Introducing 2024 MBA Classes: Ori Stern, London Business School

“I am a team player who admires professionalism and efficiency and is always looking for added value.”

home town: Kibbutz Ravi, Israel

Facts about yourself: Worked as a cowboy for most of his teenage years.

Faculty/Major: BA in Economics and Social Sciences

Recent Employers and Positions: Sourcing Manager at Viola Ventures

What makes London the best place to get an MBA degree? London is an exciting city with endless possibilities and opportunities and one of the most diverse cities in the world. London’s rich tapestry of people and culture make it truly unique. Add to that the fact that London is a key strategic global business hub, and London is an excellent environment for shaping the next generation of business leaders.

London Business School is one of the most culturally and professionally diverse MBA programs in the world. How will these global perspectives add value to business education in the next two years? We hope that the diversity of LBS will open you up to new ideas, areas and opportunities you never knew or thought of before. Israel is a culturally and ethnically diverse country, so we know the value that different backgrounds and perspectives bring to our team, and we want to develop our understanding of other cultures and industries. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to meet people from all over the world and understand which attributes are global and which are local. there is no doubt about it.

Apart from classmates and places, What were the key parts of the London Business School MBA program that led you to choose this business school? Why was it important? The flexibility of the LBS program and the many opportunities to work with leading business organisations, such as those participating in the LondonCAP (London Core Application Practicum), make this program a great combination of theory and practice to help me pursue my goals. A perfect combination of

What courses, clubs and activities in London Business School are most intriguing? I can’t wait to join the Global Business Experience course! In these courses, LBS students travel to various destinations around the world and learn first-hand about the specific industries and unique ecosystems of those countries. I am especially looking forward to visiting Stockholm to learn about sustainability and innovation.

What has been your greatest accomplishment in your career so far? I was promoted to lead a department that was underperforming and experiencing many difficulties. 80% of employees want to retire! I was entrusted with an overhaul. The first thing I did was redefine the department’s core values, create a vision and set clear goals. Built a recruitment and retention program that tripled the number of applications and increased employee retention to 90%. It also created a new management training program that later became the flagship program for all departments. The biggest achievement was regaining the trust of management and the board, and was able to quadruple the department’s budget, which was invested in research and development, new markets and partnerships.

What have you read, seen, or heard recently that you would strongly recommend to an aspiring MBA? Why? recently reread almanac By Navy Ravicant. The book is a collection of excerpts from Twitter, podcasts, and essays that detail the infinite wisdom of the Navy. He puts them all together in his excellent Guide to Wealth and Happiness. I find this book not only inspiring but also very practical with lots of tips on life and business skills.

What made you want to pursue an MBA at this point and what do you want to do after graduation? After working in the same field for several years as an analyst, product manager, brand manager and department manager, I gradually came to understand that I wanted to change the industry and try a new kind of business. My ultimate goal is to build my own. I hope my MBA experience will bring me new opportunities and provide me with business and leadership skills that will help me on my journey.

What advice would you give to potential applicants to help them get into the MBA program at London Business School? Whether you’re accepted into an LBS or not, the path to an MBA is challenging and can teach you a lot about yourself, your abilities, and your future goals. Either way, I believe it’s worth it.