AUS finance graduate’s research on leadership and IPOs wins second place at GCC 3MT

"Founder Narcissism and IPO Performance," a compelling research presentation by Aizhan Uzakova, a Master of Science in Finance graduate from American University of Sharjah (AUS), earned her second place at the inaugural Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Three-Minute Thesis (3MT) Competition, hosted by Qatar University. Competing against 19 graduate students from nine leading institutions across the region, Uzakova impressed the judges with her ability to distill complex research into an engaging and accessible format.

The competition challenged participants to condense their research into a concise three-minute presentation that could engage a non-specialist audience. Guided by her supervisor, Dr. Kimberley Gleason, Professor of Finance at AUS, Uzakova’s presentation explored the influence of narcissistic leadership on the long-term performance of initial public offerings (IPOs), presenting significant findings for investors and stakeholders.

“Earning second place in the regional competition was a truly rewarding experience, especially as a representative of AUS,” Uzakova said. “The 3MT format is a powerful way to bridge the gap between academia and the wider community by presenting research in a clear and compelling manner. I hope this achievement encourages more students from the School of Business Administration to take on this challenge and showcase their work.”

Beyond her academic success, Uzakova applies behavioral finance principles through her financial consulting firm, UZAQ Finance, which she founded in Kazakhstan in 2021. The firm supports individuals and businesses in effectively managing their finances.

“My work emphasizes how much finance is tied to human psychology,” she explained. “Through my financial consulting firm, I help people recognize the impact of human behavior on financial decisions and develop strategies to achieve their goals.”

Looking ahead, Uzakova aspires to establish a fund that supports women-led businesses in her home country, Kazakhstan.

This achievement underscores the academic excellence fostered at AUS, ranked number one in the UAE and among the top 200 universities globally for accounting and finance, according to the QS World University Rankings 2024. The Master of Science in Finance program offered by the AUS School of Business Administration equips students with cutting-edge analytical skills and quantitative expertise, preparing them for success in the global financial sector. The program also aligns with the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) curriculum, encouraging students to pursue CFA certification, and offers an optional thesis track for those interested in research or future doctoral studies. To learn more about the program, click here.