How the UBC PMBA took this alum to Yale, Copenhagen and Shanghai

While completing the Professional Master of Business Administration (PMBA) at the UBC Sauder School of Business, Tamimi Ahmad (PMBA '25) sharpened his global perspective through three transformative exchanges at Yale University, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, and Copenhagen Business School, broadening both his worldview and cultural understanding. Today, he brings a blend of technical expertise and global business perspective to a career defined by curiosity, strategy, and a passion for building more connected communities through AI.

Where are you from and what are you passionate about?

I was born and raised in Jordan, but I currently call Vancouver home.

I am passionate about technology and the ways it can bring people and communities closer together. There is something exciting about being at the intersection of emerging tech and real-world impact, which is where I feel most alive professionally.

Can you walk us through your career journey since graduating from UBC Sauder?

Graduating from UBC Sauder was genuinely a turning point. Shortly after, my career took an exciting shift into a leadership role focused on shaping the future of Agentic AI within the field of event-driven architecture. It is a space that sits right at the bleeding edge of technology, and I find that incredibly energizing.

In my current role as Senior AI Developer Advocate, Office of the CTO at Solace, my work is heavily focused on research and development in AI, and I bring a lens that blends technical depth with business strategy. The PMBA really sparked a newfound appreciation for consumer behaviour and strategic thinking, and that combination feels like a genuine advantage in the work I do now.

Tell us about your experience doing three global exchanges – how did your time in Denmark, Shanghai and at Yale impact your academic experience and professional growth?

The global exchanges were honestly some of my most cherished memories from the entire program.

Starting with Yale, the focus on behavioral economics opened my eyes to the deeply human side of economic decision making, and the caliber of teaching was exceptional. It helped me bridge the gap between my career and its broader economic impact. But what made it truly memorable was the people. Being in a room with driven, curious individuals from vastly different professional backgrounds and corners of the world is both humbling and inspiring.

While studying in Shanghai, immersing myself in Chinese culture was fascinating on every level, from the way of life to the values and traditions that underpin everyday interactions. Getting to engage with students from Shanghai Jiao Tong University added another layer to that, as we exchanged perspectives on our work in North America versus theirs in China.

At the Copenhagen Business School, the course on AI in Marketing was rich, and I loved that I was able to contribute meaningfully through my professional background in technology, software, and AI. That kind of exchange, where you are both student and contributor, is where learning feels most alive. Outside the classroom, I got to embrace the Danish concept of Hygge while enjoying the architecture and the warmth of the people.

Why did you choose UBC Sauder and the PMBA?

I chose UBC Sauder for its globally recognized reputation, access to world-class professors, and a network that stretches far beyond the classroom. Its partnership with Creative Destruction Lab stood out as a signal that the School is not just about theory but about real innovation and entrepreneurship.

The PMBA felt like it was built for someone like me: an experienced professional with a strong passion for academia.

I wanted to be in a room full of people who shared that drive and ambition, because there is something powerful about surrounding yourself with like-minded, motivated individuals. It pushes you to think bigger.

The format allowed me to keep working while studying and immediately apply what I learned, making every lesson feel immediately relevant.

I could bring a real challenge from work right back into the classroom conversation. That loop between theory and practice is where real learning happens.

Beyond the academics, I genuinely wanted to deepen my understanding of business, and the PMBA gave me exactly that, along with a network of incredible people I am still connected to today.

How did your experience at UBC Sauder shape your career path or contribute to your growth?

UBC Sauder gave me the mindset and framework to approach business strategy, with immediate real-world impact. I was able to apply negotiation skills from the classroom directly to a high-stakes case at work. The PMBA also signaled to employers that I actively seek growth and challenge, and I felt that reflected in the opportunities that came my way.

Beyond that, it pushed me to step out of my comfort zone in a genuinely supportive environment where it felt safe to stumble and grow. That balance of challenge and safety is rare, and I think it is where a lot of my development actually happened.

Resources like the Business Career Centre and guest speaker events expanded my network and exposure to new industries. The program gave me a new lens on business – equipping me with the vocabulary and a framework I didn't have before as an engineer.

What advice would you give to someone considering a business education at UBC Sauder?

Go in with an open mind and an open heart. You will walk into a room with people who have incredible experience and impressive backgrounds. You may feel intimated but remember that everyone in that room has something unique to bring to the table – including you.

The magic of the program lives in that diversity of thought and experience, so lean into it rather than shying away from it.