Christine Asack
University of Notre Dame, Mendoza College of Business
Age: 44
“Passionate person driven by transforming adversity into purpose, growing the good in business and life.”
Hometown: East Bridgewater, Massachusetts
Family Members: George Asack (husband), Samantha Asack (daughter – 17), Rebecca Asack (daughter – 13)
Fun fact about yourself: Football is more than just a game for me, it’s a passion! I’m a devoted fan of the New England Patriots and the Fighting Irish, and my love for the sport even influenced a major life event…my wedding! My husband and I tied the knot the day before the Super Bowl, setting the stage for some incredible anniversary celebrations, including witnessing the Patriots’ legendary 28-3 comeback against the Falcons. As for my loyalty to the Irish, let’s just say it runs deep—so deep that I made watching Rudy my monthly ritual during residency for 22 months straight!
Undergraduate School and Degree: Boston University, BA – Psychology
Where are you currently working? I am currently employed at Point32Health, in New England. Point32Health is a leading nonprofit health and well-being organization, delivering a better health care experience to the communities we serve. At Point32Health, I serve as Vice President, Human Resources Business Partnerships.
Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles: I am deeply committed to making a positive impact in my community, both professionally and personally. Coaching my daughters’ cheer teams and serving as the town program coordinator has allowed me to support and uplift young athletes. My involvement in charitable initiatives at our church, volunteering with Cradles to Crayons, and engaging with the Women and Allies Network resource group at Point32Health has given me opportunities to foster inclusivity and help those in need. Academically, I take great pride in having graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame, an achievement that reflects my dedication to excellence and lifelong learning.
Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? During my time at Notre Dame’s business school, I’m most proud of creating and leading a monthly segment called “Here Come the Irish” that brought our entire cohort together. Each month, I would ask classmates to submit a slide sharing what was happening in their lives outside the classroom – whether through words, quotes, or pictures.
This initiative allowed each of us to become vulnerable and connected early in the program, fostering genuine relationships that extended far beyond typical classroom interactions. Seeing how it brought our cohort closer together and maintained those bonds throughout our time at Notre Dame was incredibly rewarding. It demonstrated that some of the most meaningful achievements in business school aren’t just academic – they’re about building authentic community and helping people connect on a human level.
What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One of the achievements I am most proud of in my professional career is my ability to shape and influence organizational culture and leadership development. As a Human Resources Business Partner, I have spent years driving strategic organizational design, fostering inclusive workplace cultures, and mentoring professionals to reach their full potential.
A defining moment came when I stepped into my current role. In this position, I’ve had the opportunity to lead initiatives that strengthened leadership capabilities, enhanced team dynamics, and built a culture of collaboration and growth. Seeing individuals’ step into leadership roles and thrive has been incredibly rewarding.
Beyond strategy, my work has always been about people. This work includes helping teams navigate changes, supporting professional development, and ensuring that organizations prioritize both performance and employee well-being. The ability to make a lasting impact on individuals and the broader workplace culture is what makes this achievement so meaningful to me.
Who was your favorite MBA professor? There were many incredible professors at Notre Dame who shaped my MBA experience, but there were two who equally had the biggest impact on me, Gianna Bern and John Busenbark.
Gianna Bern captivated me from the start, not just for her expertise in finance but for her extraordinary legacy. As the first woman on the Wall Street trading floor, she shattered barriers in a male-dominated industry with a strength and authenticity that continue to inspire me. As a woman in business, her story reminded me that success doesn’t come from compromising who you are, but from standing firm in your principles. Gianna’s approach to teaching was just as powerful, she challenged us to think critically, push boundaries, and approach business with both confidence and integrity. Beyond that, she met every student where they were, offering mentorship and guidance without judgment. Her passion for education and leadership left a lasting impression on me, reinforcing that resilience and authenticity are the most valuable assets in any career.
John Busenbark made an equally profound impact, but in a different way. He understood that learning isn’t one-size-fits-all, and he ensured that every student could engage in a way that worked for them. His ability to create a dynamic classroom environment, one where discussion felt natural, insights flowed freely, and learning felt personalized and very humorous, was invaluable. He wasn’t just teaching concepts; he was empowering us to approach problems with curiosity and adaptability. His ability to make complex topics accessible, while encouraging critical thinking, made his courses a standout experience.
Together, these two professors shaped not only my understanding of business in areas not familiar to me, but my approach to leadership. Gianna showed me the power of perseverance and authenticity, while John reminded me that learning and growth are most impactful when they embrace individual strengths. Their influence will stay with me long after my MBA journey.
