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Gwendolyn Belle, Executive MBA

Gwendolyn Belle

EMBA 2011

First Vice President
Wells Fargo Advisors

"I developed competencies to adapt, navigate, and capitalize on opportunities to help my firm remain relevant and competitive."

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Return on investment

“From a personal standpoint, the ROI is immeasurable because I can’t monetize the value of the Olin network. I’ve created relationships that will last a lifetime. The camaraderie and connectedness are priceless.

“Professionally, my ROI is easier to measure because I received a promotion while I was enrolled in the program. I also increased my confidence level. Now, when I sit at the table with other leaders, I have the expanded business knowledge and perspectives to solve the difficult management problems.”

Leadership in the financial services industry

“In recent years, the financial services industry has experienced significant changes – some, regrettably, self-inflicted, some out of our control. We’re all too familiar with the former. The latter includes external factors such as demographic shifts that affect the profile of our clients. Customers now have access to investment advice on the Internet. Market volatility is the new normal. Wealth is being transferred to Generation Y investors, who often shun the traditional brokerage model, and the new regulatory environment is altering the way we operate.

“These are only a handful of the issues that require strong leadership skills. In the Executive MBA program, I developed competencies to adapt, navigate, and capitalize on opportunities to help the firm remain relevant to customers and competitive in the marketplace.”

Opportunities for lifelong learning

Although Belle researched Olin’s Executive MBA program extensively before applying, she was surprised to learn she could continue her management education as an alumna.

“Olin is a big supporter of lifelong learning. EMBA alumni can enroll in business courses for two years after they graduate. I’ve taken advantage of that.”