MBA student Gabrielle Niehaus reflects on the profound mindset shift she experienced during her MBA journey — from hierarchical views of leadership to a belief that leadership is rooted in agency, values and impact. In this interview, Gabrielle discusses: • How systems thinking changed her personal and professional decision-making • Why leadership is about influence, compassion and collective good • Why she chose Stellenbosch Business School: triple accreditation, strong African network, and her lifelong Marty connection • Advice for future MBA candidates: know your “why”, embrace the challenge, invest in relationships • How the MBA inspired her to move back to South Africa and contribute to meaningful change