INSIDE VSB
The Villanova Executive MBA
20
Years of Transformation
When the Villanova Executive MBA (EMBA) program started in 2000, business looked very different. From communication and technology to management styles and organizational structures, change was the constant and transformation provided a natural, and necessary, platform for executive education. Twenty years later, that mindset remains at the core of the Villanova EMBA program. To mark this important milestone, Villanova Business (VB) sat down with EMBA faculty, staff and alumni to reflect upon the program’s impact and what lies ahead.
VB: When you set out to develop an EMBA program 20 years ago, what did you want to accomplish? Monahan: We wanted to take risks with the EMBA program. The pace of change
at the time—and even today—means we always need to be looking at delivering state-of-the-art education not just for executives but throughout VSB. Our focus around multi-disciplinary thinking, leadership, the infusion of industry examples, the growth of analytics—all these areas are critical for business leaders and they were the basis for our EMBA program. I credit a committed faculty who continually update their classes and delivery mechanisms to maintain this high standard and distinguish our program in the marketplace.
Wiess: The Villanova EMBA program also has created a space for reflection and
Roundtable
Participants Albert “Al” Chiaradonna EMBA Adjunct Instructor; Executive Coaching Program Manager Berkley Harmon ’04 EMBA EMBA Alumni Board Member Wen Mao, PhD Associate Dean, Faculty; Associate Professor, Economics Thomas “Tim” Monahan, PhD Dean Emeritus; John M. Cooney Professor, Accounting & Information Systems Therese Narzikul ’04 EMBA EMBA Faculty Director Jennifer Wiess ’18 MA Director, Executive Programs
personal growth in addition to delivering on the highest quality of business expertise. We create an experience where individuals can enhance their business acumen and develop a deeper understanding of their personal leadership style.
VB: What made the VSB EMBA program unique then and keeps it that way today? Chiaradonna: As a faculty member, three areas stand out for me. One is the
focus on personal transformation—how to bring your whole self to work to be a more authentic leader. Second is thinking “systemically.” Students learn not what to think, but how to think, especially about the importance of always understanding the context. More important is the degree of integration across disciplines. Modules build on one another so that students move from self-awareness to contextual awareness to finally combining the two to become leaders who can build and execute strategic plans that fit their individual style and the context of society, industry and organizational culture.
Harmon: Apart from systems thinking, the aspect that impacted me most was the
International Immersion. Visiting an emerging economy brings a whole other level of perspective to making a difference. On our immersion trip to Chile and Argentina, we visited businesses, met with local officials and learned about the local business climate.
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