Our Experts: Deliberate, thoughtful, authentic
Susan Fournier reflects on her first year as Questrom dean, connecting with alumni and students, and the impact of faculty research
My first academic year serving as dean is coming to a close, and what a phenomenal start to this journey it has been. I am humbled by the outpouring of support I’ve received and excited by the initiatives that will shape our school for the future.
Over the past seven months, I’ve had the privilege of traveling the world to connect with alumni, and am enriched by the global perspectives that define Questrom. I’ve witnessed firsthand the dedication and drive exhibited by our students at every level, past, present, and future. I’ve seen the impact of faculty research that addresses real-world business and organizational problems. I’ve worked alongside thoughtful faculty and passionate staff—and, with each interaction, I’m reminded of the caliber of human beings that constitute Questrom. For them, and you, I am grateful.
Every issue of Everett aims to engage and update you on activities at Questrom, but above all, to provide solutions to the problems we face every day as managers. Whether it’s navigating the waters of uncertainty about the future, adjusting to shifting markets and technologies, or knowing when and how to embrace change, what better way to tackle those issues than with the know-how of our very own community?
From faculty and staff to students and alumni, these people aren’t just experts. They’re our experts.
In this issue, you’ll get inside insights on managing risk and reward in the digital age, weeding through big data, keeping stride with an ever-changing business ecosystem, and more. You’ll hear from alumni on leading with heart, turning passions into professions, and adapting to new rules. Students tackle the challenges of adjusting to new cultures and the role of diversity and inclusion in business. Faculty from nearly every department weigh in on strategies for making sense of big data.
At Questrom, and in Everett, we are deliberate. Thoughtful. Authentic. I hope that you find the articles in this magazine to be impactful. I look forward to continuing this journey as dean with each and every one of you.
