my college team. And last but not least, I am hoping to get to enjoy Oxford in some warmer weather.

What is next for you?

I’m considering to pursuing a PhD in a related field right after the MBA. Then, I plan to return to McKinsey & Company as a Senior Associate, where I will focus on sustainability issues in technology-heavy and energy-intensive industries.

NEXT PAGE: Nathaniel (Unathi) Harding