Matteo’s story: Supporting scholarships creates a ripple effect
Matteo Gambino MiM2024, LBS Fund Scholarship*
Driven by curiosity, ambition and personal growth, I have always actively sought challenges that push me out of my comfort zone. I left my home in Italy at 15 to finish my high school studies in Boston, USA. This move to the other side of the world left me with a passion for international experiences, so I completed an undergraduate programme at ESCP Business School. This saw me study across the UK, Italy and Germany, all the while working full-time across my studies.
Having spent years immersed in the fast-paced world of product management, I developed a deep understanding of navigating constant change and meeting ambitious objectives. While this experience was invaluable, I found myself drawn to the intellectual challenges of consulting – and wanted to gain all the tools necessary to succeed in this transition.
I was really attracted to the diversity of the LBS community and the potential to maximise my exposure to different people, perspectives and possibilities. I wished to be in a place where I would be empowered to try out as many things as possible, without being limited to one narrow path.
However, I am the oldest of four siblings and I understand that every opportunity that is given to me must be given to all my siblings. It would have been very hard for my parents to pursue this path for all of us. During my undergraduate degree, I quickly understood that I had to cover my expenses and that’s why I worked alongside my studies. But I knew that during my postgraduate degree, besides studying, I needed to maximise opportunities to network and reflect. So, when I first received the news of my scholarship, I just felt incredibly blessed. All the effort and hard work were completely compensated by the generosity of donors who at that point did not even know me but trusted me.
I can now say that I successfully found everything I was looking for at LBS. Some of the most important decisions that I have taken and some of the most challenging reflections that I have made were fostered by my classmates and the incredibly positive environment of trust that I immediately saw around me.
I was expecting a competitive culture, but I found peers who offer continuous support and advice. The whole LBS community has showcased an unexpected level of support that I had not found previously in any other institution.
The LBS alumni community has been incredibly welcoming, with two invaluable mentors guiding me in identifying my true passions. Moving forward, my next challenge is to pursue a career in consulting in the Middle East. In the long run, I feel strongly about promoting financial literacy globally, especially in regions with limited access to financial education and tools.
Growing up, I was fortunate to receive comprehensive guidance on personal finance and investments from an early age. However, I understand that many individuals lack access to even basic financial resources, such as retirement savings accounts or protection against predatory lending practices. My goal is to empower communities by providing the knowledge and tools necessary for financial independence and security.
My own experience has taught me the profound impact of financial literacy, and I am determined to pay it forward on a larger scale. Supporting scholarships at LBS creates a ripple effect that extends far beyond the individual recipient, as it empowers future leaders to create value for their peers, clients and communities.
Having experienced the transformative power of such opportunities firsthand, I am committed to giving back and inspiring future change-makers once I am in a position to do so. My journey at LBS has reinforced my belief in the potential for positive change through education and empowerment.
*The LBS Fund is a collectively funded scholarship which supports the most significant number of general scholarships across the School. We are grateful to donors who give unrestricted support and open doors for exceptional talent, ensuring that a world-class business education is within reach.
