SP JAIN GLOBAL BLOGS

A year ago, I was standing at a crossroads.

Professionally, I was doing well handling responsibilities, managing teams, and delivering results. But deep down, I knew there was more. I wanted to think more strategically, lead more confidently, and understand the bigger picture beyond the day-to-day operations.

Every once in a while, you meet someone whose energy fills up a room even before they say a word. Maitri Somaia is one of those people. A full-time mom, a part-time (but very in-demand) events emcee, and a professional who has spent more than two decades in Abu Dhabi, Maitri brings a rare blend of warmth, wit, discipline, and creative spark to everything she does.

The central theme of financial management is maximising value.  
 Across geographies, business decisions are made in the context of political, economic, social, technological, environmental, and legal factors, etc., some having higher influence over others in different situations. Owners and other stakeholders of the company need to understand whether the decisions have created the right outcome at the relevant time, or any course correction is required to meet the overall objective. 

Behind every fast-growing fintech lies a strong foundation of trust, and trust begins with compliance. For Stanford Cardoz (EMBA 2015), that’s more than a job description, it’s a career calling. From guiding one of the UAE’s first regulated crypto exchanges to now shaping the compliance strategy at Robinhood MENA, Stanford has been at the forefront of balancing innovation with responsibility. His story is not just about keeping pace with regulation, but about using it as a catalyst for growth. In this interview, he reflects on his journey, the challenges of leading in a rapidly changing sector, and how his SP Jain Global EMBA equipped him to bridge governance with innovation.

In today’s VUCA world—marked by Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity—corporates face relentless technological disruptions, global competition, and evolving investor expectations. In such an environment, Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) are no longer seen as optional or merely tactical. Instead, they have emerged as powerful strategic levers to unlock value, drive innovation, accelerate growth, and create sustainable wealth for stakeholders.

When you start an Executive MBA, people warn you about the long nights, the group projects, and the fact that your calendar will start looking like it needs a project manager of its own. And sure, there’s some truth to that. But what they don’t tell you and what surprised me is how quickly your thinking evolves. You stop seeing problems as tasks and start seeing them as opportunities. Even my manager noticed a shift (and not just because my emails got less aggressive).

I have always learned best by applying concepts in real time. Coming from a background in Financial Markets and transitioning into the world of Ad Tech, I quickly realised the importance of solidifying my foundational knowledge in management, marketing, and strategy. As the Ad Tech landscape evolves rapidly, stepping away from work for a full-time program did not seem practical. However, an Executive MBA (EMBA) felt like the right fit; that is how I enrolled in the EMBA program at SP Jain Global.

 In a world defined by geopolitical tension, shifting trade alliances, accelerating technological disruption, and growing state intervention, business leaders are increasingly called upon to interpret and respond to forces beyond their immediate control. 

Are you thinking about advancing your career without taking a break from work? Many professionals are considering part-time MBAs, allowing them to continue working while gaining new skills. But is a part-time MBA worth it?