Life-Long Learning

Judith Chambers: On the MBA Journey

November 29, 2022 denisehinds Leave a Comment

Republished from CEGE Connection Blog | December 7, 2021

“The Dalhousie MBA FS/L program has been one of the best and most rewarding experiences of my educational journey”.

Judith Chambers, MBA(L), Class of 2022

Judith Chambers, MBA(L), Class of 2022
Photo Provided

Judith Chambers’ MBA journey begin five years ago, and she’s looking forward to graduating in 2022. The intensive sessions and connections made, remain a highlight for the program, and continue to serve as a motivational driver for many participants.

Both MBA students and Alumni alike will agree that the Faculty and Staff of the CEGE program are the best around. Judith highlights a handful of Professors that have left an impression by way of inspiring.

Judith Chambers

In my final few courses of the MBA Leadership program and I could not be prouder of this accomplishment. I started on this journey in the winter of 2016 and expect to graduate in the spring of 2022. When I decided to pursue a Master’s degree, I considered several other Universities, however it was the blended program delivery and the flexibility at Dalhousie that was the deciding factor. A key part of my decision-making process was the work life balance.

From the very first interaction with CEGE’s Sarah Hayes and Michelle Hunter I felt welcome and inspired. The ability to connect with others in the program and make new and lasting friendships was an added benefit. The on-campus intensives were by far my favorite part of the program. It has been these connections that provided ongoing motivation and support to get through some of those more difficult courses.

The Professors in each course were highly interactive and accessible. I was fortunate to take a couple of courses with Professor Jim Barker and Professor Heidi Weigand who challenged me to think outside the box and helped to develop my leadership style and management skills. In my current course Leading in Complexity with Professor Rick Nason and yes, the same Dr. Nason who teaches Corporate Finance, the course has so far been unique, inspiring and fun.

As a lifelong learner the Dalhousie MBA FS/L program has been one of the best and most rewarding experiences of my educational journey. This experience has helped me develop and grow both personally and professionally and I cannot wait to graduate and be part of the amazing alumni at Dalhousie.

Matt Allen: On the Unexpected Learnings through the MBA Program

March 22, 2022 denisehinds Leave a Comment

“…resiliency is developed by moving through complex situations without being prepared”.

Matt Allen, MBA(L), Class of 2021

Matt Allen, MBA(L), Class of 2021

Matt Allen has been keeping busy since graduating from Dalhousie’s CEGE MBA, Leadership program in 2021. Like many recent Alumni, Matt has had to quickly adjust to a new pace of life as he figures out his next steps and anticipates his new journey.

Matt shares with CEGE Connection what it felt like to accomplish his MBA, what his immediate plans were once he graduated, and his biggest transition to come into fatherhood. Matt has agreed to share more with us as his learnings continue.

Matt Allen

It has been approximately six months since I last logged in to Brightspace, where I dragged and dropped my final paper into the assignment box and hit submit to cap off my Dalhousie MBA. After clicking submit, I felt fulfilled knowing I completed the goal I sought out to accomplish; however, what came next? I felt as though I had three years of catch up to complete all while putting the information buzzing around in my head into action in the workplace. I really had no idea what to do next, so I did what any of my colleagues would have done. I tried to do it all.

First, I immediately took a vacation to spend some time with my wife and family to catch up on time I had put on hold for the past three years, I developed a strategy within my group at my organization to increase the value within our roles and started to deploy said strategy, and last but most important, I had to quickly figure out how to be a father as my wife was wrapping up her first trimester of pregnancy. What seemed like a huge weight off my shoulders was more in line with the words of one of my classmates, “When you think you are complete and done, really you are only 33% of the way there.” (Kyle Nickason – 2021 Valedictorian)

In the months following August 2021, I exhausted myself trying to keep busy while transitioning back to a regular non-graduate student type of life, and it took me several months to do so and get into a rhythm. For the first month or so I would come home from work by opening the door to my second bedroom and wonder what I needed to get done that evening to make sure I was not behind in the rest of my life. On top of that my workplace was preparing for me to return to normalcy with a long list of surprise to do’s that popped up from the new owner of our organization, as our company was recently purchased and being taken private in the fall of 2021. While I had anticipated life getting back to normal after I completed my MBA, it had other plans in place.

