When Isaac Phang found himself at a professional crossroads after nearly ten years in global banking, he turned to education as his compass. The Associate Director at HSBC's Markets and Securities Services division felt uncertain about his future direction in the financial sector, despite his established position.
Choosing the Right Path Forward
After evaluating several business school options, Isaac selected the Executive MBA programme at Bayes Business School for its unique opportunities. Tuesday 18 November 2025 marked a significant reflection point in his journey, nearly a decade into his banking career.
"I was particularly drawn to some of the modules offered by Bayes," Isaac explains. "The International Consulting Week with a start-up in Colombia and the elective in Silicon Valley aligned perfectly with my growing interest in technology and potential career transition."
The diversity of the student community also appealed to him, offering exposure to professionals from various industries beyond his daily banking environment.
Balancing Education with Life's Demands
Embarking on the MBA programme coincided with two other major life events: becoming a first-time parent and maintaining his demanding role at HSBC. This triple commitment required exceptional time management skills.
"As I really started to immerse myself into the MBA, I learned to be more effective with my time," Isaac recalls. "Although initially challenging, it taught me how to rigorously manage schedules, which in itself is a great life skill."
Personal Breakthroughs and Professional Clarity
The Achieving Your Potential Weekend emerged as a pivotal experience in Isaac's transformation. Working with a coach helped him challenge preconceptions and better understand how to leverage his existing skillset.
"Unearthing these realisations with my coach was very insightful," he says. The combination of personal discovery and exposure to new sectors through the Business Project and Silicon Valley elective helped crystallise his career direction.
His exploration of venture capital and impact investment revealed how financial services could evolve, reinforcing his desire to contribute to the industry's future.
From Banking Professional to Regional Leader
The programme's impact became most evident after completion. Rather than leaving banking as he initially contemplated, Isaac advanced significantly within HSBC. His promotion to Institutional Sales Chief Operating Officer for the EMEA region represented a substantial increase in responsibility and strategic influence.
"I am now the Institutional Sales Chief Operating Officer responsible for the EMEA region for our Markets and Securities Services business," Isaac states. "I have also taken on more of a leadership role at the global level."
He attributes this remarkable transition to the clarity and confidence gained during his MBA experience. "Before the MBA, I had contemplated a change from banking, but my experiences on the programme helped me to realise that I am highly passionate about my job."
Building Lasting Connections
Beyond career advancement, Isaac values the enduring relationships formed at Bayes. "The people in the school create a very special atmosphere. Bayes is like a family. For me, it was a safe and trusted environment, where I have also cultivated a fantastic network."
His advice to prospective MBA candidates is straightforward: "Prepare yourself to fully invest. It is a big commitment, both in time and money. But the more you put in, the more you will get out. Be open-minded and embrace all that is on offer."
Today, Isaac remains an active member of the Bayes community, appreciating how staff still recognise him when he visits. "When you are in the building and people still know who you are, it is a beautiful thing."
His journey demonstrates how strategic education choices can reinvigorate passion and open doors to unexpected leadership opportunities within established organisations.
