Monewa Matlwa, MSBA '24
“If you want to lead in a world where decisions are increasingly shaped by data and AI, this program accelerates that journey.”
Monewa Matlwa is the Africa Business Transformation Lead for Technology & Operations at Deloitte Africa, where he drives large-scale operational transformation across multiple countries, integrating AI, analytics, and process redesign to improve efficiency, governance, and workforce outcomes. He has also served as Chief of Staff to the Africa Chief People Officer, supporting enterprise strategy execution and executive decision-making at scale. With a background in complex, asset-intensive operations and a growing focus on AI-enabled strategy, he brings a uniquely grounded and future-focused perspective to data-driven leadership.
He recently spoke with Stern about his journey from operations leader to transformation leader, the pivotal role the MSBAi program played in expanding his analytical and strategic toolkit, and how he is applying those skills to drive AI-enabled change across the African continent.
Where were you in your career when you decided to pursue this MSBAi program? Why did you choose Stern over other avenues?
When I applied to the MSBAi program in 2022, I was an Operations Leader at Anheuser-Busch InBev, responsible for managing complex, asset-intensive operations across Africa. I was deeply embedded in operational execution but increasingly aware that future leadership would require stronger data-driven decision-making and fluency in AI-enabled strategy. I chose NYU Stern because of its clear positioning at the intersection of analytics, strategy, and leadership. Stern stood out as a program that develops business translators—leaders who can connect data science to real operational and strategic outcomes—rather than purely technical specialists.
What was the biggest professional challenge you were facing before joining the MSBAi program, and how did the program help you solve it?
My biggest challenge was transitioning from intuition-led operational leadership to evidence-led, scalable decision-making. While I understood processes and people deeply, I wanted to make decisions under uncertainty with greater rigor and confidence.
The MSBAi program gave me structured frameworks—particularly through Data-Driven Decision Making and Decisions Under Risk—that allowed me to formalize how I evaluate trade-offs, quantify uncertainty, and align analytics with strategy. This fundamentally changed how I approach executive-level decisions today.
Why was now the moment to make a big investment in yourself and pursue this degree?
I initially deferred my studies to 2023 due to funding constraints, but that delay ultimately strengthened my conviction. As AI began reshaping industries at speed, it became clear that leaders who do not understand analytics risk becoming disconnected from how value is created. At that point in my career, investing in myself was not about a title change, it was about future-proofing my leadership capabilities and preparing for a long-term trajectory toward CEO-level responsibility.
What excites you about the field of analytics and artificial intelligence, and how do you see yourself contributing to the field? How will your experience at Stern help you make that contribution?
What excites me most is AI’s ability to unlock human potential at scale by enabling better decisions, fairer systems, and more efficient operations. I believe the real value of AI lies in how leaders apply it responsibly to people-centric challenges.
My experience at Stern has equipped me to contribute as a business leader who understands analytics deeply enough to apply it ethically and strategically. I see myself driving AI adoption that enhances operational efficiency, workforce productivity, and social impact, particularly across emerging markets.
Which course, project, or professor was most transformative for you, and why?
The most transformative courses for me were Data-Driven Decision Making, Decisions Under Risk, and Strategy, Change and Analytics. These courses reshaped how I think about leadership under uncertainty and reinforced the idea that good strategy is inseparable from good data. They helped me bridge my operational background with advanced analytical thinking—moving from “what happened” to “what should we do next, and why.”
What has the immediate value-add of the program been on your career?
The immediate value-add has been credibility and confidence in leading AI-enabled transformation. The MSBAi gave me a shared language with data scientists, technologists, and executives, allowing me to translate analytics into action. This has directly supported my transition into a senior transformation leadership role at Deloitte, where analytics and AI are central to enterprise strategy.
How has the program influenced your long-term career direction or ambitions in analytics, AI, or data-driven leadership?
The program reinforced my long-term ambition to become a CEO who leads with data, empathy, and strategic clarity. It clarified that my role is not to build models, but to build organizations that know how to use them well. Analytics and AI will remain core enablers of how I drive operational excellence, scale impact, and make principled decisions as a future executive leader.
What are some specific skills you gained in the program, whether technical understanding, or soft skills and interpersonal networking skills?
Technically, I gained strong foundations in decision modeling, risk analysis, machine learning concepts, and data visualization. Strategically, I learned how to frame business problems in analytically solvable ways. Equally important were the soft skills: collaborating across cultures, influencing without authority, and engaging confidently with senior stakeholders on complex, data-driven topics.
What advice would you give someone considering this program but unsure whether it’s the right time?
There is never a perfect time, but there is a right reason. If you want to lead in a world where decisions are increasingly shaped by data and AI, this program accelerates that journey. The MSBAi is best suited for professionals who want to amplify their leadership impact. The return on investment compounds over time.
What makes Stern MSBAi graduates uniquely prepared to lead in a data-driven world?
Stern MSBAi graduates are trained to be translators and leaders, not just analysts. The program emphasizes decision-making, ethics, strategy, and execution—ensuring graduates can turn analytics into real organizational value. This combination of rigor, practicality, and leadership mindset is what truly differentiates Stern.
What three words would you use to describe your experience in the program?
Transformational. Rigorous. Empowering.