Ben Valcour

Project Manager, Thales Canada – Defense & Security 

For Ben Valcour, the EMBA experience has been eye-opening. One of his biggest takeaways has been “understanding just how much academia and research are not well utilized in business and industry - there is a very good chance the issue you're dealing with at the office has been researched and analyzed by others.” 

The EMBA also allowed him to “approach problems in different ways and come up with solutions that are evidence-based.” 

A huge benefit is the wealth of knowledge brought to the classroom by his diverse cohort of classmates, all with different experiences and from a variety of age groups. The diverse perspectives allowed each of member of the cohort to “learn how to be aware of your biases and remove bias from decision-making.” 

The EMBA program helped Ben build resilience and push through the challenges of multiple work, school and life responsibilities to successfully graduate the program. “The successful transition from in-class, to online to hybrid format – this has provided lessons that can be taken back to the office.” 

What’s next for Ben? “I see myself moving into strategic, long-term decision-making roles and becoming a senior leader within my organization at home in Canada, and possibly abroad.”