Nikita Nevolin: Scaling innovation across industries

What led you to choose the Cambridge MBA?

I’ve built my career at the intersection of business and IT, leading digital transformation projects across industries. I started with KPMG in management consulting, moved into operational efficiency at Mobile TeleSystems and most recently managed large-scale tech initiatives at EPAM Systems. My career advanced rapidly until unexpected circumstances required me to reorient my professional path and explore opportunities internationally. 

Cambridge Judge Business School stood out as the place to make that transition. The alumni I spoke with and the support I received throughout the process convinced me of the values and mission the University upholds. It became clear this is a community that develops leaders with integrity, purpose and a global outlook. 

This is exactly the environment where I want to unlock deeper leadership capabilities and gain strategic management insights. And of course, the international network, within the Business School and across the wider University, is invaluable. I believe the Cambridge MBA will give me the tools to expand into new markets and grow within Big Tech, while building a career that is both impactful and international. 

What has been your biggest career accomplishment so far?

One of my proudest and most recent achievements was becoming a trusted partner to the senior leadership of a global online entertainment company. In a short time, I grew our EPAM engagement from one agile team to 8 and supported opening new partnership areas. This transformed the account into one of the fastest-growing multi-million-dollar portfolios worldwide. 

It mattered not just because of the business growth, but because I deepened trust and proved the value of scaling while keeping collaboration strong. That balance has always been important to me. The experience reinforced my confidence and my drive to take on even bigger opportunities ahead. 

How do you feel about receiving your scholarship?

I am deeply honoured and grateful. Though it’s still hard to believe that this opportunity has come my way. The scholarship has made it possible for me to afford the financial commitment of the programme and reaffirmed my career vision. Most importantly, it is a testament to the holistic and unbiased selection process at Cambridge Judge Business School. It reflected the Business School’s commitment to upholding a truly diverse and inclusive learning environment. I feel proud to be joining a community built on those principles. 

What do you hope to gain from the MBA over the next year?

I’m excited about the Strategy Concentration, Global Consulting Project and the summer term internship. And yes, rowing for my College Boat Club, an experience I know will fulfil me beyond the classroom and connect me to the spirit of Cambridge. 

Over the next year, I aim to grow in knowledge and leadership while being an active part of a vibrant community of talented and inspiring people. I have often been told that the true value of an MBA lies not only in what you learn, but in who you learn it with. I look forward to learning with and from my peers, building connections that will last well beyond the MBA. 

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

I envision growing into a strategic leader within Big Tech, navigating complex initiatives and shaping how global tech businesses adapt to change. That said, I remain open to exploring new directions. I am someone who is willing to try new things, step outside my comfort zone and adapt as the market evolves. In today’s age of AI and global risks, staying agile (not fragile) is essential. With its location at the heart of Europe’s leading tech cluster, Cambridge Judge Business School offers the perfect environment to stay at the forefront of innovation and prepare for the trends shaping the future. 

What does Cambridge mean to you?

Without exaggeration, Cambridge is an institution that needs no introduction. It’s where wild ideas become world-changing realities. To me, it represents looking beyond conventional boundaries, pursuing something greater than oneself and establishing connections that hopefully last a lifetime. I am honoured and humbled to join such an extraordinary community. An opportunity that feels almost unreal, like entering a space where centuries of tradition meet tomorrow’s ideas and realising you now stand at that crossroads. 

Something few people know about you…

For more than 10 years, I have practiced and taught capoeira. It’s a Brazilian martial art that blends a holistic body, mind and spirit training. During this time, I led groups for adults and children and even offered free classes at MGIMO University, where I completed my bachelors degree. Often described as ‘chess in motion’, capoeira strengthened my grit, sharpened my adaptability and taught me to face challenges with a smile. It gave me a worldwide community of friends and the ability to do cartwheels in situations where most people would walk away.