Adding MBA to My Name: Key Takeaways from Goizueta Business School
It’s been a dream since before I can remember. After two years of studying, learning, growing, changing, redirecting, trying, failing, and ultimately succeeding, I’ve added those letters to the end of my name. Madeline C. Mulkey Ledford, MBA.
The “lessons learned” list extends for miles, from technical skills, to working in diverse teams, to networking effectively, the Two-Year MBA program at Goizueta Business School has prepared me to thrive in a modern business world.
Here are three takeaways reflecting back on this chapter:
- Be a Lifelong Learner: Emory’s motto is “The wise heart seeks knowledge.” Whether it’s by sitting in a class lecture, listening to a podcast (The Daily and Acquiring Minds being my favorites right now), or reading books by a diverse group of authors, my aspiration in grad school was to learn at least one thing each day, something I will take with me into this next chapter of my career.
- Importance of Reflection: The importance of reflection cannot be overstated as the leader of my own life, and as a leader of people. Reflection solidifies learnings, making growth possible. My preference for reflection is journaling, but reflection of any kind, whether in a formal after action review, or simply sitting around the dinner table together chatting with a trusted ally is essential to actual growth.
- Change happens when we work together: The power of a team working together effectively will outshine the individual every time. I had the pleasure of working with two incredible teams this past year as the Managing Partner of the Peachtree Minority Venture Fund and as the President of the Goizueta Women in Business, and these two organizations are just two reminders of the power of “we.”
Though I was the one physically in the classroom, I could not have done it would the amazing community around me. Professors, staff, and classmates are what truly make the Goizueta experience what it is. There is a huge list of people to thank, but the biggest goes to my husband, Will Ledford, the best support system I could ask for.
Interested in exploring Full-Time MBA opportunities? Learn more about Goizueta’s Full-Time MBA program.
