The conference lineup included a mix of speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities around how best to drive one’s career journey. “The power to shape that journey lies in our hands, and today is about equipping ourselves with the tools, insights, and connections we need to keep moving forward,” said René Hallock 20EvMBA, president of Executive Women of Goizueta and the director of integrated marketing for international markets at Intuit Mailchimp. “This is an opportunity to grow both personally and professionally and to deepen the relationships that strengthen our collective success.”

Unlocking Potential Through Purposeful Relationships

In her keynote address, “Potential—Have you ever wondered about your potential?” Grace Chadwick 14EMBA, chief operating officer of Crumbl Cookies, talked about growing up in Mexico City and the influence her family, especially her mother, had on her. “As I studied my mother, I discovered that there are three key elements for us to really, really hone in on if we want to maximize our ability for our potential. And those three elements are purpose, power, and vision,” Chadwick told the audience. “Potential is about existing in possibility, which means all of us have the capability to reach our potential. It is available right now to each one of you.”

During her session, “Building your Personal Board of Directors,” Marina Cooley 14MBA, assistant professor in the practice of marketing, asked the audience to be intentional about building a personal board of directors, one that includes mentors, sponsors, sounding boards, and challengers—all very different types of board members. “This is a group of people who can help you in a variety of ways,” Cooley explained. She challenged audience members “to come up with two to three names of people who fit into these chairs that would help you meet the goals that you’ve said you have.”

Breakouts: Managing Upward and Storytelling

The first of two breakout sessions, “Managing Upward: Controlling Your Narrative,” examined how to master the art of managing relationships with supervisors and higher-ups. The session was moderated by Danielle McGivney 16EvMBA, vice president of organizational change management and strategic communications at KWI. The panelists included Regenia Sanders, Atlanta office managing partner at EY, Luci Rainey, Executive Coach, career and business Coach at DAY ONE Consulting and Coaching, and Jenny Mitchell, senior vice president of customer success at Advisr.

The “Storytelling: Communicating and Advocating for Yourself” breakout explored how to craft and share one’s story in a way that authentically communicates value and advocates for one’s career goals. Moderator Tyler Ewing 05BBA, co-founder of Switch Consulting Group, was joined by Lauren McGlory 16MBA, media productions global lead for strategy and accounts at LinkedIn, Liz Stanton 10MBA, vice president of financial planning and analysis at Delta Air Lines, and Jackie Martin 02MBA, executive people & culture leader.

Leveraging AI and New Ways of Working

In the fireside chat: “Leveraging AI,” Rubina Ohanian, managing director at Accenture, spoke with Executive Women of Goizueta board member Hope Cowan 88MBA, principal consultant at Hope Cowan Consulting, about artificial intelligence (AI)—including how daunting it can be for women to enter the male-dominated field. Ohanian, who leads LLM, AI, and AI education efforts for Accenture in North America, explained that not everyone is “a geeky type of person like me,” but then added that it’s urgent to learn AI. “You can learn anything. But you’ve got to take that step forward,” she said.

The final topic of the day, “New Ways of Working: Growing in a Distributed Environment,” was tackled by moderator Ty Heath 12MBA, director and co-founder at The B2B Institute at LinkedIn, and panelists Rachel Nelms, principal and founder of formations consulting (and former director of Goizueta’s Executive MBA program), Nicole Mejias 21EvMBA, client account lead for retail media at Microsoft Accounting, and Jackie Blankenship, director of performance development at Protiviti. The session explored how to excel in the modern work landscape by leveraging technology, fostering strong communication, and building relationships across virtual and in-office platforms.

Scholarships and Awards

Each year, Executive Women of Goizueta supports the advancement of women in business by providing financial assistance to exceptional candidates pursuing their MBA at Goizueta. The $5000 scholarship aims to demonstrate a commitment to excellence, diversity, and making a positive impact in their careers and communities. This year’s recipients were pediatric surgeon Alexis Smith MD 03C 26EMBA and Victoria Johnson 25MBV, commercial operations site lead at Johnson & Johnson.

The Guiding Star Award recognizes an up-and-coming business professional who has made progressive achievements in their career, demonstrates potential for the future, and guides others through their professional example and leadership in their community. This year’s recipient was Ariel Lomax, senior program manager at Medallia.

The Bridge Award recognizes a senior business leader with a demonstrated track record of creating opportunities for others, championing diversity, and producing results for the betterment of their community and/or workplace, which was awarded to Sarah Stansberry, senior vice president of Marketing at Fiserv.

About Executive Women of Goizueta

Started 22 years ago by Sarah O’Brien 03EMBA, Executive Women of Goizueta’s mission is to create a community that advances personal and professional leadership for Goizueta women and allies.  Executive Women of Goizueta’s Advancing Women in Leadership Annual Conference is open to the entire Emory University community and to friends of the organization. Current board members include: Hope Cown 88MBA, Abby England, Julie Friedberg 87C 23EMBA, Kuki Gandhi 15EvMBA, Tara Sconzo Halfon 14EvMBA, Rene Hallock 20EvMBA, Kristy Hoffman 17EvMBA, Tara Hornsby 24EMBA, Jen Kostyrna 04C 18EvMBA, Caren Lusk 13MBA, Lorry Perkins 15EMBA 17L, Setu Shah 15MBA, Missy Taylor 22EMBA, and Liz Wolfe 16MBA 16PH.

Learn more about Goizueta Business School’s Executive MBA and Evening MBA programs.

Enjoy more scenes from the 2025 Advancing Women in Leadership Conference below.

The post Executive Women of Goizueta Takes the Wheel at Annual Conference appeared first on EmoryBusiness.com.

From the effects of the pandemic and the great resignation to both the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence (AI) for business, the job market of the last few years has been one of the most exciting, but also the most unusual in my 20-plus year recruiting career. The way we work has changed and will continue to change. Now more than ever it’s critical to hire leaders, and to be a leader, who will embrace change, lead through change, and proactively drive change.

So, whether you are looking for a new job in the spring or hiring for key leadership and development roles, it is important to be able to recognize the type of person who thrives in the current environment. Transformational leaders distinguish themselves through several key attributes. Here are some of those Sudduth Search seeks when hiring: 

Collaborative Communicator

Transformational leaders have strong communication and interpersonal skills. They can put themselves in other’s shoes and see things from their perspective, showing them how they can work together to find solutions that benefit everyone. They are listeners first, then talkers. If a candidate is not listening as much as they are talking, or is talking over the interviewer, it’s a red flag. Possessing social awareness to know when it’s time to talk is critical for effective leaders.

Humble and Open

Transformational leaders will compliment others before accepting a compliment themselves. They are humble about what they do and often credit the team rather than taking credit themselves. Look for candidates who admit when they don’t know things and talk about how they solved the situation regardless.

Proactive and Takes Initiative

A great leader will always look for what needs to be done and just do it. They’re always ready to jump in and put in that extra effort to save a project or to land a new client. They are servant leaders.

Steady Demeanor

Transformational leaders talk through difficult topics and conversations without getting upset or emotional. They approach differing opinions with an inquiring mindset in order to understand and learn from other perspectives. They encourage constructive communication that fosters growth, innovation, and progress.

