Success is never a solo journey
A blog post written by Nadejda Petrova (EMBA 2024)
They say success is never a solo journey, and my experience over the past four months in the Executive MBA programme at the University of Cambridge has proven that to be true. The foundation of everything I’ve achieved is not only built on my determination or effort, but also on the unwavering support system that has carried me through every step of this transformative experience.
If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again
Getting to Cambridge wasn’t easy. Over six years, I applied to the university five times. Each rejection felt like another door closing on my dream, but my support system never wavered. My family stood by me through every moment of doubt, offering quiet reassurance and positivity when times got tough.
In 2020, I was accepted into the MFin programme. It felt like a triumph, until the pandemic forced the programme online. Making the heart-wrenching decision to forgo that opportunity was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. Once again, my family were here to lift me up, even as I questioned whether another chance would ever be on the cards for me.
As a parent, I firmly believe in setting an example for my children by living my own dreams rather than projecting them onto the next generation. That belief kept me going, even as I took time to focus on other priorities. I never gave up on the idea of one day walking through the gates of Cambridge.
When I finally received my acceptance to the Executive MBA programme, it was a moment of immense gratitude. My dream had finally come true, but I also knew that balancing this opportunity with everything we’d built over the years: our wonderful sons, demanding careers, and a bustling family life, would require firing on all cylinders for a period of time.
Having an incredible support network
My husband has been my rock through it all, taking on the main share of responsibilities. My mom has been a constant voice of reason, always reminding me that dreams worth pursuing are never easy. My in-laws have stepped in time and again, offering their time, energy and love to our family.
The Executive MBA programme itself has been nothing short of life-changing. The faculty have challenged me in ways I never expected, and my peers have become friends and collaborators who inspire me every day. What I have come to value even more than the insightful lectures and group discussions, though, is how much my family has rallied around me.
We are all in it together
As I look ahead, I carry a profound sense of gratitude for my support system. They’ve taught me that success is a team effort, built on countless acts of love, sacrifice, and encouragement. They are the ones who make the impossible feel achievable, and they are the reason I’ll keep pushing forward, no matter how challenging the road ahead may be.
To anyone facing a challenge that feels overwhelming, I offer this: lean on your support system. Whether it’s family, friends, or colleagues, they are your greatest strength. When you finally succeed, you’ll know it was never just about you; it was about all of you, together.
Maria
Beautiful, profound words about what resilience in top-performers can look like! Thank you for sharing your story, especially the part about failing 5 times over the last 6 years – a nice reminder that success is often non-linear.