Brennan H. N. McMurry
Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management
Age: 34
“Dedicated financial expert and business owner, family man, shoe aficionado, embodying “work hard, play harder.”
Hometown: Nashville, TN
Family Members: Wife – Dana A Bynum-McMurry, Son – Brennan McMurry II (9), Daughter – Braken Dawn McMurry (5), Daughter – Bella McMurry (3)
Fun fact about yourself: I am a huge shoe lover and have over 200 pairs of shoes in my collection.
Undergraduate School and Degree:
University of Tennessee: BS in Business Administration, Finance Major – International Business Concentration, Secondary Minor in Economics
Where are you currently working? VP – Citadel and Citadel Securities, Financial and Regulatory Controller
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles:
Extracurricular Activities: Dance and Soccer Dad, Bogey Golfer and Strength Training, Shoe Collector and Lifetime Member of Kappa Alpha Psi, Fraternity Inc.
Community Work: Thrive Scholars, which provides high-achieving students of color from economically under-resourced communities the opportunities they need to thrive at top colleges and in meaningful careers.
Leadership Roles: SIFMA Advisory Committee and Leadership Committee, National Achievement Commission – North Central Province Chairman and the 40th Chicago Metro Founders Day Committee Chairman
Awards: Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30, 76th Guy L Grant Awardee and a R. H. Boyd Humanitarian Awardee
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? National Appointment to the SIFMA Advisory Committee
One of the academic and extracurricular achievements I am most proud of during my time in the Kellogg EMBA is my national appointment to the SIFMA (Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association) Advisory Committee. This prestigious appointment is a testament to the rigorous education and holistic development I have experienced at Kellogg, where I have been able to apply the lessons learned in a meaningful and impactful way. During my time at Kellogg, I have been immersed in a curriculum that emphasizes leadership, strategic thinking, and financial acumen. The EMBA program’s focus on collaborative learning and real-world application has honed my ability to analyze complex financial markets, develop strategic initiatives, and lead with confidence and integrity. Courses such as Financial Strategy and Decision Making, Global Leadership, and Corporate Governance have been instrumental in shaping my understanding of the financial industry and my role within it.
My appointment to the SIFMA Advisory Committee is a direct reflection of the skills and knowledge I have gained at Kellogg. In this role, I have the opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders, contribute to shaping regulatory policies, and advocate for the interests of the financial markets. The strategic insights and leadership skills developed through my EMBA coursework have enabled me to effectively navigate the complexities of this role and make meaningful contributions to the committee’s work. Furthermore, the emphasis on ethical leadership and social responsibility at Kellogg has reinforced my commitment to fostering transparency and integrity within the financial markets. This alignment with SIFMA’s mission to promote fair and efficient markets has been a driving force in my work on the advisory committee, allowing me to champion initiatives that enhance market integrity and investor confidence.
In summary, my national appointment to the SIFMA Advisory Committee stands as a significant academic and extracurricular achievement, deeply rooted in the comprehensive education and leadership training I have received at Kellogg. This experience has not only allowed me to apply my Kellogg learnings in a real-world context but also to contribute to the betterment of the financial industry, aligning with my professional goals and personal values.
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30
The achievement I am most proud of in my professional career is being named one of Nashville’s Top 30 under 30. This honor not only recognizes my commitment to excellence in the financial services sector, but also underscores my dedication to community involvement and leadership within the industry. Receiving this accolade was particularly gratifying as it reflected my efforts to merge innovative financial strategies with responsible community engagement. It affirmed that the hard work and innovative approaches I advocate for can have a meaningful impact, encouraging younger professionals to aspire to similar recognition and contribute positively to our community and industry.
Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite MBA professor is Mitchell Petersen, renowned for his expertise in finance and economics. Professor Petersen’s teaching style uniquely blended profound academic insights with real-world financial issues, making complex concepts accessible and applicable. What set him apart was his exceptional ability to engage with students, encouraging not just a theoretical understanding, but also practical application of financial strategies in our own careers. His mentorship was invaluable, particularly through his willingness to provide guidance and support in our individual projects and aspirations. His classes were not only informative but also inspirational, pushing us to apply our knowledge proactively in our professional roles. Not to mention his sons, Debt and Equity (IYKYK)…but now I need to ask my parents which one I am!
Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? I chose Kellogg for its unparalleled reputation in leadership development and its strong emphasis on cultivating a global business perspective. The program’s diverse curriculum, which expertly balances rigorous academic theory with practical, real-world application, particularly stood out to me. Kellogg’s commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment also played a significant role in my decision, as it aligns with my own values. Simply stated: “I felt at home.” Finally, Kellogg’s vast and active alumni network presented an excellent opportunity for networking and personal growth, promising valuable connections that extend far beyond the classroom. We at Kellogg are truly building a legacy through delivering high impact with humility!
What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? The biggest lesson I gained during my MBA at Kellogg was the importance of adaptive leadership in today’s fast-paced world. This concept, which emphasizes flexibility, continuous learning, and the ability to pivot strategies in response to changing circumstances, has profoundly influenced my approach to management.
