Exploring Business Insights: Key Learnings from Industry Titans
Rosa Santana, Director of Career Planning and Development | Nicolais School of Business
In the ever-evolving world of business, gaining insights from business leaders is the discovery of hidden gems. The Nicolais School of Business and Career Connections pioneered a monthly talk with industry professionals called “Business Insights” in October 2022. This monthly event features a panel of professionals speaking on their expertise, experience, and advice for an early career college student. The business leaders have conversations on an array of topics, offering a view into their world and the best practices students should adopt in order to elevate and succeed.
A Year of Business Insights:
In the past year, Business Insights connected with professionals in the fields of marketing, finance and accounting, data privacy in pharma, supply chain, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in the workplace. Each month, the Nicolais School of Business built a deeper understanding of various aspects of the corporate world. Students networked and engaged with business leaders which enhanced their professional communication and leadership skills and sparked areas of interest for future career paths.
In October of 2022, Business Insights held conversations with Alyssa Ahern, Senior Public Relations Manager, Adidas, and Victoria Natenzon, Account Executive, Salesforce. They shared their experiences in public relations, marketing, sales, and meandering career paths. Business Insights highlighted Leslie Gavioli, former SVP of Finance at Fox News in November 2022. Leslie shared the leading techniques of the finance industry, her career path at Fox News, and particularly highlighted how her degree in accounting supported her success in the finance function. She spent time networking with a room filled with accounting and finance majors and offered some great advice for careers.
In the spring 2023 semester, we tackled pressing business issues such as data privacy, supply chain, and diversity, equity, inclusion, and access in the business world. In February 2023, Global Data Privacy Strategist at Bristol Myers Squibb, Cailin Kelly, also the chair of the Wagner College Alumni Board, discussed how information is used in the health industry and the impact it makes on the consumer. Cailin discussed how the consumer has much control over their data and should take the necessary steps to remain informed. In March, we had the honor of having two supply chain professionals, Kakoli Mukherjee, Director NA Operations, emosia Group, and Julio Ramirez, Director of Supply Chain Management, Clarins. These business professionals shared perspectives about the similarities and differences in the Consumer Packaged Goods and retail industries. We discussed the importance of data analytics, supply chain processes, sustainability, and transparency. They shared the advances that were made in the supply chain industry over time and also discussed how the pandemic exposed shortcomings and areas that need to rapidly evolve to ensure success for the triple bottom line - people, planet, and profit. April 2023 ended the semester with an Alumni Series. Dean Aarti Ivanic had an intimate conversation with Wagner Alumni, Nija Howard, Human Resources at the NY Department of Education, and Douglas Rigg, Vice President at Morgan Stanley. Nija and Douglas about their career path, DEIA, and particularly Access in the workplace, and the importance of self-advocacy. The students enjoyed learning about their most memorable experiences while at Wagner.Â
Development Beyond the Classroom:
Business Insights is one of the Nicolais School of Business's commitments to enhance the student’s knowledge of evolving business trends. These conversations create an environment of informal discussion and dialogue where students steer the conversation and engage with leaders. By attending these events, students gain access to a plethora of experiences, insights, and information that deepen their understanding. These conversations enrich their academic knowledge and equip them with a variety of perspectives. These conversations also help students network, build their self-confidence, and learn how to ask meaningful questions of business leaders.
Future Leaders:
Business Insights isn’t solely about sharing information but it is also about building the future leaders of business. The experiences heard in the conversations heighten a student's awareness and shine a light on their abilities. The experiences prepare the students in navigating the arduous and ever-changing world of business. The stories of resilience, grit, innovation, and determination shared served as a source of inspiration and motivation.Â
By securing a diverse range of industry business leaders, Business Insights aids in the professional development of future business leaders and equips them with the ability to take on challenges with grit, perseverance, and strategic planning.
The Business Insights series will continue to be a place of knowledge and enhancement of skills. By bringing together industry experts to share insights, the initiative not only goes beyond the classroom but also extends past the course walls. As the world continues to evolve, Business Insights plays a pivotal role in molding the future of business leadership.