Stefanie Rigg’s Post

TOP 10 TAKEAWAYS FROM MY BUSINESS SCHOOL JOURNEY 1) There is no way to "wing" it. You have to put in the time to make it worth it. They say it is hard for a reason. If you're unwilling to put in the time, it won’t be worth your hard-earned money. 2) If you only focused on getting "straight As," you probably missed out on A LOT of fun and definitely did not build the for-life type relationships. 3) If you didn't score at least a few "As" you probably misunderstood the “assignment” and definitely did not take business school seriously enough. Go back to takeaway #1. 4) You cannot be friends with everybody. Find your people and stick with them. However, be friendly, courteous, and collaborative with everybody else; you'll VERY likely meet them again up the ladder, and you don't want to be on their bad side then. 5) Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Business School will challenge you every day and break you a few times. This is for your benefit. You're not a superhuman and will never be fully prepared for everything. Try your best, and whenever you need to (because you will), call upon your people on takeaway #4 (this is especially true for full-time professionals paying for their education, like me and so many warriors in my cohort). 6) Do not rely solely on the school's resources (particularly career services). Their job is to give you the tools; it's your responsibility to build the path forward. 7) Becoming a LEADER must be your primary goal. And no, this is not equivalent to being the class spokesperson or the overachiever. Being a LEADER in business means executing whatever goals you/your company set forth and caring for the people involved. 8) If family and friends were bothered by your absence, rethink your relationship with them. 9) No matter what field you are/end up in, everything in business revolves around the three financial statements (especially the cash flow statement). The sooner you understand this, the faster you’ll grow in your career and the more money you'll likely make. 10) Finally, and this is stating the obvious, but... If you're not into business, there are easier (and cheaper) ways to succeed professionally. An MBA degree does not instantly make getting a job or promotion easier. Arguably, it makes it harder, as you'll be measured by a higher standard and will have to prove a lot more. Congrats to the Fordham Gabelli School of Business Graduates, Class of 2024! I'm proud of my Ram sisters and brothers for such an accomplishment. Watch out world, The Business Titans of Fordham are headed up and onwards! #FordhamGabelliSchoolofBusiness #FordhamUniversity #GabelliSchoolofBusiness #RamFam #Graduation #MBA #MasterInBusinessAdministration

HOW AN MBA GRADUATE NEARLY COLLAPSED HIS ILLITERATE FATHER'S COMPANY. As soon as my good friend Abdul Kareem graduated with his Master's and MBA, he felt a sense of superiority over his father, Alhaji Maiga (not his actual name), who had built a successful manufacturing company over 35 years. In many of my interactions with Abdul Kareem, he believed that his father's lack of formal education held the company back from achieving greater heights. He thought that with his advanced degrees, he could modernize and expand the business, making it a global brand. I debated with him about the real game against that of paper and the fact that, I have been an apprentice to a Business man who has little education but built a very successful business. In 2022, Abdul joined the company and immediately began implementing changes, dismissing experienced employees and introducing new management strategies. He invested heavily in new technology and marketing campaigns, ignoring his father's warnings about the importance of maintaining relationships with suppliers and customers. Alhaji Maiga had built the company on trust, hard work, and a deep understanding of the industry. He knew his customers and suppliers personally and had developed a reputation for quality and reliability. My friend, Abdul, on the other hand, focused solely on profits and growth, neglecting the company's core values. Within a year, the company was struggling. Orders were down, and the new staff He had hired were not performing as expected. The company's reputation began to suffer, and his father's long-standing relationships were damaged beyond repair. Abdul was shocked and disbelieving as the company teetered on the brink of bankruptcy. It wasn't until we his friends advices him to sit down with his father, who had been quietly and painfully watching the chaos unfold, that our friend began to realize his mistakes. The old man explained that success wasn't just about theories and textbooks; it was about people, trust, and experience. Abdul had forgotten that his father's lack of formal education didn't hold the company back; his own arrogance and ignorance had. The lessons for MBAs who think they can manage businesses are: 1. Respect and understand the company's history and values. 2. Don't underestimate the importance of relationships and trust. 3. Experience and wisdom matter just as much as education. 4. Theories and textbooks are only a starting point; real-world experience is essential. 5. Humility and a willingness to learn from others are crucial for success. Abdul learned these lessons the hard way, but he eventually worked alongside his father in rebuilding the company, combining his own knowledge with Alhaji's experience and wisdom. It was a long and difficult journey in 2024, but they managed to restore the company closer to its former glory, stronger and wiser for the mistakes of the past.