Prioritizes Ethics and Principles

Exceptional leaders are trusted and respected for the decisions they make. They stand by what they believe. They can be trusted to put their employees and clients first. Ask candidates about difficult situations they’ve been in, and how they prioritized their principles.

Curious and Innovative

Effective leaders are curious. They’re great at looking at an issue and finding a simple or alternative solution. They improve existing processes or create new processes if needed. They ask about pain points and then develop creative, often unique solutions.

Caring and Empathetic

Transformational leaders genuinely care about the people around them. They engage others to learn about them and from them, and they are quick to recognize others’ accomplishments. They have a high ability to influence because of their high level of empathy. They put themselves in the other’s place and see things from their perspective. This enables them to not just sympathize but to connect on a deeper level and, in many cases, see that solution or opportunity the other person hasn’t seen.

Emotionally Intelligent

Transformational leaders maintain high emotional intelligence and self-awareness, and an ability to self-regulate.

Drives Change

The best leaders drive change. They aren’t afraid to push the boundaries and challenge the status quo to improve it. Transformational Leadership is all about encouraging employees to think outside the box. It is about recognizing that change is hard for a lot of people and expecting resistance, but treating it as an opportunity to be empathetic and help others grow. Transformational Leaders encourage difficult, but important conversations. They encourage people to think beyond their roles and think about the company as a whole. They include employees in important conversations, they admit when they don’t know something, and they welcome feedback.

By embodying these traits, transformational leaders encourage dynamic, engaged, and innovative workplaces that embrace change.  

Over the past two decades, I have witnessed the cost of mis-hires and have seen the value of transformational leaders. These key traits are important in identifying transformational leaders and equally important is one additional item; knowing a cultural fit when you see it. Will you work well together? Do you have a good rapport? Are you aligned on ethics and values? Dig into this as you interview and address any questions to ensure strong alignment.

About Hazel Kassu

Prior to joining Sudduth Search in 2022 as a managing director, Kassu was president of BIC Recruiting, an executive search firm focused on the energy industry. She joined BIC Alliance in 2010 as an executive recruiter to help develop BIC Recruiting as a standalone business, was promoted to director in 2013 and president in 2016, and grew the business more than tenfold during her tenure.

Ready to develop the skills that define transformational leaders? Learn more about how Goizueta’s programs can prepare you to lead with impact.

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“The mission of the Executive Women of Goizueta is to create a community that advances personal and professional leadership for Goizueta women and allies,” explains President Nicole Rife 16EvMBA.

Rife, a senior director of product management of money movement at Conservice, joined Executive Women of Goizueta in 2020 after working with the last president. Rife served two years on the conference programming committee before joining the organization’s board in 2022. Before becoming president herself, she held the roles of general programming chair, sponsorship chair, and vice president.

“It’s a privilege to serve as president of the Executive Women of Goizueta board this year,” says Rife. “Our community of Goizueta women, supporters, and allies inspires me daily.”

The group also gained two new board members this year. Setu Shah 15MBA joins as engagement and general programming co-chair, and Hope Cowan 88MBA as marketing co-chair. Shah is the founder and CEO of Financial Doula, and Cowan is the principal consultant at Hope Cowan Consulting.

The remaining board members include:

• – Vice president: René Hallock 20EvMBA, director of integrated marketing at Intuit Mailchimp
• – Marketing co-chair: Abby England, principal at Abby England Consulting
• – Sponsorship co-chairs: Caren Lusk 13MBA, senior director of strategic insights at Optum Insight, and Missy Taylor 22EMBA, president of Dagger
• – Conference programming co-chairs: Jen Kostyrna 04C 18EvMBA, director of product management of identity solutions at LexisNexis Risk Solutions, and Lorry Perkins 15EMBA 17L, head of global talent and transformation enablement office at Nike
• – Conference logistics co-chairs: Liz Wolfe 16MBA 16PH, product portfolio lead at McKesson, and Tara Hornsby 24EMBA, senior director at Ankura
• – Treasurer: Julie Friedberg 87C 23EMBA, vice president of development at Kindle Energy
• – General programming co-chair: Kristy Hoffman 17EvMBA, principal and senior client advisor at Bessemer Trust
• – Awards and scholarship chair: Kuki Gandhi 15EvMBA, director of product and business strategy at ROSALIND
• – Outgoing president: Tara Halfon 14EvMBA, senior people strategist at Truist

The organization will hold several other professional growth and social events throughout the year, including their annual Advancing Women in Leadership Conference on March 28. Updates for all events can be found on the group’s social media platforms.

One of this year’s events is a virtual one. Taking place on September 26, it will feature Brandon Smith, an adjunct faculty member of Goizueta’s Executive Education program. Smith is also president of The Worksmiths, LLC, an executive coaching and leadership development firm. He is known as the “Workplace Therapist” and hosts his own podcast.

“Executive Women of Goizueta’s goals and purpose are strengthening our community of Goizueta women and allies. We do this through impactful event programming, providing more scholarship opportunities, enhancing personal and professional leadership development for our members, and expanding our professional networks to create more opportunities for advancement and support,” shares Abby England.

England attended the annual conference in 2023 and joined the group as a way to stay connected to Goizueta.

“I get to work with experienced business leaders on the board, who are passionate about creating opportunities to help women connect and grow. It is deeply fulfilling,” says England.

Whether someone has interest in financial giving, holding a board or committee position, or simply attending an event, the Executive Women of Goizueta are always looking for eager alumni and allies to join their community.

Would you like to find out more our thriving community? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, or reach out to emoryexecwomen@gmail.com. 

The post Introducing the 2024 Executive Women of Goizueta Board appeared first on EmoryBusiness.com.

As part of her work, Seger works alongside women in leadership from the C-Level to the boardroom. “I am so fortunate to work alongside such smart incredible women that are out there doing amazing things, and I don’t think we hear enough about their stories.”

Big Wheel Moments

Harnessing her entrepreneurial spirit, Seger who is COO and partner at SalesGlobe searched for a way to bring these stories to others. She created a podcast aptly named “Riding the Big Wheel,” a platform where women in leadership and the people who support them share their own personal and professional journeys.

Riding a big wheel is like a woman in leadership. There is no straight path. There are many bumps in the road, and you might feel like you’ve gotten hit with a little gravel along the way.

Michelle Seger 96EMBA

Seger recalls riding a bike down a big hill in her neighborhood. “It was huge and a little bit scary. Many times, I would wipe out, but I just kept going back until one day I mastered it. I’ve been back to my old neighborhood and that same hill many years later, and I realized that it really wasn’t that big after all. I had a lot of fun along the way, even with all my scrapes and bruises.”

The podcast showcases women, their stories, and the big steps they take along the way, what Seger calls “their Big Wheel moment.” Whether taking on a first leadership position or completely changing career paths, it can be scary—and exhilarating. What Seger has learned is that these resilient women wouldn’t trade it for anything, and they’ve learned a lot along the way. “Their stories are truly inspirational for anyone to hear, and I learn something from these women every day”.

The Path to Atlanta

Seger’s career path has taken some interesting twists and turns itself. She originally graduated from Siena College with a degree in Spanish and a concentration in French and Political Science. Seger next went to work for a Spanish translation company. When the business announced its relocation to Atlanta, Seger was hesitant to make the move.