Looking back on August 2021, I overlooked the upcoming COVID challenges associated with the Omnicom variant, delayed my value creation strategy as the organization I was a part of switched ownership and transitioned its mission, and prepared for fatherhood as I was completely clueless to what I needed to know and still am to some degree on what I can do as a male to support the birth of a child I can only feel kick through my wife’s belly.

From these last six months, I learned that planning has its limitations, and that resiliency is developed by moving through complex situations without being prepared. How you figure things out on the fly and the attitude you bring to the table are the only two ingredients you can have in times of transition. These are skills that I did not know that I learned throughout my MBA journey; however, are things that I am much better at dealing with now that I have my MBA because I practiced these for the last three years!

Terry Lampropoulos: Becoming A Better Teacher

January 19, 2021 rbudd Leave a Comment

“I can say with confidence that the Dal MBA helped me progress in my career while I was a student, but it did something else – it helped me become a better teacher.”

Terry Lampropoulos MBA(FS) Class of 2019

Terry Lampropoulos MBA(FS) Class of 2019

Graduations signify passages and transitions, of moving forward and of accepting new ventures and challenges. Terry Lampropoulos crossed the stage in October 2019 to receive his degree, signifying the completion of a robust academic journey. In a virtual interview with CEGE Connection, Terry shared his insights on how his years of study influenced his direction going forward.

Terry Lampropoulos:

The feeling that I had when I graduated from Dalhousie with my MBA (FS) is something that was truly surreal. I felt happy, nostalgic, grateful, and, honestly, weird because I now had something known as “free time.” I reflected upon what I had learned during my journey to my MBA and I thought back to all the wonderful courses and professors who I had the privilege from which to learn. With a background in sciences, learning about topics like accounting, finance, marketing, and international business was a humbling but very worthwhile experience because I, like many of the alumni finishing MBAs, work in the banking industry. I can say with confidence that the Dal MBA helped me progress in my career while I was a student, but it did something else – it helped me become a better teacher.

In addition to working in the financial industry, I am also the Coordinator and Instructor at Seneca College in Toronto, Ontario for their Risk Management program. I started teaching at Seneca in January 2015, but it has become an absolute passion for me. Seeing my students complete their studies on a part-time basis (something I can definitely related too!) but also excel in the classroom and in their careers is something that brings me unbridled joy. My time as a teacher, however, did not start smoothly. I had just started my MBA studies when I started teaching and my style was, well, rudimentary. Considering all this, I realized that my time as an MBA student was going to give me insights on how to control a classroom, communicate with students using an online platform, build knowledge through discussion, and ensure that my students were engaged in, not only the theoretical material being taught in the textbooks, but also in the real world.

Seeing my professors navigate course material with case information was a dream. Observing the teaching styles of Dr. Carolan McLarney, Dr. James Barker, and Dr. Greg Hebb (I do not intend to miss names, so I apologize) showed me that being myself in a classroom was the easiest way to get students to engage. I would like to say that I know a thing-or-two about risk but listening to my students, the way my professors at Dal did, is something that cannot be forgotten. I felt that I developed a rapport with my professors while I went through my Dal journey and now I hope to do the same with my students. Every time I am in the classroom, I aim to inject knowledge, humor, but, most importantly, create connections. It is these connections that resonated with me at Dal and I hope to do the same with my students at Seneca.

