A New Path to Leadership

After years in project development, GeJuan Cole (EMBA ‘16) began to notice a disconnect between the technical work he was doing and the strategic conversations happening at the leadership level. To close that gap and grow as a leader, he turned to the Executive MBA program at the C. T. Bauer College of Business. 

“I realized I needed to bridge the gap between technical knowledge and the language of business,” Cole said. “Bauer’s EMBA program equipped me to do just that.” 

Cole credits the Executive MBA program at the C. T. Bauer College of Business with providing both the skills and confidence to step into formal leadership. One standout moment came during the Organizational Behavior course.  

“It helped me develop essential leadership skills,” he said. “While in the program, I was promoted to a formal leadership role and applied what I learned immediately, restructuring my team for greater efficiency and effectiveness.” 

The experience also helped Cole take on new responsibilities with greater assurance both in class and in the workplace. 

“Leading my cohort as a representative to the administration showed me the impact I could make,” Cole said. “At work, this confidence translated into raising my hand for bigger challenges and applying my learnings in real-time to improve processes and drive innovation.” 

That real-time application made a difference, not just for Cole, but for his employer. 

“My employer didn’t have to wait two years to see the ROI. I applied new concepts and tools after every class,” he added. “This immediate impact led to reduced waste during construction projects and faster decision-making in business development initiatives.” 

Beyond technical growth and career advancement, Cole found a lasting network of support. 

“My cohort became my professional family, and those bonds continue to support me as I navigate my career,” he said. “The Bauer EMBA program was a true launchpad for personal and professional growth within my organization.”