The last six months as part of Ivey’s MSc in Digital Management program have been more than transformational for me. The program has pushed me out of my comfort zone in ways I never thought were possible. Learning from the case method and Ivey's incredible faculty has helped me identify the right problem, effectively organize my time, manage and learn from the team and/or risks, systematically intervene, and carefully implement any required actions to handle clients as a professional. The program has additionally provided practice in making better real-time and often consequential choices, dealing with the consequences and confidently leading in technology.
It has deepened my passion for designing, validating prototypes, and getting in the field to solve real-world problems.
The Digital Management program is a unique and intense degree focused on harnessing your skillset in digital innovation, transformation management, design thinking, core business fundamentals, and technology.
Over the course of the program, I have learned advanced cutting-edge practices, and harnessed collaborative skills to lead new ventures/startups, develop user-centric approaches, or advise and implement emerging technologies within organizations or markets.
It has ensured a stronger awareness of the necessary practices and emerging digital capabilities within organizations, prepared me for collaborating extensively with diverse teams during the more specialized parts of the program and in my career.
The MSc program's diverse cohort—with backgrounds in science, finance/statistics, marketing, nursing, political science, governance and more– creates an invaluable experience I have never had before. Learning from peers with such varied perspectives has given me a richer understanding of how others approach business challenges.
Academic Highlights
Digital Management starts strong and fast with Ivey Essentials and the other core elements of the program. The first semester is tough, but it will prepare you for future success. This past semester, we as part of the Digital Management program completed Essentials, which covered foundational courses in Accounting, Strategy, Marketing, Operations, Leadership, and Finance, as well as advanced coursework in Digital Transformation, Digital Essentials, and Design-Driven Innovation.
Surprisingly, I genuinely enjoyed Accounting—something I found intimidating at first. The approach at Ivey made it relatable and practical, offering a new way to communicate through the language of business.
Through courses in Leadership, Operations, and Finance, I developed practical skills like: capacity utilization analysis, understanding capital structure/ratio analysis, applying STAR matrices, process flow diagram mapping, supply chain planning and more.
Overall, Ivey Essentials provided me the ability to now fully understand the foundational elements and language of business and feel more confident and capable of making decisions and defending them using the case method.

A standout moment was visiting Toyota's Cambridge manufacturing plant to observe lean manufacturing and automation—a hands-on experience as part of Ivey Essentials Operations that brought theoretical concepts to life.
The Digital Transformation and Design-Driven Innovation courses have been equally enriching. They delve into topics like Internet of Things (IoT), API integrations, enterprise technology implementations, and high-frequency trading. I also gained practical experience using tools like Miro, and IDEO's Design Thinking framework to identify problems, validate solutions, and prototype innovative ideas.
Extracurricular Experiences
The program is not all about academics. Building bonds with my classmates has been a highlight—whether rock climbing, hiking, or having long conversations and walks to and from class. These moments have deepened my appreciation for my cohort's incredible talent and unique perspectives. Many people in my cohort grew up very differently than I did, and as a result, being able to learn from their perspectives has been game-changing when approaching team challenges.
Becoming a team finalist in the Adobe and Accenture Digital Strategy Case Competition at the Ivey Digital Innovation Conference was a memorable achievement. Our team presented a generative AI and content supply chain strategy, gaining valuable insights from industry leaders while showcasing the outstanding talent within the program.
Though our team did not place in the top three, it gave me more confidence in tackling similar challenges going forward into the program. I am so grateful to my team of Daphne, Sally, Nam and Mason for their hard work and optimism throughout the project.
Experiences Abroad:
This past December, I headed to São Paulo, Brazil, for the inaugural Sustainability and Technology Studio course at the Itaqui Institute and District located in the Itapevi region.
For more on this please check out this attached article.
While on the trip led by the incredible Professor Lara Liboni, and Dr. Oana Branzei in joint partnership with the Ivey Business School, I along with a handful of other Ivey students and SP Tech students were given the exclusive opportunity to meet, learn from and collaborate on projects and with some of the most impressive CIOs, startups, sustainability and technology thought leaders, entrepreneurs and researchers in South America and around the world.
Throughout our stay in Brazil, we completed lectures on biodiversity, technology-driven sustainability such as, geoengineering (carbon capture), biodiesel, biomimicry (which leverages “nature’s genius” to create innovation, climate tech, learned about the IT Forum (Brazil’s Innovation Hub) and explored the Atlantic rainforest.
The first highlight was visiting Natura. The plant was unlike any I had ever been to in Canada. It was covered with natural light, full indoor/outdoor spaces covered with beautiful Jaboticaba trees (a unique fruit tree only found in Brazil), and a Koi pond.
Their research labs were fitted with the most impressive technology, and their environment as a company was very-well respected in Brazil. During the plant visit, we met Renata Marques, an extraordinary CIO and strong, and well-respected technology leader in South America. She gave us many tips outlining Natura's data, governance, and AI strategy, and it was so special to get an opportunity to learn from someone whose groundbreaking work ensures stronger female leadership in South America's technology industry.
