Shauna Wakeman MBA(FS)2016, General Manager at CIBC, recognizes the extraordinary potential of emergence, as discussed in Rick Nason’s book “It’s Not Complicated – The Art and Science of Complexity in Business.” Rick Nason argues that while emergence cannot be directly managed or predicted, it can be imagined and be put into place by an enlightened manager.
Shauna imagined possibilities and worked within a complex environment to achieve remarkable results, personally and professionally.
Shauna knew she would embark on an MBA journey. She prepared by searching for opportunities that would yield invaluable insight and diversity of experience.
I dedicated four years to my MBA(FS) studies, Shauna wrote in a recent e-mail to CFAME Connection. Those years were probably the most interesting and exciting years of my professional life. I tripled up raising a family, working full time, and furthering my education.
I believe that always knowing that I would one day take on the challenge of an MBA, influenced my decisions long before I started. I found myself accepting additional projects and responsibilities to expand my knowledge. I looked for opportunities to embrace new challenges.
Planning and timing were critical in taking my education to the next level. Balance between family, work and studies was essential. I waited for my youngest to be old enough to start school before I applied to Dalhousie’s CFAME MBA(FS) program. In the interim, I enrolled in courses via the CSI learning path to earn MBA credits before I formally started. I obtained FMA and CIM designations along the way.
The MBA program increased the interactions between studies and my career path. With each new course, I found ways in which to connect my learnings to my “on the job” activities. Marketing encouraged me to explore my own company on a deeper level. Information Technology Systems instilled a greater understanding of the digital movement. The capstone course, Strategic Leadership and Change, presented a high-level overview that brought the learnings together.
I found each course tied into my career in a new, engaging way; and I used those learnings to apply my knowledge in how I did my job and how I taught others.
As a graduate, I continue to expand my knowledge, network, and the geographic footprint of where I live, work, and play. I feel there is no limit to where we can go or what we can do as long as we take that next step to try something new.