Embracing Leadership: A Journey Through My MBA Experience

When I began my MBA program, I expected to build business skills. I wanted to learn about financial acumen, market strategy, and organizational design. And I did. But what surprised me most wasn’t just the technical knowledge I gained. It was how my leadership skills deepened in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

The Unexpected Growth of Leadership Skills

Leadership, I realized, isn’t something that suddenly turns on the day you land your first big role. It’s built slowly. It develops through how you manage yourself, collaborate with others, and navigate uncertainty. It’s shaped by your durable skills — those human abilities that adapt and expand as you grow.

During my MBA program and throughout my career, I witnessed my resilience transform into strategic adaptability. Empathy evolved into emotional intelligence. Communication shifted toward influence. Every group project, every tense negotiation simulation, and every stretch assignment became a lab for leadership. This wasn’t just about the content; it was about the context. I was learning to lead in new environments, with new people, and under new pressures.

The Importance of Durable Skills

In my article for District Administration, I wrote that durable skills are what keep us energized, connected, and committed. That’s also the definition of effective leadership. Leaders who last don’t just know what to do. They know how to keep learning, listening, and adjusting as the game changes.

For college students and early-career professionals, this is the real takeaway: leadership starts now. You don’t need a title to practice it. You build it every time you manage a deadline, work through conflict, take feedback well, or adapt when plans fall apart.

Building Leadership Skills Daily

Each of those moments strengthens the same skills you’ll rely on years later. When you’re leading teams, organizations, or even your own business, those foundational experiences matter.

At NextReady Studio, we help students see leadership as a lifelong practice. The habits you’re building now — focus, adaptability, reflection, collaboration — are your leadership playbook. The sooner you start developing them intentionally, the stronger and more confident you’ll be when opportunity calls.

The Power of Reflection

Reflection is a powerful tool. It allows us to assess our experiences and learn from them. After each project or assignment, take a moment to think about what went well and what could be improved. This practice not only enhances your skills but also prepares you for future challenges.

Embracing Feedback

Feedback is another crucial element of leadership. Embrace it. Seek it out. Use it to grow. Constructive criticism can be uncomfortable, but it’s essential for development. When you learn to accept and act on feedback, you position yourself as a leader who values growth.

Navigating Uncertainty

Life is full of uncertainties. Learning to navigate them is a vital leadership skill. When plans change unexpectedly, how do you respond? Do you panic, or do you adapt? Developing resilience in the face of uncertainty will serve you well throughout your career.

Collaboration as a Leadership Tool

Collaboration is at the heart of effective leadership. Working with others teaches you how to communicate, compromise, and innovate. Each collaboration is an opportunity to practice your leadership skills. Embrace teamwork and learn from your peers.

Leading with Purpose

Durable skills don’t just prepare you for a career; they prepare you to lead one. As you embark on your journey, remember that leadership is a continuous process. It’s about growth, learning, and adapting.

So, take those first steps. Embrace the challenges. Build your leadership skills every day. You have the potential to lead with purpose and clarity.

Wilt, G. (2024, October 17). How durable skills keep us energized, connected and committed. District Administration. https://districtadministration.com/opinion/how-durable-skills-keep-us-energized-connected-and-com