Lisa A. Karell, Professional Certificate in Change Management
Last Updated May 29, 2019
A VP before the age of 35, a CEO in her forties—to Lisa Karell, age is just a number, and each number provides a finish line for achieving a new goal. Along the way, Karell has been able to gain valuable experience across “many sectors of the business world,” with her core strengths laying in “organizational turn-around and growth-focused change, sales, operations, and personnel management.”
She has since set her sights on a new goal: “To receive certification for something that I’ve actually been involved in my entire career – change management.”
Michigan State’s 100% online Professional Certificate in Change Management offered through the Broad College of Business provided Karell both the prestige and convenience she was seeking in achieving this goal.
We spoke with Karell about her professional journey and her MSU experience.
Q. Tell us about your background.
I spent my early years in Syracuse, New York before my father relocated the family to South Florida. I then attended Berry College, a small fine arts school in the mountains of Georgia, where I received my AA degree. Being a tenacious businesses-minded young woman, I elected to focus on my career goals and ended my college education at that point.
My initial career goals were age-driven. The first was to become a Vice President by the time I was 35, and I realized that a year early. The next goal was to return to school and graduate with honors before my 40th birthday. I graduated summa cum laude from Columbia Southern University. I wanted to instill in my children that, regardless of age, you can accomplish anything you set your mind to. I was a full-time career woman, wife, mom and student.
The next goal was to be a CEO by the time I was 50, and I was appointed as an interim CEO a year prior to my goal. Having achieved all three of those tangible goals, I needed to set another—to receive certification for something that I’ve been involved in my entire career – change management.
My professional experience encompasses many sectors of the business world and industries spanning retail, CPA firm and financial management, recruiting, and manufacturing, and I believe that diversity across industries has enabled me to transition seamlessly while sharing my abilities with each new (ad)venture.
My specialization has been improving operations, focusing on personnel training and the extensive customer relations end of management. I have found over the years that personnel management skills and effective customer relations techniques are an acquired art and, once mastered, the opportunities can be endless. In my opinion, growth—personally and professionally—is based on developing lasting relationships and mutual trust.
Q. What were the most important factors in your decision to choose MSU and this program?
I began researching programs and narrowed my choices down to a pair of schools. Michigan State University offered the certification completely online. Ergo, my selection to attend MSU.
Q. How will your MSU certificate make a difference in your career?
The certification will enable my next life goal (still to be hard-coded or shared with others) and will solidify that I have the certification to support my many years of actual involvement in change management processes.
Q. Upon completion of your certificate, what’s your next goal or future plans?
My future plans are to utilize the certification as a support tool for the next phase of my career. I will eventually return to school to achieve an Executive MBA, but I do not have a timeline established yet. I have an agreement with my son that when he enrolls for his master’s, I’ll enroll at the same time!
Q. What surprised you most about taking an online program?
I can’t say that anything surprised me. My coursework for my undergraduate degree was completed online and it was extremely accommodating for me.
Q. What was your favorite class or topic?
My favorite topic is (and has always been, actually) learning how to be a better leader through observation, action, listening and implementation. I believe that every great leader has to have a sense of humor as well as a “no-fear attitude,” so that anyone who follows can see that not only are you leading, but you are also one of the team.
Q. What was your most valuable takeaway from the program?
Honestly, my most valuable takeaway is that I am exactly where I am supposed to be at this point in my life and my career. The coursework has enabled me to revisit the areas that may have become a little stale over time and reinforced the need for a diversified leadership style.
Q. What was the most challenging part of the program?
The most challenging aspect to date is attempting to juggle full-time employment, a family and school. During some sections of the course, there were eight to nine lectures expected within a seven-day week, combined with an expected project. This is a challenge.
Q. What advice would you give other students who are considering enrolling in this program?
Go for it! It is never too late to accomplish your dreams and set new goals for yourself. If your desire is to be the best you can be, this course will not only help in your career, it will open doors relating to personal interactions as well.
Q. Who or what inspires you to succeed?
My children inspire me to do all things in life. They allow me to be me, and as tenacious as I am, to challenge myself to whatever may come next. Through them, I believe anything is attainable.
Q. What is one fun fact about you?
I have no fear! I am not afraid to try anything. I believe that if you as an individual become stagnant, life will pass you by.
Are you a student or graduate of Michigan State University’s online master’s degree or certificate programs? We would love to share your success story in our Student Spotlight series. Contact us at testimonial@msuonline.com for additional details. And for more stories like this be sure to check out our Success Stories.
