Kristopher Brown, MS Management, Strategy and Leadership
Last Updated August 1, 2019
With nearly two decades of experience across sectors and roles, Kristopher Brown decided to not only pursue his master’s degree but to make the most of his experience.
During the program, this Texas-based Spartan was inducted into Michigan State University’s Beta Gamma Sigma business honor society.
To be inducted into this international business fraternity, students are hand-selected by Broad faculty – graduate inductees must rank in the top 20% of their program. Membership is the highest recognition any business student can receive in an AACSB International-accredited business program.
In earning his Master’s in Management, Strategy & Leadership, Brown “deepened his leadership acumen” and increased his “knowledge and exposure to the inner workings of the business world.”
We spoke with Brown about his academic journey.
Q. Tell us about your background.
My wife and I live in Plano, Texas, a Dallas suburb. I have 17 years of diverse career experiences in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors and have achieved success in both traditional job roles and entrepreneurial pursuits. My role at the McKinney, Texas-based RightNow Media @Work is Business Account Consultant in a newly created and rapidly evolving Customer Success department. I recently developed and piloted a project to affect systemic change in how we communicate with clients.
I am also Principal of Owen and Elliott, LLC; a consulting firm specializing in start-up, organizational development and rehabilitation of financial service businesses.
Q. What were the most important factors in your decision to choose MSU?
The reputation of the management program and faculty were essential. This meant not only the program ranking and strength of curriculum but also the accessibility of the faculty to be available to answer questions and expand on lesson plans.
The technology capabilities were also important. During the two-year program, I had significant business travel. It was convenient to have all my courses accessible on my laptop, tablet, and even cell phone.
Finally, the ability to connect and network with my classmates was a critical factor. MSU professors do a good job of structuring the courses to ensure student interaction. I benefited from the ability to take courses online and meeting new and different people from all over the country. After a short while in the program, I developed friendships that lasted throughout the program and still continue after graduation.
Q. How will your MSU degree make a difference in your career?
My MSU degree has increased my knowledge and exposure to the inner workings of the business world. It has also increased my awareness and deepened my leadership acumen – I now approach business at a much higher level. For example, in the course Leading The Strategic Change Process, you move beyond analyzing theoretical concepts to planning and implementing practical solutions to both micro- and macro-organizational interventions.
The expanded resources and networking as alumni connected to the Spartan Nation are also a benefit.
Q. Do you have any future plans (education, career) now that you have your degree?
I plan on using the knowledge and skills attained in this program to continue consulting business leaders and entrepreneurs to address their strategic challenges and growth goals.
Q. What surprised you most about taking an online program?
I was surprised that my classmates could contribute as much to a discussion in an online program as a traditional classroom. Additionally, I was surprised by the broad perspectives and diverse insights of online students from across the country. They challenged my ideas and widened the scope of my business worldview.
Q. What was your favorite class and why?
Strategic Decision Making was my favorite course because it expanded my understanding of the tools and techniques of various strategic decision-making models. I also enjoyed the challenging class discussions about avoiding decision traps and errors that lead to failure in business. I learned how to recognize how my personal experiences and beliefs can be as much a hindrance to decision making as a benefit.
Q. What was your most valuable takeaway from the program?
I feel this program has prepared me to tackle the challenges of a business environment that are rapidly changing through technology advances and globalization.
Q. What advice would you give other students who are considering enrolling in the program?
Don’t hesitate! My only regret is waiting as long as I did to enroll in the program. The coursework is challenging, but these are friendly waters and you will have every opportunity to succeed and grow.
Q. Who has been your support system?
My family, especially my wife, supported and encouraged me throughout the two-year program.
Q. What was the most challenging part of your student journey?
Time management. It took a couple of classes for me to effectively organize my schedule and get into a routine. Sometimes business travel would alter my schedule, but with appropriate planning and the flexibility of our program, I was able to stay on top of coursework and class deliverables.
My time management advice? Plan, organize and stay consistent.
Q. Who or what inspires you to succeed?
I have an innate desire to continuously grow and learn, and I am inspired by anyone with a good story to tell, whose lives are a tapestry of perseverance and resilience.
Q. What is one fun fact about you?
I am passionate about the arts. Specifically, I enjoy attending theater performances and visiting art museums.
