Rebecca Nwankwo | Lessons from a Global Executive MBA

Aleksandra King sits down with Rebecca Nwankwo, an executive from a high-flying London real estate firm and a graduate of one of the world's most prestigious Global Executive MBA programs, for an eye-opening episode of the “Beyond the Boardroom podcast.” Rebecca, who studied alongside leaders from 27 nations across seven countries and four continents, shares the condensed patterns, mindsets, and actions that separate high achievers from the rest—and, critically, how to apply them to your own life.

The Most Dangerous Belief High Achievers Carry

The core lesson from the executive environment is surprisingly human: even the most successful leaders carry deep-seated doubts. Rebecca identifies a common thread: high achievers doubt their vulnerabilities.

"There is always that, uh, most of the times when there is a disparity between what we want and what we get in the end is because there is a doubt somewhere, that keeps chipping away and keeps asking us, well, are you sure you can actually do this thing?"

This inner critic kicks in especially when we attempt something new or go down a path we are not used to. Rebecca emphasizes that this voice is most often active not due to a lack of ability, but due to a discomfort with the unfamiliar.

Decoding the Destructive Pattern of Self-Sabotage

Why do smart, ambitious people continue to engage in destructive self-talk, even when they know better? Rebecca links this pattern to an aversion to the “patchy road” of hard work. The path to achieving major goals is often difficult, and many subconsciously choose the smooth, wide road of the comfort zone.

The true breakthrough in mindset is realizing that you have the power to break the pattern. As Rebecca explains, you can disrupt the negative loop by doing something "slightly differently," such as reframing a statement from "I can't do X" to: "What if I can?" This simple, powerful question can interrupt years of conditioning and start the process of neuroplasticity.

The Power of Finding Your People (Environment is Key)

Rebecca’s journey of writing her book, The Lies We Tell Ourselves, revealed the critical nature of environment. When feeling overwhelmed by the process, she sought out like-minded communities (like a Facebook group for first-time publishers).

• Motivation is Fickle: You cannot rely on motivation alone to achieve your goals, as it is just a feeling.

• Find Your Peers: Seek out environments, whether virtual or physical, filled with people who have similar goals or have already accomplished what you want. This supportive environment builds confidence and reshapes your perspective, making intimidating goals less daunting.

Key Takeaways from the Global MBA

1. Imposter Syndrome is Universal: Rebecca experienced it while surrounded by 39 brilliant minds. She learned that 70% of people feel imposter syndrome at some point, and the best way to combat it is by naming it and talking about it.

2. Reframing Failure: For high-achievers, failure is not a full stop, but a redirection. It is fundamental for growth and helps you build resilience.

3. The Mantra for Rejection: When facing a setback, adopt the mantra: "Some will, some won't. So what next?" This immediately shifts focus from the pain of rejection to the next actionable step.

Interested? Watch the full podcast on the Aleksandra King Youtube channel now or discover more on Rebecca Nwankwo's LinkedIn.