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CEGE Reflections – Denise Hinds

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“As a student in the MBA FS/L program, intensives were always my favourite. During this time, the course material came together so perfectly, and I had the opportunity to work with the best bunch of people in the program.  For those who I did not work with, I am sure you would challenge me on this, because you would say the same about your groups. That is just the nature of the program.  You are bound to be inspired by such amazing peers, staff, and faculty.”

-Denise Hinds, MBA(L), Class of 2020-

Denise Hinds MBA(L) Class of 2020
Photos Provided

Read Denise’ full article here

 

CEGE Reflections – Ayşe Dai-Gammon

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Ayşe Dai-Gammon – MBA 2020 Graduate Opportunity in Online Connection…Original article published by Erin Elaine Casey – October 15, 2020 (Republished from Dal News)

“This program leverages the co-creative learning model, combining theory, award-winning professors’ expertise, and the diverse professional backgrounds of the students—all accomplished mid-career professionals. It really enriches and maximizes the learning experience.”

“It goes beyond the traditional MBA course curriculum, challenging people’s paradigms and introducing complexity theory into strategic management. The program provides a solid foundation for personal and organizational boundary spanning, value creation and growth.”

“The program also challenges conventional ideas of leadership that glorify heroic and charismatic leaders. We had a lot of heated discussions because there are as many leadership styles as personalities! I believe there’s a leader in each of us, and you can evoke and motivate that leader that lives in every employee and citizen to make a difference.”

-Ayşe Dai-Gammon MBA(L) Class of 2020-

Ayşe Dai-Gammon MBA(L) Class of 2020
Photo Credit: Danny Abriel

Read Ayşe’s full article here

CEGE Reflections – Chris Strutt

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“Honestly, in my experience over the past 12 courses, the Intensives have always been the best part of the class. Not just because they signal the end of 12 weeks of hard work, but everything we have learned and discussed in the course will suddenly come together. Intensives are the best opportunity to finally put the theory and concepts into actual practice with some real-world application.”

Chris Strutt, MPA(M) Class of 2021

Strategic Financial Management (MPA(M))

Read Chris’ full article here

Andrew Ourique – A Journey of Growth and Resilience

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“Life doesn’t always go according to plan, but if we take the time to see not just what we lost, but what we stand to gain, we might be pleasantly surprised by where life takes us next. “

– Andrew Ourique, MBA(L), Class of 2023 –

Completing an MBA program is a significant accomplishment, and joining the esteemed Dalhousie Alumni Network is a momentous occasion. Andrew Ourique, a recent MBA (Financial Services) graduate reflects on his five-year journey of remarkable transformations.

Andrew has transitioned from a steadfast employee to an adaptable entrepreneur, while embracing diverse industries. Amidst personal trials, Andrew shares how he has grown immeasurably and has learnt to prioritize happiness as his ultimate life goal.

“Andrew’s reaction”
Andrew Ourique, MBA (FS), Class of 2023
Photo provided

Andrew Ourique

“Congratulations on completing your MBA Program and welcome to the Dalhousie Alumni Network!”

I had to take a moment to let those words sink in. I started my MBA journey back in January 2018. A lot has happened over these five years. I’ve moved roles 3 times, from a loyal, one-company man to an entrepreneur, working with clients from different industries every day. While that might be perceived as a huge transition, it pales in comparison to the growth I’ve experienced personally throughout my journey; from enduring a global pandemic, losing two unborn children, and mental health struggles. It’s been a whirlwind to say the least and yet, after all of the trials and tribulations I’ve had to endure, I wouldn’t change a thing because it’s got me to where I am today, with the outlook I have for my future.

Life is hard. There will be ups and downs but in the end there is one thing I’ve realized is the most important thing to prioritize: Happiness. It took me a long time to realize this simple truth. When I first started my MBA journey, I was focused on one goal and one goal alone. To become a Vice President at my firm. It’s all I thought about, every decision I made was centered around it. Every move I made both professionally and personally was done in pursuit of that goal; from the projects I worked on to the clothes I wore and even how I acted.

Today, I have a very different goal in my life. To be happy. Full stop.

