Ban Hasan

Ban Hasan is an AI and Data Innovation Consultant at BCN, where she works at the intersection of people, technology and organisational change. After completing MSc Business Psychology at Leeds University Business School in 2023, she has built a career focused on human-centred AI adoption, helping organisations think beyond technology implementation to consider trust, behaviour, governance and the way people experience change.

Why did you choose MSc Business Psychology?

I chose the course because I had always been interested in psychology, especially how people think, behave, make decisions and interact within organisations. Before coming to Leeds, I had pursued a masters in Global Supply Chain Management and worked in the FMCG industry for a couple of years, so I already had a good understanding of business processes and how organisations work from an operational perspective. Business Psychology felt like the right next step because it brought those interests together. The degree gave me a stronger psychological foundation and helped me connect two parts of my thinking: the process and systems side of business, and the human behaviour side of organisations.

What did youy enjoy most about the course?

I enjoyed the opportunity to explore complex organisational questions in a deeper and more analytical way. The highlight for me was my dissertation. I carried out a comparative and preventative study of a crowd crush incident using systems-based accident analysis. I looked at the incident through a socio-technical systems lens, analysing the systemic weaknesses and causal factors that contributed to what happened.
It helped me understand how complex incidents are rarely caused by one single issue. They are usually the result of multiple decisions, pressures and conditions interacting with each other. That way of thinking has stayed with me and feels very relevant to my career now as an AI and Data Consultant.

What did you enjoy most about student life?

One of the most memorable parts of my time at Leeds was taking part in the international business study trip to Switzerland. During the trip, I spent a week taking part in activities at Zurich University of Applied Sciences. I had the opportunity to learn, present, collaborate and engage with people I would not have met otherwise.

What professional skills and experience did you gain during your time at Leeds University Business School?

During my time at Leeds, I developed a much stronger ability to approach organisational questions through research, evidence and critical thinking. Through my dissertation, I built my research skills, analysed complex information and translated my findings into practical implications. I also developed my communication and presentation skills through course discussions, research projects and the international business study trip to Switzerland.

The support I received from academic staff was valuable. I had the space to ask questions, explore areas I was curious about and develop my own thinking. That support helped me become more independent as a researcher and more confident in applying psychological knowledge to real organisational challenges.

How did Leeds prepare you for the future?

In my current role, I often work at the intersection of people, technology and organisational change.  My time at Leeds prepared me for the future by helping me understand organisations in a more complete way.

Before studying Business Psychology, I already had experience in business, operations and supply chains. Leeds helped me add a deeper understanding of the human side of work, including behaviour, leadership, motivation, culture and decision-making. Studying Business Psychology helped me think more critically about how people respond to change, how systems shape behaviour, and how organisations can create the right conditions for people to perform and adapt.

How has your career progressed since leaving the Business School?

Since leaving Leeds University Business School, my career has progressed into the technology and AI space. I initially moved into the Microsoft ecosystem as a Business Central Functional Consultant, where I developed a stronger understanding of technology, business systems and digital transformation. I was later internally headhunted into an AI and Data role, where I now work as an AI and Data Innovation Consultant. This has allowed me to bring together different parts of my background: business, systems, psychology, organisational behaviour and technology.

A notable highlight has been leading work around human-centred AI adoption. I have developed and supported programmes that help organisations think beyond simply deploying technology, and instead focus on how people understand, trust and use AI in meaningful ways. I have also contributed to thought leadership and client-facing work, including research, white papers and presentations on AI strategy and adoption.

What are your ambitions for the future?

AI is developing quickly, and I think organisations are still trying to understand what it really means for them. It is not only about tools, automation or productivity. It is also about how work changes, how decisions are made, how people’s roles evolve, and how organisations manage the risks and opportunities that come with such a significant shift.

Longer term, I want to help shape more human-centred approaches to AI and organisational change. My aim is to connect evidence, psychology, business and technology to help organisations make better decisions about AI.

Would you recommend the University of Leeds and the Business School to others?

Yes, I would absolutely recommend the University of Leeds and the Business School. My advice to students would be to make the most of everything available to you, not just the course itself. Ask questions, speak to your lecturers, explore the topics that genuinely interest you, and take part in opportunities outside your studies when you can.