Five years ago, I was focused on execution, doing my job well, delivering results, and pushing myself to be better. My career in IT and digital transformation had been rewarding, but I realized I was not always working with intention toward a longer-term vision.

Everything changed in 2022. I was inspired by the clarity and vision of our CEO and CIO, especially an adage that stuck with me: “Always aim for the moon. Even if you miss, you will land among the stars.” That prompted me to ask myself a difficult question: Where do I truly want to be in the next 10 to 12 years?

Selecting a Program With Purpose

After reflecting on my strengths, gaps, and passions, I set a bold goal: to grow into a CIO role. I mapped a career path, shared it with my manager, and actively sought guidance, a turning point from working in my role to working toward a purpose.

I realized I needed more than technical skills; I wanted a deeper understanding of leadership, strategy, and people. My mentors guided me to Fuqua, reminding me: “This is one time in life, do it right, so you don’t regret it later.” Fuqua’s rigorous curriculum, collaborative culture, and focus on values-driven leadership immediately stood out. From day one, learning here has been about practical insights, reflection, and growing alongside a supportive community.

Term 1 was exciting and overwhelming. Initially, I focused solely on grades, studying day and night. But I quickly realized that the real value of Fuqua is the relationships you build and the lifelong bonds you create. That insight shifted my approach.

I started balancing classes, assignments, and networking, focusing on genuine connections with peers, faculty, and staff. Each interaction taught me something new about leadership, collaboration, communication, and understanding different mindsets and aspirations. Every term has been memorable, with lessons that extend far beyond the classroom.

The Duke family spirit, the sense of belonging, support, and shared growth, is unmatched. Seeing the transformation in myself and my peers has been inspiring and motivates me to continue pursuing my goals with clarity, resilience, and purpose.

The Human Connection Behind Leadership

Throughout my career, I have led global teams and delivered large-scale transformations. Fuqua has reinforced a key lesson: leadership is ultimately about people. In an increasingly digital world, empathy, trust, and human connection sustain teams. Here, I have learned to blend technical expertise with people-centered leadership and meaningful collaboration.

Across different organizations, I have seen how easily teams slip into blame, finger-pointing, and working in silos. Often, the real issue isn’t the process or the system; it’s that people aren’t talking to each other. At Fuqua, I have learned that leading with people means slowing down to understand how others work, what they are solving for, and what pressures they face. When you take the time to build relationships and create space for honest conversations, problems become easier to solve, and teams shift from defensiveness to collaboration. Blending technical expertise with empathy has become one of the most valuable leadership skills I have strengthened here.

Channeling Purpose-Driven Leadership in My Own Way

Mentorship and giving back have always been central to my journey. I focus on lifting others as I grow and aim to continue fostering mentorship, creating inclusive spaces, and contributing to the Duke community/family long after graduation.

Looking forward, I aspire to grow into senior leadership roles while pursuing entrepreneurial ventures that bring people together. I dream of opening a restaurant designed not just for dining but for meaningful connection, and of writing a book that shares the life epiphanies that have shaped me.

Fuqua has been transformative not just in building knowledge and skills, but in shaping how I see myself, others, and the future. This journey has taught me that true success comes from intentional growth, meaningful relationships, and making an impact along the way.