3 ways an Executive MBA can empower women in business

Trina Das has never subscribed to the notion that women aren’t suited for senior leadership. In fact, she has steadfastly believed that women can do anything, and her impressive career trajectory in the healthcare sector has proven that—and more.

To support her ambitions, she recently completed an Executive MBA (EMBA), an impactful tool for professionals looking to enhance their leadership skills, expand their networks, and thrive in the corporate world.

BusinessBecause spoke to Trina about the three ways the program empowers women in business.

1. An Executive MBA can help women build their confidence in business 

When Trina set out on the path to an EMBA, she had her sights set firmly on HEC Paris.

“HEC Paris is prestigious: The school combines academic excellence, a strong alumni network and a progressive mindset embracing diversity and sustainability,” she says.

Trina, who is originally from India, began her career as a PhD in life sciences before pivoting to healthcare consulting. She envisioned early on to move into a senior leadership position in healthcare.

Healthcare leadership has traditionally been a male-dominated realm, with women making up only 32% of C-suite executives, according to McKinsey. The disparity is even greater for women of color, who hold just 4% of these roles.  

The EMBA program presented Trina with the opportunity to build a strong foundation in business, develop leadership skills, and to navigate strategic decision-making.

Confidence comes from believing in yourself and your capabilities. The EMBA made me feel better prepared to overcome challenges and achieve my goals. 

The 18-month EMBA program at HEC Paris offers core courses in Impactful Leadership and Inspiring Diverse Teams, alongside business-focused courses in Corporate Finance and Digital Transformation.

The program also offers several customizable specializations, including courses on ‘Test your Startup Project’ in Paris and Silicon Valley or Healthcare Management and Policy in New York and Doha.

Trina adds that she needed a program that would allow her to juggle both her professional career and personal responsibilities. The HEC Paris EMBA offers four different part-time formats, benefiting students who require flexibility.

2. An Executive MBA can help women pivot to senior leadership roles 

Coming from an academic background, Trina wanted to deepen her understanding of business organizations before she could confidently move into a senior leadership position in healthcare.

“I wanted to develop a clear vision of myself as a leader” she says.

"The capstone project is a core part of the EMBA program, and I focused on how and why to encourage female STEM graduates to become entrepreneurs."

She says some of her most valuable learnings from the project were about overcoming internal challenges such as leaving the comfort zone and tackling imposter syndrome.

"I have lived and worked on four continents, started a family abroad, and navigated career transitions. If I hadn’t stepped out of my comfort zone, I would have missed valuable opportunities to grow!

“Women lack role models in leadership and entrepreneurial roles,” she says, adding that the difficulties of raising a family while becoming a business leader can cause increased pressure.

Trina believes that embracing a risk-taking mindset is essential to bringing ideas further and creating impact, which is something the EMBA program instilled in her. The best idea has no value, if sitting on a dusty shelf.

“As a woman of color without generational wealth or network, it’s tough but not impossible to achieve your ambitions. You need to be willing to take the extra mile to unlock your real potential.”

Trina is now the director of medical strategy at global healthcare firm Alira Health in Germany.

She says women in STEM possess the knowledge to create innovation, but they lack the confidence to turn this into an impactful reality—this is where Executive MBA programs can help.

3. Executive MBA programs can help women build a strong business network 

While Trina believes that no training can prepare you for a specific role or leadership position, she says she benefited from the diverse perspectives of her peers in the EMBA program.

“You gain an insight into different perspectives and life experiences, which you might have never thought about.”

There are typically around 60 different nationalities represented on the EMBA program, bringing an average of 15 years of professional experience.

The HEC Paris alumni network is 80,000-strong.

“The network is indispensable for lifelong learning,” she says, noting that being able to exchange with peers, professors, and alumni helps women feel they are not alone in their pursuits.

Trina says that collective action with an interdisciplinary approach is especially important in healthcare leadership. Combining the efforts of different teams in a meaningful way is crucial for success. 

“Your role involves making lifesaving drugs available for the patient—your key stakeholder—it’s a big goal.

“The role of a leader is to listen to your team, know their capabilities, and make the best decisions to align them with the company’s mission and vision," she says.

When it comes to whether Trina recommends the EMBA to aspiring female business leaders, she offers some advice: “Make it clear to yourself, what are your personal and professional goals, and how can an MBA program address these? It will be a challenging journey ahead but it has the power to transform you.

“Choose a program that will best fit your personal needs, your personal situation, and professional growth,” she concludes.