“I didn’t really want to relocate. At the time, I was in upstate New York, and I always thought I’d end up in the city at some point. I remember working with a partner at one of the big consulting firms who told me he thought I would make a great consultant. He also said I was going to need an MBA, and I would need greater business experience. So, I took the relocation, got that MBA, and learned SAP, the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) darling of the day. That all helped me get the right interviews and choose the right firm for me.

An Emory MBA Along the Way

Her road to that dream job with Accenture started at Emory University, where Seger got her MBA from Goizueta Business School. It was the perfect fit for her. “I loved going to Emory,” she said. “First of all, the Executive MBA program is perfect for those who really want to learn about real business problems and want to solve them with a group of peers. At the time I was one of the younger students in the class. So, I would say others had more experience than I did, and I loved it.”

You have this unique opportunity to meet with highly experienced businesspeople and professors and learn from them. You will meet life-long friends along the way, and I found the investment to be completely worthwhile.

Michelle Seger 96EMBA

Seger took advantage of an opportunity at Emory to take summer pre-courses ahead of her MBA program. “I knew nothing about statistics and accounting. I had a liberal arts degree, and I was a bit worried.” As it turned out, she really didn’t need to be. The classes were taught by the same professors as the MBA program. So, she was able to build a rapport with faculty while bolstering her competencies before beginning the more difficult business courses at Goizueta.

She encourages anyone looking for an MBA program to try Goizueta, because of the diverse experience each member of the cohorts brings to the classroom. She advises MBA students, “Give yourself an opportunity to spend time with everyone, all of your classmates. At the time that I did it, they had us set up in teams, and you had the option to stay or change teams. It would have been incredible to stay with my original team. However, we took the harder decision to switch up team members to increase our learning experience. I would highly recommend that you spend as much time getting to know people in your class as you do on the materials you are learning. It’s an outstanding learning opportunity.”

On the Fast Track

After graduating, Seger landed at Accenture as a consultant and was quickly identified as a high-performer. She was therefore assigned to difficult projects working and traveling up to six days a week as an expert in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software.

Back in those days, consulting was grueling. She found herself taking a hard look in the mirror—and at her peers and mentors. Yes, they were all doing great work and making a great living doing what they loved to do. But that came at a personal price that ultimately caused her to leave her job. “The non-stop travel was just too much for me at that point in my life. It was so disappointing, but I felt I needed to make a change. Things have changed a lot since that time. Now we have the best of virtual communication blended in with face-to-face meetings.”

A Path of Her Own

After Seger left Accenture, she opened her own business as a franchisor of an Italian home accessories business, La Bottega di MammaRo, based out of Lucca, Italy, and Tuscan Table Interiors, a remodeling service and retail establishment specializing in European design services. She sold the business after twelve years and started to plan her next big move.

“It was another pivotal moment in my life, and I treated it like a research and discovery project.” She met with a career consultant for advice, and then started her own discovery. “LinkedIn was starting to make headway for businesspeople. So, I started a process of printing out and grouping together job descriptions of things that really interested me.” That’s when the lightbulb went off for her. Seger wanted back in consulting, and she wanted to focus on business performance. At the end of the day, she realized that she really did love owning a piece of the business.

Just Go for It

Seger’s advice for potential MBA students—if you really want it, and you are thinking about it, then just do it. “It helped me as a businesswoman, and I’m proud to tell people that I went to Emory. I know education is expensive, but for me it was worth it.”

What I got out of it was more than textbook content. I learned how to apply it to everyday business situations from the professors and colleagues who took the method and put it to practical work. I suppose the best testament is that I would do it all over again.

Michelle Seger 96EMBA

Seger is a big fan of Audrey Hepburn, and lives by her famous quote, “Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible!’”

But some of the best advice she received came from her grandfather. He told her it was important to learn something new every day. “And I do. I think continuous learning keeps you curious. It makes life more interesting, and it keeps me feeling relevant, excited, and energized every day.”

One of her life principles is the belief that you’re never too old to try something new. That’s a piece of advice Seger says she would give her younger self. “I’m doing all the things I really want to do to make this life a great one.” Last year she became SCUBA certified. She went diving in Bali, and then spent another week immersing herself in the local culture. “The joy I got from that experience well surpassed the duration of the trip itself. It has become another dimension of who I am. So just go for it and definitely look back. Take your experiences with you and always remember who you are.”

Empowering Women Leaders

The Goizueta Executive Women’s Leadership Program focuses on critical skills and competencies proven to elevate individual capability and confidence, to help women leaders contribute to organizational value creation. This program – offered through Emory Executive Education – provides an opportunity for women leaders to enhance their strategic thinking, develop an enterprise mindset, hone self-awareness and leadership behaviors, and emerge ready to contribute more strategically and exert greater influence within their organizations. Learn more and apply now.

In Goizueta’s Executive MBA, you’ll develop the leadership skills to forge your own path and build your own legacy. You’ll brush up on business foundations and go deep on business strategy concepts that apply to a broad range of industries. Learn more.

The post Riding the Big Wheel: Meet Michelle Seger appeared first on EmoryBusiness.com.

Harnessing Artificial Intelligence and Mastering Personal Resilience

After her introductory remarks, Sconzo Halfon welcomed Gareth James, Dean of Goizueta Business School, to the stage. “I continue to be impressed by the Executive Women of Goizueta community and leadership,” noted James. “Goizueta is very proud of this incredible group and its longstanding commitment to the advancement of women in business.”

The opening speaker was Shani Boston 12MBA, senior director of product and engineering operations at Intuit Mailchimp. She tackled the subject, “Harnessing AI for Professional Growth.” Boston spoke about the transformative effects of generative AI. “Change is natural, change is constant, it’s necessary, it’s catalytic. It’s super exciting to see businesses come up with new products, but at the same time, it’s really unpredictable,” Boston told the audience. “Generative AI is wonderful, but it has limitations,” she added. “You have to think about how you’re integrating [AI] in a seamless way.”

Next, Emily Bianchi, associate professor of organization and management at Goizueta Business School, talked about building resiliency. “There is a congruence between who we are at our core and what we do,” Bianchi told the crowd. “When that congruence is met or optimized, we tend to be happier. We tend to have a more positive effect. And we tend to be more engaged in what we’re doing. We tend to have fewer depressive symptoms and considerably less stress.”

Expert Panels Offer Career Advice

Transforming Your Career Trajectory

A pair of panel discussions followed. “Transforming Your Career Trajectory” featured moderator Renee Bourbeau 22EMBA, executive director of MBA programs at Kennesaw State University. Speakers included Nicole Keaton Hart, chief strategy officer at Microsoft Security, Ria Aiken, director of technology and security at the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, and Kirstin Dorsch 05C, senior director of creative studios at The Coca-Cola Company. The panel discussed the skills crucial for success in leadership roles as well as the importance of building and leveraging their professional networks.

Leading Through Change

Moderated by Sarah King, vice president of HR strategy at Panasonic Energy Co., Ltd., the “Leading Through Change” panel included Tracy Barash 93MBA, principal at Cut-Thru Consulting and the former SVP of marketing for Turner Sports, Amy Zehfuss 99MBA, founder of Springboard Strategy, and Jamie Traynor 14EvMBA, partner at PwC Deals Transformation. The panelists shared their thoughts on leading through layoffs and restructuring, navigating difficult conversations, and managing the emotional impact of change.

