Parade Profile: Adam Sketchley (Executive MBA 2021)

Posted in: Parade Profiles (all), School of Management

Adam balanced a business exit, a young family and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic while studying for an Executive MBA at the University of Bath School of Management.

Since graduating in 2021, the Flores-New Award recipient has gone on to launch multiple businesses in the fields of finance and investment. His latest business, Reybridge Capital, is set to launch soon, offering financial advice to UK-based individuals, families and business owners.

Read on for Adam’s story.

Why did you choose to study at Bath?

The University of Bath School of Management offered a strong academic reputation and consistently ranked highly in global business school listings – the positive impression made by the faculty during an MBA introduction day further reaffirmed that it was the right environment for me.

At the time, I was navigating a complex exit from a wealth management firm following a private equity acquisition. From an academic, personal and professional perspective, Bath was the logical choice.

With the School’s strong academic standing, my career circumstances, a young family and a base in nearby Wiltshire, the flexibility of the Executive MBA made Bath the perfect destination.

Did you have a particular career in mind when you chose your course?

At 36, I already had an established career in finance. I saw the MBA as a way to support a potential career pivot if needed, but primarily to fuel my entrepreneurial ambition to start my own business.

Can you tell us about your experience of studying here?

I have very positive and lasting memories of my time at Bath. I had the privilege of meeting current students and alumni from a diverse range of industries and backgrounds, which significantly expanded my network of both friends and professional contacts – many of whom I remain connected with today.

Who supported you during your studies and what motivated you?

The support of my family was invaluable throughout my studies. Balancing the demands of tuition, self-study, team projects, coursework and exams — while raising two young children — meant that my wife and I had to carefully juggle the challenges of the MBA, work, and family life.

My primary motivation was the desire to challenge myself to achieve the best results possible and to focus on how the concepts I was learning could be practically applied in my career after the MBA.

 

Describe your career journey since graduating. What is a typical day like in your current role? 

Since graduating in 2021, I’ve been fortunate to act on my long-held entrepreneurial ambitions. After exiting a previous business, I decided it was time to “go it alone”. Today, I run a global financial wealth management consultancy alongside the development of an innovative asset management business. My primary focus is Reybridge Capital, which provides tailored financial planning services to individuals, families and business owners across the UK.

The MBA covered a wide range of subjects – from finance and marketing to entrepreneurship and HRM – and each day I draw on elements from the programme in real-world business situations.

How did your studies help you develop?

Professionally, the MBA enhanced my existing knowledge while introducing new concepts. But the real value lay in the application of theory – knowing how to use what you’ve learned is far more powerful than simply understanding it. For those with professional experience, learning how to harness that knowledge is invaluable.

Personally, completing the programme during the COVID-19 pandemic helped me adapt to a dynamic, hybrid working world. Balancing academic demands across both virtual and in-person settings prepared me well for the globally blended business model I operate in today.

I also continue to mentor current MBA students, particularly in the field of finance – something I find extremely rewarding.

What advice would you give to prospective students thinking about studying your course at Bath?   

It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in fresh ideas and explore how theoretical concepts apply to real-world challenges. Whether you’re an intrapreneur, entrepreneur, or preparing to change direction in your career, the Bath MBA provides a powerful platform to help you take the next step.

Posted in: Parade Profiles (all), School of Management

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