Seidman Alumni Board Spotlight - Elizabeth Blair
Professional Journey Quick Facts:
- I worked for a few years about undergrad and then came back to GVSU for my MBA.
- My MBA program and fellowship during the program launched my career into a direction I never knew possible and helped me find my professional passion - corporate innovation!
- I joined Steelcase's New Business Innovation group after my MBA (I got the job offer while standing in line to graduate!) I had a wonderful career at Steelcase.
- I went on to do corporate innovation at Robert Bosch LLC and have since moved into one of our new businesses focused on bringing clean, carbon-neutral technology to North America.
When did you graduate?
BBA - 2009
MBA - 2012
Where are you from?
Originally from North Carolina. I have lived in multiple places in Michigan, along with Madison, WI and Orlando, FL.
What do you do for fun?
Running races for good causes! I love the instant community formed during a race...the encouragement given from a complete stranger, the volunteers handing out water, the supporting of a cause, etc. I enjoy the high of running and doing something collective with others for a cause.
Elizabeth's Advice
"Don't focus on getting to certain job titles. Set career goals based on your learning objectives: what do you want to learn next and how do you want to contribute? This will give you focus and direction so you know what to say yes and no to and will allow you to remain flexible to opportunities you never knew existed."
Tell Us More...
What has been the most significant professional outcome that came as a result of your GVSU degree from Seidman College?
My Steelcase fellowship during my MBA program. This changed my life and introduced me to Design Thinking and Lean Startup Methods - two critical frameworks to doing corporation innovation successfully. This is the area I still work in, and I love it!
What's the best piece of advice you've ever been given?
Be as purposeful about your life as you are about your work.
If you could pick any job, what would it be?
An executive chef