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Thomas Blue
Senior Manager
Toshiba Global Commerce Solutions
Program/Concentration: Jack Welch MBA
PLEASE SHARE MORE ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES AT TOSHIBA GLOBAL COMMERCE SOLUTIONS.:
At Toshiba, I am honored to support more than 40 leaders by providing guidance and continuous improvement opportunities across all of our service business functions, where we share best practices, improve upon existing processes, and promote a culture of inclusiveness and empowerment. I assist leaders in developing a greater understanding of how to cultivate improvements in fiscal responsibility, value-added service delivery, and managing team dynamics, all with the end goal of providing our clients with service that is 2nd to none throughout the retail industry. One of the most rewarding aspects of my position is coaching managers in a high-performance culture, where we can recognize success, learn from difficulties, and, most importantly, improve our workforce through teamwork and collaboration.
HOW HAS THE JWMI CURRICULUM HELPED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
Since beginning the program, I have been promoted three times and changed organizations for even greater responsibilities. I started as a local branch manager responsible for approximately 45 employees with a support management staff of eight. I led over 1500 employees and a fiscal responsibility of $100m, overseeing 16 local branches across six states. Since leaving JCI, I moved to Toshiba as a Senior Manager responsible for structuring growth programs and policies for a developing service organization. I support more than eight local branch managers on the U.S. East Coast, where I help create SOPs for service procedures to ensure continuous improvement, continuity of operations, and standardization.
DID YOU FIND THE CURRICULUM WAS IMMEDIATELY APPLICABLE? PLEASE EXPLAIN.:
Ironically enough, it never failed to amaze me how I could directly apply each quarter and what we were learning to my career. Most notable was during our Operational Excellence quarter, where I was placed on a continuous improvement team roughly three weeks into the curriculum to improve service delivery for a large, multi-million dollar client. The best part was that I could speak the language and picked up a lifelong blackbelt mentor who helped me navigate complex challenges.
HOW DID YOU NAVIGATE JOB, FAMILY, AND WORK? WHAT STRATEGIES DID YOU IMPLEMENT TO GET IT DONE?:
Discuss your journey with your family before you take the first step in pursuing an MBA or any other program. It’s essential to have the full support of your family network from the beginning. In anything I do, I have a schedule and adhere to it the best I can. In the three years it took to complete the program, there were times when things didn’t always go as planned. How you rebound and overcome is what makes it even more special. Set reminders, use technology to help you navigate all the deadlines and external pressures, and remember that your family comes first. You may find yourself putting personal things on hold for a bit, but I promise you, once you come out on the other side, you’ll be better. Construct a schedule, hold yourself accountable, and take time to reward yourself throughout the program.
IN JUST A FEW WORDS, DESCRIBE WHAT “LEADERSHIP” MEANS TO YOU.:
Our thoughts lead to our emotions. Our emotions dictate our behaviors. Our behaviors determine our decisions, then shape our relationships. All of which takes us back to either healthy or unhealthy thoughts. Positivity is vital in shaping the leader you aspire to be.
PLEASE SHARE ANY ADVICE FOR NEW STUDENTS EMBARKING ON THE MBA JOURNEY.:
Plan, organize, and discuss your journey with your network and family. It will take a team to traverse the program, and you’ll be better off getting a few people involved in your decision. Everyone needs cheerleaders in life. However, it would be best if you had those that also are realists. Get both types, and the advice they provide will prove beneficial.
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