Chris Valsamos

Chris Valsamos, MSQM: ABA '22
“I approach things now from a more structured and analytical perspective, which has proved highly effective. My decision making is based more on data analysis and less on ‘gut’ instinct. Decision tree analysis, probability assessments and running different simulations have improved the accuracy of my decisions and have yielded better, quicker and more profitable results.”
Managing Director
Centaurus Management

MSQM: Accelerated Business Analytics

Class of 2022
Industry:
Real Estate / Private Investments

Prior Education:

Hofstra University
Strategic Business Management, 2016
Hometown:
Huntington, New York
Nationality:
USA / Greece

Reflections

I reached a point in my career where I decided to make a pivot. While I was pondering my transition, I wanted to find a graduate program that would help me build both my hard and my soft skills. The MSQM program has challenged me as an individual. Being part of a team helped me sharpen my soft skills, such as effective communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and adaptability. The program also greatly improved my hard skills, data analytics, programming languages, decision models, etc. I learned from a world-class faculty, at a school where you are drawn into a culture that embraces you as part of a larger family, and where you never feel alone in your journey.

Before Fuqua

I was Chief Executive Officer of Castella Imports, Inc., a global manufacturer and distributor of specialty food products. I was responsible for the company’s long-term business planning, guiding the company’s creative strategy, and maximizing its profitability and sales through product development and customer acquisition.

After Fuqua

Once my degree is completed, I plan to re-enter the C-suite arena. I’ll be armed with my updated skill sets that will allow me to use data to gain better insights to decision making, and enable me to drive effective change in my organization.

The Benefits of an Online Degree

Fuqua’s approach to the MSQM online degree program allows students from nearly all parts of the world to take advantage of Duke’s world-class faculty, using real-time video sessions in conjunction with a self-paced environment. The ability to collaborate with peers with different backgrounds, from different cultures, allows for a more collaborative learning environment. The MSQM online degree has also allowed me to maintain my work-life, home-life balance uninterrupted, whereas as an in-person degree would have required a higher level of sacrifice.