Stuart Turner founded his telecoms services company a decade ago. Now, he’s looking to expand
“I definitely wish I’d done it a long time ago!” says Stuart Turner, a UK entrepreneur who decided to pursue an Executive MBA at Warwick Business School to take his business to the next level.He started his own telecoms and internet services company TeleSurf back in 2007. For the past decade, he’s helped startup entrepreneurs boost profits and achieve their business development and commercial goals.
Now, he’s aiming to branch out of the telecoms industry, explore new technologies like artificial intelligence, and try something new.
At Warwick, he’s had the chance to do just that. Warwick’s triple-accredited Executive MBA program is ranked among the top 25 EMBA programs in the world by the Financial Times.
Stuart attends classes at Warwick’s London EMBA campus on the 17th floor of The Shard, where EMBA students can take specialisms in healthcare, finance, entrepreneurship, and strategic leadership.
Outside the UK, Warwick EMBA students can travel to China, India, Mexico, and San Francisco’s Silicon Valley on international immersion trips. Warwick’s 40,000-strong alumni network extends over 140 countries worldwide.
One year into his Warwick Executive MBA, Stuart’s already secured new clients and is exploring new business ideas outside the telecoms industry.
Why did you decide to pursue an Executive MBA at Warwick?
I’ve been following the same career path for quite some time. When you’re working in a particular industry, you become quite limited in your scope. I felt I was a bit constrained in what I knew. I wanted to do something different, to widen my scope, and explore new opportunities.
I had a look at all the business schools based in London. Warwick’s was well-ranked and recommended by a friend. I went to an open evening and the conversations I had made it feel like the right choice.
What stands out from your Warwick EMBA experience so far?
The people you meet on the course are all from different backgrounds. They think in a different way to you, and that’s one of the key learnings.
I’m from a sales psyche. I see things very direct in terms of margin and profit. Other people might have more of a thoughtful approach. When you adopt those techniques, you get a much better, broader way of making decisions.
Doing the business in China module was a great opportunity to go somewhere I’d never been before. We studied at a top local university and visited the Hyundai factory in Beijing – I learned a lot.
How has the Warwick EMBA helped you develop your business?
The EMBA has set me up for the second part of my career. My confidence has certainly grown. When you learn the theory behind what you’re doing, it helps your overall understanding of what you do, and helps you present it better.
The first thing I noticed was a change in the conversations I had with my clients. Within a matter of weeks, I felt like I was talking to them in a different way; a better way which opened up different opportunities.
I’ve done telecoms for many years. I was keen to get into newer technologies like artificial intelligence. The EMBA has helped me get involved in things other than telecoms. Now, I’m more business-focused. It doesn’t matter what the business or subject matter is as such. I can now talk to clients and offer insights whether their business is telecoms or not.
What advice do you have for MBAs looking to start their own business?
It’s all about getting customers in and making money. Is your idea good? Are their customers that want to buy it? Don’t waste lots of time building a nice website!
Try to get as many things set up prior to quitting your job and starting your own business as you can. I started TeleSurf because I had a few clients that wanted to help, so I had income from day one.
Why should entrepreneurs do an MBA?
You can become very good at one specific thing driving a business, but there’s so many other areas that are complementary. The MBA gives you an understanding of each area – finance, marketing, sales, leadership – and all those elements breed into the business.
It’s a very practical course – you can really apply it. That’s why I think it’s good to do it while you’re working. Every assignment I did, I did it based on a company I’d done some work for.
Student Reviews
BSc Management with Marketing
I loved Warwick business school.
The staff is supportive, my academic tutor was key in my development throughout the 3 years and you have to meet with her/him every term. Most professors are helpful and would happily offer support if needed. You also have office hours and can contact professors by email and through the forum.
In general, WBS instills in you the willingness to learn and the resilience needed for you for whatever career you choose.
Very international community which broadens your horizon and makes you more open minded and self aware. You will most certainly make friends and memories for life. I recommend that you get outside of your comfort zone and try new activities with your friends!
WBS also has a great reputation and offers careers opportunities, and careers support throughout the degree.
There is the opportunity to do a year abroad to further develop on a personal level. I wasn’t able to do this due to Covid but I would have loved to do it during normal circumstances! Would definitely recommend this.
Although Warwick is not a city university, the campus vibe has a lot of advantages, especially at an undergraduate level. You are always around familiar faces, and in a student environment. Moreover, Birmingham is only 20 mins away from Leamington spa and London is only one hour away! Perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway!
Life at Warwick Business School
Pursuing my master's degree at WBS has been a game-changer in my life. With high-quality education, interaction with students from across the world, amazing campus life and much more. I was able to learn about business, finance, project management and strategy all in one course: MSc in Management at WBS. Besides the top-notch education from the best professors, I also enjoyed being a part of fun societies and participating in fun activities such as scavenger hunts and so much more.
The school also organises many company visits and interactions which help students get a head start at finding a job. As my course came to an end, I also have a good full-time job placement in my hands.
Overall, my experience at WBS was a great one.
Outstanding
The Warwick Business School was like a dream come to life for me. The University ranking speaks for itself, from top-tier facilities to some of the best professors I had to honour to study with I fell in love with my course. Interactions with people from all over the world gave me a newfound confidence in myself.
Career prospects after graduating are endless due to the contacts of the universities and the success rate for previous students, it does open a lot of doors for students in various career fields. The campus life is quite good as well with a lot of student groups and clubs, and extra circular activities to engage students at all times. Loved my experience.