Career Decisions—Strategies and Insights

After lunch, panelists Jasmine Grant 08MBA, head of treasury solutions technology at Truist Bank, Chi Nguyen, chief financial officer at Insight Global, and Sakinah Watts 19MBA, senior principal and market lead, Open Innovation, at Accenture discussed “Career Decisions—Strategies and Insights.” Amber Fritsch, teammate experience design and change lead in the HR transformation office at Truist, moderated the panel.

Fritsch asked Grant if there was one question she always considers before taking a job. “Can I be myself?” Grant answered. “It’s all about authenticity. I think a lot of us have walked the line of imposter syndrome—I have to have this mask, I have to do this code switching, I have to be this thing. At some point, I woke up and I was like, I’m a pretty cool person. I’m smart, and I bring a lot to the table. If you don’t like how I do it, maybe that’s not a good fit for you and me, and that’s fine. There are other places for me to be.”

The Power of Perception and Relationships

Melissa James P21, vice chairman and managing director of global capital markets at Morgan Stanley, delivered the conference’s keynote address. Recognized by Black Enterprise Magazine as one the “50 Most Powerful Women in Corporate America,” James spoke about her personal journey as a black woman working for, as she described, “the white shoe, blue-blooded,” Wall Street firm, Morgan Stanley. What the firm lacked in minority representation, it made up for it in an “appreciation for diversity and inclusion,” James explained. “I learned you can’t judge a book by its cover.”

James also spoke about the power of self-awareness. It all started when she was passed over for a promotion she thought she deserved. Her manager encouraged her to meet with a number of the decision makers in the promotion process to get feedback from each of them. James was skeptical but took her manager’s advice. It was eye-opening. “I learned a valuable lesson. My colleague, Carla Harris, talks about this, which is that ‘perception is the co-pilot of reality,’” said James. “I needed to be aware of how others saw me.”

Relationships have played a major role in James’ career trajectory. “Men seem to get the joke much earlier in their careers that relationships matter not just as much but even more than expertise in many situations,” she said. “Cultivating those relationships is not just helpful. It’s imperative and critical to sustaining a long and successful career.”

Awards and Scholarships

The Executive Women of Goizueta also handed out three awards to deserving individuals during the conference. Anne Marie McKenzie-Brown MD 91R 25EMBA received the $5000 Executive Women of Goizueta Scholarship. Each year, the organization gifts at least one Executive MBA candidate with their namesake scholarship. McKenzie-Brown is a professor of anesthesiology and the vice chair of professional development for Emory’s Department of Anesthesiology.

Deepa Subramanian 05C won the 2024 Guiding Star Award. Subramanian is a shareholder and employment defense attorney at Olgetree Deakins. She is also on the advisory committee of Pro Bono Partnership of Atlanta, an organization that provides free legal services to Georgia nonprofits.

The 2024 Bridge Award recipient was Kailei Carr 96Ox 98C, CEO of The Asbury Group. In addition to coaching clients, Carr hosts the podcast Beyond the Business Suit.

Conference sponsors included UPS, WestRock, PwC, Protiviti, and Hoffman and Associates.

About Executive Women of Goizueta

Started 21 years ago by Sarah O’Brien 03EMBA, Executive Women of Goizueta’s mission is to create a community that advances personal and professional leadership for Goizueta women and allies. The organization designed its event programming and scholarship awards to create opportunities and promote diversity in leadership while building professional networks. Executive Women of Goizueta’s Advancing Women in Leadership Annual Conference is open to the entire Emory University community and to friends of the organization.

Learn more about Goizueta Business School’s Executive MBA and Evening MBA programs.

The post Executive Women of Goizueta Celebrates Resilience at Annual Conference appeared first on EmoryBusiness.com.

At Emory Business, we spotlight the remarkable women of Goizueta Business School all year long. As we look forward to celebrating Women’s History Month, we’re taking time this week to reflect on the many incredible contributions of women in the Goizueta community. We invite you to join us in finding inspiration in their stories.

The Advisory Board Chair

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone more loyal to the Goizueta community than Laura Balser 94BBA 01MBA, who began her term as Goizueta Advisory Board Chair on September 1, 2023. She’s an Atlanta native, Goizueta grad twice over, has spent nearly 20 years volunteering for the school, and is married to another equally successful and devoted Goizueta graduate.

Meet Laura Balsar.

The Educator, LinkedIn Leader, and Alumni Board Member

Lauren McGlory 16MBA loves to be “Day One Ready.” When she wakes up in the morning, her goal is to hit the ground running and make an impact. The Detroit, Michigan native spent five years with Teach for America after graduating from the University of Virginia. McGlory then turned to Goizueta’s Two-Year MBA program to help her level up her career and continue finding ways to expand access to others. She now leads global strategy and accounts for LinkedIn Media Productions and has served as a member of Goizueta’s Alumni Board for the past two years.

Meet Lauren McGlory.

The Physician and Scholarship Recipient

Anne Marie McKenzie-Brown MD 91R 25EMBA is this year’s recipient of the Executive Women of Goizueta’s namesake scholarship. She is not only a dedicated student in the EMBA program, but also carries a wealth of knowledge and experience in the healthcare field that began when she graduated from medical school in 1987. Now, she’s a professor of anesthesiology and the vice chair of professional development for Emory’s Department of Anesthesiology.

Meet Anne Marie McKenzie Brown.

The Navy Veteran Turned MBA Student

The U.S. Navy has always been a part of Grace Miller’s 25MBA life, with four family members serving in the branch. Miller followed in their footsteps after high school when she decided to attend the Naval Academy. She served in the Navy for five years after graduation. Now she’s pursuing her MBA at Goizueta to transition from military service to business leadership.

Meet Grace Miller.

The Big Wig in Basketball

Recently, Lauren Cohen 00BBA entered her 24^th season with the National Basketball Association (NBA). But she doesn’t play basketball. She’s the vice president of partner management and operations lead for the NBA’s global partnerships group. Cohen credits two things with the stability and tenure she’s enjoyed at the NBA: the people she works with and her opportunities to change roles every few years.

Meet Lauren Cohen.

The Head of the Family Business

Maria Fernanda Genie 24MBA originally studied marketing and management at Georgetown University, where she spent semesters abroad in Hong Kong and Barcelona. After graduation, she spent more time traveling abroad and working in the U.S. and Mexico, before returning home to Honduras to join the family business. Genie created and now manages the marketing department for Henie Farma, a pharmaceutical company founded by her father and grandfather. Now, she has turned to Goizueta’s One-year MBA to teach her more about more about operation, strategy, and management.

Meet Maria Fernanda Genie.

The Hotel Industry Success Story

Cindy Murphy 10EMBA speaks fondly of her humble beginnings working at the local hotel. After a couple decades learning the ins and outs of the industry, she’s moved up in a big way. Murphy now serves as the regional vice president of operations at HEI Hotels & Resorts. Murphy credits the nationally ranked Executive MBA program at Goizueta with giving her the skills and deep business knowledge she needed to confidently close meetings and elevate her career.

