Why did you decide to do an MBA?
At a pivotal point in my career, I realized the necessity of expanding my skills to progress into leadership roles within my company. Interactions with top executives highlighted the importance of understanding diverse business aspects beyond my technical expertise in the telecom industry. As a Telecom engineering consultant specialized in Radio Access Network (RAN), I sought to broaden my professional horizons beyond this narrow field. Witnessing the potential impact of AI and machine learning in the telecommunications sector further motivated me to stay relevant in an evolving job market. Consequently, I decided to pursue an MBA at Ivey, as it offers the comprehensive perspectives, strategic acumen, and business expertise necessary for success in leadership roles and navigating industry challenges.
What is the most significant thing you've learned at Ivey?
The courses Leading People in Organizations and Effective Communication have had a profound impact on my personal and professional growth. In Leading People in Organizations, I gained insights into effective leadership principles and practical strategies for leading teams more effectively, transforming my approach to leadership and making me a more influential leader. The Effective Communication course honed my communication skills, allowing me to connect with others, convey ideas persuasively, and build meaningful relationships. These soft skills are invaluable for success as a leader and in fostering positive organizational cultures, complementing technical expertise.
What's been the most surprising aspect of the Ivey MBA journey to date?
The case method's intensity, fast pace, and practical approach have extended my learning experience far beyond the boundaries of the classroom. This dynamic approach to learning has nurtured a profound sense of growth within me that transcends the significance of mere grades.
Describe the role you play professionally:
In a leadership capacity, I led a team of 20 individuals in a client-facing role to successfully execute a managed service contract for the leading telecom operator in West Africa. This comprehensive agreement encompassed the entirety of network performance management, with a primary objective of ensuring the provision of top-tier data and voice services to end users. Through meticulous planning, strategic execution, and effective collaboration with stakeholders, our team accomplished the delivery of this critical contract, thereby bolstering the overall quality and accessibility of telecommunications services in the region.
What is the most challenging aspect of your job?
Effective stakeholder management was the most demanding aspect of my job, requiring a delicate balance between accommodating client requests without falling into the trap of scope creep and protecting my engineers from burnout. It was a challenging task to ensure project delivery while avoiding these two scenarios. To tackle this, I prioritized clear and transparent communication with clients, negotiating project boundaries and setting realistic expectations to prevent scope creep. Simultaneously, I focused on the well-being of my team, implementing regular check-ins, resource allocation strategies, and agile methodologies to optimize their productivity and prevent burnout. By adopting these approaches, I successfully navigated the complexities of stakeholder management, enabling timely project completion and mitigating the associated risks.
What books are on your bedside table AND/OR what podcast are you listing to right now?
Books: Pyramid of Lies, Power Failure : The rise and fall of an American Icon
Podcasts: Pivot, Business breakdowns, Odd lots
How do you manage stress (i.e. sports, exercise, meditation etc)?
I go to the gym regularly; I go on runs at least once a week and I play soccer with my classmates usually once a week.
Any additional info you might want to share (interesting facts, special hobbies etc.)
Interests: Adrenaline Junkie, particularly thrills involving high heights (Sky diving, bungee jumping)
Rafting, hiking, playing soccer, avid F1 fan
Contact Samuel Baganzi
MBA '24
Ivey Business School
Samuel Baganzi
Bamako
Transformational