Patti Phan, Vanderbilt Americas MBA for Executives 2013

Mars Petcare, where Patti manages sourcing strategies and supplier relationships, among other responsibilities, is transitioning itself into a premier global food company, she explains. I thought the program would be a great opportunity to learn and understand how to collaborate and work, not only across different Mars functions and brands, but also different countries.

Through the AMBA program, Patti says, she has not only benefited from the perspectives of fellow students who represent a variety of industries and functions, but who also are from Brazil, Mexico and Canada. The immersion experiences in those countries, she believes, have been especially important. I began to better understand how culture affects business and business outcomes, and gained valuable insight into risks and opportunities of working in Brazil and Mexico, two of our fastest growing regions. You cannot learn everything on this from books and videos. You have to fully experience life and work within those countries.

Patti credits the program for helping her think two steps ahead of where I want to be. I do not just do things at work anymore, but actually understand why I am doing them and the impact I have. One area where she has already made an impact - applying tools she learned in the program, Patti developed a game-changing global sourcing strategy that will result in $30 million in savings. Meanwhile, she says, my company has seen me develop as a leader which led to her selection as a representative on Mars Cat Business Management Team. I would definitely say my company has seen an ROI, she says.

Ravi Chari, Vanderbilt Executive MBA 2008

As former Chief Medical Officer at Centennial Medical Center, Dr. Ravi Chari has been on the leading edge of medical care for years. He currently serves as Senior Vice President of Clinical Excellence at HCA in Nashville. Among a number of other advanced procedures, Dr. Chari is a well-known expert in minimally invasive, laparoscopic surgeries now used in treating cancer of the liver, pancreas and bile duct. But the leading edge of health care is also rapidly shifting and demanding leaders with the expertise to bridge the business and clinical worlds. That's why he pursued a Vanderbilt Executive MBA. "Health care is on the threshold of significant change where science and management will together shape process and performance," he says. "My Executive MBA experience at Owen has enabled me to acquire stronger financial vision and leadership skills, and to participate in decisions that will influence the future of health care."