After nearly two decades in real estate operations, Rebecca Nwankwo found herself at a crossroads — accomplished but unfulfilled, successful yet seeking deeper impact. What followed was a leap of faith into a Global Executive MBA, a life-changing journey that not only transformed her career but planted the seed for EMAP: The Executive MBA Admissions Playbook. In this interview, she shares how personal struggle became purpose, how technology fuels her global coaching business, and how mindset, empathy, and intentional growth are reshaping what success looks like for ambitious, mid-career professionals.
1. Can you share your entrepreneurial journey, and the motivation behind starting your business?
My journey into entrepreneurship was born out of lived experience, reflection, and honestly, a bit of frustration. After nearly 20 years in real estate operations, I hit a dead-end. I’d climbed the ladder, but what was next didn’t excite me. I knew I was capable of more — more impact, more purpose. That push led me to pursue a Global Executive MBA at IESE Business School while working full-time and raising two daughters. It was the toughest, most transformative period of my life — and it gave me the clarity I needed.
During the application process, I realized just how little support existed for mid-career professionals typically in their late 30s to 50s, juggling full-time jobs, family, and the complex EMBA journey. That’s when the seed for EMAP — the Executive MBA Admissions Playbook — was planted. I launched it after graduating to help others like me simplify the process, avoid burnout, and get into top schools. My mission is to help them unlock their next chapter — with more confidence, greater financial growth, and the leadership roles they were made for.
2. How have digital tools helped you launch and grow a global business that supports clients?
Digital tools are the engine behind EMAP’s global reach. With clients across time zones juggling demanding careers and family life, flexibility is essential. I coach through one-to-one video sessions, supported by smart scheduling apps and collaborative platforms that keep us connected, efficient, and on track.
Technology allows me to deliver a personalized, high-touch experience at scale — whether that means a quick check-in, a tailored session, or an in-person meeting when possible. As I grow EMAP to include self-paced programs, tech continues to let me stay human-first while expanding impact.
3. What’s been one of the biggest challenges in building your brand, and how did you overcome it?
Without a doubt — imposter syndrome. Pivoting into a new space after nearly two decades in a completely different field was daunting. I kept asking myself, Who am I to guide others through this journey? When you’ve been known for one thing for so long, stepping into something new can shake your confidence. What helped me push through was the mindset work I had already been implementing for some time. Using the very principles I now teach — journaling, visualisation, and reframing negative self-talk — gave me the tools to move forward with clarity and conviction. These practices became my anchor, and they’re at the core of my book, The Lies We Tell Ourselves: How to Change Your Mindset and Build a Better You. I wrote it because I truly believe that no success is sustainable without self-belief, and no transformation happens without a growth mindset.
4. As a solo founder, how do you prioritize and plan for long-term growth while managing multiple roles?
It’s definitely a juggle — some days, I feel like I’m wearing a dozen hats, and not all of them fit perfectly. But I’ve learned to focus on progress over perfection. That mindset shift has been a game-changer. I carve out dedicated time for different areas of the business — whether it’s client delivery, marketing, or strategic planning — and I give myself permission to slow down when life gets busy or things need to breathe.
I’ve also learned to embrace failure as part of the process. Some of my best insights have come from things not going to plan. Right now, my focus is on refining the client experience and building authentic connections. Long term, I’m laying the groundwork to launch an online step-by-step EMBA application course and continue to scale the business globally. But I’m intentionally building at a pace that is sustainable. Growth doesn’t have to be loud or fast to be impactful. It just needs to be intentional.
5. How do your personal values and life experiences shape the way you lead and serve your clients?
My values — empathy, integrity, emotional intelligence, and a belief in second (and third) chances — are at the heart of how I lead. I know what it’s like to question your path and still push forward. Graduating from my GEMBA and launching a business at 44 showed me it’s never too late to evolve. Age is just a number — the only limits are the ones we place on ourselves.
I lead through collaboration and empathy, focusing on strong relationships and developing people’s potential. Whether it’s with clients or teams, I create an environment where people feel heard, valued, and motivated to show up as their best. Coaching mid-career professionals, for me, is a partnership — not a hierarchy. I’m here to guide, not dictate, and to remind people that they already have what it takes — they just need the space and support to unlock it.
6. How have your experiences in real estate operations and your MBA journey influenced the unique approach behind EMAP?
Real estate operations taught me structure, resilience, and how to lead under pressure. I learned how to plan strategically, manage multiple stakeholders, and deliver results — often with tight deadlines and high expectations. Then came the Global Executive MBA, which took my leadership skills to a new level. Balancing intense coursework with full-time work and motherhood sharpened my time management, deepened my emotional intelligence, and gave me a global perspective on business and leadership. But it also exposed the lack of practical, relatable support for professionals like me going through the Executive MBA admissions process.
You can say that EMAP combines the systematic, no-nonsense strategies I honed in the corporate world with the authentic, relatable lessons learned during my MBA journey. EMAP isn’t just about getting into business school — it’s about helping mid-career professionals step into their next chapter with clarity, confidence, and strategy.
7. How do you stay agile and in tune with the evolving needs of your audience?
I listen — a lot. I always start from my clients’ story. What has shaped them to be who they are, why they want to get an Executive MBA and what they hope to achieve. I ask my clients open-ended questions about their struggles, their dreams, and what’s getting in the way. I also pay attention to the language they use, the hesitations they express, and the emotions behind their decisions.
Because my audience is made up of high-achieving, mid-career professionals, their needs are complex. Sometimes it’s tactical — like needing help with an MBA application — but other times, it’s emotional and mindset-based. Staying in tune means staying human. And being willing to adapt the business based on real conversations, not just analytics.
8. What are your long-term goals for your business, and how are you working towards achieving them?
My long-term vision for EMAP is to expand its global footprint, delivering tailored, high-impact support to mid-career professionals seeking transformative growth—both personally and professionally—through admission to top business schools. I’m working towards this by developing a scalable digital platform, with plans to integrate self-paced courses and advanced technology to support a growing client base. Additionally, I aim to build a strong team to help drive EMAP’s expansion, bringing in staff members who are aligned with the mission. I also plan to collaborate with international companies that have advanced learning and development programs for senior staff, particularly those supporting Executive MBAs. This will ensure the talent they invest in brings innovation and future-ready leadership to the table. These steps are all part of my vision to create a sustainable, global business that empowers professionals to elevate their careers and achieve their true potential