Portrait of Namita Lokare, student in the Weekend Executive MBA program at The Fuqua School of Business.

"The Fuqua MBA has certainly influenced my leadership style. It helped me develop a strong Emotional Intelligence Quotient (EQ) which has strengthened my communication and conflict resolution skills. This transformation has empowered me to lead with heightened confidence and authenticity."

Director of Corporate Strategy
Valencell Inc.

Weekend Executive MBA

Class of 2024

Industry:

Health Care

Prior Education:

North Carolina State University
PhD, Electrical Engineering

Hometown:
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Nationality:
Indian

Reflections

I chose Fuqua not only for its academic excellence, but also for the Team Fuqua spirit that sets it apart from other schools. The collaborative and supportive environment at Fuqua fosters a sense of camaraderie that goes beyond traditional academic boundaries. The program's emphasis on teamwork, diversity, and mutual success aligns with my belief in the power of collaboration, making Fuqua the ideal place for me to thrive both personally and professionally.

In addition to gaining valuable knowledge and strengthening my leadership capabilities, I consider the most significant return on investment has been in cultivating a network of extraordinary individuals who consistently inspire me each day.

The atmosphere at the JB Duke bar during a residency weekend is nothing short of surreal. After a demanding day of classes, I found myself surrounded by individuals who were not only brilliant, but also remarkably down to earth. One moment, engaged in a conversation with a cardiac surgeon, we explored ways to enhance the patient experience through new technology. The next, I was absorbing the intricate details of flying a fighter jet from a pilot. Such diverse encounters uniquely unfold at the JB Duke bar. It's these moments that have been profound learning experiences, introducing me to amazing individuals who consistently inspire me. These encounters reaffirm that choosing to pursue my MBA at Fuqua was the right decision.

 

Before Fuqua

Prior to joining Fuqua, I served as a principal machine learning scientist at Valencell. In my day-to-day responsibilities, I led a team of data scientists and crafted Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms for wearable devices, occupying a highly technical role. However, during my time in the program, I was fortunate enough to make a transition to a strategic position. This shift enabled me to actively contribute to the design and development of product and marketing strategies, bridging the gap between business and technical perspectives.

After Fuqua

After completing my degree, my aim is to continue gaining hands-on experience in the business realm. I aspire to contribute to the creation of impactful products that can make a meaningful difference in people's lives. Ultimately, my long-term vision is to embark on an entrepreneurial journey of my own.

5 Best Experiences in the WEMBA Program

  1. Duke Basketball experience. It was amazing to be in the Cameron indoor stadium, practice some drills, and see the Hall of Fame.
  2. Coach K Q&A session. Coach K shared lessons on how to be an effective leader and how surrounding yourself with the right people can give you honest advice in difficult times.
  3. GATE trip to South Africa. My cohort traveled for an immersive, experiential learning opportunity to Johannesburg and Cape Town. Our engagements with leading South African businesses allowed us to observe their day-to-day operations, explore strategies for navigating global dynamics, and engage in discussions on driving growth, including the impact of government on business with officials from the U.S. and South Africa.
  4. Fireside chat and dinner with Alumni Rashida Hodge. She provided insights about how her differentiated leadership approach is grounded in her ability to connect deeply with teams and clients, and inspire innovation and new ways of thinking.
  5. Fuqua on Board speakers. Gaining insights from various speakers on the impactful ways one can contribute to the community by joining boards has been enlightening. It has broadened my perspective on how I can make a meaningful difference in different capacities.