When I walked into my first London Business School WiB Club meeting last fall, I was looking for a community. What I didn’t expect was how much this club would shape my MBA experience, expanding my ambitions, my friendships, and even my outlook on what it means to be a woman in leadership. I still vividly remember bonding with my senior who interviewed me for the WiB speakers' team; we spoke about our similar backgrounds of working in the impact and policy space with our Governments. I was thrilled to learn about her experience and vision for this year.
Beyond the Classroom: WiB’s Unconventional, Unforgettable Moments
The WiB Club at LBS isn’t just about panel discussions or conferences, though we certainly do those with flair. It’s about moments that stretch you, challenge you, and make you smile (a lot). In my very first term as a Junior ExCo on the Speakers Team, I found myself immersed in a whirlwind of events that went far beyond the textbook MBA experience.
Beyond the LBS Women in Business Conference, WiB hosted a hands-on salary negotiation workshop that pulled back the curtain on topics women too often shy away from and left with practical scripts and a new sense of confidence. There were the unforgettable Poker masterclasses where, over chips and banter, we learned how reading the room and mastering risk isn’t just for casinos but the boardroom too. And the highlight for me: the glamorous Oxford Formal Dinner in Corpus Christie College, in collaboration with the Oxford Women in Business Club. Sharing stories with women from across the UK, in a centuries-old hall, made me feel very real, and very inspiring. Not to mention that the three-course menu was superb.
EQUALL Conference: Building Something Bigger Than Myself
Of course, the flagship moment was co-organizing and moderating at the EQUALL 2025 Conference, a celebration of women breaking barriers in venture capital, deep tech, and social impact. Being on the stage in front of 400 people was slightly scary but turned out to be quite empowering. From late-night planning sessions and a thousand weekly meetings, I learned the real meaning of teamwork, resilience, and creative leadership. Curating a panel on “Trailblazers of Tomorrow” with leaders from quantum tech, banking, and media was surreal. I was reminded that the boldest ideas need a supportive community, and that government grants and early investors don’t just fund businesses, they invest in belief.
Advice for Future Women Leaders (and My Younger Self)
If I could offer one piece of advice, it would be this: Jump in, even if you feel like an outsider or aren’t sure you have something to contribute yet. Clubs like WiB are where you find your tribe, test your ideas, and discover strengths you didn’t know you had. You’ll learn more from the women around you than from any textbook, and you’ll leave with a network and a confidence that will carry you far beyond graduation.
Getting involved with the Women in Business Club at LBS has been a defining part of my first year. This is why I have joined as the WiB Partnerships co-lead in my second year. Excited to take it to the next level. Here’s to paying it forward and building an even more inclusive, inspiring future for women everywhere.
Author Bio: Manali Amitav is an MBA candidate at London Business School (Class of 2026), a Laidlaw Women’s Leadership Scholar, and a passionate advocate for innovation, sustainability, and diversity in business. She currently serves on the LBS Women in Business Club Executive Committee as Partnerships Co-Lead and is committed to supporting the next generation of women leaders. She has over five years of work experience in finance and deep tech policy and is currently working with United Nations in Germany for the summer. Connect with her on LinkedIn if you want to collaborate, connect or just chat!
