Natalya Doris: Focus on Cambridge’s tech and entrepreneurship landscape

What led you to take the Cambridge MBA?

After working in highly technical roles throughout my career, I wanted to take a step back and develop a skill set that would allow me to leverage my technical background from a managerial perspective. With rapid technological change affecting businesses globally, I want to be prepared to lead organisations through those transitions. 

At Cambridge Judge, I will not only be able to expand my management and leadership capabilities but also build a strong global network amongst an exceptionally talented and diverse group of peers, both within the Business School and the wider University. It’s the perfect environment to explore where I want to take my career next within the technology space. 

Describe the biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

One of my biggest accomplishments has been leaving an excellent team at BlackRock to pursue my deeper passion – data and machine learning. 

After stepping away from that role, I took a year to learn the latest models and methods in machine learning and AI, then joined a founding team at a tech startup, where I built and deployed a machine learning platform from scratch – despite it being my first formal role as a data scientist. It was the biggest risk I have taken in my career, but also the most rewarding. 

What do you want to get out of the MBA most of all in the next year?

This year, I want to focus on personal growth, leadership development, and exploring the tech and entrepreneurship landscape at Cambridge and in the UK more broadly. 

I’m particularly excited to get involved with programmes like the King’s College Entrepreneurship Lab and Cambridge Accelerate. 

Where do you see your MBA journey taking you in your future career?

I envision my MBA launching me into a global career where I can help businesses leverage technology and adopt a more international outlook to make better decisions and drive rapid innovation. 

Beyond that, I see myself exploring entrepreneurial ventures, potentially launching my own technology business or contributing to early-stage startups. 

What does Cambridge mean to you?

To me, Cambridge represents a unique blend of discovery, tradition, and innovation. It’s a place that embraces change and encourages new ideas while simultaneously honouring its rich history and traditions. 

Something that few people may know about you…

I sailed my first offshore race 2 years ago from Newport, RI, to Hamilton, Bermuda – on just one day’s notice!