🚀 Ready to launch your career or take it to the next level? Our affordable Business Education Masterclasses are designed just for you! #TheMasterclassSessions #ProfessionalDevelopment #EntrepreneurialMindset #LaunchYourCareer #NextLevelSuccess

Do you dream of starting your own business? We can help you achieve your goal. See how Algonquin Careers Academy’s business management training prepares you for success!

The Power of Celebrating Small Wins In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it's easy to overlook the significance of small victories. Yet, these seemingly minor achievements are the building blocks of success, shaping our journey and propelling us forward. Allow me to share a personal anecdote that underscores the importance of celebrating these small wins. Several months/years ago, I found myself immersed in a challenging project at the office. It was one of those tasks that required meticulous attention to detail, countless hours of brainstorming, and a fair share of setbacks. Despite the obstacles, I remained determined to see it through to completion. Weeks turned into months, and finally, the day arrived when I could proudly face the day and unfold the day. As I stood before my colleagues, cameras, microphones and a group of innocent children's faces my nerves tingling with anticipation, I watched their reactions closely. To my delight, their faces lit up with genuine admiration and appreciation for the effort I had put in. But the true highlight came moments later when our ED stepped forward, a bouquet and cake in hand. In front of the entire team, she praised my dedication, creativity, and perseverance throughout the project. It was a simple gesture, yet it meant the world to me. In that moment, I felt seen, valued, and empowered to take on even greater challenges. Reflecting on this experience, I've come to realize the profound impact that celebrating small wins can have on our personal and professional growth. Here are a few reasons why acknowledging these victories is so important: 1. Boosts Morale: Small wins serve as morale boosters, infusing us with a sense of accomplishment and motivation to tackle the next task with renewed vigor. 2. Fosters Recognition: Recognizing and celebrating small wins cultivates a culture of appreciation within teams and organizations and also within yourself. When individuals feel valued for their contributions, they are more likely to remain engaged and committed to achieving shared goals. 3. Builds Confidence: Each small win builds upon the last, gradually bolstering our confidence and self-belief. By acknowledging our achievements, we reaffirm our capabilities and gain the courage to push beyond our comfort zones. 4. Encourages Growth Mindset: Celebrating small wins encourages a growth mindset, shifting our focus from fixed notions of success to continuous improvement and learning. 5. Strengthens Resilience: In the face of setbacks and obstacles, celebrating small wins serves as a reminder of our resilience and ability to overcome adversity. As we navigate the ups and downs of life, let us not underestimate the significance of celebrating small wins. So, let us pause, reflect, and give ourselves and others the flowers they deserve, for it is in these moments of recognition that we find the fuel to keep striving for greatness.

𝐌𝐲 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐮𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝘚𝘵𝘢𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘺 51𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘰𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘮𝘢𝘻𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥 2 𝘥𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘣𝘢𝘤𝘬! 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢 𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘦 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯! 𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘺𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘩𝘢𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘈'𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘈+'𝘴, 𝘣𝘶𝘵 𝘭𝘦𝘵'𝘴 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘢 𝘧𝘦𝘸 𝘊'𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘋'𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘭. 𝘏𝘦𝘳𝘦'𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘬𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯: 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐮𝐫: 𝐀++ After several years of hard work, this was the year I finally established myself as a shepreneur by formally launching my company. All the paperwork, the sweat, and the dreams culminated into this #milestone. 𝐅𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭, 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐅 𝐃𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐧: 𝐁+ Money management used to be a nightmare for me. But this year, I became fiscally wise and recognised the power of #financialaccountability. No more nightmares, just sweet dreams of balanced books! 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: 𝐀+ The only way to forge ahead is through #collaboration. Some efforts have already borne fruit, while others are still saplings, eager to reach new heights. 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐀𝐀++ As a sworn recluse, joining #networking groups was a huge step. But guess what? It bore flowers, fruits, and even a little shelter. Who knew mingling could be so rewarding? 𝐀𝐮𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐫: 𝐀 I wrote a book! "The Language of Influence" hit the shelves, marking my debut as an #author. It's been a thrilling journey from pen to print. 𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬: 𝐃 This year, I started reinvesting in my business. I learned a lot about the pitfalls and the prudence needed for informed, calculated investments. Tough lessons, but invaluable for future #growth. 𝐒𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞: 𝐁 Understood the significance of #systems and #processes in Business. Still at understanding phase though.. 𝐓𝐫𝐮𝐬𝐭: 𝐂 As an intuitive person, I learned that trust should be based on data and facts, not just gut feelings. A tough but crucial #lesson. 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲: I am a woman in progress, moving slowly and confidently, learning and growing every day. The coming year will undoubtedly bring a mix of grades, and that's okay. If I only get A's, I stop learning. If I get only C's and D's, I’m not implementing what I've learned. 𝑯𝒐𝒘 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆𝒔?