At work, I applied for this lesson by leading automation projects to enhance our existing systems. Recognizing the diverse perspectives and expertise within my team, we fostered a collaborative environment where all voices could be heard and valued. This approach not only accelerated our project timeline, but also enhanced our deliverables and hopefully will increase project completion timelines. Adaptive leadership is a critical tool for driving innovation and maintaining competitive advantage in rapidly changing industries like Financial Services.
Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? Balancing Kellogg’s Executive MBA program, a demanding job during the Financial Close and Audit Season, and family life with three active children was intensely challenging yet profoundly rewarding. During the Global Electives Season, I traveled to Hong Kong, Lisbon, London, and Toronto, gaining invaluable global business insights. Simultaneously, I managed critical work deadlines and supported my children in their various activities. This journey was a testament to the power of prioritization, resilience, and the indispensable role of a supportive network.
One particularly memorable period was during the year end close preparation. I had a crucial meeting scheduled just as I was set to leave for the Global Electives in London. The pressure was immense, but my classmates were incredibly supportive. They took on additional responsibilities in our group projects, ensuring that our work continued seamlessly despite my absence. Their willingness to collaborate and support each other exemplifies the strong community spirit at Kellogg.
In another instance, I was struggling with complex accounting treatment at work. The issue was time-sensitive and required a level of expertise that was beyond my immediate knowledge base. I reached out to one of my professors, who not only provided insights during office hours but also took extra time outside of the classroom to help me navigate the nuances of the accounting world. This guidance was invaluable, enabling me to make informed decisions that significantly impacted my organization.
Through these experiences, I learned the importance of leveraging the support systems available, whether from family, classmates, or professors. My wife’s unwavering support was the glue that held everything together, allowing me to meet my commitments across continents. She managed our household, ensuring that our children’s needs and activities were taken care of, which allowed me to focus on my academic and professional responsibilities.
This period taught me crucial lessons in prioritization and resilience. It underscored the importance of clear communication, time management, and the need to be adaptable. Balancing these demands required meticulous planning and a willingness to seek and accept help from those around me. My journey through the EMBA program, supported by my family, classmates, and professors, highlighted that success is often a collective effort. This experience has prepared me to handle multifaceted demands with confidence and poise, reinforcing the value of a strong support network in achieving personal and professional goals.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? When considering any Executive MBA program, begin by clarifying your objectives to ensure the program aligns with your career goals and personal growth aspirations. Conduct thorough research into the curriculum, faculty, alumni outcomes, and networking opportunities and actively engage with current students and alumni through information sessions. Also, recognize the significant time and financial commitment these programs require, and consider seeking employer support which may include financial sponsorship or flexible scheduling.
Maximize your experience by engaging fully in both academic and extracurricular activities, building strong relationships with peers, professors, and alumni. These connections can provide support and open doors to new opportunities. Lastly, be prepared for challenges, as balancing the demands of an Executive MBA with personal commitments requires resilience and adaptability, but overcoming these can lead to substantial personal and professional development.
Which MBA classmate do you most admire? In my MBA cohort at Kellogg, I greatly admire two classmates: Jenny Burns and Doug Sharfstein.
Jenny, our class ambassador, truly embodies the spirit and values of our cohort. Her role as an ambassador goes beyond mere representation; she is genuinely committed to supporting us all, consistently ensuring our voices are heard and our needs are met. Her leadership is a pillar of our community. Additionally, her position as an executive at a shoe company means we share a common passion, which has strengthened our connection.
Doug Sharfstein is another classmate I hold in high regard. Despite his success in growing two ventures from inception to successful exits, Doug remains remarkably humble. His humility, coupled with a voracious appetite for learning at the young age of 50, is not only inspiring but also a testament to the idea that personal and professional growth knows no age limit. His drive and continued ambition show that he truly has much more to offer and achieve.
What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? The main reason I chose Kellogg’s Executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives was its renowned emphasis on collaborative leadership and global strategic thinking. Kellogg offers a unique blend of rigorous academic learning with real world applications, structured in a way that allowed me to continue advancing my career without pausing. The in-person sessions are critical to the program, in order to facilitate deep, collaborative interactions with a diverse group of peers thus enriching my learning experience and expanding my professional network. This format was particularly beneficial for applying new knowledge and strategies directly to my workplace in real-time, enhancing both my personal leadership skills and my organization’s strategic direction. Kellogg’s strong focus on global markets, combined with its outstanding faculty and resources, made it the ideal choice for maximizing my professional impact while still maintaining my commitments at work and home.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My ultimate long-term professional goal is still a work-in- progress as I continue to refine my ambitions. I am drawn to the dynamic nature of intrapreneurship within large organizations, with a particular aim to one day serve as a COO or CEO of a Fortune 100 company. This goal aligns with my desire to lead at the highest levels, driving innovative strategies and transformative growth. Simultaneously, I am passionate about entrepreneurship, especially in the fashion industry. I aspire to set new trends in plus-size fashion for men, combining my business acumen with creative design to fill a significant market gap. This dual path allows me to blend my leadership skills and entrepreneurial spirit, shaping industries and influencing change on multiple fronts.
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