How an MBA Empowers Women Executives

By:  Dawn Z Bournand

“The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who is going to stop me." – Ayn Rand

Though the phrase ‘fake it until you make it’ is used to describe acting the part until you find yourself actually succeeding at it, many women executives experience the opposite: they have already made it and yet somehow still feel they are faking it. All too often, women executives do not allow themselves the luxury of basking in their achievements. The feelings of not measuring up, of having to do more and of not being ‘good enough’ are common sentiments that many women feel, even when they reach the upper echelons of business. The majority of EMBA alumnae though have found that pursuing the degree was exactly what they needed to finally prove to themselves they really are capable of so much more than they realized.

Zoe Farmer, Ashridge EMBA alumna agrees: “Having completed my EMBA I landed a job with BAA in Stansted, near London. Without the qualification I really believe I would not have got the job – it put me above everyone else in the CV stakes. I now have more direction, I’m more focused and ambitious. I know what I want and how I’m going to get there. Also I can juggle a lot more balls than I could before. If you can work full time, do an EMBA and have three children in two years, then you can pretty much do anything!”

Learning from those who have gone before you

Learning to step fully into an executive role is not just about understanding numbers, company policy and profit and loss statements; it is also about taking on an attitude of leadership. This is one of those intangibles that is hard to learn in a text book but that can often be learned through modeling and observation. By seeking out, questioning and listening to those around you who lead and manage well, you can gain invaluable knowledge. Many EMBA programs make this an easy task by providing mentorship programs and alumni get-togethers for their participants.

Stacey White cotton, Senior Associate Dean of Graduate Programs at W. P. Carey School of Business, Arizona State University affirms, “Through the W. P. Carey Chapter of the National Association of Women MBAs, our Executive MBA students can participate in professional, educational and social events, as well as a professional mentorship program. The Executive MBA mentorship program pairs first-year students with second-year students or alumni, who act as an added resource throughout the program. Mentors meet with their mentees, offering personal experience, guidance and a deeper understanding of what life is like at the W. P. Carey School of Business. This tutelage can offer inspirational advice and concrete, practical solutions.”

Claiming your power

Isn’t it time you gave yourself permission to live up to your potential and let the executive inside you out? Once you have begun to learn from others and use their wisdom to avoid the mistakes they made, you are well on your way. Accessing those executive and leadership traits in you is about claiming your power and not waiting for someone to give it to you. Begin to manage situations, look for solutions and minimize risks. Start building or reworking your personal brand. When you start to act like someone in charge, those around you will not only take notice, they will begin to hold you in respect. Yet, for women, this can be especially challenging. We have been taught to not stand out too much or we will be a show off and not be too pushy or we will be aggressive, yet both of these traits are respected in men executives.

Professor Beatrix Dart, Ph.D. Associate Dean, Executive Degree Programs, Executive Director, Professor of Strategic Management at The Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto says, “Our program has one of the highest percentage of women in the EMBA program in North America. The reason for the success in attracting female students lies in our dedicated Rotman Initiative for Women in Business. Women encounter stereotypes and biases throughout their career progression, in particular once a family decision has been made. One of the most hurtful stereotypical messages is that "women take care, whereas men take charge". Women have to fight and prove that they are just as capable in problem-solving, just as decisive in taking action, and just as keen on the next career move as men. Our EMBA program focuses on honing those leadership skills, instilling confidence and providing insights on how to navigate your career.”

Similarly, John Molson School of Business EMBA alumna Valery Zamuner believes, “As the EMBA gives a woman a comprehensive set of competences, skills and network, it helps her differentiate herself and have a much broader view of an organization. It has helped me to enhance my confidence and realize that I can make a valid contribution in areas that are not my expertise. It has also helped me to learn to delegate and to empower… to become a better leader. It is about prioritizing, multi-tasking and time management. I realize that I can never have everything perfect and it is OK.”

With your EMBA degree firmly in hand, you will be ready to take on any new challenges that come your way because you now know you really can do anything you put your mind to.