A Double Husky's path to product leadership

Q: What led you to pursue your MBA?  

A: I built my career at the intersection of technology and business, working at companies like Wayfair, Amazon, and Nokia. Across those roles, I worked on software and product initiatives in fast-paced environments and eventually moved into management, leading engineering teams and helping guide product strategy and execution. 

As my responsibilities grew, I realized that to lead effectively, I needed more than technical expertise. I wanted to think more strategically, make better cross-functional decisions, and truly understand the business behind the products we build.  Pursuing an MBA felt like the natural next step. 

Q: Why did you choose D'Amore-McKim?

A: Northeastern had already played a major role in my journey. I came to the U.S. from France for my undergraduate degree in computer engineering, drawn to the co-op program and its focus on real-world experience. That experience, along with opportunities at companies like NVIDIA and Schlumberger, shaped how I think about technology and teamwork. Returning to Northeastern for my MBA felt like a natural next step. 

What originally brought me to Northeastern was the ability to combine academic learning with meaningful professional experience. That same approach carried through into the MBA. What I've appreciated most is how relevant the coursework is to my day-to-day work, allowing me to apply what I learn directly in my role. 

Q: How is the MBA helping you in your current role?

A: I manage engineering teams that deliver software products at Hard Rock Digital, so I came into the MBA with a strong technical foundation. The program has helped me broaden my perspective beyond engineering and become a more effective leader, especially in areas like strategy, team management, and customer experience. 

The impact has been immediate. Courses in organizational leadership and customer experience have changed how I approach everything from how I communicate with my team to how I think about product strategy. I'm no longer just solving technical problems. I'm also thinking about the full customer journey, the business implications, and how to lead teams through complexity. 

Q: Tell us about your intensive, global travel electives.

A: One of the most impactful parts of my MBA has been the opportunity to see how businesses operate in different environments. Traveling to places like Scandinavia and San Francisco through Global Field Study electives gave me the opportunity to see firsthand how different industries and cultures approach leadership, innovation, and decision-making. 

In Scandinavia, gaining insight into local business norms and leadership styles added important context to the experience. In San Francisco, I revisited a familiar ecosystem through a new lens, exploring industries beyond tech and thinking more broadly about business strategy. Together, these experiences pushed me outside my technical comfort zone and expanded my perspective on leadership in a global context. During the Scandinavia residency, my group was selected to present our project at Ørsted headquarters to an audience that included company executives.  

Q: How do you manage your time between work, school, and family?

 A: Balancing full-time work, my studies, and family life is demanding. It requires careful planning, strong organization, and consistent structure. I rely heavily on automation, productivity tools, and AI-powered agentic support to manage tasks and stay on top of everything. 

What has made the biggest difference is the program's flexibility. Being able to adjust my course load or step away for a semester when needed has made the MBA sustainable while still allowing me to keep progressing professionally and academically. For example, there was a time when my family needed support, and having the option to pause my studies meant I could focus on my family without falling behind.  

Q: What advice would you give to future students?

A: Stay organized from the start and don't wait until things feel overwhelming. The MBA moves quickly, especially when you are balancing work, family, and other responsibilities, so having a system in place makes a big difference.  

I would also encourage future students to stay curious and keep learning beyond what is required in the classroom. Some of the most valuable lessons come from conversations with classmates, professors, and industry professionals. Take advantage of those opportunities, build relationships, and expand your network. For me, those connections have been one of the most rewarding parts of the MBA experience.