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A Journey of Growth and Friendship

22 May 2024

WRITTEN BY Teti Tsekoura
Group Chief Legal Counsel at Bold Ogilvy Group
EMBA alumna, class 2018
Teti Tsekoura blog post

Embarking on the Executive MBA (EMBA) journey, I found myself confronted with a daunting array of numbers: over 400 hours of coursework, 22 individual assignments, 5 group projects, and countless hours of preparation. But beyond the quantitative metrics lie the subjective experiences, the moments of self-discovery, and the bonds forged with fellow travelers on this educational journey.

 

As a corporate lawyer-legal advisor, my professional trajectory has been defined by broadening my role beyond traditional legal confines. Yet, despite my immersion in the business world, I recognized gaps in my understanding of business operations. This realization led me to explore the EMBA program, a decision catalyzed by a fortuitous encounter with a presentation that resonated with my professional and personal aspirations.

Entering the program, I harbored reservations about my ability to meet its rigorous demands. Age, professional background, and a prolonged absence from formal education loomed as potential obstacles. However, propelled by a desire for personal growth rather than career advancement, I embraced the challenge with determination.

The EMBA proved to be a crucible of learning and personal development. From grappling with Excel spreadsheets to refining presentation skills, each task pushed me beyond my comfort zone, fostering a comprehensive understanding of diverse business facets. While some assignments may have seemed mundane or repetitive, I came to appreciate their role in shaping a cohesive framework of knowledge and practice.

Yet, it was not merely the curriculum but the culture of collaboration and camaraderie that truly distinguished the EMBA experience. In a diverse cohort comprising strong personalities, I discovered a community characterized by mutual respect, humor, and unwavering support. Despite facing unforeseen challenges, our shared journey was marked by constructive interaction and a genuine thirst for knowledge.

Reflecting on the impact of the program, I recognize its profound influence in fostering a business-oriented mindset, refining communication skills, and challenging entrenched perceptions. Moreover, the bonds forged with classmates endure as a testament to the transformative power of shared experience.

As the EMBA chapter closed, I now reflect on it with a sense of accomplishment tinged with nostalgia; I am grateful for the creative crucible it provided and the friendships it kindled. In retrospect, the EMBA was not merely an academic pursuit but a voyage of self-discovery and collective growth—a journey I cherish as a defining milestone in my professional and personal development.

 

 

Take a listen to our podcast | EMBA Confessions : Episode 5