When I began my MBA at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School in 2022, I came with a background in engineering, construction management and entrepreneurship. Now, years after completion and graduation, what I now appreciate is how much the programme has shaped the way I see professional ecosystems, that is, the connections between industries, institutions, and people that make collaboration possible.
Today, working in the City of London in the construction disputes space, I often draw on that perspective. Construction disputes sit at the intersection of engineering, law, and business, and navigating that environment requires both technical expertise and an understanding of how different professional worlds interact. The field is intellectually demanding, and highly international, which has led to me working on projects in the nuclear power plant space, infrastructure, roads, and high-rise luxury and residential projects from Greece, the UK, Germany, Serbia and the Middle East.
Delivering opening remarks on behalf of London Chartered Institute of Arbitrators YMG and Secretariat.
Alongside my professional work in construction disputes, I now serve as a Young Members Group representative for the London Branch of CIArb, supporting initiatives that connect students and early-career professionals with practitioners in the field.
It was therefore particularly meaningful to be a joint convener for an event exploring career pathways in international arbitration at the London headquarters of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb). The event, held on 12 February 2026, and delivered in collaboration with the CIArb London Branch Young Members Group (YMG) and the European Law Students’ Association (ELSA UK), brought together students, practitioners, and institutions to discuss the different routes into arbitration practice.
Together with the panellists and the organising team from CIARB HQ, ELSA UK, and the London CIArb YMG.
The panel featured leading practitioners from across the arbitration ecosystem; Ben Giaretta, Chair of the CIArb Board of Trustees, speaking from the perspective of an arbitrator; Abigail Harris of Secretariat sharing insights as an expert witness; and Olivia Kaye of Outer Temple Chambers discussing the pathway to arbitration counsel. The discussion was moderated by Aphiwan Natasha King of 4 Pump Court.
The panel discussion at the CIARB HQ, London, Bloomsbury Square.
While helping to organise the event, I discovered something that made the collaboration feel particularly special: both Natasha and Abigail are fellow Cantabs. Moments like this are a reminder of how far the Cambridge network extends, often appearing in unexpected places within professional communities.
The discussion itself focused on practical advice for those hoping to enter the field. The panellists emphasised the value of international exposure, remaining open to non-linear career paths, and allowing genuine interests to shape professional specialisation over time.
The panel discussion at the CIARB HQ, London, Bloomsbury Square.
To put into practice some of the advice shared during the career pathways event, recently, when the opportunity presented itself, I served as a virtual arbitrator in the London Pre‑Moot for the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Arbitration Moot, the leading global law-school competition in international commercial law. Its purpose is to provide students with practical training in resolving international business disputes through arbitration. I heard a round between the University of Exeter and the University of Bologna, and found the students’ sophisticated arguments in international arbitration impressive.
Seating as Virtual Arbitrator for the Willem C. Vis London Pre-Moot on 28 February 2026.
These volunteering experiences, relevant to my work, reflect the principle of “Give to Gain”, the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day. Contributing to professional communities, whether through organising events, or supporting emerging practitioners, often becomes one of the most powerful ways to learn and grow professionally.
Learning how to engage in professional networks meaningfully, and going beyond simply attending events by building long-term relationships within an industry, was one of the practical skills I sharpened during the Cambridge MBA.
In addition to volunteering, over the past year, I have engaged more actively with the disputes community in the City of London by attending events such as London International Disputes Week (LIDW), the inaugural London Arbitration Week (LAW), industry related events covering topics such as the AI and Litigation in the Technology and Construction Court (TCC) and sharing my reflections on LinkedIn among my peers. These gatherings bring together practitioners, experts, and institutions working across the global disputes ecosystem, and the conversations that emerge tend to be timely and insightful.
At the 2025 Alexander Lecture venue at Westminster, during the London Arbitration week.
For example, last year, after attending the London International Disputes Week (LIDW), I wrote about women working in construction and the experience of building a career in a traditionally male-dominated industry. Working in construction disputes adds another dimension to that journey, and therefore, for me, important not just to be a participant, but to intentionally carve out a space for my voice to be heard.
Looking back, in addition to explaining my understanding of business, the Cambridge MBA also shaped how I recognise opportunities, build partnerships, and contribute to professional communities. As I continue to build my practice in construction disputes, I’m keen to strengthen my engagement with the arbitration community and play an active role in shaping the field as it evolves.