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.
Walletia Gaffney
Project Lead Access Team Member
Myriad Genetics
Program/Concentration: Jack Welch MBA with Human Resources Concentration
TELL US ABOUT YOUR JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AT MYRIAD GENETICS.
In my role, I act as a liaison between the laboratory and the health care provider to improve clinical care and access to lab test results. I communicate regularly with health care providers about additional clinical testing that can better serve patients and their practices.
I internally collaborate with other departments to provide insight that positively impacts short and long-term business objectives and drives sales and revenue for the corporation.
WHY WERE YOU LOOKING TO GET AN MBA?:
I knew an MBA would enhance my professional development and help build my self-confidence as a leader in the short run. But, my aspirational goal is to be an entrepreneur. Earning an MBA was a strategic decision that would put me in a better position to operate and manage a business successfully.
HOW HAS THE JWMI CURRICULUM HELPED YOU IN YOUR CAREER?
The JWMI curriculum has changed my life and career!
While in the Jack Welch MBA program, I transitioned back into the healthcare industry, which has always been my true passion.
The curriculum helped me learn what it takes to be an effective leader. It challenged me to look at my past and present leadership experiences. In doing so and sharing those findings in the weekly discussion posts with my professors and fellow students, I was able to see areas for improvement and then practice new skills in my current job. The Jack Welch MBA provided me with the right tools to sharpen my leadership skills to help me utilize and strategize best clinical practices within my current position. Moreover, it has impacted my ability to lead by giving me broader knowledge and confidence in helping my team develop effective strategies to drive change forward.
DID YOU FIND THE CURRICULUM WAS IMMEDIATELY APPLICABLE? PLEASE EXPLAIN.:
The curriculum was immediately applicable. I applied several concepts within the curriculum in my role. Specifically, I used ideas from the Organizational Change and Culture, Strategy, and Capstone courses to implement projects that improved processes and increased retention, satisfaction, and morale at work.
At first, many employees were resistant to my suggested changes. However, utilizing my learnings from the classroom, I gradually gained buy-in and support for the initiatives. Communicating with candor, honesty, and transparency is essential to fostering cultures of sustainable change. Creating a sense of urgency is crucial in helping people understand why the change is necessary to help promote organizational effectiveness.
In the classroom and from my practical application, I learned that building trust, developing effective relationships, and empowering others helps drive meaningful change.
HOW DID YOU NAVIGATE JOB, FAMILY, AND WORK? WHAT STRATEGIES DID YOU IMPLEMENT TO GET IT DONE?:
Balancing school, family, and work was challenging, but having effective time management skills was the key to my success in the program. I had a strong support system of family and friends who always encouraged, motivated, and pushed me to keep going. I sacrificed many things to succeed in my leadership journey and earn my MBA, but it was all worth it!
I implemented organization and planning strategies to get my assignments done. Planning out the days and weeks helped ensure there was enough time to complete the assignments. Moreover, the course syllabus, materials, and readings helped me stay on track throughout my leadership journey.
PLEASE SHARE ANY ADVICE FOR NEW STUDENTS EMBARKING ON THE MBA JOURNEY.:
- Build effective, trusting relationships with your professors and colleagues.
- Take advantage of the JWMI resources such as access to writing coaches, weekly content including presentations and recordings, and the alumni network.
- Finish strong and give your best throughout the entire program.
- Never give up and always seek guidance and support from the JWMI family. They are here to help you WIN!
Connect with Walletia Gaffney on Linkedin
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