CEGE Connection Archives: November 26, 2019

Terry Lampropoulos: Becoming A Better Teacher

November 26, 2019 rbudd Leave a Comment

“I can say with confidence that the Dal MBA helped me progress in my career while I was a student, but it did something else – it helped me become a better teacher.”
Terry Lampropoulos MBA(FS) Class of 2019 Senior Manager, Risk Framework & Methodologies at Scotiabank

Terry Lampropoulos MBA(FS) Class of 2019

Terry Lampropoulos:

In addition to working in the financial industry, I am also the Coordinator and Instructor at Seneca College in Toronto, Ontario for their Risk Management program. I started teaching at Seneca in January 2015, but it has become an absolute passion for me. Seeing my students complete their studies on a part-time basis (something to which I can definitely relate!) but also excel in the classroom and in their careers is something that brings me unbridled joy. My time as a teacher, however, did not start smoothly. I had just started my MBA studies when I started teaching and my style was, well, rudimentary. Considering all this, I realized that my time as an MBA student was going to give me insights on how to control a classroom, communicate with students using an online platform, build knowledge through discussion, and ensure that my students were engaged in, not only the theoretical material being taught in the textbooks, but also in the real world.

Editor’s Note: CEGE Connection is delighted to advise that Terry has graciously agreed to be a repeat contributor on CEGE Connection. We wish him the very best in his career and in his role as professor at Seneca College

Treyman Burrows: Going Small but Thinking Big

November 19, 2019 rbudd 2 Comments

“But in my heart, I knew that my entrepreneurial spirit wanted to seek new challenges. As much as I enjoyed the support of a big bank, I missed being a part of a small dynamic team. Earlier this year I was presented with an opportunity to leave the bank. While I had previous offers, this time was different.”
Treyman Burrows
Director, Sales & Partnerships at Prefera Finance

Treyman Burrows Director, Sales & Partnerships at Prefera Finance

Treyman Burrows MBA(FS) Class of 2020

Treyman Burrows is currently in the MBA(FS) program and will graduate in the Class of 2020. In a virtual interview with CEGE Connection, Treyman shared his thoughts on how his academic journey has influenced his career choices and strategic direction going forward.

Treyman Burrows:

My first job out of university was for an independent (~300 employees) non-prime automotive financial institution. I was drawn to working for a smaller company, which offered an opening to build my skill sets within a collaborative framework. Two years later, the company was acquired by a top 5 Canadian bank. Because our office was in midtown, rather than in downtown on Bay Street, we were able to keep some of our small business culture in place. Over the next 10 years, I moved from a sales role into a sales leadership role and finally two product management roles, gathering knowledge and experience through each transition. The bank invested in my learning and rewarded my hard work with promotions and awards. Working at the bank was amazing and fulfilling.

But in my heart, I knew that my entrepreneurial spirit wanted to seek new challenges. As much as I enjoyed the support of a big bank, I missed being a part of a small dynamic team. Earlier this year I was presented with an opportunity to leave the bank. While I had previous offers, this time was different. The offer was to join a small (13 people) financial institution with a mandate to grow and expand rapidly. In this role I would be given the freedom to make the changes I wanted to make at the speed I wanted to make them, within a cultural environment that reflected my values. I would be a part of a remarkable team that was building something from the ground up.

I had to weigh my options: Should I stay at the bank where my job and the company’s future is certain, or should I leave security behind and take a chance on a new exciting company?

After much reflection, I decided to complete a risk analysis (thank you Dr. Rick Nason!) to help in my decision-making process. In the end, I decided that the upside risk of staying at the bank was small, given that I would likely continue to have a successful career, but at a slow and steady pace. The upside risk of joining a small company in a rapid growth phase is immense. While being a financial investor could be fortuitous, the greatest draw was the invaluable experience that I would gain in participating within a team that would build a fledgling company. The downside risk to leaving the bank was losing my tenure at the bank and a stable job but it was a small downside compared to downside risk of not joining a new and upcoming business. My entrepreneurial spirit was aligned to this prospect. To let it go would be a significant risk to me.

Fast forward, I am two months into my new role. Only time will tell if I made the right decision, but I took the risk….one thing I know for sure is I have no regrets.

Editor’s Note: CEGE Connection is delighted to advise that Treyman has graciously agreed to be a repeat contributor on CEGE Connection. We wish him the very best in his new role as Director, Sales & Partnerships at Prefera Finance.

