Share.Learn.Inspire.Transform
“Worldview events such as politics, economics, and social movements can result in distinct generational identities with associated values, beliefs, and behaviours. Intergenerational research can inform management theory and organizational practices.”
Dr. Heidi Weigand
Heidi Weigand
Assistant Professor
Rowe School of Business
Read Dr. Weigand’s full article here
Republished from News & Stories / Alumni Spotlight / Volunteer Spotlight – June 8, 2023
Posted: June 8, 2023
Yvonne Thevenot (MBA’99)
Yvonne Thevenot (MBA’99) is the essence of a dedicated volunteer, with a profound commitment to making a difference. Whether it involves orchestrating reunions, contributing valuable insights on advisory boards, or mentoring others, she consistently goes above and beyond. Despite being a highly sought-after and busy change management expert based in Toronto, she remains unwavering in her commitment to giving back to the Dalhousie community.
It all began with my involvement in reviewing the beta version of the capstone course for the Master of Business Administration (Financial Services) program. Since then, I have actively participated in various events, including organizing an MBA reunion and crafting fundraising letters. Inspired by the impact I also became a Dalhousie donor.
Over time, my dedication to volunteerism led me to assume key roles within the MBA community, serving as a member of the MBA Advisory Board, the Dalhousie Insight Circle as well as volunteering as a mentor for several years. Furthermore, I had the opportunity to deliver an ad hoc presentation on change management to the Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology. All these unique experiences have unfolded while being based out of Toronto.
The ability to “pay it forward.” By sharing the knowledge and insights I gained, I am able support and guide future students, ensuring they have a fulfilling and enriching experience. I enjoy building on the great experiences I had during my own time at Dalhousie.
You can start small, and you can volunteer from anywhere. If you start to feel overwhelmed or discover that it doesn’t align perfectly with your interests, then you can choose another way to volunteer. There is a way to get involved at the scale and level that works best for you!
The flexibility, their expression of value, their engagement model… I always feel wanted, needed, valued!
Get involved: learn more about volunteer opportunities for alumni
I loved that the remote MBA program still offered opportunities to engage on site. During the summer capstone intensive session, I got to be in Halifax, spending time with my colleagues on campus. Despite being mid-career and a parent of two – it made me feel young again!
“I truly believe that courses run smoothly with the help of a teaching team in which professors, teaching assistants, and markers communicate their ideas clearly and collaborate on course components throughout the term. This approach builds both a solid foundation for coursework and a strong support system for students. I appreciate those who bring different experiences and/or perspectives to a course. It is very rewarding to see students develop their skillsets and apply what they have learned, not only in assignments and tests, but most importantly in course discussions.”
– Sandi Stewart, Master of Arts, Folklore Studies-
Sandi Stewart, Master of Arts, Folklore Studies
Read Sandi’s full article here
“The Winter 2021 semester was my first as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the MBA (FSL) program, and what an interesting semester it was. As a graduate of the program (Class of 2012), it was a great experience to be on the other side of the classroom as I supported both the students and Dr. McLarney as we navigated the International Business course.
It was so wonderful to see the students’ commitment to the program as they prioritized, not only their studies, but also their careers and work life, and families.”
-Irena Stropnik, B. Nursing (’97) MBA (FS) 2012-
Irena Stropnik, MBA(FS), Class of 2012
Read Irena’s full article here
“Considering the societal grand challenge of climate change, more than ever business schools need to move away from focusing on our theory-fetish and move towards applied action-oriented approaches with students that enable a deep engagement between the university, students, organizations, and community. We face many challenges where there is no readily available solution, and it is the inter-weave of the diversity of perspectives that can creatively generate ideas that can be considered and prototyped to bring positive impacts on society and the planet.”
-Kent Williams, DSocSci-
Kent A. Williams, DSocSci (pronouns: he/him)
Assistant Professor, Leadership Studies
Rowe School of Business
Dalhousie University
Read Dr. Williams’ full article here
“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
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
“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
“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.
“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