Why did you decide to do an MBA?
It was in my previous sales and marketing roles that I developed a passion and skill set for corporate strategy. Upon graduation, my goal is to use my expanded foundation to work with organizations to understand their needs and challenges and help them find solutions and unlock new opportunities. My goal is to land a consulting or internal strategy role.
What is the most significant thing you've learned at Ivey?
Patience and commitment. There is a lot of change during your first set of classes (Core 1). Moving to a new city, meeting new people, learning new things (some familiar, others completely foreign), recruiting, career development, and learning to balance it all. There were times where I wasn't sure I was completely on track, but in time I got there. As long as you are committed to your development and have the patience to see it through, the end result is more than worth it.
What's been the most surprising aspect of the Ivey MBA journey to date?
What is your biggest professional accomplishment?
I identified a gap in the product portfolio of the company I worked at. I then organized a coalition of internal and external partners to develop the capabilities to sell and service the new product, and trained the sales team on how to sell that product. These actions unlocked millions of dollars of opportunity.What books are on your bedside table AND/OR what podcast are you listing to right now?
Books
- The Ride of a Lifetime - Robert Iger
- Atomic Habits - James Clear
Podcasts
- The Town - Reporting and insight on the management and strategies of Hollywood
- Decoder - "Interviews with policymakers and company executives from business and technology"
How do you manage stress (i.e. sports, exercise, meditation etc)?
Any additional info you might want to share (interesting facts, special hobbies etc.)
Freelance Filmmaker and Photographer, Sports (Cycling, Basketball, Football)
Contact Ayman Ashebir
