Silanur Sahin: From leading Turkey’s largest medical device manufacturer to the MBA

What led you to take the Cambridge MBA?

Throughout my self-taught manufacturing career as a law graduate, I have been able to identify needs and adapt myself and our company to emerging changes. However, I realised that in such highly competitive sectors, stability is not an option; you either rise or fall. Simply adapting to change and following in the footsteps of others is not enough for sustainable growth and globalisation. What is required is to stay ahead of the curve by being a pioneer, by assessing now and proactively shaping the trends of the future. 

This paradigm shift has forced me to think outside the box. To change my boundaries, I set myself 2 primary goals: to foster an innovative mindset and to gain financial acumen skills for holistic assessment. 

After researching and seeing the privileges on offer across Cambridge Judge, I was sure that a full-time focus with the Cambridge MBA would be the most efficient and quickest solution to achieve my goals, considering the leverage effect created by the cohort’s synergy of diversity, besides the qualified academic content. And thankfully, here I am, very excited to start this journey at my dream school! 

Describe the biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

Immediately after graduating from university, I took a leading role in establishing the medical device factory for my family’s company. From its inception to its current market dominance, we have grown together seamlessly. My most significant professional achievement is undoubtedly the remarkable market position of the factory, TTT WORLD. I was there from the start, and together, we have transformed it from a mere concept into a major industry player. 

Though the responsibility was daunting and exhausting at times, our unwavering dedication and teamwork drove us to success. We broke through barriers and rapidly became the largest Turkish manufacturer in our product range. Today, TTT WORLD impacts millions of lives around the globe every day. 

This achievement is a testament to the extraordinary team I had the privilege of leading. I am incredibly proud to have played a pivotal role in this journey, from its humble beginnings to its prominent position today. This evolution from a cocoon to a butterfly, symbolises our collective perseverance and success, an accomplishment I hold in the highest regard. 

How do you feel about being awarded your scholarship?

Being accepted to Cambridge Judge Business School was a significant milestone, but receiving this scholarship has been an extraordinary honour and source of immense joy. 

As a young woman from a non-medical background, making a difference in the male-dominated medical device manufacturing industry has been both challenging and rewarding. To be recognised by the esteemed MBA Admissions Team at Cambridge Judge for these efforts and the profile I have created so far has not only validated my efforts but also inspired me to strive for even greater achievements. 

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the Business School for this incredible opportunity, which fuels my determination to excel in my field and make a meaningful contribution. 

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

Over the next year, my goal in pursuing the MBA at Cambridge Judge Business School is to gain a comprehensive set of skills to advance in the healthcare industry. I aim to deepen my understanding of innovative business strategies and operational efficiencies to lead teams and implement cutting-edge solutions effectively. 

Building strong financial acumen is also a priority, as it is crucial for making informed decisions and driving sustainable growth. Additionally, I look forward to broadening my global business insights through collaboration with peers and professors and developing a robust network of professionals. 

Ultimately, I want to integrate these learnings to make a significant impact in my field and drive both personal and organisational success. 

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

My MBA journey at Cambridge Judge Business School aims to drive significant growth for our family business. I plan to use the advanced business strategies, financial acumen, and leadership skills gained to expand into new markets and diversify our portfolio. 

In the short term, I will enhance operations and implement innovative practices for sustainable growth. In the longterm, I aspire to transform our business into a leading player across multiple sectors, ensuring both financial stability and a dynamic market presence. 

What does Cambridge mean to you?

Cambridge represents the epitome of success, heritage, and innovation. To me, it stands as a beacon of academic excellence and integrity, deeply rooted in a rich tradition of ground-breaking achievements and ethical leadership. 

The University’s legacy of fostering intellectual curiosity and driving progress, places it at the heart of global novelties. Being part of such an esteemed institution means engaging with cutting-edge ideas and pioneering research that shape the future. 

Ultimately, Cambridge embodies a unique blend of historical prestige and forward-thinking vision, offering a transformative environment where I can both honour its storied heritage and contribute to its ongoing legacy of success and integrity. 

Something that few people may know about you…

When inspiration strikes, I write down my verses on whatever paper or blank surface I have at hand. Maybe one day, I’ll compile these and publish a poetry book – who knows?