Juliet Powell: consulting, AI and MBA star

From Cambridge MBA to innovating with generative AI

I have always been fascinated by the intersection of technological innovation and business strategy, particularly in areas where I can drive significant transformation. The potential of AI in commercial and business settings immediately captured my interest, leading me to my current role as Generative AI Strategy & Product Consultant at Mercor Intelligence.  

In this role, I’m at the forefront of shaping how advanced AI models are developed, creating proprietary training frameworks to optimise GenAI model performance across industries such as technology, finance and marketing use cases. My focus is on reinforcement learning with human feedback (RLHF) to enhance large language model (LLM) responses for a leading AI lab – work that directly contributes to process automation and optimisation. The pace of change in this field is extraordinary and the rigorous analytical skills I developed through the Cambridge MBA have been invaluable in navigating this ever-evolving landscape.  

Poets & Quants ‘Best & Brightest’: A career defining recognition

Being selected as one of Poets & Quants ‘Best & Brightest’ was an incredibly meaningful recognition of my work in innovative strategy and leadership. More than simply elevating my profile, the accolade has opened doors to valuable conversations and opportunities with a diverse, global network of professionals.  

It has reinforced my commitment to pursuing data-driven strategies and has highlighted the importance of combining rigorous analysis with forward-thinking leadership. In short, it has been an empowering milestone – both celebrating my past efforts and fuelling my future ambitions.  

Women of the Future’s MBA Star Award: A milestone in leadership and growth 

Being selected as a finalist for the Women of the Future (WOF) ‘MBA Star Award’ was an incredible honour, and I am deeply grateful to Cambridge Judge Business School for their nomination and support. The awards ceremony was an unforgettable experience, standing alongside so many inspirational trailblazers from diverse fields – all driven by a shared commitment to shaping a better future.  

The experience of being part of the WOF community has been invaluable. The award has truly expanded my horizons, granting me access to an incredible network of executives, entrepreneurs and leaders across sectors. It has already opened up meaningful conversations and opportunities that continue to shape my professional journey.  

Co-founding the AI special interest group at Cambridge Judge

Founding the AI special interest group (SIG) at Cambridge Judge was one of the most rewarding leadership experiences of my MBA. It was clear from the outset that AI would play a defining role in many of our careers, and it felt like the perfect moment to create a dedicated forum where students, academics and professionals could engage in meaningful discussions about AI’s evolving role in business and society.  

Alongside my co-founders, we organised the inaugural AI Open Day, bringing together speakers from MBB firms, AI-driven start ups and leading researchers to explore AI’s impact on business. One of my favourite initiatives was the AI clinic, which facilitated meet-ups between computer scientists and business school students across the University to exchange ideas and explore AI’s intersection with business. We also organised AI career sessions with alumni to help MBAs understand how they could integrate AI into their careers.  

Founding and leading the AI SIG was a highlight of my time at Cambridge, providing me with a platform to explore AI in depth and build connections that continue to influence my work today.  

House of Lords presentation: advancing diversity and inclusion in tech

One of the proudest moments of my MBA year was presenting a consulting project at the House of Lords. As part of the Cambridge Venture Project (CVP), my team worked with Diversity UK, an equality charity advocating for greater diversity and inclusion in the UK tech sector.  

Our project focused on developing a growth strategy to drive meaningful change within the industry. Our client was fantastic, and we were honoured to be invited to present our findings to key stakeholders in the House of Lords. It was a surreal and inspiring experience, and a testament to the real-world impact of the Cambridge MBA.   

St Catharine’s College: a lifelong connection beyond the MBA

Cambridge’s collegiate system is truly special, and St Catharine’s College – affectionately known as Catz – was an integral part of my experience. Beyond providing an outstanding academic environment, Catz fostered a lifelong sense of community.  

During my MBA, I was nominated by the senior tutor to serve on the College Committee, and I now continue to engage with Catz as part of the St Catharine’s College Alumni Society. As a committee member, I work with the alumni and development team to strengthen connections between alumni and the College, ensuring that our global community remains engaged long after graduation.  

Seizing Cambridge opportunities: experiences that shaped an MBA journey

One of the best things about Cambridge is the wealth of opportunities outside the classroom. I thoroughly enjoyed attending events run by King’s Entrepreneurship Lab, particularly a workshop by Google DeepMind on building a start up in the age of AI.  

I would also encourage incoming MBAs to make the most of the University’s sporting opportunities. I was part of Cambridge University Athletics Club, the oldest track and field club in the world. A particular highlight was competing in MBAT – often called the ‘MBA Olympics’ – where I was proud to win a medal in the 100m.  

Final thoughts 

Juliet’s journey since completing the Cambridge MBA demonstrates the wealth of opportunities available to students who actively engage with the programme and the wider University. Her story is a testament to the power of combining analytical rigour, leadership and a commitment to innovation in shaping a meaningful and impactful career.