Meet Cindy Murphy.

Show your support for these Goizueta stories—and the stories of the future—with a gift to the 2O36 campaign.

Are you ready to take your career to the next level? Learn how one of Goizueta Business School’s many programs can help you transform the world of business and beyond.

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We’ve gathered a short list of businesses founded by Goizueta alumni, as well as beneficiaries of Goizueta’s Start:ME program (which offers grants and coaching to microentrepreneurs in the greater Atlanta area). The products and services they offer run the gamut of classic crowd-pleasing goods to niche wares, which offers you—our shopper—opportunities to find something for both your next-door neighbor or your picky hipster nephew. Shopping small supports big dreams for entrepreneurs in the Goizueta community while providing you the added bonus of skipping past the ho-hum and opting for something your kith and kin have never heard of or seen before. 

For a full list of Start:ME microbusinesses, including an extensive array of Atlanta-centric services not represented in the list below ranging from doula services and nerf-gun parties to professional photography and dog walking, see this year’s Start:ME guide.

We’ve included a green heart to indicate businesses that focus on eco-conscious commodities and processes, for the sustainably-minded shopper.

Also be sure to check out the Goizueta Swag Shop for hats, shirts and tumblers featuring cute Goizueta and Atlanta-themed designs your friends and family are sure to love! 

For the Home 

Eco-friendly Eucalyptus Lyocell Bedsheets from Sheets & Giggles by Colin McIntosh 12BBA 

Sheets & Giggles is famous for its award-winning eucalyptus lyocell sheets, which have been spotlighted on national TV programs like “Good Morning America” and “The View,” and which even won “Best Overall” sheets in “Good Housekeeping.” Give your gift recipient the pleasure of better sleep in bedsheets both breathable and cozy. Knowing they’re environmentally sustainable will help them rest easy too! 

Stunning Custom Furniture and Wood Kitchen Tools from Fu Designs ATL 

Nothing warms a home faster than artisan-made products made with love and care, especially those made with materials found in nature, which why we’re certain you’ll find an audience for these gorgeous cutting boards, bowls and wine bottle stoppers made from walnut, burlwood, ambrosia maple and more. We won’t judge you for self-gifting when you learn about their custom tables, shelves and kitchen islands. 

Vibrant and Playful Home Textiles from Rochelle Porter Textiles and Wallpaper 

Featured on big outlets like “HGTV,” “Oprah Magazine” and “House Beautiful,” and currently enjoying a collaboration with West Elm, these pillow covers, table runners and tea towels help anyone make a bold and colorful statement in their home. Bonus: they’re ethically made in the USA and use eco-friendly ink! 

Interior Design, Including Virtual Sessions from V.James & Co. 

Looking to improve your space, but hitting walls when it comes to inspiration? V.James offers a smorgasbord of options—many of which can be conducted virtually—to suit your every design need, including total design makeovers, color consultation or personal shopping services.  

Libations  

A Variety Pack of Cocktails from Post Meridiem by Alumnus Andrew Rodbell 04MBA 

The classiness of a cocktail in the convenience of a can, from the traditional Old Fashioned to the trendy Espresso Martini, these potent and delicious drinks are a sure way to spread holiday cheer. 

Craft Beer and Cool Merch from Monday Night Brewing by Alumnus Jonathan Baker 06BBA 

With distribution spreading further across the south, Monday Night Brewing Co. is fast expanding from a staple Atlanta brewery to a household name. In addition to their funky, seasonal and experimental beers with cheeky names (anyone care for a “drafty kilt” IPA?), the company also offers some steller swag. Use their “beer finder” to locate the goods near you.  

Fanciful Cocktail Syrups from The Farmer’s Jam 

Up someone’s cocktail game with these flavored syrups. With options like peach basil, wild foraged elderflower and spicy smoked apple, the possibilities are endless. Bonus: maybe your gift recipient will be so delighted, they’ll whip a cocktail up for you on the spot!

Give a Glow Up

Body Butters, Beard Oil, and Everything Nice from Butter Me Up by Jrena 

As the days grow drier in many parts of the country, these luxurious body care products including whipped body butter, beard oil and salt soaks—featuring ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter—are bound to be a crowd pleaser. Pick from a wide variety of soothing scents like lemongrass and lavender chamomile. 

Smooth Skin from Hanni by Alumnus Leslie Tessler 03BBA 

Marketed as “lazy bodycare for real people,” these specialized skincare products and shaving tools have people raving; they’ve been featured in “Allure,” “Bustle,” and “Women’s Health Magazine” and are now carried at Sephora. Utilizing ingredients like adaptogenic mushrooms and cactus water, these balms and salves promise a one-stop-shop experience for ultra smooth and hydrated skin. 

Your Most Luscious Curly Locks from Yelani 

Designed with textured hair in mind by people who rock it themselves, these luscious oils, hair masks and more are 100% natural and focus on plant-based ingredients to keep kinky and curly hair looking its best. Also be sure to check out their beard care options and accessories including their patented finger comb.  

For the Foodie

Virtual Cooking Classes with Chef Jarvis Belton 

They say a good cook never lacks friends, and this is certainly a creative gift with the potential to keep on giving (maybe even right back to you)! Chef Jarvis offers virtual and in-person classes on sauces, Spanish tapas and more.  

Popcorn like You’ve Never had Before from Poppa Corns 

‘Tis the season for curling up with a good movie under a cozy blanket with a bowl of popcorn. Let a loved one know you’re thinking of them by switching up the snack soundtrack with flavors exotic and experimental (dill pickle, loaded potato, pumpkin spice and more). And if your loved one is a traditionalist, you’ll be happy to know they still stock the classics like white cheddar and caramel. 

Fresh and Funky Finishing Sauces from AUB Sauce 

For the cook who lives and dies by their grill, these fab finishing sauces will be sure to make their heart flutter. Whether reaching for spicy peach or strawberry balsamic and rosemary, these are a fast way to enhance flavor and make meat and veggies taste like something entirely new. 

For the Fashionable

Stunning Studs, Dainty Tennis Bracelets and more from Alexandra Beth Jewelry by Alexandra Samit 09BBA 

Who doesn’t love sparkly things? Forging show-stopper fine jewelry for someone special, this company offers both custom and ready-made options, as well as natural or lab grown diamonds. No matter what you’re in the market for, Alexandra Beth has something to catch your eye. 

Trendy Kicks with Unique Cultural Heritage from 1587 Sneakers by Alumnus Adam King 09MBA 

Describing himself as a “sneakerhead,” Adam King confesses that he “literally eats, breathes, and sleeps sneakers.” After working in the industry and noting how people of Asian descent are continually overlooked and underrepresented, he struck out and co-founded his own company which designs shoes that nod to Asian American style, stories and culture. 

Not Tall? Not a Problem when Styling with Petite Ave by Vanessa Youshaei 13BBA 

With nearly 40% of the US female population is under 5’5″, Petite Ave is targeting one of the largest—and most underserved—demographics. Featured in “Forbes,” “Instyle Magazine,” and “NY Post,” this personal styling service gives petite women the long-overdue luxury of being able to wear items off-the-rack that fit on first contact, without having to go through the constant fuss of taking them all to the tailor.  

