Henley Alumni Stories - stories from our community
Today we share a story from MBA Alum - Amru Kotb. What started at Henley became a career shaped by trust, human understanding, and the resilience to make change in complex industries.
Since graduating from Henley, my career has focused on helping organizations grow and transform, mainly in cybersecurity and data protection. I’ve worked with companies like Oracle and Giesecke & Devrient, and today I operate more independently, supporting businesses in building markets, developing partnerships, and creating real pipeline - particularly in banking and payments.
What I value most in my journey is not just the commercial success, but the impact behind it. I’ve been fortunate to work on projects that helped banks secure sensitive data, improve trust in their systems, and even contribute to large national initiatives. Over time, I’ve learned that success in these environments is less about the technology itself and more about understanding people, building trust, and staying persistent.
Henley played an important role in shaping that mindset. It helped me think more strategically and look beyond the immediate task at hand. The diversity of perspectives at Henley was also a big influence - it prepared me well for working across different cultures and markets. More importantly, Henley reinforced something I still carry with me today: business is ultimately about people. That perspective has shaped how I approach clients, colleagues, and challenges throughout my career. Looking back, Henley was not just part of my education - it was a key step in shaping how I think and how I work.
What is one piece of advice you would share with a current student at Henley to inspire them in their career journey?
If I had to share one piece of advice, it would be this: focus on understanding people, not just building expertise. It’s important to learn the frameworks, the tools, and the technical side of business - but what truly makes the difference in your career is your ability to connect, listen, and understand what really matters to others. Whether you work in sales, leadership, or any other field, long-term success comes from trust and relationships, not just knowledge.
Also, don’t feel pressured to have everything figured out early on. Careers are rarely linear. Stay open, stay curious, and take opportunities that help you grow - even if they don’t look perfect at first. If you combine strong fundamentals with a genuine, human approach to people, you’ll build a career that is not only successful, but also meaningful.
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