Q&A with Arletha Williams Livingston 17EMBA
Working professionals talk ins and outs of professional MBA programs and how Goizueta has helped them professionally.
Arletha Williams Livingston 17EMBA
Director, Innovation Learning Lab for Population Health
Morehouse School of Medicine
Q: Why did you decide to pursue an Executive MBA degree? What skills were you hoping to gain or changes were you hoping to make professionally?
I wanted to attend an EMBA program for about 10 years prior to my enrollment. In 2015, I decided it was time. I already had four degrees at the time (BA, MA, PhD & MPH (Emory 2010)), but I wanted to gain the business acumen to advance in my current profession (Healthcare Innovation) and in my entrepreneurial life.
Q: Talk about your experiences at Goizueta. How did the program meet or exceed your expectations?
I really enjoyed my matriculation at Goizueta. I particularly liked the classroom learning. The faculty are distinguished in their fields and the guest speakers were outstanding! I think I absorbed the most through interaction with faculty, guest speakers and my classmates.
Q: How have you been able to take what you learned at Goizueta and apply it in your current position? Please give examples.
Yes, during my matriculation at Goizueta, I created a new program at work. I created the High School Community Health Workers Training Program and online training curriculum.
I was able to use my newly acquired business skills to develop the business model for the program, training on curriculum sales. In addition, I was able to receive feedback from my classmates and faculty on the program. I even used that as my discussion topic at our SpeakEasy training.
Q: How have you grown professionally as a result of your Goizueta experience?
Although I did not receive a raise or promotion at work after my graduation, I feel I have grown in the feeling of being confident about my business skills.
Q: What did you learn about yourself in Goizueta’s MBA program that surprised you?
I learned that I have a talent for business strategy/developing successful business models in underserved community settings. I was already highly skilled in community engagement but Goizueta helped me see that I could provide an economic development strategy for community health improvement that is not solely dependent on grants and charity.
Q: What advice or recommendation would you give to someone thinking about pursuing an MBA at Goizueta?
Do it! You won’t regret it! It was a truly awesome experience!