Walter Wallace: What Tennis Has Taught Me

March 6, 2018 rbudd 1 Comment

Walter Wallace MBA(FS) 2013

I love what Tennis has taught me!

Exactly two years ago, I picked up a tennis racket, never anticipating that the journey of learning a new skill would be so challenging and enjoyable. I believe that new skills and habits can be successfully acquired or changed, no matter what we tell ourselves to the contrary. In the process, we gain insight into who we are as individuals.

While on the tennis court, I gleaned three key insights on the importance of embracing life-long learning.

First, love what you do!

Find something that is of great interest to you to develop, something that has personal meaning and will gain your total commitment. Angela Duckworth, in her insightful book “Grit” argues that if you care deeply about what you do, you are more likely to keep at it. And if you keep doing something you love, you are likely to love it more and more. If you don’t love it, then you are unlikely to improve. This is what separates a “job” from a “lifelong calling”.

My lovely wife, who took up tennis a year before me, introduced me to the sport. Her enthusiasm inspired me to join her in an activity we could enjoy together. Before long, I was absorbed in a game that tested my abilities and inner self. I truly love the game; I can’t get enough of it! Which was a reminder to me that I feel the same excitement and joy for other parts of my life – my volunteer efforts with Scouts and my career at RBC. The fulfillment that I find in my life-choices influences my progress, whether as a tennis player, volunteer or professional.

Second, let go of internal judgement!

When I first started playing tennis, my serve was the weakest part of my game. I was so embarrassed with my motion and the lack of pace and accuracy that I would commonly apologize to my opponent. What I did not fully appreciate was that the serve is considered one of the hardest skills of tennis to master. Of course, I was going to be horrible at the beginning! The trap I fell into was my inner voice. This voice, what I call the saboteur voice, would constantly reinforce negative thoughts about how bad I was at serving.

“The Inner Game of Tennis” by W. Timothy Gallwey, is a fantastic read about how to develop the inner skills required to attain high performance. Although taught through the metaphor of tennis, this book is applicable to all aspects of life. In everything we do, we must be aware of our two selves. Self One is your conscious ego-mind, Self Two is you and your potential. Self One is telling Self Two how to perform and act, and in some cases acting as that saboteur voice. When our internal mind (Self One) is talking to Self Two, it causes us to overthink and over-analyze the situation. Recognize the roles of Self One and Self Two, for they both play a vital role in achieving peak performance and full enjoyment of the experience.

Third, appreciate the value of deliberate practice.

Enjoy the journey and remain less fixated on the outcome. Do you ever wonder why you don’t get better at a skill, even though you may exercise it repeatedly over a long period of time? This is the difference between practice and deliberate practice. For example, children who grow up playing competitive hockey, are exposed to deliberate practice plans put into motion by coaches to develop specific skills. Children who regularly play pickup hockey games, have little exposure to specific skill development offered by organized practice sessions. Children in the former category develop their skills at a much higher rate than the latter.

In tennis, I took the deliberate practice approach. Over the course of a year, I spent intentional time each week practicing my serve. I watched YouTube instructional videos, video-recorded myself and tested out new techniques in games. After a year, the results of my deliberate practice approach were impressive. My efforts were confirmed when a pro coach commented on the high quality of my serve, especially since I developed it on my own. You recall my serve was my weakest point. Now, my serve is the greatest strength of my game, giving me much confidence to improve other parts of the game. The same approach can apply to changes made at work and in my personal life. Taking the initiative and time to practice deliberately and follow a practice plan, produces outcomes that generally exceed our expectations.

Tennis is an inner game that prompted me to compete individually and to develop a new set of skills and revisit my ingrained habits. My challenge to you is to identify your “game of tennis” and commit to a learning journey. Find your passion, manage that saboteur voice and embrace the opportunities that await your explorations.

Walter Wallace MBA(FS) 2013, Senior Director, Transformation Management office, Group Risk Management at RBC, leads high performing teams that focus on delivering transformational change. He facilitated the establishment of a new Global Shared Services Centre in Halifax, Nova Scotia and was the founding head of a global data centre engineering and operations group and the lead in a multi-hundred-million-dollar strategic data centre build program. Walter has graciously agreed to be a repeat contributor on CFAME Connection.

