Client Testimonial: David’s Experience with the Mini MBA in Business Leadership
Salford Professional Development had the privilege to interview David Waring, Engineering & QHSE Manager at Pyroban, who recently completed the Mini MBA for Business Leadership programme. David oversees teams delivering renewable and sustainable energy projects across sectors such as leisure, hospitality and manufacturing. With over two years of experience helping shape his company’s growth and technical direction, he brings both practical expertise and strategic insight into his role. Beginning his career at a young age, David started as an Electrical Engineer before progressing to Engineering and Design Manager, gaining valuable experience in the solar energy sector. His strong academic foundation continues to support his professional development and leadership journey. With David’s rapid career progression, he was looking for a course that could support his growth and help him get ahead of the curve in specific areas. David says:
“I’ve been trained academically and professionally very much in the engineering space, but now I’m sort of moving up to a role which requires a lot more responsibility and interfacing with other departments and functions, such as marketing and finance. I thought it was important not only to get a better understanding of how they operate, but also how I can work better and closer with them to make our part of the business a success.”
David found the course highly beneficial and insightful. From connecting with peers to exploring the operations management content in greater depth, he discovered immense value across multiple aspects of the programme. His favourite module was finance; an area where he was eager to strengthen his understanding.
“What’s been good is engaging with the other people on the course as well. Everyone is from a different company, a different sector, with different levels of experience. Just learning from them has given me brilliant insights. The course has helped me build on the skills I already had while strengthening areas where I had less experience — particularly finance. For me, that has been the most useful day. Starting from level zero and quickly building that foundational understanding has been incredibly valuable. The tools have given me a huge amount of confidence. The glossary of terms will help me work through finance conversations more smoothly.”
The course has also had a direct impact on David’s work, boosting his confidence in decision making and equipping him with tools to improve efficiency. The operations management module aligned closely with his role, helping him refine processes and lead his team more effectively, while his enhanced financial knowledge has enabled stronger collaboration across departments. Reflecting on his experience, David shared:
“Being relatively early in my career, the Mini MBA has been an amazing experience. It’s helped me build on my existing knowledge while gaining new insights in areas I hadn’t previously explored. For anyone who wants to progress and succeed, I’d highly recommend it."
Following completion of the course, David has strengthened his leadership approach, bringing greater focus and clarity to how he communicates objectives across his team. The course has also enhanced his decision-making, enabling him to engage more effectively with colleagues and drive collaboration across departments.
The Mini MBA in Business Leadership is a five-day programme designed for senior executives and managers aspiring to leadership roles across all functions and industries. It equips delegates with advanced business knowledge and practical skills to excel in their current and future roles. It can be optionally accredited to a CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice. Upon completion, participants also gain lifetime membership to the Mini MBA Alumni Network, an exclusive community where colleagues can exchange ideas, share expertise and continue their professional development.
