Aaron So

“I could tell immediately that LBS takes diversity seriously”

“We’re better leaders when we embrace diversity,” says Aaron So MBA2018. As London Business School’s (LBS) first recipient of the Reaching Out LGBT MBA Fellowship, he’s committed to making diversity in business a global reality. That’s why he chose LBS.

“I could tell immediately that LBS takes diversity seriously,” he says. “You can see it in the kind of clubs at the School – such as Out in Business and Women in Business – and you can get involved the moment you arrive. It was important for me to go to a place that cares that much. I also don’t think other schools can match LBS for its internationalism.”

Hailing from Sydney, Australia, Aaron is enjoying calling London home. “In London, we have unparalleled access to some of the best business leaders in the world. The city hosts the global or European headquarters of many of the world’s most inspirational businesses. We’re really privileged to be studying and living here.”

He credits the many LBS student clubs with providing him a seamless way to transition into campus life. “You are spoilt for choice on what to get involved with at LBS,” he says, “but having a common cause is incredibly rewarding.”

After arriving at LBS, Aaron soon joined the Out in Business (OIB) Club, where he and his colleagues secured Xavier Bettel, the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, for the EurOUT Conference. Bettel spoke about his experiences as an openly gay politician and leader at the OIB’s flagship event.

“Not only did his speech have a meaningful impact,” he says, “but getting involved with organising the conference was an incredible experience, only two months into my MBA.”

Aaron says the scholarship made him feel that LBS was right for him. “The School is committed to fostering diversity and inclusion at all levels of the organisation – the administration, faculty and student body. There was never any question that LBS was the right place for me.”

As an economics graduate with a background in management consulting, Aaron is now broadening his skillset and outlook to become a rounded, empathetic global leader. “Diversity is mission critical for all of us,” he says. “We build stronger teams and make better decisions if we focus on including people of all backgrounds. LBS knows that.”