Why did you choose this school’s executive MBA program? Notre Dame represents more than an institution; it embodies a legacy of leadership, service, and integrity that resonates deeply with my values as an executive and a person. I was drawn to this program because of its world-class faculty, dynamic curriculum, accommodating schedule for someone who is employed full time, and global experiences. Even more, I was attracted to Mendoza because of the caliber of executives it attracts: leaders who challenge conventional thinking, inspire change, and redefine success beyond the bottom line.
What set Notre Dame apart for me was its unwavering commitment to building a genuine, lifelong community. The ability to do so in a residential setting once a month, where we were able to feel connected to the campus, the faculty, the community and each other. Alumni spoke not just of professional networks, but of relationships that endure well beyond graduation. These were bonds built on trust, shared purpose, and a commitment to elevating others. As a firm believer that authentic leadership is rooted in vulnerability and connection, I knew this environment would foster both my professional and personal growth.
Notre Dame’s spiritual foundation was equally pivotal. The university’s dedication to faith, service, and human dignity aligns seamlessly with my belief that leadership must be guided by a higher purpose, the responsibility to uplift people, organizations, and communities and to truly Grow the Good in Business. I sought an MBA that would challenge me to integrate my values with my expertise, and Notre Dame’s distinctive approach ensures that business leadership remains deeply human.
Ultimately, this program develops leaders who prioritize people and purpose alongside performance. That is the foundation of my work in healthcare HR and the reason I knew Notre Dame was the right place for me to continue my journey as a servant leader.
What is the biggest lesson you gained during your MBA and how did you apply it at work? The biggest lesson I gained was the transformative power of authentic vulnerability in leadership. Notre Dame’s inclusive community taught me that true strength comes from being open about challenges and creating safe spaces where others can do the same. Our cohort’s willingness to share struggles, failures, fears, successes, and celebrations created an environment where we could learn not just from textbooks but from each other’s real experiences.
At Point32Health, I’ve adjusted how I approach leadership by bringing this same authenticity to my role. Instead of presenting a perfect facade, I share my own learning journey with my team, admit when I don’t have answers, and create psychological safety where employees feel comfortable bringing forward both innovations and concerns. This vulnerability-based leadership has strengthened trust across our organization and led to more honest conversations about workplace challenges, ultimately improving both employee trust and outcomes.
Give us a story during your time as an executive MBA on how you were able to juggle work, family and education? Balancing the demands of an Executive MBA, a newly earned Vice President role, and a family navigating significant challenges was never about perfect equilibrium—it was about adaptability, prioritization, and resilience.
One of the most defining moments came early in the program when my mother suffered a heart attack. As her health care proxy, I was suddenly responsible for making critical medical decisions while managing my career and coursework. The weight of my responsibilities, leading a team, supporting my daughters, and traveling to South Bend monthly during those few months felt overwhelming. Yet, I knew I had to approach it with intentionality.
I never missed a trip to Notre Dame, despite the challenges. I juggled work calls from airports, caught up on case studies during late-night hospital visits, and leaned on my husband and my classmates for support when the balancing act felt impossible. Some nights, I was reviewing strategic proposals at work while texting my daughters about their competitions, wishing I could be there. It wasn’t always seamless, but it was a conscious effort to show up where I was needed most at any given moment.
Through it all, I learned that leadership, whether in business, family, or personal life, is not about achieving perfect balance; it’s about understanding priorities, adapting when necessary, and trusting the people around you. Notre Dame’s community reinforced that lesson, offering unwavering support and reminding me that resilience isn’t about doing everything. Instead, it’s about being fully present where it matters. I am grateful for my teammates at home, at work, and at school. Without them this dream would not be possible.
What advice would you give to a student looking to enter an executive MBA program? If you’re considering an Executive MBA, my biggest advice is simple: take the leap. There will never be a perfect time, and if you wait for life to settle, you’ll never start. When I flew to South Bend to observe the class of 2023, I was excited but also overwhelmed. Juggling my career, family, and personal obligations made the idea of adding business school seem impossible. That morning, I told my husband I couldn’t do it. His response? “Don’t look back, trust yourself.” That push was exactly what I needed.
Choose a program that allows you to bring your full self, not just your professional title. At Notre Dame, I learned that the most meaningful growth comes from being vulnerable, sharing both successes and setbacks. Leadership isn’t just about strategy and analytics; it’s about self-awareness, authenticity, and a deep understanding of the human side of business.
