Dr. Diana Esther Wangari, Oxford MBA Class of 2020
Age: 27
Hometown: Nairobi, Kenya
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Medicine and Surgery at University of Nairobi
Pre-MBA Work Experience (years, industry): 4 years, Healthcare Administration
Why business school? Why now?
I am the CEO and co-founder of Checkups Medical Centre in Kenya. Checkups Medical Centres utilizes an in-house developed technology, iSikCure; to provide access to rapid diagnostics, consultation and last mile drug distribution through its delivery services both in urban and rural areas.
As we look to scale our rapid outpatient diagnostic and treatment model into the Eastern Africa region, we would be looking to build grow our human talent and raise capital. Business school was the next logical step…if we are to achieve mass scale impact.
Why Oxford? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
As an entrepreneur, it was important for our business to have social impact. But more importantly, we wanted to create a sustainable business model and break out of the “impact driven enterprises should not generate a profit” mould.
Saïd Business School is know for developing purpose driven leaders through its impact driven approach. I could not think of a better place to not only learn but embark on a journey to “reconstruct the face of social entrepreneurship.”
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to the Class of 2020?
It is not easy starting your own business, anyone can tell you that. It is even harder as a female entrepreneur who is looking to raise capital. But it can be done and has been done. I look forward to sharing insights with other classmates who think it’s “too hard” or “impossible.”
Fun fact that didn’t get included on your application?
I adopted an elephant. It was rescued from the wild and now stays in an orphanage. It’s part of my little contribution to wildlife conservation.
Post-MBA career interests?
Go back to my business of course and take over Africa!
Advice to current prospective applicants:
–One thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
I would definitely attend the experience weekend again, it’s one thing to read or imagine Oxford…it’s another to experience it. After setting foot at Saïd Business School, there was no doubt in my mind.
–One thing you would change or do differently?
Looking back, I should have done a better job engaging the faculty during application because it turns out they are quite open and ready to support.
–Part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I think I would have skipped the obsessive part where I read through the website and articles in and out ‘just in case’ I missed out on “anything.” In the end, it’s not what is on the website that gets you in.
What is your initial impression of Oxford’s students/culture/community?
The Oxford community is more supportive than I had initially envisioned; you are not limited by what school or college you attend. And it’s also this mystical place.
One thing you have learned about Oxford that has surprised you?
There is a dress code when sitting for exams!
Thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Striking a good balance between the academic and the extra-curriculum because from what I hear there’s always something new in Oxford.
Thing you are most excited about in your first year?
My classmates; building friendships and networks.