Lana Catalano: Beginnings, Journeys & Rewards

January 9, 2018 rbudd Leave a Comment

Throughout the four years, I gained friendships that continue to inspire me to seek excellence and continue with life-long learning. I use social media to remain connected to many students and professors. I enjoy hearing about their successes. The MBA(FS) program had a huge impact on my life. This was a time of heightened learning, which continues to influence and reward my personal and career pathways.

Lana Catalano MBA(FS) Class of 2011

Lana Catalano MBA(FS) Class of 2011

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe once wrote: “The greatest thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving.”

The human experience may be defined by the journeys we undertake during our lifetimes. The decision to engage in a rigorous academic program is not made lightly, for travelers know that the road ahead will demand their highest commitment to excellence. Even so, the rewards of knowledge, experience, and camaraderie are well worth the hard work and effort.

Lana Catalano MBA(FS) Class of 2011, is a champion of life-long learning and suggests that the MBA programs offered through the Centre for Advanced Management Education (CFAME) equip graduates with strategies to thrive in a highly competitive work environment.

Lana Catalano:

I recommend that anyone considering a MBA program, complete the necessary research prior to making the final decision and applying for enrollment.

Without doubt, it is a huge step and commitment to enroll in an MBA program as a mature student after years of working and involved within a less formal educational structure.

Participating in a MBA program had been my long-range goal. The challenge was finding the right time to begin. I knew that I would be adding study hours to my already busy schedule. I enjoyed my family time as well as the challenges of my career. There was definitely self doubt. Am I too old? Am I smart enough? Do I have the time? Can I juggle the demands of family, school and work? And, can I commit to this for a 4+ year term?

I sent away for information on different programs, local and distance learning, and explored an accounting degree as well as Executive MBA. What impressed me most about the MBA(FS) program was the flexibility and recognition of industry courses through the partnership with CSI and the CFP track. I appreciated the virtual component, which allowed individuals to study and complete assignments on their time as opposed to having to attend a certain class time-slot.

The courses were available in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Halifax and throughout the summer which gave me the chance to map out a few options for a shorter or longer-term completion depending on how many courses taken per semester. I had the option to take the summer off or double up on courses in a particular semester.

The support I received throughout the program, especially at the beginning, helped in my decision process and in mapping out the degree program. I had the pleasure of attending intensives across the country in every city. The students and professors I met as I progressed through the courses, confirmed that I had made the right decision and gave me confidence that I would succeed.

Every student had a different story, background and experience which made the interactions and topics relevant and interesting. Group work was enhanced because of our individual course order, which was based on location, preference and knowledge base. Our diverse experiences gave insight as to what we could look forward to in future courses.

I am strong advocate and active promoter of the MBA(FS) program. For those who may have the goal to further their education, I recommend contacting the CFAME team and explore the options available through Dalhousie Centre for Advanced Management Education.

Denise Hinds: Enthusiasm, Challenges & Aspirations

December 12, 2017 rbudd 2 Comments

Denise Hinds, Team Leader & Senior Manager, Fraud Management Division, Call Centre, Scotiabank

Denise Hinds, Team Leader & Senior Manager, Call Centre within Fraud Management Division, Scotiabank

“My enthusiasm for the program transcends the challenges I face.”

Denise Hinds, Team Leader, Scotiabank

The phrase, Life-Long Learning, has become an ubiquitous tagline that encompasses our need to explore new horizons and opportunities. Our curiosity to know what is around the next corner stirs our adventurous spirits.

Adventures, however, are not for the faint of heart, for there is ever the promise of risk, hard work and ambiguity. Applying for an MBA program takes courage and resolve, characteristics that will remain faithful companions on the road ahead.

CFAME Connection reached out to Denise Hinds, Team Leader at Scotiabank and a current student in CFAME’s MBA(FS) program, for her thoughts on what compelled her to enroll in an ambitious academic program.

