MBA success stories: Grant Bruno
New Yorker Grant Bruno is an entrepreneur who co-founded Wikolo Super App, a platform designed to support college students with academic issues, finances, social connections and mental health. Here, he relates how he believes that studying for an MBA will equip him to navigate complex business scenarios and shape him into a leader committed to driving sustainable, impactful change
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career to date
I'm Grant Bruno, a 24-year-old entrepreneur and corporate general manager from New York. My career journey started with the founding of Wikolo Super App, a platform designed to support college students with academic issues, finances, social connections and mental health. I co-led a product launch and expanded my professional experience in finance, artificial intelligence, private equity, tech start-ups and management consulting.
I've had the opportunity to collaborate with leading companies like Amazon, Netflix, the NBA and Spotify, as well as those I worked with, eg TimelessVentures, Clipmedia.ai and CleverCognitive. I fuel business growth by leveraging innovation, strategic partnerships and technology to create lasting value and new opportunities.
Can you explain your current role?
As the co-founder of Wikolo Super App, I lead strategic planning, marketing, business development and corporate partnerships. Our mission is to revolutionise the university ecosystem by offering an all-in-one platform focused on mental health, academic success and financial management.
We're expanding with partnerships, such as our collaboration with CellFunds, to integrate digital banking and wallet solutions. Additionally, we are partnering with universities and other businesses to enhance and strengthen our ecosystem, providing even more value to students and institutions alike.
What key factors influenced your MBA choice and how does it align with your personal and professional long-term goals?
I chose Exeter University's MBA in Business and Management for its focus on sustainability, innovation and responsible leadership; these are all values that align with my goal of driving meaningful business change. The programme combines academic rigour with practical experience, offering collaboration with industry leaders and consultancy projects with renowned companies. This hands-on approach will prepare me for leadership roles and enhance my resumé with real-world problem-solving skills.
Exeter’s global alumni network offers valuable connections to accelerate my professional growth. I hope that focusing on sustainability and innovation will equip me to become a forward-thinking leader who leverages technology for long-term success.
How has your work experience equipped you for the challenges and opportunities of pursuing an MBA?
My work experience has equipped me with the practical knowledge, leadership skills and strategic insight essential for pursuing an MBA. As co-founder of Wikolo Super App, I led product launches, strategic planning and partnerships, successfully scaling the platform with features such as digital wallet integration. My finance, private equity and tech start-up roles honed my market dynamics, fundraising and investor relations expertise.
Leading cross-functional teams to innovate digital solutions, execute marketing campaigns and collaborate with companies like Amazon, Netflix and the NBA strengthened my ability to build strategic partnerships and drive growth. These experiences have prepared me for an MBA and future leadership roles. They also support me as an ambassador of my MBA programme, where I aim to inspire others through innovation and responsible leadership.
What are your key goals and expectations from pursuing an MBA and how do you envisage it shaping your future career and personal growth?
Pursuing an MBA is crucial to my long-term goal of becoming a leader in technology, management consulting and finance. It will strengthen my foundation, leadership skills and strategic thinking, while providing a global business perspective. I also aim to build a network of professionals and mentors to support my growth. The MBA will equip me to navigate complex business environments, make data-driven decisions and lead with innovation and integrity, accelerating my career and shaping me into a leader committed to driving sustainable, impactful change.
What were the key challenges you encountered when selecting your MBA programme and how did you overcome them to make your final decision?
One key challenge in selecting an MBA programme was balancing academic rigour with practical experience. I sought a programme that would boost my professional growth, provide real-world skills and align with my goals of developing strategic thinking and leadership. After thorough research, I chose the Exeter MBA for its focus on sustainability, innovation and responsible leadership. I also prioritised joining a robust and diverse network to support my career aspirations and personal development.
What are the next steps on your career journey?
After completing my MBA, I’m eager to explore technology, venture capital and management consulting opportunities. I aspire to take on leadership roles that drive innovation and disrupt traditional business models with tech-driven solutions. My ultimate vision is to continue transforming industries while enhancing the college ecosystem, mental health initiatives and social platforms to create more impactful, user-centric experiences.