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.
Brandon Teti
Vice President – Senior Specialist
BNY Mellon
Program/Concentration: Jack Welch MBA
TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AT BNY MELLON.
I am the product owner for one of our middle office applications across our organization. My role includes working with teams across the organization to identify, develop and execute system solutions to cover everything from onboarding new clients to improving processes. I have a team of developers and business analysts who assist with design, and I execute the strategy and timelines. The role has been very rewarding as I can impact the organization.
HOW HAS THE JWMI CURRICULUM HELPED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
When I started this program, I was in an entry-level position within my organization; today, I am Vice President – Senior Specialist responsible for implementing a significant, multi-year, multi-million dollar middle office UI application. The growth I have achieved over these past four years has been incredible, and I have the JWMI program to thank for that.
HOW DID YOU NAVIGATE JOB, FAMILY, AND WORK? WHAT STRATEGIES DID YOU IMPLEMENT TO GET IT DONE?:
My wife and I had just had our first son when I started the program. Throughout my MBA, we moved several times, including NY to Florida in the middle of COVID, and had two more sons. My most significant piece of advice is to take your time. You don’t need to rush through the process. I spread my courses over four years, taking one class per quarter and taking summers off. This flexibility was essential, so I didn’t miss time with my family. I also believe I received more out of the program because I had the time to dig in. Overall, this approach allowed for a very manageable work-school-life balance.
WHAT’S BEEN YOUR MOST REWARDING EXPERIENCE IN THE PROGRAM?:
My biggest takeaways are learning more about how I operate as a leader and my personality traits. The DISC assessment was particularly eye-opening; I remember being shocked at how accurate it portrayed me. I remember reviewing it with my manager at the time as a way for us to both interact with each other better. Other takeaways are the need to bring out the best in those around you and be sure to celebrate success! We get so caught up in what we are achieving as a team that we don’t stop and look at what we have achieved. The importance of celebrating success cannot be understated. A final point is about what we learn from each other. The DQ forums have been great to learn, especially about others’ perspectives and thoughts. You must ensure you have diverse views to succeed in both the DQ and in business. Without this, your blinders may cause you to miss something. Success in business as a CEO or senior leader does not come alone. It comes from a team of people around you, each with a shared mission and relentless driving toward success.
PLEASE SHARE ANY ADVICE FOR NEW STUDENTS EMBARKING ON THE MBA JOURNEY.:
Don’t put off starting your MBA. For years after I finished my BS in business administration, I always said I would get my MBA. Yet, year after year, I let the time pass by. Finally, right after the new year of 2017, my wife encouraged me to sign up. I took her advice, and now I am an MBA graduate. The other suggestion would be to pay close attention to the DQ forums. Some of the best advice you may walk away with is from your peer’s experience.
Connect with Brandon Teti on Linkedin
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