Erin Nazetta
Washington University in St. Louis, Olin Business School
Age: 42
“Strategic leader with global expertise in commodities, finance, and operations, dedicated to mentoring and leadership.”
Hometown: Wayland, NY
Family Members: Alex Nazetta (husband), Lynn and Dan FitzPatrick (parents), Sarah Clancy (sister), Casey Rogers (sister), Molly Karnes (sister), and Courtney Weatherford (sister)
Fun fact about yourself: I am a certified ski instructor, a passion I pursued after a significant setback in my career. Despite dedicating years to my profession and enduring multiple relocations, including an international move, I faced a disheartening layoff when my organization underwent a major restructuring. Rather than succumbing to disappointment, I seized the opportunity to explore a new path and discovered fulfillment in sharing my love of the sport with others. My experience as a ski instructor provided me with fresh perspectives. It recharged my enthusiasm, enabling me to return to my career with newfound vigor, ready to achieve more than ever before.
Undergraduate School and Degree: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, University at Buffalo
Where are you currently working? Broadview Capital Holdings, LLC; Director, Food and Agriculture Research
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles: Farm Foundation, St. Louis Women in Investments, Beta Gamma Sigma, triathlete, skier
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? During business school, I am most proud of my participation in a challenging extracurricular case competition alongside three classmates. This nationwide contest tasked us with advising St. Louis City SC on balancing purpose and performance. Juggling this commitment alongside a full-time job, an EMBA program, and an international residency was undeniably demanding. However, the experience offered invaluable insights into real-world business dynamics beyond our usual scope.
Engaging in the competition exposed us to local business leaders, regional economic development organizations, and top executives associated with the case study’s client. It underscored the potential of collaboration among for-profit businesses, government entities, and non-profits for collective advancement. Additionally, collaborating with three busy classmates taught me valuable lessons in teamwork and process management.
Winning one of the top awards was incredibly humbling, and we chose to give back to the community by donating our prize money to charity. This experience not only enriched my business acumen but also reinforced the importance of leveraging knowledge and resources for the greater good.
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? I am most proud of my ability to successfully apply my expertise across multiple global organizations in diverse industries, including banking, physical commodities trading, and investing. Being recognized as a subject matter expert in prestigious business publications like the Wall Street Journal, CNBC, Bloomberg, and the Financial Times has been incredibly gratifying. However, some of the most meaningful achievements in my career have stemmed from interpersonal experiences—such as client visits to the corn fields of Illinois, the cotton harvests of Australia, or the soybean expansion projects in Brazil.
Growing up on a farm and milking cows to pay for college provided me with a humble beginning that laid the groundwork for a career I could never have imagined. This journey from farm life to global business leadership has been a source of immense pride and is deeply fulfilling. Moreover, as my career evolves, I find increasing pride in using my global network and extensive industry experience to mentor and teach the next generation. This ability to influence and shape future leaders adds a profound and rewarding dimension to my professional accomplishments.
Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite MBA professor was Minyuan Zhao, who taught our strategy course. Minyuan’s extensive business expertise enabled us to connect various class learnings to her curriculum seamlessly. Her teaching materials ranged from classic case studies to up-to-date videos and real-time materials, offering a comprehensive understanding of strategic concepts.
What made Minyuan stand out was her engaging teaching style, which fostered lively classroom discussions and encouraged numerous questions. Her ability to tie together different aspects of our MBA education and apply them to practical projects was invaluable. Under her guidance, we grasped strategic principles and learned how to effectively apply them in real-world scenarios. Her projects pushed us to engage directly with actual business executives, providing a valuable bridge between theory and practice.
Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? I chose WashU Olin’s executive MBA program primarily for its emphasis on fostering a collaborative cohort experience, rigorous academic curriculum, and a strong alumni network. What particularly attracted me to this school was its focus on entrepreneurship and family businesses, aligning well with my background and interests. Given my analytical background, I was drawn to its emphasis on applying data to values-based decision-making, which I saw as essential for advancing my career. Additionally, as someone working in the global commodities market, I appreciated the program’s global perspective on businesses of all sizes. Furthermore, the strong emphasis on leadership development and individual coaching throughout the curriculum was instrumental in immediately applying the learnings to both work and personal life.
WashU Olin’s active engagement in the business community was also a significant factor in my decision. Moreover, the stunning campus added to the appeal, and the warmth and supportiveness of the EMBA program directors, Cory and Darlene, made me feel right at home.
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 program was the concept of leadership transcending titles or roles. WashU provided a comprehensive approach to skill development, uncovering areas I didn’t even realize I needed to work on.
Transitioning from management roles in large multinational corporations to a smaller company reset my perspective on leadership. I came to understand that true leadership lies in the impact we have on those around us and the world we inhabit rather than simply the title on our business cards.