Her insights on leading with humanity, practicing controlled randomness, and approaching every interaction with good intent are not just career tips but life lessons. Heidi Roizen #Leadership #Networking #Relationships #CareerGrowth #Podcast

50 lessons for 50 years This month I turned the big 5-0. And all the preparation in the world could not have prepared me for it. I was thinking a lot about the date even in the months leading up to it. In the end it was such a happy moment in my life. It had me thinking about life and the amazing people in my life - some who I got to see or reached out. To commemorate the year (and last 49) I made myself a few promises for the type of year I want to experience. One promise was to reflect on what I’d learned over the years….50 lessons for 50 years. Life and career advice I wish my 50 year old self could give my younger self … 1. Don’t let others tell you what you can’t do and what you’re not good at. Keep working towards the skills you want to have and what you want to be. (I’m very thankful I didn’t listen to those that said it’s too hard to start a business. I’m thankful for those who encouraged me and those I get to share this journey with) 2. Do more things that express who you are (and change the things that don’t). 3. Try more new things. You never know what it will lead to (and how much better you’ll feel with more experiences). Traveling let’s me experience a lot of new perspectives all at once :) 4. Reprogramming habits and beliefs takes time. Be kind to yourself and take that time. 5. Keep doing things that make you feel like a kid. (You can probably guess one thing that makes me feel this way). I was surprised to discover that a lot of the lessons were learned over the last few years. There have been many more over the years that have allowed me to get to these ones. I have only shared 5 here. There’s more. If you want to hear more insights or have some of your own to share thoughts in the comments.

"When we give ourselves permission to fail, we, at the same time, give ourselves permission to excel." ― Eloise Ristad Last night, I gave my final presentation for the Interise Streetwise MBA program, which was led by Coach Michael Washington. It was an incredible opportunity, and I wanted to reflect on what I learned from Coach and the other members of my cohort. People often start businesses because they are good at what they do and realize they can do it more effectively and efficiently on their own. However, there comes a point when the skillset needs to shift from being excellent in your field to being excellent at running a business. These are often two very different things. Over the last seven months, Coach Michael taught us that you don't have to give up your unique value to scale your business. It's a both/and. If you asked me this time last year, I would have said I was failing at both being a designer and a business owner. But instead of being stuck, I took a step back, looked for what needed to be fixed, and found the resources to keep going. This program was one of the resources, and I'm so grateful to have found it at the right time (thanks to Nadia Phillips). What did I learn over the last seven months? > Finances are not only about the bottom line. If you know where to look, the numbers tell you a lot. Sustainability is not just a full sales pipeline and a healthy checking account balance. > Hiring is one of the most critical components of running a successful business. Finding the right fit for every position will allow everyone (including the owner) to do their jobs more efficiently. > The people who got you here may be different from the people who will get you where you need to be. (That one was a hard one to hear.) > Systems are essential to scaling. The business should be about the work WE do as a team, not the work I do as an individual contributor. And so much more! If you live in Durham, are HUB certified and have the opportunity to join the next cohort, I strongly recommend it. It is a lot of work, a lot of hard truths, but it changed both my business and how I think about the work that we do. Plus, I learned about so many cool businesses in Durham. Need a printer, a builder, an electrician, an interpreter, a tutor, or a therapist? I've got you covered! Thanks to Coach Michael, Nadia, and Shelton Russell for making this program possible in Durham.