Lauren Henderson’s story of completing an executive MBA degree is a compelling one. From jazz musician to IE Brown Executive MBA graduate, you might find it hard to connect the dots. But Lauren’s is just one of several success stories that prove thinking outside the box is the best way to advance in your career.
In a recent interview, current students of the IE Brown Executive MBA program offered an in-depth program overview and real insights from their journey.
Born in Hong Kong and raised in Singapore, Sharon Lee has been a marketer in the beauty industry for more than ten years. With a passion for traveling and diving, she loves staying active and exploring new places—both on land and under the sea—and is always in search of her next adventure. Coffee is her fuel; she could never get through a day without it.
The IE Brown Executive MBA brings two world-class institutions together to offer a transformative leadership experience that nurtures global change-makers.
Andrés Lopezlena Ernult studied Industrial Engineering in Mexico, and I’m currently serving as a strategic pricing advisor at ExxonMobil. Throughout my career I have navigated diverse roles in sales, marketing and revenue management. Outside of work I enjoy sports and spending time with friends and family. My professional vision is to ascend to a C-suite or senior executive role, fostering sustainable and inclusive growth in every project I undertake
Shailesh Prajapati is a seasoned technology executive with over 28 years of experience in Technology Infrastructure, Data Management, and AI/ML. He currently leads the Data Center of Excellence global teams Solution Design & Development to solve complex operational issues within the Chief Operating Office line of business. He is a current student in the IE Brown Executive MBA, a joint program from Brown University and IE Business School.
I’m originally from the city of Chihuahua, in Mexico, but I’ve lived and worked in the US for over 20 years. I am currently the VP of Chemistry, Manufacturing and Controls (CMC) at Leal Therapeutics, a biotech startup focused on developing ultra-precise therapeutics for patients with major disorders of the central nervous system (CNS).
I’ve worked in the oligonucleotide therapeutics field for over 10 years. Apart from my background in organic synthetic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology and virology, my doctoral and post-doctoral work included modifying oligonucleotides for nanotechnological, biochemical and therapeutic applications. Now, I oversee a talented group of scientists in the discovery, medicinal chemistry, pre-clinical manufacture and technology innovation of CNS therapeutics.
Designed to forge the leaders of tomorrow, the IE Brown Executive MBA is a globally ranked, triple-certified transformative program. To celebrate the most recent graduating class, we spoke with alumni to learn about their journeys and the program’s powerful impact on their careers.
Seamus is currently acting as the Capital Markets Value Stream Lead at Truist, where he leads a team to deliver strategic initiatives for Corporate & Investment Banking Executive Leadership. His background includes roles as a Tech Strategy & Advisory and Management Consultant with Accenture in the US and Ireland, as well as holding a number of certifications and licenses in management, cloud technology, agile methodologies, analytics, and financial markets.
An active volunteer and public speaker, Seamus is a Division Director within Georgia’s Toastmasters District 44. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Finance from Auburn University and is a candidate within the IE Brown Executive MBA program (Cohort 14).
Complementing 10 years’ industry experience, Sarah has enjoyed a strong academic background, culminating in dual degrees in Finance and Marketing and International Business. Her recent studies towards a Master of Business Administration (MBA) have provided an opportunity to analyze and report on the importance of sustainability in the face of growing externalities.
"I chose to study the IE Brown Executive MBA program to improve my awareness surrounding the effects of business on society and the planet. This has been pivotal in shaping my career ambitions."
Why did you choose the IE Brown Executive MBA program?
1. I love Brown! I first came here as an undergraduate, then for medical school and now as an Assistant Clinical Professor for the Department of Family Medicine. In fact, when I graduate from the EMBA program this May, I will be celebrating my 15-year reunion from undergrad, 10 year reunion from med school and 5 years as an Asst. Clinical Professor.
2. With our healthcare system under undue stress during the pandemic with deaths climbing, limited access to resources, and medical staff tired, overwhelmed, and morally injured, I began to witness firsthand a great resignation and reshuffling within healthcare as doctors and others reconsidered their roles and what matters most to them and their families. I realized that in order for me to thrive in this changing landscape, I would need to step back, check my own pulse, and re-evaluate where we are as a healthcare system and how I can be of most help. I decided with the help and guidance of mentors to beef up my business acumen, hone my leadership skills, examine the intersection of business and society, and dive deep into the data evaluating where we are and where we are going when it comes to technology, innovation and creativity while not ignoring where it is that we came from. This last part is key. Brown doesn’t let us forget where we came from. The Shared History of Slavery and Capitalism is where this program begins its teaching, right alongside Accounting and Managerial Economics.
"My network has been enriched with smart people with diverse perspectives, job functions and cultural experiences that can champion me and push me forward throughout my career."
At world-class institutions like IE Business School and Brown University, we push boundaries. To that end, we give you as many opportunities as possible to take your learning and thinking out of the classroom and into the real world.
The School of Professional Studies at Brown University is pleased to announce that Jarvis Sam EMBA'22 will join the faculty of the IE Brown Executive MBA program in 2023.
Throughout his career and during his time in the IE Brown Executive MBA, Jarvis Sam (he/him/his), the Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer at Nike has been on a journey of self-discovery. But in his pursuit of finding his authentic self — there is no finish line.
The former rocket launcher, military professional, and project manager turned to Brown’s Executive MBA program to help propel her dream of successful—and responsible—leadership.
The world’s population is diversifying at a rapid pace. In the U.S., demographic shifts will result in a majority-minority state by around 2045 while global immigration is changing societies around the world. These trends will impact businesses across all industries and at every level.
Now more than ever, it is vital for leaders to choose an MBA program that not only incorporates diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into the curriculum but positions DEI-focused initiatives as central to business success in a global context.