Empowering business leaders to balance careers, education and ambitions

Embarking on an Executive MBA (EMBA) journey at Kellogg isn't just about advancing your career — it's about building the foundation for becoming a confident and capable leader. Learning from world-renowned faculty, Kellogg EMBA students sharpen their business acumen and leadership skills through tailored programming.  

With more than 50 electives to choose from, the program gives students opportunities to further specialize in industries across sectors — all while studying alongside some of the most accomplished leaders from around the globe. 

Meet EMBA students Amanda Chawla ’24 and Brennan H. N. McMurry ’24 who each share more about their professional aspirations and academic journey, including how they juggle roles as parents, executives, students and friends.  

Chawla: Reflecting on my business school journey, I have ventured into new territories that were once unfamiliar to me, particularly entrepreneurship. I have embraced this challenge head-on by pursuing the certification in product management and diving into courses such as: entrepreneurial investing, managing emerging technologies, entrepreneurial selling and phase zero.  

The knowledge and experience from these courses have radically changed my approach to problem solving and innovation. My goal is to address real problems and make a meaningful impact in the areas of my passion, extending beyond my professional career into personal passions.  

Who was your favorite MBA professor?   

Chawla: Choosing a favorite MBA professor is no small task at Kellogg, given the exceptional faculty. However, Professor Mohanbir Sawhney stands out distinctly. Professor Sawhney leads Tech Venture India (TVI), a global elective opportunity that is supported by Colette Feldges. TVI is a deeply immersive hands-on experience in every industry and every sector in what is essentially the Silicon Valley of India.  

His commitment to students extends beyond the classroom; he generously opens his personal network and even his home, embodying the school's ethos of delivering high impact with high empathy.    

Professor Sawhney goes above and beyond, making himself available and connecting you to individuals in his network that can specifically help you with your passion and work despite the high demands on his time.  

TVI left me deeply inspired me to make a difference, to be willing to make mistakes and fail often and cheaply. One of my many favorite quotes from this trip was “if you can dream it, you can do it, you become the dream and the dream becomes you.”   

Can you share a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education?  

Chawla: Less than a year into the program, my personal life took an unexpected turn that tested my resilience and ability to balance and prioritize. My son Sach, who had been developing typically until the age of two, suddenly began to regress, becoming non-verbal.  

After months of confusion, consultations and evaluations, Sach was diagnosed with severe autism. This coincided with our family relocating, and a peak in work intensity as I manage a crucial transition of an enterprise resource planning system. 

Juggling work and school are one thing, but as a mother, I struggled with a healthcare system where I am a leader in and that falls short in supporting neurodiverse children. Overnight, I became an avid researcher and advocate for my son, becoming heavily involved in many communities.  

I have found solace and strength in communities, including Kellogg, where I met classmates and professors who are navigating similar challenges. What I've come to deeply appreciate is the way Sach sees and engages with the world and how his strengths manifest.  

Despite the daily struggles, like getting Sach to eat or managing his hair-pulling, there is immense beauty in how he processes his surroundings. Taking a moment in aiming to see through my son’s life, and appreciate his strengths, has helped me to grow as a leader and a mother but also as a lifelong learner.   

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal?

My ultimate long-term professional goal is still a work in progress as I continue to refine my ambitions. I am drawn to the dynamic nature of intrapreneurship within large organizations, with a particular aim to one day serve as a COO or CEO of a Fortune 100 company. This goal aligns with my desire to lead at the highest levels, driving innovative strategies and transformative growth.

Simultaneously, I am passionate about entrepreneurship, especially in the fashion industry. I aspire to set new trends in plus-size fashion for men, combining my business acumen with creative design to fill a significant market gap. This dual path allows me to blend my leadership skills and entrepreneurial spirit, shaping industries and influencing change on multiple fronts.

What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work?    

McMurry: The biggest lesson I gained during my MBA at Kellogg was the importance of adaptive leadership in today’s fast-paced world. This concept, which emphasizes flexibility, continuous learning and the ability to pivot strategies in response to changing circumstances, has profoundly influenced my approach to management.  

At work, I applied this lesson by leading automation projects to enhance our existing systems.  Recognizing my team’s diverse perspectives and expertise, we fostered a collaborative environment where all voices could be heard and valued.  

This approach not only accelerated our project timeline but also enhanced our deliverables and hopefully will increase project completion timelines. Adaptive leadership is a critical tool for driving innovation and maintaining competitive advantage in rapidly changing industries like financial services. 

What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program?   

McMurry: When considering any  EMBA program, clarify your objectives to ensure the program aligns with your career goals and personal growth aspirations. Conduct thorough research into the curriculum, faculty, alumni outcomes and networking opportunities including actively engaging with current students and alumni.  

Also, recognize the significant time and financial commitment these programs require, and consider seeking employer support which may include financial sponsorship or flexible scheduling.    

Maximize your experience by engaging fully in both academic and extracurricular activities, building strong relationships with peers, professors and alumni. These connections can provide support and open doors to new opportunities. And be prepared for challenges, as balancing the demands of an EMBA with personal commitments requires resilience and adaptability, but overcoming these can lead to substantial personal and professional development.    

Read next: Embracing challenge and change: My Executive MBA journey at Kellogg