Denise Hinds:

Why did you decide to enroll in an MBA program?

Working within the financial industry, complacency is not an option. We are witness to many changes, from industry disruptors, cultural shifts to technological advancements and off-shore operations. The decision to enroll in an MBA program came with the recognition that, to succeed, I must remain relevant and competitive by adding knowledge and experience to my personal brand. My pursuit of an MBA education began over two years ago, fueled by pride in my over two decades of valuable work experience, as well as an awareness that, as a woman of colour without an MBA, I face an additional obstacle in an already fierce job market.

Prior to embarking on my MBA journey, I attended several Dal alumni events hosted in Toronto, which offered an opportunity to connect with Connie Chang, Ming Yeung and other Dal alumni who shared my passion for education. They inspired me to look closely into the MBA(FS) program. Dr. Martine Durier-Copp’s presentation, ‘Transforming the Professional Landscape: Managing Virtual Teams’ resonated with my work experience at the time, which was supporting departments in Stratford and Montreal. Dr. Bertrum MacDonald spoke to me about Dalhousie University’s 200th celebration in 2018, to which I jokingly responded that the fireworks would be for my pending graduation from the program (2 years later – looks like I was off by 3 years). Over the years, I have had the privilege of working with Dal alumni who encourage and foster collaborative interactions: Michael Ford, Irena Stropnik, Glenn Chappell, Helen Emanual, Yvonne Zeabin, and Don Cook to name a few.

For me, a vital benefit of the MBA(FS) program is that it offers an amazing network of people, those that inspire me to do more, to learn more, and to become more.

I have completed several semesters of the MBA(FS) program. The question I ask myself after each assignment, late night studying, or exam, is why do I continue in the program? The sense of accomplishment and personal growth is a great feeling, but for me it is now more about inspiring others. I have the privilege of being sought out as a mentor. My enthusiasm, passion and perseverance, in both my career and this program, prompts others to aspire to life-long learning.

Despite the many challenges and excuses that are present, the decision to enroll and/or continue in an MBA program is ‘because it matters’.

How do you keep the balance between work, study and life?

By creating moments. Work, study and life (family) make up who I am; the balance is found when I devote, to each instance, my ambition. My time in the office is not over shadowed by a looming assignment or what to prepare for dinner. Studying happens by booking time aside, away from work and family (equally as important is the support of family to enable that). Family time is a priority and I capture every moment I can with my little one, from dropping him off at school in the morning to doing arts and crafts with him when I get home. For me, it is about focus on what is important in the present.

There are always unplanned circumstances and exceptions that throw the balance out of sorts (e.g. 14-hour work days for several weeks straight; a sick family member; or term paper/group assignment requiring additional work sessions). With only 24 hours in a day, a full-time job and 14-20 hours a week dedicated to studying, balance comes down to making the most of the time I have.

Balance starts from within, with how I choose to live each day, organize my routines, and ensure I am getting enough sleep. There is a time and place for work and a time and place for study, but life is just that. The balance between work, study and life is made possible when I am in every moment.

Steen Madsen – The Spirit of Emergence

November 7, 2017 rbudd Leave a Comment

Steen Madsen, Investment Advisor, RBC Dominion Securities

Steen Madsen, Investment Advisor, RBC Dominion Securities graduated in the MBA (FS) Class of 2016. In a recent virtual interview with CFAME Connection, Steen reflected on his academic journey, offering profound insight into the opportunities and challenges facing those involved in life-long learning.

Steen Madsen:

To be honest, I had the thought of attaining an MBA for 20 years – a bucket list item if you want to call it! The MBA (FS) program offered rich academic content with a high degree of real-world learning supporting the entire program. I wanted education that went beyond my industry, which would allow me to explore other career opportunities beyond banking.

As Rick Nason would say, I embraced the spirit of emergence when I decided to enroll in the MBA(FS). Working within banking and wealth management roles, requires that I must continually adapt to a changing environment both in the market place and within an evolving organization. Studying alongside other industry participants provided new perspectives which inspired me to move forward personally as well as professionally.