The second highlight of the trip was meeting with researchers from all over the world and discussing their thoughts about sustainability, climate change and the environment in their respective fields, whether they be in marketing, biodiversity, systems thinking, supply chain, or leadership. I found some of the insights incredibly interesting and valuable when later approaching innovation.
A third and probably the biggest highlight of this trip was getting the unique opportunity to collaborate on a working panel project concerning traceability with a handful of SPTech students from Brazil and one other Master's student from Ivey (Brandan Jones, MSc BA/HBA Candidate) with the Managing Director of Accenture's Team in Brazil, Victor Lima. We also consulted with local sustainable ranchers, and Dr. Lara Liboni and Dr. Oana Branzei while completing this project.
Overall, the program was an enriching way to explore and bridge technological application approaches in the field and learn from leaders in Brazil's technology and innovation space. There is so much I could talk about from this trip because I took over 8K words in notes and reflections. It was outstanding, and some of the learnings were mind-boggling. I learned more about cutting edge technologies on this trip that are currently being applied in the real-world than I would ever learn in a case. In some cases, the problems we were discussing were even being captured for later case studies.
Additionally, during the break, I had an opportunity to go down to the Consumer Electronics Show 2025, to see some of the latest emerging forms of technologies in Las Vegas. While there, I went to Nvidia's Jensen Huang Keynote, attended sessions concerning emerging trends for 2025, and walked the floor's emerging accessibility, sustainability, agriculture, manufacturing, digital health, semiconductor and consumer electronics innovations. I met digital leaders from all over the world and felt prepared as a result of my training from Ivey’s MSc. A notable highlight included visiting 60 startups on the floor, over half of them sustainability and accessibility-related.
The Accessibility Gap:
In reflection of my trips over the break: the future is already here; however, its implementation or the cost of it available to the vast majority of the world is not (largely because of the prevalence of legacy systems and infrastructure or resource/systemic, cultural, regulatory or public admin issues).
For example, the world of technology in the US, is vastly different from in Brazil or in Canada. You may visit California and experience Level 4 self-driving autonomous mobility. However, in Brazil or more rural regions in Central or South America or other emerging markets, you may rarely see similar systems successfully implemented due to different socio-economic, systematic embeddedness, cultural conditions and available infrastructure, education etc. It is a hugely different approach to technology in the developing world than in more developed countries such as Canada.
Yes, some are already experiencing the future, especially with the rapid pace of technological adoption and modernization but a significant portion of the world is not. Millions of people worldwide are still not as lucky as we are in North America to engage with the same level of technology; it is important to be more mindful of that. Also, we need to have stronger leaders who are making the technology to reflect who is using it. Talent is distributed equally around the world, but opportunity is not. We need to be more mindful when considering technological intervention. If we genuinely want to be sustainability or technology leaders, we have to think globally rather than just locally.
Now, in my second semester, I am currently taking courses in Digital Platform Implementation, Entrepreneurship/New Ventures, Systems Thinking, Digital Essentials II, Business Communications and more, which will culminate in the Ivey Digital Innovation Studio this summer.
If you're considering the MSc in Management at Ivey, especially as an arts student (such as I was), and feel intimidated, don't hesitate to contact me—you won't regret it.
The program offers a special environment to learn and grow - and the support has also been world-class. The journey is challenging but incredibly rewarding, and the skills, friendships, and experiences you gain are worth it.
Tips for Incoming or Prospective MSc in Management Candidates:
Embrace Resilience
The MSc program is demanding but incredibly rewarding. When I first started the program, it was daunting, but as time went on it became much better. Resilience is critical to managing the workload, and team dynamics and thriving in this fast-paced environment. Once you complete all of the work in the first semester (or even do one extra one like me), you will realize you can do more work than you think you can probably initially handle. You can do it. Be less hard on yourself and take things day-by-day. There are some days when it is ok when you aren’t perfect.
Learn to Collaborate Effectively With Teams
Teamwork is at the core of Ivey's learning experience. Collaborating with peers makes complex tasks more manageable and fosters mutual growth. Though sometimes working in teams can be challenging, the quicker you can learn to work with people, the more effective it will be to define and solve the problem.
Embrace Cultural Diversity and Learning Differences
Learn to be comfortable being uncomfortable. The program's diversity is a strength. However, there will be multiple moments throughout the program which are designed to push you out of your comfort zone. Embrace differences in learning styles and perspectives to enhance decision-making and enrich your experience.
Manage Team Anxiety With Care
Team anxiety is natural. Remember the HALT method: Check if you or your teammates are hungry, angry, lonely, or tired, and take a break if needed. After taking a break, regroup and tackle it again. Listen actively and remain adaptable. Also it is ok to inject humour sometimes into your work. It can actually make the work less intense.
Trust the Process
Teams go through phases as you will learn in Leadership. Building trust by sharing strengths and weaknesses and having strong communication leads to better collective outcomes.
Lead With Empathy and Kindness
Approach collaboration with empathy and kindness. Understanding your team members' unique challenges fosters a supportive environment and reduces stress.