The Long Game: Investing in Relationships That Last
Josh Dean MBA ‘10, Senior Director, FP&A, Performance Food Group
Joe Parry MBA ‘10, US Carrier Sales Director, Apple
Christopher Steighner MBA ‘10, Project Leader, The MITRE Corporation; Colonel, US Army Reserve
David Uzzell MBA ‘10, Self-Employed, Strategy Consulting
Thinking back to 2008, what was the initial connection point among the four of you during the MBA program? Was it a specific project, a challenging class or a common interest outside of academics?
Christopher: The friendship developed organically. Joe, Josh and David were all on the same MBA team their first year in the program. I met the group at a prospective student event. We came together when we were all on the same flag football team. With a Full-time MBA program, your cohort is from all walks of life. One common thread we shared was that we were all married; some guys were even in the early stages of parenthood.
All: What’s appealing about Wake Forest is how well it fostered community. We all entered the MBA program in the fall of 2008, sitting in class during the market crash of the great recession. Economic uncertainty made having a community even more important to navigate these challenging times together. We were in the trenches with our peers wondering how we would come out on the other side, so we intentionally inspired and encouraged each other. The smaller class sizes and team projects allowed us to foster better relationships. Christopher went to several [different schools’] admitted students weekends and noticed that the sense of community was most present at Wake Forest.
Prior to the program, each of us came from diverse backgrounds with distinct career goals. Christopher just came back from Iraq eight months before school started! Even now, our paths vary; Joe lives on the West coast and works in technology, while the rest of the group lives in the Virginia/DC area and works in finance, marketing and national security.
How did the tradition of an annual trip begin, and how do you decide on the destination each year? What is the secret to scheduling this trip for four busy professionals over the course of 15 years?
All:The trip has morphed over the years. The first adventure was when we went to the beach over spring break while in business school. Then, a trip to Kentucky later in the program which really kicked off the tradition. We even took a road trip after graduation. Those first trips were when we were all still in the thick of the MBA program and it was an overwhelming time, to say the least. The camaraderie of those trips and being in the trenches together set a valuable precedent that it’s important to get away, unplug and foster friendships.
Now we deliberately get together a minimum of once per year and rotate every year where one person takes the lead. Honestly, it wasn’t always so organized! There were times where planning the trip felt difficult and there were only one or two weekends out of the entire year that worked for everyone, but we still committed to getting together. There were probably four or five years where Joe singlehandedly kept the tradition going – he was instrumental in keeping the momentum when life got busy. This year we went to the Great Smokies, and by the time we left the trip we had already started a list of three or four places to consider for next year. The person planning has veto power to get all the high-level details hammered out. Over the years it’s gotten more challenging as we are balancing more responsibilities (families, kids, responsibilities, etc.).
Across numerous adventures, which specific annual trip stands out as the most memorable for the group, and what made that particular destination, challenge or moment so unforgettable?
Josh: It has to be last year in Glacier National Park. Hiking a trail following a group of other trail hikers, they suddenly backed up and there was a giant grizzly bear. That was memorable! We all got together on the hill and watched the bear in awe. Beyond the excitement of wildlife encounters, Glacier offered some of the most breathtaking scenery and views I’ve ever seen. The rugged mountains, remote areas and alpine lakes made it stand out as one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever traveled.
Joe: Our 2012 trip to the Bay Area in California was my most memorable (I’ve spent most of the last 15 years living in the Bay Area). We went to wine country in Napa. It was special to show them all where I lived and was putting roots down. Also, our 2015 trip to Sao Paulo, Brazil, as the group visited me while I was on expat assignment with Apple. We spent a week there spear fishing in the Amazon River and exploring the rainforests. I was able to share the community where I was learning and living (at the time).
David: I agree with Joe!
Chris: Our trip to the rainforest where we had a host that taught us about the flora and fauna and took us piranha fishing. It’s not one particular experience; it’s the breadth of it all. It’s sharing different experiences together. We connected through business school, so when we get together we obviously catch up on careers, but little shop talk beyond that. Being sore from laughing is the most common memory throughout all our trips together!
How has this long-standing friendship served as a “personal board of directors” or a professional sounding board for career moves, challenges or celebrating major successes?
All:Steve Reinemund, the former Dean, preached the concept of a “personal board of directors” regularly, which resonated with all of us. The idea was to lean on each other for advice and questions. We have always looked at the group that way. Because we’ve taken the trips, we are significantly better off for it.
Joe: We were fortunate Steve Reinemund came in to be the Dean of the b-school when we were students. At the time I understood the theory, but it felt abstract; over the years it clicked and now I appreciate what he meant by a “personal board of directors”. For example, I’ve leaned on Josh and David for advice on becoming a father for the first time and Christopher is usually my first call when I’m updating my resume or considering new career opportunities. We’ve all shared special family moments and have gained wisdom through the years.
All: There have been times David and Joe have talked about job decisions while on the golf course, rolling through scenarios and options together. Inherently, it’s a safe space where you can bring anything forward and it’s nice to help each other through life’s big decisions. Doing life together, we value and appreciate the community we have.
What advice would you give to current business students about transforming their networking connections and study groups into truly enduring, supportive friendships?
David: The effort is worth it. Invest in the people around you. Friendships get better with time; the more time and effort you put in the more you get out of it. Make the time to connect with those around you.
Josh: We were all really busy in the program. It would’ve been easy to say we do not have time, need to focus on work and finding a job, etc. Having a reset button every week with this group kept me grounded. You need a way to switch gears and find balance. Be intentional about having a “time out” every week to get together.
All: When you’re in business school there’s pressure to achieve but realize the people you’re in class with are your battle buddies, not your competition. They will comprise your network, sounding board, and board of directors for the rest of your life. If your head is down and you are just trying to be successful in class, you will miss out on valuable relationships.
What, if anything, would you like other people to know about your story?
David: I have been out of business school for 15 years and am very proud of my Wake Forest education. When I look back on my experience and what I learned, the exact formulas are fading but the how to and want to are still very much there. It was absolutely worth it.
Joe: We were all aware of the sacrifice we were making with time, loss of income while focusing on school and making a bet on our future. Going into that, I knew that I could learn anywhere, but I really wanted a holistic experience surrounded by great people. The richer, more fulfilling experience is the people – that’s what makes it. I recently attended Homecoming and chatted with an old professor like it was 15 years ago. To me, that’s the test if something is meaningful,
Josh: The Wake Forest experience encourages you to lean in and take advantage of everything there. Obviously, you learn a lot of things from the technical side, but the friendships and grit you learn is one-of-a-kind. From day one, I felt comfortable with everyone I encountered. I knew right away that it was right. I would do it all over again.
Christopher: It’s not just the friendships; it’s the total experience. I would 100 % do it again.
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Their annual tradition, which started as a long weekend, is now a five- or six-day get-together each year. As they’ve continued over the years it has expanded – bigger, longer trips – and they see it continuing for the long haul.
Spotlight interview conducted by Alumni Council member Emily Batista (MSBA ’18).