Cute and Artistic Clothes from Carla’s Boutik  

This delightful boutique, which aims to “share, explore and embrace cultural diversity through fashion and beauty,” features truly unique sustainable clothing and accessories that are artisan made from around the world—the perfect present for the culturally curious and fashion forward. 

…And Other Ideas!

Celebrate Hanukkah with Home Goods, Apparel and more from Modern Tribe by Alumnus Amy Kritzer Becker 05BBA 

If you’re a cook and not already familiar with the delightful fusion-Jewish food blog of Amy Kritzer Becker, “What Jew Wanna Eat,” we recommend you amend that quickly and learn how to make her chocolate pretzel rugelach. And after that, peruse the playful collection of Jewish-centered gifts from her online business Modern Tribe whether you’re in the market for dreidel pajamas or a menorah in the shape of a dachshund.  

For the Frequent Flyer, the Last Travel Bag They’ll Ever Need from Nomad Lane by Alumnus Vanessa Jeswani 08BBA

Nomad Lane‘s Bento Bag is the answer to the traveler’s prayers. For someone who is tired of fumbling endlessly through their belongings to find their passport, water bottle or headphones, this sleek and stylish travel bag will help them get a hand on what they need in seconds. Looping over a luggage handle and equipped with oodles of pockets and partitions, this design has anticipated their every need. 

Protein-Packed Carbs for the Health Nut from Banza by alumnus Brian Rudolph 12BBA  

This tasty alternative to traditional carbs is “celebrity chef AND dietitian approved.” Whether you know someone who is gluten-free and proud to be, looking to incorporate more healthful fiber into their diet, or passionate about protecting the planet by opting for sustainable protein, these pizza crusts, pastas and waffles will win hearts and tastebuds. 

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“I am ambitious,” Genie says. “I always want to know more.” 

Originally from Honduras, Genie sought out an undergraduate education at Georgetown University, diversifying her studies with majors in marketing and management and a minor in theology. She spent semesters abroad in Hong Kong and Barcelona. 

After traveling to Japan for a post-graduation trip, Genie worked at a cybersecurity firm in San Francisco. Then, after a year in California, she relocated to Mexico City to help build the company’s Mexico office. After six months in Mexico, Genie returned to her Honduran family business, Henie Farma, a pharmaceutical company founded by her father and grandfather that manufactures and distributes branded generic medications. 

Genie created and manages Henie’s marketing department, transforming the business from largely door-to-door sales by creating more focused marketing strategies and digitizing company processes. 

“I brought my knowledge of common U.S. business practices, technologies, and tools back home,” she says. 

A Small Class Packs a Big Punch

After Genie got married, she honeymooned in South Africa before moving to Atlanta—six minutes from Emory’s campus. She always imagined earning her MBA but didn’t know when she would return to school. After seeing Emory around town, she decided to apply. 

“I want to have bigger oversight of the family business,” Genie says. “I want to learn more about operation, strategy and management. Because I specialized in marketing, and that’s what I’ve practiced throughout my career, I became pigeonholed into marketing. I want to gain more experience in other mindsets.” 

Now several months into Goizueta’s One-year MBA, Genie reflects that the program is intense, but her 42-person class feels intimate. 

My class is half international, half American, so you can just imagine the difference in perspectives and cultures. It’s not only what you learn in the classroom, but what you learn from your classmates. 

Maria Fernanda Genie

“The professors know your name, where you’re from, what you want to do, so they tailor the information,” Genie says.

Global Ambitions

Genie says Henie Farma has a lot of opportunities for growth. One of her aspirations is to expand the company to include a skincare line. 

Genie will continue to work for the company remotely from Atlanta—taking any chance to travel back home or elsewhere. 

“I like to learn about different cultures, and the best way to do that is traveling—eating from different cultures, talking to people about their cultures,” Genie says.  

So far, Genie has visited 38 countries, and says India and Korea are next, after having met several Emory peers from the two countries. 

Her involvement with the family business alone will keep her moving. 

“Our medicines are manufactured in Honduras, but really the only part that’s Honduran is labor,” she says. “Pretty much everything else is from a different part of the world. Our supply chain is extremely global. There’s always traveling in business.” 

Whether you’re looking to accelerate your career or make a career pivot, our full-time One-Year MBA and Two-Year MBA programs and part-time Evening MBA and Executive MBA programs, prepare you to challenge business as usual and become the innovators who disrupt it. Learn more here. 

The post Meet Maria Fernanda Genie: The Globetrotting MBA Student Transforming her Family’s Pharmaceutical Company   appeared first on EmoryBusiness.com.

Doshi grew up in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, with an endless interest in sustainability. Her mother set a strong example early on. When shelearned how harmful silk production was to the environment, she immediately scrapped all silk products her company was developing and pivoted to khadi, a sustainable hand-spun and woven natural fiber, despite her clientele’s expectations.

Doshi learned an important tenet of entrepreneurship from her mother: “You need to take risks to do well.” Doshi continues, “Switching to sustainable materials was a big risk for my mother’s business, but afterward, her company grew at an exponential rate. I really admire that.”

In high school, Doshi accepted a position as a research intern with InnovateGreen Technologies, where she dove deeper into the world of sustainability. Daily tasks included researching sustainable technology solutions that could be implemented in day-to-day products and studying the harmful impacts of production processes on the environment. It wasn’t long before she decided she was ready to do more with her newfound knowledge.

Turning Trash into Treasure

Textile waste was the first thing that came to mind. Despite Doshi’s mother’s sustainable practices, there were still plenty of scraps from her fashion designs lying about. A conversation with an enthusiastic local mentor with experience in NGO management led Doshi to focus her efforts on developing a line of basic household products, and thus, The Unwanted was born. Today, The Unwanted produces everything from lamps and rugs to dusters and luggage tags using textile waste and biodegradable raw materials, as well as all sustainable practices.

Since its inception, The Unwanted has employed more than 100 underprivileged women living in impoverished areas in India. Many of these women are involuntarily unemployed due to a lack of opportunities, but The Unwanted meets them where they are by setting up operations in local recreation areas and providing complementary training.

Innovation is at the core of Doshi’s work. She’s accustomed to using what she has around her. A unique selling point of her company is the individuality of each product; textile waste, after all, is not uniform. Rather than seeing this as a weakness, Doshi rebranded it as a strength.

In 2022, Doshi made the Atlanta Inno 25 Under 25 list. When asked what the honor means to her, Doshi says, “It’s a big recognition, both for me and for the women I employ. Moments like this make me realize how no good act goes to waste. Even small-scale projects like mine make an impact.”

Interested in pursuing a business degree? Learn more about the unique programs Goizueta has to offer.

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The free, intensive program will operate on a hybrid schedule for 13 weeks spanning January to April, with a graduation ceremony in May. Start:ME supports talented small business owners who live, work, and/or provide valuable products and services to their local communities. Each community offers peer-selected grant pools of $15,000 to invest in local ventures looking to start or scale up.

Since its founding in 2013, Start:ME has served 395 small businesses, of which 83 percent are led by people or color and 71 percent are led by women. The program has created and retained 722 jobs with annual revenues of $19.5 million. The accelerator’s seed investment pool has provided 125 ventures with almost $370,000 in start-up capital. A generous $1 million grant made by The Truist Foundation will allow the program to operate in its three established communities and expand to a fourth geographical location, yet to be named, in 2025.