Timing the markets or attempting to time the markets is never a proven success; however, I believe that life goals in relation to timing is crucial. For me, it was the right time to take that next-step towards an MBA. Having career and life experience when I entered the MBA(FS) program broadened my learning capacity, positioning me to legitimately contribute within an academic environment. My favorite part of the MBA (FS) program was the intensives. In those three or four days, I learned alongside other industry-experienced students committed to life-long learning

For someone just starting the MBA program, time management will be critical. Use your existing scheduling skills to their fullest and learn to block chunks of time to get the work load and studying done. Use this time wisely, not only to achieve a mark, but to gain knowledge. Integrating an academic journey into the reality of family life and career responsibilities requires a thoughtful approach. The first step starts with a scheduling dynamic that is backed by family permission to spend the hours to get each course done. When I started the program, my daughter was 3 years old; when I graduated, she had turned seven. This meant that her entire memory and impression of her Dad throughtout that time was of me studying in my home office. During those years, there was a shift in philosophy of what is important, that learning for the sake of acquiring knowledge was the ultimate goal.

When I received the letter of acceptance, “congratulations, you’re in.” I bought a Dal sweatshirt. I wore that same sweatshirt for each and every intensive exam, the entire length of the program (4 years), kind of like a lucky charm. Hah, it worked! Believe it or not, I wasn’t the only one to do that!

My next challenge is back to studying. This time a must because it is my insurance licensing which will be a small part of my wealth management business going forward. I still balance work hours with family life because my kids are 8 and 11 and between homework-help and activities there is little time other than the odd NFL game or UFC fight to watch. I really enjoy being a Dad and the time I spend with my children is a blessing. I appreciate every moment – they are only young once!

Pierre Ghorbanian: Life After Graduation

October 10, 2017 rbudd Leave a Comment

Pierre Ghorbanian, Business Development Director, BMO Insurance, Advanced Markets

Pierre Ghorbanian, MBA(FS), crossed the stage in 2016. As Business Development Director, BMO Insurance, Advanced Markets, Pierre’s primary mandate is the promotion of advanced case strategies within the independent advisor channel. He is active in supporting the product and concept development team at BMO Insurance.

In a recent virtual interview with CFAME Connection, Pierre reflected upon the year since graduation, and how his academic journey influenced and added depth to his personal and professional experiences.

Pierre Ghorbanian:

Congratulations to the Class of 2017. All the very best as you pursue new projects and challenges. Welcome to our vibrant alumni community.

For a few months after the capstone course, it will feel strange to have free time. Like many other graduates, I miss the interaction with other students and professors. The professors, having led interesting lives, provided great perspectives on issues or topics at hand. I especially enjoyed the intensives as they offered great opportunities to engage in authentic conversations. Within this safe and collaborative environment, students could speak freely, listen to other view points, and network with others from a wide range of financial institutions and lines of businesses.

How did the MBA influence your choices and decisions?

The most significant influence relates to how I recognize the human element behind my decision-making. When we problem-solve or examine issues, whether individually or within a group structure, we must be mindful of the outcomes on stakeholders. Management decisions can be positive or negative for employees, intermediaries, and external end users. It is critical not to get lost in product design or processes.

Have you changed your life’s priorities?

A combination of completing the program (and the feeling of accomplishment that came with it) along with a recent health incident has resulted in reprioritizing my goals. I have reconnected with what is most important in my life, which has led to a better and more creative work/life balance. I tell myself that I am running a marathon and not a race; and to enjoy the moment now.

How have you integrated the knowledge you acquired from your MBA Studies?

My MBA journey taught me to undertake extensive background research on a topic or issue before tackling a situation. I also make it a point to open up my course notes, from time to time, for a quick refresher. Usually something occurs which triggers a memory. I find that I learn something new that I may not have fully understood the first time around.

Learning did not stop when I graduated. Looking back over the past year, I recognize, more than ever before, the importance of continuing life-long learning.

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