The most surprising aspect for me was observing the ripple effect of my MBA journey on the people around me. Witnessing how it influenced and inspired others highlighted the profound impact of personal growth and leadership development.
Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? Throughout my time as an executive MBA student, balancing work, family, and education was a constant juggling act. The first semester proved to be the most challenging. Initially, I struggled to decline various commitments, which hindered my ability to focus on my studies. This resulted in disappointment as I felt I wasn’t excelling in any area of my life.
Realizing that this approach was unsustainable, I made a conscious decision to reprioritize. I acknowledged the financial and time commitments I had made before the program began, both to myself and to those around me. Understanding that my dissatisfaction would ultimately affect my work, family, and education, I began to assertively say “no” to non-essential obligations.
Moreover, I started blocking off entire weekend days on my calendar to dedicate solely to my studies. Communicating my plan effectively ensured that those close to me understood and supported my commitment to my education. This shift allowed me to regain control and establish a more balanced approach, benefiting my academic pursuits and my professional and personal life.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? If you’re considering an executive MBA program, don’t hesitate. There’s no better time than now to invest in yourself and your future. Embracing this opportunity means immersing yourself in a network of like-minded individuals who share your ambition and drive. It’s a decision that not only benefits your career but enriches your personal life, too.
You’ll be amazed by the support you receive from those around you as you navigate the program. Take that leap of faith and embark on a journey of self-improvement and discovery. The experiences and connections you gain will shape your life in ways you never imagined. The rewards are limitless.
What was your biggest regret in business school? My biggest regret from business school was not leveraging WashU Olin’s offerings earlier. It was halfway through the program before I started fully utilizing the resources available. Whether attending one-on-one office hours with professors, participating in extracurricular activities such as case competitions, or using amenities like the library and swimming pool, I wish I had engaged with these opportunities sooner.
Which MBA classmate do you most admire? Selecting the most admired classmate from my accomplished EMBA cohort is no easy task, yet Alison Gildehaus distinguishes herself through her passionate drive and visionary leadership. Serving as the Trauma Medical Director at one of the region’s largest hospitals, Alison has earned recognition for her significant contributions to patient care outcomes, innovative surgical strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic, ability to implement effective change processes within her teams. Beyond her professional excellence, Alison genuinely strives to enact change and make a significant impact in healthcare. Her dedication to transforming the industry and bettering lives extends well beyond her official duties, reflecting her deep commitment to service and leadership. What makes Alison truly remarkable is not only her achievements prior to the EMBA program as a surgeon and leader, but also her relentless pursuit of excellence and her inspirational influence on others. Her adeptness at merging analytical skills with team collaboration is especially noteworthy. Having the opportunity to learn from her during the program and now having the privilege to call her a friend is both inspiring and humbling.
What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? I chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives primarily for the immersive, real-life experience it offers. The intensive 20-month structure of the program at WashU is meticulously designed to mirror real business challenges, requiring the same level of dedication and resilience needed in professional environments. Additionally, the program features three intensive residencies: the kickoff GO! Week, a residency in Washington, DC, and a week-long international residency. These components are crucial, offering hands-on learning opportunities and the chance to apply classroom knowledge in diverse, real-world settings. This format enriches the learning experience and fosters deeper connections with peers and faculty, building a robust network and community.
The structure of staying within a single cohort for the entire two-year duration further enhances this experience, allowing the development of strong and lasting relationships with classmates. This fosters a supportive network and a collaborative learning environment. Staying with the same group of professionals throughout the program bolsters teamwork deepens interpersonal connections, and facilitates a richer exchange of ideas and perspectives. Additionally, the program provides a unique environment, where disagreements and differences of opinion can be safely and constructively addressed. This is particularly valuable as it simulates real-world business scenarios where conflict resolution and negotiation are crucial, thus preparing us effectively for leadership roles.
Moreover, the program emphasizes leveraging the previous work experience of its participants rather than just focusing on academic achievements. This approach ensures that the cohort is comprised of highly successful individuals from various industries, bringing a wealth of practical knowledge and diverse insights into the classroom. This blend of experienced professionals enriches discussions and enhances learning as classmates share theoretical knowledge, real-world applications, and personal success stories. This practical focus makes WashU Olin’s Executive MBA uniquely beneficial for seasoned professionals looking to elevate their careers.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My long-term professional goal is to be an inspiring leader who motivates others to think creatively and realize their fullest potential. I aim to establish a legacy and build a reputation that paves the way for future generations, specifically supporting and empowering women in the business world. By leveraging my expertise, I aspire to make a significant impact in executive leadership on a global scale while always seeking new challenges and opportunities for learning. I am committed to influencing those around me positively and fostering an environment of growth, innovation, and resilience.
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