A New View of Business

I'll be honest - I never saw myself in business school. I never once thought about being a business executive, climbing a corporate ladder, or having a conversation that involved words like profit margins, stockholders' equity, or market segmentation.

Maybe it was because I never had a good connotation of business. I heard too many stories that characterized businesses and their executives as "power-hungry," "greedy," or "spendthrifts." Liars, cheaters, thieves who boasted big checks with little conscience.

Obviously a few bad apples always ruin the perception of the entire orchard, but my view of business stood in direct contrast to my values. I wanted to do something with my life that was worthwhile, meaningful, dignified...filled with integrity.

It wasn't until junior year of college that my advisor mentioned the MSBA program and how it looked like a viable post-grad option for me. I laughed. Out loud. Right in front of her. "I have no interest being involved in business," I told her. "I'd rather be a good person."

"I don't believe the two are mutually exclusive, Jess," she asserted. 

On her challenge, I spoke with Stew McHie, who promoted the program nicely to me, but my life changed a little when I looked at the program brochure he handed me.

"...A program founded on a firm belief in commerce as service to society, and an unwavering respect for others."
"Start an honorable career in business, government, not-for-profits, or as an entrepreneur."
"...Seeking honest, hard-working team players—men and women of uncompromising integrity."

What? What was language like this doing on a business school brochure? I saw classes with names like, "Marketing with Integrity," lectures dedicated to business and ethics, even books about virtuous leadership. Titles like these both surprised and comforted me. Seeing traditional business vocabulary paired with words that spoke to my values made me believe that I wasn't so removed.

...Maybe business was for me? Maybe I could be the change agent I always wanted to be through business?

I could go on for pages about how much my perspective on business has changed, and how much I love being in this program, but I'll just share the part that has resonated with me most. Yes, I'm learning practical skills like how to write a balance sheet, run a regression analysis, and how to ace an interview. But, these are all weaved through the overarching themes of integrity, respect, and honesty in business.  Professors teach this lifestyle and live it. I have a quote from Professor Freska written in my notes that reads, "You can be an evangelist everyday in business. Just do your job. Do it with pride, with integrity. Imagine how powerful that can be."

Even our guest speakers and corporate contacts echo this. "I can't stress enough the importance of conducting yourself and your business with integrity," says Kelly Campbell of Campbell Wealth Management. "Take the high road. Everytime." Bradley Peacock of Peacock Nine, LLC placed a great importance on service - a topic that particularly spoke to my passion for serving others. "Be ready to give to others - be kind and listen, because great things are born of authentic relationships."

I'll be taking plenty from this program when I graduate, but there is one lesson I will continually be grateful for: An intersection that crosses being an effective business leader with being a principled person not only exists, but can be accessed, celebrated, and considered a method for success. 

I'm grateful to be in a program that champions this, around professors & leaders that live it, and
with a cohort of students who will join me in applying it to our upcoming business ventures.