Last year, I had the privilege of completing the Mini MBA in Brand Management by Marketing Week, led by the incredible Mark Ritson. If you’re wondering why I’m writing about a course I did, it’s because it was a transformational experience that reshaped how I approach marketing and branding.
The course that redefines learning
The 15-week program is divided into 10 modules that manage to cover everything from brand diagnosis and strategy to tactical execution. What sets this course apart is the perfect blend of academic rigor and practical application. Mark’s engaging style, sharp wit, and unparalleled expertise make even the most complex topics digestible and, dare I say, entertaining. I was actually looking forward to Monday mornings when the next lesson was released.
The highlights included:
- Strategic Depth: We were encouraged to dig deep into diagnosing a brand’s health before rushing into strategy. This critical yet often overlooked step ensures decisions are informed, not based on gut instinct.
- Two-Speed Brand Plan: A structured approach that balances the long-term goal of building brand equity with the short-term need to drive sales. A concept I’ve already applied in my work.
- Distinctive Brand Codes: The importance of creating and codifying your distinctive brand assets stood out as a crucial takeaway. Ensuring consistency and recognisability is the key to long-term brand success.
- Flawless Execution: The final modules focused on translating strategy into tactics while maintaining alignment with brand objectives, ensuring no detail is left to chance.
The Challenge and Reward
Was it challenging? Without a doubt. The readings, lectures, assignments, and final brand plan probably amounted to around 100 hours of effort, but every second was worth it.
The culmination of the course was the creation of a detailed brand plan for a fictional phone company. It was a chance to put all the frameworks and learnings into practice. And the result? I graduated 3rd out of 922 participants, and achieved an A grade with Distinction.
Hearing those words from one of the most respected voices in marketing was the ultimate validation of the effort I put into the course.
Why you should take the Mini MBA
If you’re serious about taking your marketing and branding skills to the next level, this course is for you. It’s not just for marketers, and I wished I had done this back when I worked in agencies on brand campaigns.
Mark’s no-nonsense approach, coupled with the wealth of resources, real-world examples, and engaging lectures, leaves you with actionable insights and confidence. Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned professional, the Mini MBA delivers value that’s hard to match.
Was it hard? Yes.
Was it worth it? Absolutely