What started with Professor Peter Roberts hosting sessions in his living room along with the local community center is now a full-fledged program that is replicable and operational in three communities.

Alina Mencias, Start:ME program associate

“It’s very exciting to have made it this far,” says program associate Alina Mencias.

Celebrating a Decade: Alumni Pay It Forward

To commemorate a decade of Start:ME, Mencias says they are holding a networking party on September 8 for the partners, entrepreneurs, mentors, and supporters they’ve had over the program’s tenure.

The event’s drink menu will feature a Start:ME ten-year beer—called “Ujamaa”—crafted by program alumni Khonso Brewing and Crafted for Action and adorned with a label created by Teresa Abboud of Teresa Afternoon.

Khonso Brewing—founded by friends ​​Kevin Downing, Corby Hannah, and William Teasley—began with a passion for beer and a homebrew kit and has since grown into a robust business. The brewery, which joined Start:ME in 2019, has a contract brewing partnership with Hippin Hops Brewing and other local breweries, and has traveled across the U.S. sharing its work.

“Ujamaa is a golden-colored ale that blends barley, wheat, oats, honey, and molasses with American hops,” Teasley says. “This Kott-busser style ale combines diverse flavors, cloves, and spicy hops to create a smooth and delicious combo.”

Like Start:ME, this ale shifts the paradigm by transforming its ingredients into something wonderful.

William Teasley, Start:ME 2019 alum and co-founder of Khonso Brewing

Abboud went through Start:ME in 2020 and now serves as a mentor. She says when she thinks about the program the phrase, “It takes a village to raise a child,” comes to mind.

“Start:ME is my village, from being an alumna and then becoming a volunteer business mentor,” Abboud says. “I feel I am giving back to new businesses all what I learned and inherited.”

Microbusinesses: Small in Size, Big on Impact

Start:ME connects selected businesses with knowledge, networks, and capital to build and develop sustainable businesses, bridging the microbusiness gap. The program works across all business stages and industries including everything from nature-based education to music therapy, sourdough crackers to ice cream, comic books to healthcare services for people and pets. The program focuses on microbusinesses that demonstrate dedication and community impact.

Microbusinesses are small in size, with five or fewer employees, but create a big impact. According to The Association for Enterprise Opportunity (AEO), microbusinesses account for 92 percent of all US businesses and create 41.3 million jobs. When they thrive—generating income, creating jobs, occupying spaces, providing role models—their neighborhoods do too.

Mencias says the ultimate goal is for every entrepreneur to walk away with a better understanding of their business and a full-fledged business plan, including financials.

“Having a support group while being an entrepreneur is not something that’s readily accessible to everyone,” Mencias says.

Entrepreneurship can be a really lonely adventure. Start:ME provides a welcoming atmosphere and allows entrepreneurs from various backgrounds and industries to come together and learn from each other.

Alina Mencias

Mencias says the program continues to embrace the needs of these businesses even after they’ve graduated from the program by developing their alumni base and connecting Start:ME entrepreneurs with other resources, including Emory Executive Education.

“We have such strong success because we pour into the people who poured into the program,” Mencias says.

About Start:ME

Start:ME is offered annually by Emory University’s Goizueta Business School in partnership with community lead nonprofit organizations the East Lake Foundation, Focused Community Strategies (FCS), Friends of Refugees, and Purpose Built Schools Atlanta.

Start:ME is made possible by the generous support of Bank of America, Delta Community Credit Union, Emory University’s Goizueta Business School, Regions Foundation, Target Corporation, and Truist Foundation.

Learn more about Start:ME, apply, or volunteer as a business mentor at startmeatl.org.

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The friendships I made at Goizueta are what I most treasure, and those continue to grow through my involvement with Executive Women of Goizueta.

Tara Halfon

Halfon would know about the value of relationships; she works within the human resources transformation office at Truist Bank as the lead of organization design for the Truist Enterprise. Her role is predicated on relationship building, given that she operates as an intermediary between the numerous nooks and crannies of the bank, tying seemingly disparate departments together to achieve broad reaching goals that serve the organization as whole. Her favorite part of her job is her colleagues, who “champion trust, care, and inclusion.”

Halfon cited her experience at Goizueta as pivotal for her career. “My classroom experience was energizing, and the experiential learning I was able to take advantage of challenged and built my workplace acumen.”

After she graduated, however, she soon found herself missing the intellectual development and team bonding she enjoyed in school, so when a couple of her close friends and fellow Goizueta Business School alumni urged her to join Executive Women of Goizueta, she gave it a shot.

One decade, several leadership roles, and a board presidency position later, she is eager to speak to the many benefits of joining EWG and to discuss where she’d like to take the organization next.

Why Join Executive Women of Goizueta?

Executive Women of Goizueta is an alumni affinity group of the Goizueta Business School that connects women in the business sector, encouraging them to help one another remove barriers, promote diversity, and develop into stronger leaders.

“Executive Women of Goizueta is an incredible forum for continued growth and networking,” says Halfon. “It provides continued learning and development, something that I and many others tend to miss post-University. Getting involved with EWG is an opportunity to expose yourself to new ideas, a network of business professionals, and an energized community.”

Randall L. Ledkins, senior managing director of development of the Advancement & Alumni Engagement team, says that though he is relatively new to Goizueta, he’s had the opportunity to meet the current EWG leadership. “It is already evident to me how powerful the EWG community is,” says Ledkins. “As one of Goizueta’s longest standing volunteer led affinity groups, Executive Women of Goizueta continues to make an enormous impact serving and inspiring our alumnae and friends. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for this year and beyond!” 

Halfon is quick to emphasize that while Executive Women of Goizueta loves to “highlight passionate women in business,” it is open to allies and friends, including other gender identities and non-Goizueta graduates.

And that inclusive community is a vibrant one: in addition to featuring top executives from household names such as Starbucks, Deloitte, and Salesforce, their recent 20^th Anniversary Conference in March 2023 included the likes of Thai Randolph, CEO of Kevin Hart’s entertainment production company Hartbeat, and Jenn Graham, founder and CEO of Inclusivv, an organization devoted to cultivating better conversations surrounding inclusion in the workplace, as well as several other intrepid business women in the roles of entrepreneurs and team builders. Through fireside chats and panels, they tackled knotty topics, including hybrid workplaces, advocating for one’s worth, and the “great resignation.”

What Motivated You to Take the Position of President of Executive Women of Goizueta?

“I loved the exposure to motivated, collaborative women and exciting programming from speakers to social and networking events,” says Halfon, when reflecting on what initially drew her to EWG. Halfon benefits from having engaged with the group over many years and from various angles, first as an alumna, then through a committee to assist with programming, and finally through several chair positions on the board.

“Seeing EWG flex and learn through the years of the global pandemic and then come back in 2023 to our highlighted, in-person annual conference is a journey of which I am proud to have been a part. This motivated me to take the position of president, as we continue our momentum into 2024 and look to enhance our programming and activities to provide meaningful interactions and enable personal and professional growth through a variety of outlets.”

