Stephanie Jhala, MBA Candidate
Academic completion date: August 2012
What were you doing prior to joining the MBA Program at the SFU Beedie School of Business?
Prior to the MBA, I was working as Marketing Manager for a luxury fashion brand, Obakki and its charity, The Obakki Foundation. We designed and manufactured garments locally and the profits went to drilling water wells in South Sudan. During my employment, we made a truly remarkable impact: drilling over 300 wells, which brought clean water to over 300,000 people.
You could say that it was the perfect role for me: marrying creativity, business, and philanthropy. I pioneered the department from the ground up, laying the foundations for e-marketing, social media, brand messaging, communications and PR strategy, wholesale and consumer marketing, fundraising, and more. With analytics being a strong driver, I grew the respective platforms, increasing the social media following by 300%, web traffic by 200%, wholesale sales by 55%, email database by 200% (with above industry average open rates). I grew and managed a team of three assistants and interns and made marketing integral to the core business strategy of driving success in the B2B and B2C channels.
Prior to Obakki, I worked as an Inside Sales Account Manager for a business technology solutions company. Sales skills are life skills and this role really allowed me to use my strong ability to build interpersonal relationships. Managing high dollar value B2B opportunities with complex sales cycles, I was tasked with coaching our business partner channel, overseeing sales, creating strategic initiatives, securing new business, and growing existing business. I was also selected by senior leadership to devise the strategic sales plan for the North American business division, which was later implemented.
Why did you choose the SFU Beedie School of Business and the MBA program?
There are so many things that I love about the SFU Beedie MBA program. First, it takes a fresh approach to business, incorporating many aspects of business that aren't necessarily yet well understood, like social media. Second, the intensive learning curve is all so applicable to real life situations. Third, the university, notably the Career Management Centre, does a fantastic job in connecting the students to important groups in the business community through networking events, mentorship programs, and speaking panels. Lastly, and most importantly, the program produces well-crafted visionary leaders. We see more than numbers, and we see more than the bottom line. We are a new generation of holistic business experts that care about social impact and really can make a difference.
Have you had any “AHA!” moments while in the MBA program?
Stepping back and evaluating all that I have learned so far, I am confident that I am able to see the "big picture"—identifying challenges, patterns, and opportunities; zooming in on the micro level; and crafting a strategy that works.
In our Transnational Management class we were tasked with proposing a strategy for a local company entering the global market. At first the task seemed extremely complex with so many opposing forces. After analyzing (and overanalyzing) and weighing the various options, I had that "AHA" moment with a real tight strategy that complemented the external environment and took advantage of the company’s internal strengths. It was a proud moment because I felt that I could confidently propose this strategy if it were a real company.
I see business as a mix of science and art. Many aspects require a scientific and analytical mindset, and the ability to organize facts and seek out trends. However, a true business leader is also able to take into account the "soft side" of business like relationship building, organizational culture, and management style. For me, the "art of business" complements the science, and a plan is only successful when both hard and soft notions are integrated.
What functional areas are you most interested in post-graduation?
Being socially responsible was engrained in me at a very young age, long before this notion became trendy. I'm looking to marry social cause with business strategy using my strong communication, marketing, and social media skills. In this day in age, being socially responsible is almost a requirement and expected by consumers. Businesses are also starting to recognize that if they invest in this, they will strengthen their reputational capital and realize real cash returns in the long run.
Outside of the MBA, what else keeps you busy?
Currently in the infancy phase, my friends and I have started a project called "Lub Dub" (as in the heart beat). Two members of the team are going to climb Mount Everest next year, in hopes to raise $200K+ for a charity that supports at risk children in Liberia. A comprehensive business plan as well as a prestigious Board of Directors has already been assembled. As Marketing Director, I will be tasked in formulating and deploying the social media and marketing strategy. Through our respective strengths and networks we will be seeking corporate sponsors. The story will be documented via social media and a short film.
Students in the full-time 12 month MBA program complete the academic component of the program each August. Starting each September, students are available for 2 to 8 month internships. To meet and recruit Stephanie and other great students like her from the MBA program, or to learn more about the MBA internship program, please contact Christine Sjolander, Associate Director, Employer Relations.