“Andrew camping”
Photo provided

Today, I am happy, fulfilled and grateful for the experiences I’ve had to get me to this place in my life. I have the confidence to hold steadfast to the decisions I make in pursuit of happiness. Has it been perfect, absolutely not. Have I experienced rejection, absolutely! Has it been tough, at times, for sure. Would I change anything, no way.

“Andrew and his grandmother”
Photo provided

My grandmother used to say, “tis life,” every time we would talk about something that didn’t go according to plan. She was a wise woman. It has taken me years to understand the true meaning behind those words. Initially, I believed they expressed disappointment—anticipating one outcome that didn’t materialize. However, after all these years, I have finally realized the truth: these words convey excitement and opportunity. Life doesn’t always go according to plan, but if we take the time to see not just what we lost, but what we stand to gain, we might be pleasantly surprised by where life takes us next.

CEGE Reflections – Maria Artuso

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“Change management in the workplace is the leading factor in supporting people through adoption and engagement while change occurs and is undertaken. Change management is a set of steps that are followed on a particular project or initiative. It really is a three-pronged approach:  people need to understand the change, buy into the change, and then have the change reinforced to actually change behaviour.”

-Maria Artuso, MBA(FS) Class of 2015-

Maria Artuso, MBA(FS) Class of 2015

Read Maria’s full article here

 

CEGE Reflections – Dr. Teresa Cyrus

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“I enjoy teaching MBA students because they are on the front lines of the economy. As a tenured professor, I am insulated from market forces, but my students understand the market in a visceral way, as their jobs and livelihoods are literally on the line when the economy goes downhill. I get so much out of seeing how our students interpret the course material and apply it to their own lives. I really learn from their experience”.

-Dr. Teresa Cyrus-

Dr. Teresa Cyrus, Instructor of Business Economics
Associate Professor, Department of Economics

Read Dr. Cyrus’s full article here

CEGE Reflections – Erin Morgan Donnelly

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“My decision to enroll in an MBA program was based on my pursuit of knowledge.  I always knew I wanted to explore options within the field of academia.  My involvement within the healthcare sector focused my choice between a Masters in Health Administration and the MBA(L).  I selected the MBA(L) because of its versatility in opening more doors and opportunities.” 

– Erin Morgan Donnelly, MBA (Leadership), Class of 2020-

Erin Morgan Donnelly MBA Leadership Class of 2020

Read Erin’s full article here

 

Yvonne Thevenot: Leaders – Feedback Might Last a Lifetime

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Republished from CEGE Connection Blog, February 23, 2021

“You laugh too loud. You smile too much. You need to wear makeup.

This is real feedback I received at different times in my career. Each was genuine, framed in behavioural change, and carried business rationale. As a career oriented young adult, I adapted.

You laugh too loud – it was “startling” and impacted customers. I was offered professional help. I conceded that now being aware, I would keep it in check – thank you for telling me.

You smile too much – apparently my smile made me appear flighty and insincere. This woman-to-woman feedback was offered …anonymously… via 360 feedback exercise. As I debriefed the feedback I learned the source and thus how I knew it was another woman – thank you for telling me.

You need to wear makeup. This led to a corporate paid professional coach who also guided me to “act like a woman, think like a man, work like a dog”. I was truly appreciative of the investment and feedback especially if this was going to hold me back from a corporate career – thank you for telling me.

Maybe, the world is starting to change? For reflection: leaders – feedback might last a lifetime; young people – feedback, regardless how hurtful and inappropriate it might be, can still have grains of value”.

Yvonne Thevenot, MBA(FS), Class of 1999

Yvonne Thevenot MBA(FS) Class of 1999

Change Management | Mentoring | Strategy Development & Implementation

#saturdaymorningmusings #feedback #leadershiplesson

CEGE Reflections – Alana Riley

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“One of the unique aspects of the Master programs offered through Dalhousie’s Centre for Executive and Graduate Education is that it was fully functional online long before the pandemic. My journey through the MBA Blended with Financial Services was enhanced by the meaningful relationships that were formed with the current students, professors, and alumni, most of which were originally initiated online. In fact, our network continued to grow post graduation- an underground alumnus if you will!”
-Alana Riley MBA(FS) 2017-

Alana Riley MBA(FS) 2017

Read Alana’s full article here

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