What Will Success Look Like One Year From Now?

Given Halfon’s knack for networking and connecting people to their passion, it comes as no surprise that her goals for the upcoming year center on designing exciting events and supporting others.

“As president, my biggest personal goal is to enable our board chairs to experiment and grow in their roles. I’m excited for our incredibly talented 2023-2024 board to bring new ideas, connections, and diverse backgrounds to our board activity and delivery. An additional goal is to bring more robust, regular programming back to EWG’s delivery, better engaging and expanding our community.”

That programming is already under way; next year’s line up promises engaging speakers and topics including “Networking for Your Career and Your Life” featuring Leadership and Business Development Coach Stewart Hirsch on August 30^th,  and the “Four Pillars of Health” Wellness Workshop with EWG Board Member Abby England on September 23rd (both of which are available for registration at engage.emory.edu), in addition to their annual signature March 2024 conference which is already in the works.

What Do You Believe Is One of the Biggest Challenges Facing Women in the Business Sector Today—and How Does This Relate to This Year’s Annual Theme?

“For all, not just women, doing more without boundary has become a major challenge in today’s workplace environment. The volume of touchpoints and interactions, the variety of how those are exhibited (in-person, virtual, multiple devices, etc.), and attempting to balance that with life outside of the ‘office’ is a struggle.”

Finding balance between the personal and the professional has never been easy, and in the wake of the pandemic, that boundary continues to shift as many employees navigate hybrid work environments that increasingly straddle home and the office.

“Seeing the pendulum swing from remote work during the pandemic, to finding a balance for in-person interaction, to having many companies enforce ‘return to office’ policies as of late—the ability to be resilient and adjust to these changes is experienced by many,” says Halfon. “The same could be said of mental well-being, physical health, finding balance when being asked to do more, often with fewer resources and less time.”

“Resiliency” was the word the board continued to land on when they reflected on how to handle this modern dilemma in which change seems to be the only constant; it was “what we wanted to learn more about both personally and professionally.”

And of course, Halfon circles back to emphasize the value of relationships in developing resiliency.

Building understanding, empathy, and trust of our colleagues and teams (professional and personal) has become more and more important as we struggle to keep up and find balance.

Tara Halfon

And what better place to start than an organization like Executive Women of Goizueta?

What Advice Would You Give to Someone Beginning Their Career?

Halfon urges those finding their professional footing to “surround yourself with good people who know your worth and will champion it for you.”

“Your career path is unpredictable, but what you can control is your growth and how you define your value, she says. “The people around you—friends, colleagues, and mentors—will be there to help direct and encourage you through that growth.”

Executive Women of Goizueta Board, 2023-24

Executive Women of Goizueta is pleased to announce their new board members for the coming academic year:

• Abby England: Marketing Committee
• Caren Lusk 13MBA: Sponsorship Chair
• Danielle Donnelly 17EMBA: Immediate Past President
• Jen Kostyrna 04C 18EvMBA: Conference Logistics Co-Chair
• Julie Friedberg 87C 23EMBA: Conference Programming Co-Chair
• Kristy Hoffman 17EvMBA: Conference Programming Co-Chair
• Kuki Gandh 15EvMBA: Awards and Scholarship Chair
• Liz Wolfe 16MBA 16PH: General Programming Chair
• Lorry Perkins 15EMBA 17L: Marketing Chair
• Missy Taylor 22EMBA: Conference Logistics Co-Chair
• Nicole Rife 16EvMBA: Vice President
• René Hallock 20EvMBA: Treasurer
• Tara Sconzo Halfon 14EvMBA: President
• Tara Hornsby 24EMBA: Membership Outreach and Engagement Chair

Want to Learn More About Executive Women of Goizueta?

If you’d like to find ways to get involved with our thriving community, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or LinkedIn, or reach out to emoryexecwomen@gmail.com. 

The post New Leadership and Big Plans for Executive Women of Goizueta appeared first on EmoryBusiness.com.

But while her classmates’ next steps followed clearly charted paths, Shapira did what she does best: She followed her passion and went the other way.

Shapira’s unbeaten path began when she leveraged her Goizueta network to land an internship at Viacom, followed by her first post-grad school job at iVillage.com, which was eventually acquired by NBCUniversal.

“People thought I was crazy,” Shapira recalls. “Then fast forward years later, people would ask me how I had the foresight to know a career in digital was going to be in such high demand and that those skills would be so desirable, and the truth is: I’m not sure that I did. I just followed my heart and my gut, and it paid off.”

The steps, leadership roles, and impressive career that followed have stemmed from not only Shapira’s drive, knowledge, and passion for marketing, but also from the power of relationships. Her last role, which she held for eight years, was senior vice president and head of marketing solutions and brand studios at Warner Bros. Discovery.

Embracing the Challenge

When Shapira walks into a room, she’s not afraid to talk to a stranger or find common ground with someone new. She doesn’t shy away from pitching a business plan to a room full of executives, writing a marketing strategy for a Fortune 500 company, leading dozens of creatives as they create award-winning content, or launching an in-house agency from the ground up.

Her motto: Why not me?

“I love a challenge,” says Shapira, who has also held leadership positions at AOL/Time Warner, Condé Nast, and The Wall Street Journal.

“If someone is going to take a risk, why not me? Some people like to stay tucked under the radar, but not me,” she says.

I personally don’t aspire to be an operational leader who manages from 10,000 feet above. I like to get in there and get dirty. I love the creative side.

Michal Shapira

Born in Israel, Shapira’s family moved to the U.S. when she was 10—and she didn’t speak any English. After that, the family moved around every two years, bouncing from places like New York City to Long Island, to Chicago to Asheville, North Carolina.

At a young age, Shapira learned the value of resiliency, adaptation, and relationship building.

When Shapira started her Full-Time MBA program at Goizueta, she was mostly uncertain about her future, but starting to see inklings of a future in marketing. She began a media and entertainment club, was the vice president of the Graduate Women in Business club, and received the Unsung Hero Award for a video project that captured the end of her cohort’s time in the program.

“Graduate school was a great experience. I needed to take those classes and earn that expertise, but what was surprising was how fun the journey was and how much I ended up appreciating my classmates,” shares Shapira. “The friendships and contacts you make along the way end up paying off later, and that’s really part of the whole experience.”

Empowering Women in Business

Relationships and networking have helped Shapira at each step in her career, and she’s passionate about paying forward that same kind of mentorship to other women.

“I’m a big believer in women being there for other women for guidance or support. I was keenly aware of the glass ceiling and gender inequity in the workplace, particularly in corporate America,” recalls Shapira.

Whether it’s through connecting women with potential opportunities or speaking at conferences, Shapira is determined to “be that person for other women.”

To the future women in business reading this story, Shapira urges you to not let others write your story.

“You have to follow your heart, and if it means veering off the conventional, traditional path, so be it.”

Whether you’re looking to accelerate your career or make a career pivot, our full-time One-Year MBA and Two-Year MBA programs and part-time Evening MBA and Executive MBA programs, prepare you to challenge business as usual and become the innovators who disrupt it. Learn more here.

The post Forging her Own Path: How Michal Shapira Became a Trailblazer in Media appeared first on EmoryBusiness.com.