After dedicating eight years to the demanding world of finance, Sherry Ann Mohan, a Wharton EMBA graduate of 2013, recognized a pivotal moment for career enhancement. Despite her background in accounting and finance, Sherry Ann felt the need to deepen her financial expertise to excel further in her daily responsibilities. This realization sparked her journey towards pursuing an Executive MBA (EMBA) program, a decision that would significantly reshape her career trajectory.
Initially considering local EMBA programs to avoid disrupting her role at Goldman Sachs, Sherry Ann’s perspective broadened when a senior partner suggested Wharton. Although hesitant about commuting outside of New York City on top of her already long work commute, the partner’s strong recommendation prompted her to explore programs beyond her immediate vicinity. Sherry Ann recalls her initial reservations, stating, “I already had a long commute to work and was hesitant to commute to an EMBA program, but he said it was worth looking into.”
Her visit to Wharton for the interview and class observations proved to be a turning point. The ease of the train journey coupled with the palpable positive energy among the students convinced her of the program’s suitability. “The train ride was easy and there was a positive energy among the students I met. I was sold on Wharton after that visit,” Sherry Ann affirmed.
Balancing Act: Work, EMBA, and Family Life
Sherry Ann Mohan balances her EMBA studies with family life, showcasing the adaptability required for executive education.
As a single mother of two, Sherry Ann faced the significant challenge of managing her EMBA studies alongside work and family responsibilities. The every-other-weekend commitment of the program required meticulous planning and robust communication. Her strategy revolved around open dialogue with her children and establishing a strong support system.
“I talked to my sons, who were 13 and 9 at the time, and said this is what we need to do for the next two years to make this happen,” she explained. Family support, particularly from her grandmother, became crucial. Her grandmother provided consistent care for her children during school weekends and work-related travel, enabling Sherry Ann to fully engage with her EMBA program. The structured two-year schedule provided by Wharton was instrumental in her planning, allowing her to share and align commitments with both her workplace and family.
One of the earliest and most impactful lessons Sherry Ann gained from her Wharton EMBA experience was the art of prioritization and delegation. She quickly learned the necessity of delegating tasks both professionally and personally to maintain momentum across all fronts. This skill translated directly into her leadership style, enhancing her ability to effectively leverage teams and communicate expectations clearly. These foundational leadership skills proved invaluable in her career progression.
Immediate Application of EMBA Knowledge at Work
The immediate applicability of classroom learning to her professional role was a significant value addition of the Wharton EMBA program for Sherry Ann. She highlights the direct relevance of the curriculum to her daily responsibilities and strategic contributions at Goldman Sachs.
Sherry Ann cites her derivatives class as a prime example. Simultaneously with her enrollment in the course, Goldman Sachs was undergoing a business spin-off that directly impacted her role. During a critical transaction meeting, she was able to propose the development of a specific financial product, directly applying her newly acquired knowledge from the derivatives class. This proactive application of classroom learning not only impressed her team but also underscored the tangible value she was gaining from the EMBA program. “Not only was the team impressed, but I impressed myself with how I could apply classroom knowledge to add value in that transaction,” she reflected.
Furthermore, the negotiation skills honed during her EMBA program proved instrumental in navigating workplace dynamics and project execution. Sherry Ann emphasized the importance of framing issues effectively and understanding different perspectives, skills that she directly attributes to her EMBA training and that significantly enhanced her ability to influence and lead projects forward.
Another key advantage of the Wharton EMBA program, as Sherry Ann points out, is the prestigious brand itself. The Wharton name carries significant weight, providing instant credibility and opening doors to new conversations and opportunities. This brand recognition serves as a powerful asset in career advancement and professional networking.
Cultivating a Supportive and Inclusive Network
Sherry Ann Mohan with her Wharton EMBA cohort, highlighting the strong networking and community aspect of the program.
Beyond academic and career-focused benefits, Sherry Ann also emphasizes the nurturing and inclusive environment of the Wharton EMBA program. She found the supportive community particularly beneficial in navigating professional landscapes where diversity might be lacking. Wharton’s commitment to inclusivity ensures that women and diverse candidates find a program that is genuinely invested in their success. This supportive network became an invaluable resource for Sherry Ann, both during and after her EMBA journey.
EMBA: A Catalyst for Career Impact
Post-graduation, Sherry Ann effectively leveraged her enhanced communication and leadership skills, refined during her EMBA program, to strategically navigate her career progression at Goldman Sachs. These skills empowered her to engage in clear and direct conversations about her career aspirations, leading to a role with greater exposure to key decision-makers and strategic content. This strategic career navigation culminated in her current position as Managing Director and CFO for the consumer business at the firm.
In her current role, which she assumed following the consumer business’s inception in 2016, Sherry Ann is responsible for the bottom-line performance of a significant business unit, managing approximately $60 billion in deposits and $7 billion in loans as of December 2019. Her focus is on leveraging analytics to inform business decisions, strategies, and the future direction of the consumer business.
Sherry Ann unequivocally credits her Wharton EMBA experience with playing a pivotal role in her career ascent. While her CPA qualification provided a strong foundation in the language of business, Wharton broadened her understanding to encompass critical areas such as marketing, negotiation, and advanced finance. Furthermore, learning from classmates with diverse professional backgrounds enriched her perspectives on business challenges. She concludes, “If you want to be a leader, you have to understand others’ perspectives and have the skillset to take your career to the next level.”
Reflecting on her decision to pursue an EMBA at Wharton, Sherry Ann states, “If I had to do this program again, I definitely would. I’m so glad that partner encouraged me to look at programs outside of New York City because Wharton was an experience that I couldn’t replicate anywhere else.” Her experience serves as a compelling testament to how an EMBA program will add value to your career, providing not just knowledge but also a transformative experience that propels professionals to leadership roles and significant career achievements.
