Each week, JWMI profiles students and alumni in its new featured series “Winning Voices.” Learn about our diverse community and what sets our program apart from those who have experienced it. For more great “Winning Voices” content, click here.
Jordan Brackett, CPA
Director & Global Assistant Controller
Solenis
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I’m a licensed CPA in the state of Pennsylvania and work in corporate finance. I am currently director & global assistant controller. I work for Solenis which is a CD&R owned company that was carved out in 2014 from Ashland Technologies. My job responsibility primarily includes leading the corporate financial reporting and accounting function for a $2 billion dollar global chemical company.
Why did you want to get an MBA?
To help advance my career, but I also enjoy learning and obtaining new insights that can enhance my ability to grow as a person and a leader.
How has the JWMI curriculum helped you in your career?
After the first year of being in the program, I received a promotion to director and assistant controller. Beyond the promotion though, it’s opened my eyes to the way executives think about business decisions. The soft skills learned from JWMI are instrumental for that next level thinking.
Being technical gets you in the door, but understanding how leaders tick and knowing how to navigate that complex maze is invaluable.
What have you learned about yourself during your time at JWMI?
The two biggest takeaways I realized were:
- How lazy I had become with my professional writing (emails, memos, etc.) The business communications and executive presence course opened my eyes to how clunky presentations can be and how if you focus a reader’s attention in emails you’re more likely to get a proactive response.
- How many different types of personalities we have to navigate in our career. I thought of myself as a people person, but the readings and case studies made me realize how much more I have to learn about myself and how to interact and lead others.
What’s been your most rewarding experience in the program?
Aside from graduating with distinction, I enjoyed the JWMI sponsored conference in New York City this past October. I was blown away by the diversity of students; I sat next to accomplished leaders that were doctors, surgeons, physical therapists, engineers, etc. It was a great event, and I walked away being even more proud of what I accomplished with JWMI.
What strategies did you implement to manage job, family, life and an MBA?
Well as luck would have it my first child was born the night of my final term paper of my first term. So to say life was hectic is an understatement. That said, I had the full support of my wife who encouraged me to take on this challenge. She was instrumental in providing outlets at home that provided time for me to get my papers done and discussions posts completed. The best strategy I invoked was getting to work early and using that time to finish discussion questions or chip away at term papers. Getting to the office early before everyone arrived, ensured I had dedicated uninterrupted me-time that I could devote to school work.
What advice can you share with new students embarking on the Jack Welch MBA journey?
My biggest piece of advice would be to don’t go through the motions in completing your work. The school is set up to be very career-friendly, but it’s easy to just skim through readings and reflect on your own experiences. I was guilty of that from time to time. While I think it’s great to draw on experiences, really take the time to read and understand the concepts. This will provide a great resource in the future as you grow your career.
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