Entrepreneur, Geologist, and EDHEC Executive MBA Participant Hayet Serradji Bonifay on how the Programme Supercharges Leadership Growth

EDHEC Executive MBA Participant Hayet Serradji Bonifay on how the Programme Supercharges Leadership Growth

For trained geologist, veteran energy sector executive, and managing director Hayet Bonifay, pursuing an Executive MBA at EDHEC is integral to her latest career milestone: an entrepreneurial pivot to launching her own consulting firm.

That firm, Earthenergia, is the fruit of over 15 years’ experience in the energy industry. The bulk of that experience came in the American Oil and Gas sector, where she cut her teeth focusing on subsurface analysis across various U.S. basins. 

Her career took an unexpected turn when her first project in the renewable energy sector drew heavily on her expertise in Oil and Gas. "The client sought my expertise to explore the European carbon capture and storage (CCS) market, develop a strategy, and secure funding for a project," she says. “I was surprised by how much of my Oil and Gas knowledge translated seamlessly into renewable energy.” 

Transitioning from working for a service company to starting her own consulting firm, she says, represented an ideal inflection point for investment in her career. She capitalised on the moment to pursue an Executive MBA, which she knew would prove transformative for her career aspirations.

“The decision came quickly, as I recognised the opportunity to make the most of my time while navigating this career shift. 

The programme has already proven impactful in her day-to-day job.

"I'm able to apply the lessons from various courses—such as strategy, financial accounting, and financial statement analysis—directly to my daily work. This hands-on approach is giving me deeper insights and practical tools that benefit my consulting firm and the clients I serve.”

Like many high-achieving professionals from STEM backgrounds, she was engrossed in a dynamic career that left her little time for reflection—and even less for action—on her more ambitious career goals.

“I had always been interested in pursuing an Executive MBA but hadn’t found the right moment to commit to it,” she explains. 

“Despite knowing the benefits of the programme, especially in areas like business acumen, financial analysis, and marketing strategy, I kept delaying it. Over the course of my career, as I took on various managerial roles, I frequently felt the need for a stronger foundation in these business areas."

Arriving in France, she took the EMBA plunge.

"I knew that the EMBA would provide the knowledge and strategic vision I needed to support the growth of my business and enhance my leadership capabilities.”

She sat down with us to discuss why she decided to pursue a journey as rich, intense, and transformative as an Executive MBA, and why EDHEC’s programme was right for her.

Arriving at EDHEC: making a transformative career decision

EDHEC Executive Education: Walk us through your decision-making process in choosing the right EMBA programme for you. 

Hayet Serradji Bonifay: “During my decision-making process, EDHEC stood out primarily due to its exceptional customer service. When I started researching different schools in Paris, I contacted three business schools, including EDHEC. I had several questions about the programme and needed more details.

EDHEC quickly distinguished itself by responding promptly. The programme's recruitment representative called me the same day, walked me through the programme, and explained the benefits of attending EDHEC in detail.

What really made a difference was her responsiveness—she even replied to an email I sent on a weekend, something I hadn’t expected until Monday. Meanwhile, the other schools kept directing me to their websites or delaying meetings. This level of personalised attention made EDHEC my top choice without hesitation.”

Balancing career, family, and education: the flexibility of the EDHEC Executive MBA

EEE: How did you tailor your EMBA experience to align with your specific career goals and expectations? 

HSB: “I chose the EDHEC EMBA programme because it was designed for professionals with several years of managerial experience, like myself. I wanted a programme where I could not only learn from the curriculum but also from the shared experiences of my peers. 

The EMBA's format was particularly appealing as it allows me to balance work and studies. 
With in-person classes only once a month, the structure makes it much easier to manage my family, career, and education simultaneously.

This flexibility has been crucial in maintaining balance across all aspects of my life.

To be honest, my goals have evolved significantly since I began my EMBA journey. Initially, I aimed to develop specific skills like business acumen, marketing, and strategy. However, I've discovered that the experience is so much richer and more transformative than I anticipated.
 

One of the most fascinating aspects has been working in teams with individuals from diverse backgrounds and different ways of thinking. Collaborating on projects outside my field has pushed me to step outside my comfort zone and learn from those around me. The programme encourages you to embrace discomfort and tackle intellectually challenging projects, which has been both stimulating and rewarding.

Now, my primary goal is to remain open to the new challenges that the rest of the programme presents. I recognise that each opportunity for growth is invaluable, so I commit my full energy to every class.

I engage actively with faculty and peers, applying what I learn whenever possible. This approach not only enhances my understanding but also enriches my experience, allowing me to absorb as much as I can from this incredible journey.

Applying EMBA lessons in real time: an immediate career impact

EEE: In what ways has the programme allowed you to immediately apply EMBA lessons to challenges at work? 

HSB: “During my EMBA, I found that the programme allowed me to apply what I was learning to real challenges at work almost immediately.

For example, while working on the carbon project, I utilised insights from my strategy class to structure the project effectively and develop a clear forward strategy. Additionally, I applied marketing concepts to define our market segment and identify the best target for our offerings.

Courses in strategy, financial accounting, and financial statement analysis equipped me with practical tools that significantly improved my decision-making at my consulting firm.

For instance, lessons on financial analysis enabled me to assess project viability more accurately, while strategic management frameworks helped me refine client business plans.

A stronger strategic vision: insights from coaching, classmates, and collaboration

EEE: How has the programme contributed to the development of your leadership vision?

HSB: “The EMBA programme has played a significant role in the development of my leadership vision through various classes, including organisational behaviour, HR management, interpersonal communication, and leadership development.

While all of these courses were valuable, the most impactful aspect for me has been the personal coaching I received.

Engaging in both group and private sessions with my personal coach has been transformative, allowing me to gain deep insights into my leadership style and identify areas for growth. These coaching sessions have not only helped me refine my approach but have also boosted my confidence in my abilities as a leader.

I particularly enjoyed the group coaching sessions, where my cohort members took on the role of coaches. Their perspectives and constructive feedback provided a supportive environment for me to explore different approaches and strategies. This collaborative learning experience has fostered meaningful connections with my peers, making the development process even more rewarding.

EEE: Which aspects of the programme did you find most valuable in terms of personal growth and collaboration? 

HSB: “Undoubtedly one of the best aspects of the programme was being part of such a unique and diverse cohort. 

As a geologist, I tend to approach projects in a certain way, but it was illuminating to be able to see how my classmates and colleagues—lawyers, accountants, executives from other sectors—would tackle projects. I learned a lot from them.

It was an incredibly enriching exercise to be able to challenge and learn from each other on our manner of leading projects. It required a certain level of vulnerability of course, but once we achieved that comfort level, the value only compounded. 

And then of course, as we’ve gone through this intense EMBA experience together, we’ve all bonded so much and become great friends. I think that’s another underrated and unique element of a programme like this: you can make new friends from outside of your regular circles!"

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