Audrey Atwell ’23

Switching from the military to the civilian sector, I knew an MBA would help me translate my Army experiences into the context of industry. At Yale SOM, I wanted to learn how to approach the intersection of business and society. The MBA for Executives’ sustainability focus perfectly complemented my interests and career trajectory. It provides a foundation of business tools, interpersonal relationships, and credibility that has opened exceptional opportunities.

The EMBA curriculum let me immerse myself in the study of management, supply chains, and the development of environmentally sustainable projects—all of which gave me a solid understanding of how to meet today’s ecological, regional, and governance requirements. I apply concepts from almost every course in my daily role. When I look at friction or decision points, for instance, I now think in terms of the varying levels of organizational impact across business units and the costs associated with organizational change and adaptation.

Everyone has blind spots. I’m certainly no exception. I entered the program with extensive leadership experience, having spent 21 years in the Army as both a garrison and combat leader. Yale SOM’s leadership courses have allowed me to further explore my own experiences and role-play various leadership strengths and weaknesses within the context of business and among my peers. I aspire to become a well-respected leader in my industry, known for business savvy, exceptional judgment, character, and the ability to solve complex problems in ways that lead to value-adds for my organization