A good business school
It is a very cutting-edge, career-oriented business school, all courses are very practical, and the college does a very good job of career service. From the hardware and facilities to the staff, the student experience is at the core of the school and student satisfaction is taken very seriously. I understand that many universities in the UK are relatively traditional and can occasionally be rigid in terms of rules and regulations, and although WBS has a relatively short history, this makes it more innovative and dynamic, which is essential for a business school. The downside is that because it is on the outskirts of Coventry, it is a long bus ride to the city centre, not to mention the difference in experience from a big city like London.
Campus
The people, campus, staff. It’s a very enjoyable environment and it’s particularly good for learning and playing sports. The people there are extremely friendly and welcoming and it’s very easy to make friends
What I Like About Warwick
I’ve personally liked my experience at Warwick so far because of the amazing people I’ve gotten to meet and how many opportunities we students are provided with to learn and grow.
Within Warwick, I’m part of the Business School, a learning haven comprised of well-structured modules and extremely helpful people
All in all, a great place to be :)
Campus Life
One thing that stood out for me was the campus life, you felt like part of a community. The social aspects of the student union and on-campus accommodation meant you can easily get together and enjoy with friends. Additionally, I felt the course provided a variety of subjects allowing me to enhance my knowledge, from Marketing to Law and Finance. Overall I would most definitely recommend this university to friends and family.
Excellence self catered
The campus is very welcoming and Modern. There are many opportunities at Warwick but it is up to the student how do they want to make the most out of it and the staff at the school will definitely helo as much as possible. The location and the ranking have been amazing.
Warwick business school
Warwick business school is one of the best universities around the globe with a solid base of economic and business studies. Moreover, students get a chance to study in a diverse and warm environment with professional stuff which tries to provide the best opportunities for career development. One of the memorable features of the university are great events which sometimes take a place in one of the landmarks of the London city, the Shard building.
BSc Management with Marketing
I loved Warwick business school.
The staff is supportive, my academic tutor was key in my development throughout the 3 years and you have to meet with her/him every term. Most professors are helpful and would happily offer support if needed. You also have office hours and can contact professors by email and through the forum.
In general, WBS instills in you the willingness to learn and the resilience needed for you for whatever career you choose.
Very international community which broadens your horizon and makes you more open minded and self aware. You will most certainly make friends and memories for life. I recommend that you get outside of your comfort zone and try new activities with your friends!
WBS also has a great reputation and offers careers opportunities, and careers support throughout the degree.
There is the opportunity to do a year abroad to further develop on a personal level. I wasn’t able to do this due to Covid but I would have loved to do it during normal circumstances! Would definitely recommend this.
Although Warwick is not a city university, the campus vibe has a lot of advantages, especially at an undergraduate level. You are always around familiar faces, and in a student environment. Moreover, Birmingham is only 20 mins away from Leamington spa and London is only one hour away! Perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway!
Life at Warwick Business School
Pursuing my master's degree at WBS has been a game-changer in my life. With high-quality education, interaction with students from across the world, amazing campus life and much more. I was able to learn about business, finance, project management and strategy all in one course: MSc in Management at WBS. Besides the top-notch education from the best professors, I also enjoyed being a part of fun societies and participating in fun activities such as scavenger hunts and so much more.
The school also organises many company visits and interactions which help students get a head start at finding a job. As my course came to an end, I also have a good full-time job placement in my hands.
Overall, my experience at WBS was a great one.
Outstanding
The Warwick Business School was like a dream come to life for me. The University ranking speaks for itself, from top-tier facilities to some of the best professors I had to honour to study with I fell in love with my course. Interactions with people from all over the world gave me a newfound confidence in myself.
Career prospects after graduating are endless due to the contacts of the universities and the success rate for previous students, it does open a lot of doors for students in various career fields. The campus life is quite good as well with a lot of student groups and clubs, and extra circular activities to engage students at all times. Loved my experience.
A good business school
It is a very cutting-edge, career-oriented business school, all courses are very practical, and the college does a very good job of career service. From the hardware and facilities to the staff, the student experience is at the core of the school and student satisfaction is taken very seriously. I understand that many universities in the UK are relatively traditional and can occasionally be rigid in terms of rules and regulations, and although WBS has a relatively short history, this makes it more innovative and dynamic, which is essential for a business school. The downside is that because it is on the outskirts of Coventry, it is a long bus ride to the city centre, not to mention the difference in experience from a big city like London.
Campus
The people, campus, staff. It’s a very enjoyable environment and it’s particularly good for learning and playing sports. The people there are extremely friendly and welcoming and it’s very easy to make friends
What I Like About Warwick
I’ve personally liked my experience at Warwick so far because of the amazing people I’ve gotten to meet and how many opportunities we students are provided with to learn and grow.
Within Warwick, I’m part of the Business School, a learning haven comprised of well-structured modules and extremely helpful people
All in all, a great place to be :)
Campus Life
One thing that stood out for me was the campus life, you felt like part of a community. The social aspects of the student union and on-campus accommodation meant you can easily get together and enjoy with friends. Additionally, I felt the course provided a variety of subjects allowing me to enhance my knowledge, from Marketing to Law and Finance. Overall I would most definitely recommend this university to friends and family.
Excellence self catered
The campus is very welcoming and Modern. There are many opportunities at Warwick but it is up to the student how do they want to make the most out of it and the staff at the school will definitely helo as much as possible. The location and the ranking have been amazing.
Warwick business school
Warwick business school is one of the best universities around the globe with a solid base of economic and business studies. Moreover, students get a chance to study in a diverse and warm environment with professional stuff which tries to provide the best opportunities for career development. One of the memorable features of the university are great events which sometimes take a place in one of the landmarks of the London city, the Shard building.