Seek a program that fosters genuine community. At Notre Dame, my cohort became more than colleagues, we became a family. We supported each other through professional breakthroughs and personal hardships, balancing work, late-night study sessions, and life’s unexpected challenges. That depth of connection transforms the experience, turning education into lifelong relationships.
Finally, be ready for growth that extends beyond your career. An Executive MBA isn’t just about advancing professionally, it’s about reshaping how you lead, how you think, and how you create impact. Choose a program that challenges your perspective, aligns with your values, and pushes you to evolve as both an executive and a person. The journey won’t always be easy, but if you embrace it fully, it will be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.
What was your biggest regret in business school? My biggest regret is not doing this sooner. For years, I put off pursuing an Executive MBA, convincing myself that the timing wasn’t right, that work, family, and life’s responsibilities were too demanding. Looking back, I realize that waiting didn’t make the journey easier; it only delayed the transformative growth I experienced.
Which MBA classmate do you most admire? This is a difficult question, as each of my classmates has something truly admirable about them. If I had to choose one, it would be Kathleen Gilpin, CAPT USNR, Ph.D.
Kathleen embodied resilience, excellence, and unwavering dedication, both in her professional life and in her personal journey. A decorated Naval officer, a neuroscientist, a leader, a devoted mother, and a fierce competitor, she lived with a strength that inspired everyone around her. But beyond her titles and accolades, what stood out most was her spirit. Her relentless drive, her ability to lift others up, and her unwavering commitment to both family and purpose.
Even in the face of immense challenges, Kathleen never backed down. Despite battling Stage 4 breast cancer, she chose to pursue her Executive MBA at Notre Dame, demonstrating a level of grit and perseverance that was nothing short of extraordinary. She wasn’t just a participant in the program—she contributed, she led, and she showed up fully, all while suffering silently, without most of us realizing the extent of her struggle. Her commitment to learning and growth, even in the hardest of circumstances, is something I will carry with me forever.
Beyond her professional and academic achievements, Kathleen’s greatest pride was her family. She fought for time with her husband and children, for moments of joy, and for opportunities to create lasting memories, all while balancing school, work, and illness with unmatched grace.
Kathleen Gilpin wasn’t just an incredible classmate, she was a force of nature. A leader, a fighter, and a friend who taught us all what it truly means to live with courage, conviction, and an unbreakable will. Her passing during our MBA journey was heartbreaking for all of us, but her legacy will forever be an inspiration.
What was the main reason you chose an executive MBA program over part-time or online alternatives? I chose the Executive MBA format specifically because I was seeking transformation, not just education. I believe that true transformation requires deep community and shared vulnerability that can only happen in person. Notre Dame’s residential format created an environment where our cohort could quickly move from being strangers to becoming family.
The intensive, immersive experience allowed us to drop professional guards and share our authentic selves, our fears, struggles, and hopes alongside our successes. You can’t replicate that depth of connection through part-time or online formats. Some of my most profound learning happened after class or in group study sessions or project work, where classmates became confidants and accountability partners.
The spiritual dimension was equally important. Being on Notre Dame’s campus, surrounded by the university’s mission of faith and service, reminded me daily that business leadership is about more than personal advancement, it’s about serving others and creating positive impact. That residential, community-based, global experience was essential for the holistic transformation I was seeking.
How did you finance your EMBA and what did you do to make tuition and associated costs more affordable? Point32Health supported my MBA through their tuition reimbursement program, recognizing the value this growth would bring to our organization. However, I also approached this as a family investment in our shared values and future impact.
What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My ultimate goal is to serve as a Chief People Officer where I can create workplaces that honor the dignity and potential of every person, inspired by Notre Dame’s commitment to human flourishing. I want to lead people strategies that transform organizations into communities where employees find meaning, purpose, and genuine connection in their work.
Specifically in healthcare, I’m called to create environments where healthcare workers can bring their whole selves to work while delivering a meaningful purpose. I envision leading HR organizations that operate as servant leaders, putting employee wellbeing first, knowing that cared-for employees provide better outcomes in any industry.
Long-term, I want to mentor emerging HR leaders, helping them find their authentic leadership voice. I’m also drawn to board service with mission-driven organizations and potentially returning to Notre Dame as a guest lecturer, sharing how vulnerability-based leadership creates both business success and human flourishing.
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