Marcela Mesa
University of Georgia, Terry College of Business
Age: 39
“A seasoned finance leader known for elevating performance, cultivating excellent relationships, and encouraging performance.”
Hometown: Roswell, Georgia
Family Members: My husband Julian and our two adorable Yorkies, Miah & Melly!
Fun fact about yourself: I’m such an animal lover that in Vail, Colorado, I chased a bear just to get a closer look while everybody else fled!
Undergraduate School and Degree: Bachelor’s in Accounting. Master’s in Internal Control and Audit.
Where are you currently working? Senior Manager, Financial Planning & Analysis for Summit Materials.
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles: Volunteer at a dog shelter, providing foster care to dogs in need and facilitating adoptions. Volunteer at special needs events near my hometown.
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? I had the opportunity to support a work team member’s development, from being on a performance improvement plan to outperforming. I was able to gain insight into the employee’s motivations by meeting with them and taking the time to learn about their skillset and motivational factors. Through training, coaching, and empowerment, I was able to improve their performance and motivation. This experience showcased the transformative impact of effective leadership and mentorship, reinforcing my commitment to nurturing talent and preparing future leaders within the organization.
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One of the most significant achievements in my professional journey is orchestrating a reduction in days sales outstanding (DSO) from 66 days to 44 days over four years. This accomplishment resulted in the generation of $72 million in cash and a significant debt reduction. It also highlighted my ability to manage teams to drive tangible results. For me, achieving goals is crucial, but what makes this achievement particularly meaningful is how it was accomplished through leveraging others’ strengths and fostering growth within the team.
How did we achieve it? By fostering collaboration and empowering the team members to shine in their roles, leveraging their unique strengths and talents, and cultivating potential leaders within the team. Additionally, ensuring seamless continuity within the team by recruiting and training underscores the effectiveness of this leadership style in driving both immediate outcomes and sustained growth.
Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite MBA professor was Dr. Scott Graffin. He made learning fun by challenging us to think deeply and thoroughly about management decisions. Beyond the classroom, he was accessible and always willing to discuss ideas further. He brought real-world cases to life, sparking interesting discussions that enriched our learning experience. His commitment to fostering dialogue and critical thinking made each class engaging and enlightening.
Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? I chose the University of Georgia and its Executive MBA program for several reasons. First, UGA is known for being one of the best business schools, offering a high-quality education that aligns with my career goals. Additionally, the networking opportunities provided by UGA are exceptional. They allowed me to connect with industry leaders and professionals from diverse backgrounds. The school’s outstanding reputation and welcoming recruitment approach also played a significant role in my decision. Finally, knowing that some of the best co-workers and individuals I admire are UGA alumni further reinforced my choice. Building connections and collaborating with talented leaders is crucial for me, making UGA’s Executive MBA program the perfect fit for my aspirations.
Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? During the final phase of my Executive MBA, my company underwent an acquisition, resulting in a surge of additional work, structural changes, and tight deadlines. To cope, I optimized my team’s efficiency, and multitasking by studying during workouts and commutes, and setting daily objectives. I prioritized tasks, delegated responsibilities at work, and maintained open communication with my family and classmates about what I was going through. Conducting more efficient meetings and postponing non-urgent tasks were key strategies in managing the workload. Balancing work commitments with family and friends helped me stay grounded during the chaos. Through these methods, I successfully navigated this challenging period while completing my MBA, emerging stronger and more resilient from the experience.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? I would advise being prepared for an engaging and fast-paced journey. Set aside time for studying and actively look for opportunities to connect and learn from classmates. Approach the program with an open mind. Do the assignments diligently, and enjoy the experience. The 18 months go by quickly, even if it may seem like a long time. The MBA experience is a fulfilling journey that is as rewarding as our dedication and approach to overcoming challenges.
What was your biggest regret in business school? As a natural introvert, I found it difficult to participate in class discussions. While I actively contributed to my team conversations, my biggest regret is not participating more in class discussions or presentations. Nevertheless, I have to say that pursuing my MBA has significantly helped my personal development. I’ve come a long way in the last 18 months, and I feel somewhat more at ease and competent when I participate in talks in larger groups.
Which MBA classmate do you most admire? I most admire Lauren Brecher. As an executive director with Boehringer Ingelheim, she is an amazing leader who is competent, professional, and assertive. She has exceptional leadership and presentation skills. Lauren is a model of organization, intelligence, and responsibility. She shows an honest curiosity and willingness to share her knowledge. Her self-confidence and trustworthiness make her a valuable team player who listens well but also doesn’t hesitate to offer fresh perspectives on difficult problems.
What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? I chose an Executive MBA program over other options for two primary reasons. First, it offered a promising learning environment through interactions with experienced leaders. Second, unlike part-time or online alternatives, it allowed me to engage in a disciplined academic environment while maintaining my full-time job. The Executive MBA format facilitated valuable in-person connections with professors and peers, fostering dynamic discussions and networking opportunities, ultimately positioning me for career advancement.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? I expect to transition into a more management-oriented role where I can lead teams to growth and development through continuous learning, operational excellence, and a goal-oriented approach. Drawing from my experiences and learnings from my Executive MBA journey, I aspire to leverage my leadership skills and business acumen to drive organizational success. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, I want to empower teams to achieve their full potential while contributing to the overall growth and success of the organization.
What made Marcela such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2024?
“Marcela is a distinguished member of our 2024 EMBA cohort. She has consistently demonstrated remarkable openness throughout her MBA journey, as evidenced by her pursuit of certificates in Leading Change and Workforce Diversity, and her adventurous spirit, such as when she went whitewater rafting in Japan during her class’s International Residency. Marcela’s willingness to embrace change is truly commendable. She has consistently demonstrated outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and a commitment to professional development throughout her journey in our program, recently earning the role of Senior Manager of FP&A at Summit Materials. Marcela epitomizes self-motivation and is an outstanding representative of the caliber of students in our Executive MBA program.”
Susan Brown
Director of the University of Georgia Terry College of Business Executive, Professional, and Online MBA Programs
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