Alana Riley MBA(FS) 2017
Ironically, at the start of the 2020 business planning year, my plan title was 20/20 VISION. I think no one could have predicted that the world would be this flipped upside down in less than 9 months. Simple social norms and customs- now a complete social faux pas. Will people ever hold the door open for each other again when no one wants to touch the handle!
Remember when we jammed into elevators, holding the door to squeeze one more person in like sardines? Now we follow arrows, look down at which box to stand in and are encouraged to be anti- social. Where does anyone meet any new connections these days? The power of human contact has a deep and impactful meaning for our emotional well being, sense of belonging and purpose and of course can impact our business success.
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!
Last year, I attended a Calgary Dalhousie Lobster Fest (who would miss fresh Atlantic lobsters) hosted by alumni representatives and had the opportunity to meet Joseph Macdonald. Joseph, MBA’91, has been championing the Dal community in the West for decades! With his encouragement, I committed to volunteering in the Dal Circle, formalizing some of our activities together and most recently was appointed as Alumni Ambassador for Calgary. I look forward to connecting and building our community. Now, more than ever, the power of connection builds resilience and courage.
Welcome to 2021, a fresh year of exciting possibilities and opportunities. Whether you are deep into your online studies, working from home or in need of personal connections, join me in bringing powerful connections together in this disconnected world.