Sisters Advance Careers with Leadership and Management Degree Built on Professional Experience

Nwakaego Peace Elumese and Lizzy Jest Esienna and are two sisters who have embraced the opportunity to study for a degree in Leadership and Management based on their professional experiences.

Graduating with the BA in Leadership and Management Skills for the Workplace at UWTSD London campus this summer they have both now begun their Masters’ degrees in International Business.

Nwakaego had already started her own fashion brand before starting the course and Lizzy had worked extensively within the beauty industry.  Both credit their background which is rooted in creativity, entrepreneurship and leadership, for their passion for  business and their desire to keep learning. 

Nwakaego says:  “I have always had a passion for business which led me to start my own fashion brand called William & Whitney London. At the same time, I have worked within structured organisations, gaining experience in team management and business operations.”

“I chose to study Leadership and Management because I knew that to truly scale my business and grow within any organisation, I needed to strengthen my strategic thinking, people management, and decision-making skills. I wanted a course that would equip me to lead effectively—whether I am heading my own company or contributing within a larger corporate team”.

Lizzy adds: “Before joining the course, my background was mainly in the beauty industry but I’ve always been interested in business and growth and wanted to learn more so that I can ultimately work as a business analyst”. 

Nwakaego’s goal was to become a more confident and capable leader; someone who can inspire teams, make sound decisions, and handle complex business environments.  She says: “I wanted to take what I have learned and apply it not only to grow my brand sustainably but also to add more value in the organisations I work within. I am aiming to be versatile: a strong entrepreneur and a high-impact professional”.

Although they didn’t always study the same modules, the sisters supported each other to balance the demands of the course as well as their professional and personal commitments. They constantly exchanged ideas, motivated each other, and acted as accountability partners which, they say, made the journey more enriching.

They advocate that the most valuable aspects of the course were the real-world case studies, leadership simulations, and interactive group projects. 

Nwakaego says:  “I particularly enjoyed working with people from different industries, which gave me fresh perspectives I could apply to fashion and business. Also, the modules on emotional intelligence and change management were transformative, both professionally and personally”.

Lizzy adds:  “I really enjoyed studying financial management, marketing and the business context and learning about international licencing and how human capital impacts on business success.  I feel that these have enabled me to develop my knowledge and understanding and make progress in my career journey.  It has really contributed to shaping my understanding of the structure of my own business, Liz Beauty and Events”. 

The course enabled the sisters to apply their professional experience.  Nwakaego explains:  “I combined my coursework with practical experience by using my fashion brand as a business case throughout the programme. I also took part in a leadership development project through my workplace, where I led a team in a process improvement initiative. These hands-on experiences allowed me to apply classroom theories in real-time”.

Nwakaego found that balancing academic responsibilities with managing her fashion brand and working professionally was a major challenge. Time management, discipline, and setting clear priorities became essential.  She also learned to ask for support when needed and became more comfortable delegating tasks in her business—something  she says that made her a better leader.

Both Nwakaego and Lizzy would recommend the course as it has provided them with the knowledge and skills needed for today’s business environment but also it has provided the platform from which to make progress in their careers.   

Nwakaego says: “Leadership and Management is a versatile course that prepares you for any industry. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a team leader, or someone aiming for executive roles, the knowledge, and skills you gain are universally applicable. It gives you both the mindset and the tools to grow.

 “It has changed the way I manage my brand and how I interact in workplace teams. I feel more confident leading discussions, planning strategies, and handling challenges. Personally, I’ve grown in self-awareness, which has helped me become more grounded and resilient.

“My goal is twofold: I want to continue scaling my fashion brand—expanding its reach and introducing more innovative, sustainable practices—and to grow within the organisation I am part of. I am aiming for leadership roles where I can contribute to meaningful change and help teams thrive. I am not choosing between entrepreneurship and career growth—I am committed to doing both with purpose”.

Both sisters are now studying the MBA International Business at the University’s London campus, aimed at those who aspire to work in international business and are interested in learning about global market trends and how businesses operate across different regions.  The course covers key areas such as business management, business development, and entrepreneurship, allowing students to develop both practical business knowledge and an analytical understanding of how global businesses function.

Further Information

Eleri Beynon

Head
Corporate Communications and PR
Email: e.beynon@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone: 01267 676790