Leadership isn’t always a position it’s often a process.
And for many, it begins with a choice.
Some leaders are thrust into action by the force of circumstance. Others choose to step into leadership by surrounding themselves with the right people, mentors, and challenges.
Consider the story of Ibrahim Traoré, a trained geologist and soldier who, at the age of 34, became the interim president of Burkina Faso. His leadership wasn’t the product of a classroom or case study—it was born out of crisis. And in that crucible, he rose to lead a nation through uncertainty.
But there’s another kind of leadership journey: one that’s designed. That’s where institutions like UWS London come in with programs like the MBA in Leadership, which create a structured ecosystem where leadership growth is intentional, collaborative, and accelerated.
Both are valid. Both are powerful. This article explores the two and why choosing your path might be the best form of preparation you can make.
Leadership Forged in Crisis: The Story of Ibrahim Traoré
Captain Ibrahim Traoré’s ascent to leadership is a compelling example of how individuals can rise to the occasion during national turmoil.
Born on March 14, 1988, in Bondokuy, Burkina Faso, Traoré studied geology at the University of Ouagadougou, where he was already recognized as a student leader, standing up for his peers’ rights. In 2009, he joined the Burkinabé army and trained in Morocco, later participating in UN peacekeeping missions in Mali and anti-insurgency operations back home.
Frustrated with equipment shortages, unpaid salaries, and growing national insecurity, Traoré led a coup on September 30, 2022, ousting the then-interim president. At just 34, he became the youngest head of state in the world, stepping into power as interim President of Burkina Faso.
Since taking office, Traoré has emphasized national sovereignty, pushed back against external influence, and expanded local defense forces. He has also sought new international alliances with countries like Russia and Turkey.
While supporters see him as a pragmatic, youthful figure of resistance and hope, critics warn of shrinking civic space and a delayed return to civilian rule. Regardless of where you stand, Traoré’s rise illustrates how leadership can emerge not from choice—but from crisis.
His journey reminds us that while some leaders are prepared by events, others can prepare before events unfold. That’s the contrast we explore in this article: leadership forged in chaos versus leadership cultivated by design.
What Leadership Demands—No Matter the Path
Whether learned through crisis or cultivated by design, leadership requires:
- The ability to inspire action under pressure
- The clarity to communicate through uncertainty
- The emotional intelligence to manage diverse people
- The resilience to stand firm when others hesitate
Great leaders don’t just emerge. They evolve—either by being tested, or by training.
UWS London’s MBA in Leadership is for those who want to be ready before life demands it.
The UWS MBA in Leadership: Growth by Design
At UWS London, leadership is not left to chance. The MBA in Leadership builds you into a decision-maker who is both ethically grounded and strategically sharp.
What You’ll Learn:
- Strategic decision-making and ethical leadership
- Crisis management and stakeholder communication
- Organizational transformation and team development
- Leading across cultures and sectors
- Vision setting, execution, and influence
And it’s not just about lectures. You’ll engage with live case studies, group projects, faculty mentorship, and peers from around the world. It’s leadership in action, in a city where global challenges and opportunities meet.
Crisis vs. Ecosystem: Two Ways to Evolve
Ibrahim Traoré’s leadership was forged in fire. He had no mentor group, no leadership lab—just the weight of expectation and the urgency of national crisis.
The MBA at UWS London offers the opposite—but equally powerful—path: an intentional ecosystem.
You’re surrounded by other ambitious professionals, guided by expert faculty, and challenged by real-world simulations designed to make you think, act, and grow.
It’s the difference between learning to swim during a storm—or in a pool with a coach.
Some of the strongest leaders we know have come from both. But one gives you control over your pace, your tools, and your journey.
Who Should Apply?
This MBA is for you if:
- You’re transitioning into leadership from a technical or specialist background
- You’re managing teams but want to lead with more strategy and influence
- You’re an entrepreneur building a team and culture from scratch
- You’ve led through crisis and want to refine your approach with structured insight
- You believe leadership is a craft—and you’re ready to master it
It’s also ideal for public servants, nonprofit directors, and military professionals preparing for high-impact civilian roles.
Where It Leads: Real Career Outcomes
Graduates of the MBA in Leadership go on to become:
- Country managers and strategy heads at multinational firms
- Founders and CEOs of mission-driven startups
- Government policy advisors and program directors
- Organizational change consultants in corporate or NGO environments
- Leadership trainers and consultants
Because this program blends theory with practice, it equips you to lead in any setting—business, public service, or global development.
Alumni Impact: Leading Across Sectors
The value of this program is reflected in what UWS Leadership graduates go on to achieve.
- A former humanitarian coordinator from Nigeria used the MBA to transition into a UN leadership role focusing on disaster response.
- A UWS alum from India launched a public-sector consultancy to help local governments with digital transformation.
- Another graduate, with a background in hospitality, became a diversity and inclusion manager for a multinational brand in London.
These aren’t one-off success stories. They show that when leadership development is intentional, it opens doors to purposeful careers—not just promotions.
What Makes the Learning Environment So Powerful?
The UWS MBA in Leadership isn’t just about classes—it’s about community and context.
Here’s what sets the environment apart:
- Collaborative learning with peers from over 40 countries
- Faculty with both academic and industry experience
- Group challenges and simulations to test strategic thinking
- Leadership diagnostics and personal development tools
This isn’t about memorizing leadership quotes—it’s about practicing leadership in real time, in a safe and supportive space.
What Our Students Say
Many UWS MBA graduates come from high-pressure careers—finance, tech, education, even frontline services.
They often say the same thing:
“This was the first time I had space to think about leadership—before I had to live it.”
And that’s exactly the point of the program.
Leadership Is Universal But So Are the Challenges
Whether in Burkina Faso, Brazil, or Britain, the need for thoughtful, prepared leadership is global.
By using real-world examples like Ibrahim Traoré, we don’t endorse political outcomes—we highlight that leadership is a response to responsibility. What matters is how that responsibility is carried out—and how prepared we are when it arrives.
That’s where education becomes more than a degree. It becomes preparation.
Final Word: Lead by Force or by Foresight
Ibrahim Traoré didn’t ask to become a leader. But when his country demanded it, he rose to the occasion.
At UWS, you don’t need a revolution to become a leader.
You need the right space, structure, and support to grow into one—before the pressure hits.
There are two ways to lead: when life forces you to, or when you choose to.
This MBA is for those who choose.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I apply without formal leadership experience?
Yes. If you’re stepping into leadership or managing people informally, this program helps bridge that gap.
Q: Is the course full-time only?
UWS London typically offers the MBA in Leadership as a full-time program. Check their admissions page for intake options and delivery format.
Q: Is this only for corporate leaders?
No. This course is designed for professionals across sectors—corporate, nonprofit, public, and entrepreneurial.
Q: What support does UWS provide?
Academic mentorship, career services, and access to an international peer network.
Q: Will I get to work on real-world problems?
Yes. The program includes case-based learning, live challenges, and peer collaboration with students from different sectors.
