6 ways my business background and MBA helps me provide value

to organizations and individuals

🎧 Listen (4 min)

As I engage in leadership coaching and consulting, I am consistently reminded of the impact of my business background and MBA bring to the table, enhancing my ability to deliver value to both organizations and individuals. The majority of my work experience was spent in the fast-paced, competitive environment of NYC. I remember thinking “if you can make it in finance and the hotel industry in NYC, you can make it anywhere.” 

If you do this activity yourself, you might be surprised at how your combined past experience and education provides value and sets you apart. Here are 6 ways that my background and MBA helps me as an Executive Coach and consultant. 

1. Customer-centric leadership

I bring an extensive background (in the hotel industry and serving ultra-high-net-worth clients in financial services) rooted in white-glove customer service. In my role as an Executive Coach and consultant, I underscore the significance of comprehending and fulfilling the needs of both internal and external customers. This perspective not only guides leaders in delivering exceptional service, but also assists in establishing meaningful business relationships. 

2. Cross-functional collaboration expertise 

My work experience was always highly inter-connected with other departments and stakeholders. In the hotel industry, I worked hands-on with every department in the hotel. In finance, I was hands-on with clients, custodians, lawyers, accountants, internal operations, and more. As an Executive Coach and consultant, I leverage this background to empower leaders in breaking down silos, enhancing interdepartmental communication, and promoting a collaborative organizational culture. 

3. MBA-informed strategic communication & leadership 

My MBA journey elevated my strategic communication and leadership expertise. I apply this knowledge to assist leaders in crafting influential messages that align with organizational objectives. By focusing on leadership presence, authenticity, and influence, I mentor leaders in developing a captivating leadership style. This knowledge is leveraged to empower leaders to navigate change through effective communication, resolving conflicts, and building collaborative teams. 

4. Financial acumen for strategic decision-making

My comprehensive financial background, spanning both accounting and financial services, coupled with an MBA, equips me with strong financial acumen. As an Executive Coach, this expertise is invaluable in helping leaders leverage financial data to make strategic decisions that align with financial goals, optimize resources, and drive sustainable business growth. 

5. Understanding of organizational dynamics 

Having worked in various departments across different industries, I gained insight into team structures, communication patterns, and internal political dynamics, observing how leaders were trying to optimize organizational performance. This exposure enables me, as an Executive Coach, to see the whole picture and guide leaders in enhancing their effectiveness.

6. Drawing from my own leadership experience

I naturally took leadership and mentoring roles from a young age. In high school, I was Drum Major of the marching band for two years; in college, I served as a mentor for incoming freshmen and held a Supervisor position on campus. Naturally, after college, I started as a Manager in the hotel industry. Even when I didn’t hold a leadership title, I continued to exhibit leadership skills and role model highly-effective behavior. Having this experience from early-on allows me to draw upon my own leadership insights to effectively coach and advise others. 

Amber Waugaman Leadership Coach
In today’s fast-paced, rapidly evolving business landscape, effective leadership development is non-negotiable. Clients consistently report that their work with Amber results in elevated leadership skills, increased productivity, reduced turnover, and enhanced interpersonal effectiveness. Clients have built and led high-performing teams, fostered self-accountability, and seen less resistance to change initiatives. Many have attained promotions, boosted their confidence, and taken control of their time and energy.

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