Yasmine Abdelhady, EMBA ’24, embarked on an Executive MBA journey at Ivey to expand her already diverse professional background in the technology industry. With almost a decade of experience at Microsoft in technical, marketing, and sales roles, she sought to deepen her understanding of various industries and develop the leadership capabilities needed to navigate today’s challenging business environment.
A multifaceted journey
Abdelhady’s Executive MBA (EMBA) experience delivered on these goals and much more. It reframed her approach to challenges, provided a global business perspective, and broadened her entrepreneurial skills. Interestingly, the program even influenced her parenting approach, inspiring her to strategically nurture her two daughters’ personal growth. She began the EMBA program while on maternity leave with her second child, finding study time during her daughter’s naps.
Balancing the program with a newborn was challenging, but the second term tested her limits even further. Abdelhady returned to work in a new role as the National Channel Sales Leader (SMB) for Business Applications at Microsoft Canada. Juggling this demanding position, the intense EMBA workload, and family responsibilities required significant resilience and adaptability.
“I wouldn’t have managed without the unwavering support of my family and work team. Their understanding and assistance were crucial while I attended classes,” she said. “This period taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability – essential skills for both personal and professional success.”
Fueling entrepreneurial passion
Abdelhady’s long-standing interest in entrepreneurship was further ignited by the program.
“I’ve always been intrigued by the idea of having a side business that fuels my passions,” she said. “At Microsoft, I treat the business as if I am the owner – engaging stakeholders, managing finances, and supporting customers. The EMBA program was the perfect platform to enhance these skills and apply them more broadly.”
Developing a global mindset
Class discussions, case studies, and international trips enriched her learning experience. A highlight was a trip to San Francisco, where she learned about venture capital, angel investors, business pitches, and startup launches. This experience taught her how to evaluate what works and identify risks. Another trip to Brazil focused on emerging markets and provided insights into global business dynamics.
“These trips offered far more learning opportunities than I anticipated and significantly strengthened our group bonds,” said Abdelhady. “The practical insights and real-world exposure were invaluable, adding a unique dimension to our education.”
She also valued the diverse experiences and perspectives of her classmates, forming lasting friendships within her cohort.
“Being in a room with nearly 60 diverse, bright individuals discussing various topics was incredible. The diversity of experiences and viewpoints enriched my learning," she said. "We faced challenges and moments of enlightenment together, creating unique bonds. I would definitely call them ‘life friends.’”
The transformative impact of education
Abdelhady plans to leverage her EMBA skills and knowledge to take on more strategic leadership roles and drive innovation within her industry.
“One of the most profound changes was developing greater grit and resilience. I learned to navigate challenging situations with determination and perseverance,” she said. “My time at Ivey was filled with eye-opening moments and personal growth experiences, and I am grateful for the transformative impact it had on me.”
She aims to instill a pursuit of lifelong learning in her children, striving to be a role model by demonstrating the values and principles learned in the program. Abdelhady shares lessons from the EMBA with her daughters using simple examples, hoping to inspire their hunger for knowledge.
“I aim to instill the value of continuous learning and growth in my kids, sharing the insights I’ve embraced throughout my journey inside and outside of Ivey,” she said.
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