Josée Morell

Ivey Business School at Western University

“I am a proud East Coaster who is passionate about travel, health and wellness.”

Hometown: Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada

Fun Fact About Yourself: I hiked through the Amazon rainforest in Guyana to see the largest single-drop waterfall in the world – 4 times taller than Niagara Falls!

Undergraduate School and Major: Dalhousie University, Bachelor of Health Sciences –  Major: Diagnostic Medical Ultrasound

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: Nova Scotia Health Authority – Cardiac Sonographer

How has the case method enriched your learning? The case method has been an incredibly enriching experience that has exceeded my expectations. It provides us with real-life examples of various challenges faced by businesses across different industries, allowing us to make decisions in a safe learning environment. In the real world, a wrong decision could be detrimental to a business. In the classroom, we have the freedom to explore different solutions and learn from our mistakes, which equips us to handle similar problems in the future more effectively. Additionally, the case method encourages engaging class discussions. I am continually amazed by the breadth of experiences and knowledge my classmates bring to the table. Listening to their perspectives and opinions on the cases that we study has been an invaluable part of the learning process.

Aside from classmates and cases, what part of the school’s MBA programming led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? The main reason I chose Ivey was for the outstanding support I received from the faculty throughout the entire application process. From my first conversation with the admissions team, Ivey consistently demonstrated a welcoming and warm environment. Even before being admitted, I felt valued and supported. This level of support was especially crucial to me because I initially had concerns about how my experience would be perceived within the business world and at Ivey. However, these doubts were completely dispelled by the encouragement shown by the faculty and staff. Ivey’s commitment to supporting their students played a significant role in my decision of where to pursue my MBA and I am now more confident that I made the right decision to attend Ivey.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: It is challenging to pinpoint one single accomplishment in my career thus far. In my previous line of work, I found great fulfillment in playing an integral role in diagnosing patients while navigating the complexities of the health care system. Knowing that my efforts may have contributed to saving lives stands as my greatest achievement. Witnessing the impact this has had on individuals and their families reinforced my dedication to have an impact on creating positive change for the health care system and the well-being of others.

Describe your biggest accomplishment as an MBA student so far: My biggest accomplishment in the MBA so far has been representing the 2024 cohort on the MBA Association as the Social Representative. While I used to measure success primarily through academic achievements, the MBA program challenged me to broaden my definition of success beyond academics. Taking on this leadership role and facilitating multiple inclusive events every month – all while managing the demands of the program – is an achievement that has filled me with pride. It is a role that I have not previously experienced, but I have absolutely no regrets about taking it on. It has allowed me to grow personally and professionally, and I cherish the opportunity to contribute to the MBA community in this meaningful way.

Where is your favorite hang-out in London (Ontario)? Why do you (or your classmates) gravitate there? Some of my favorite hang-out spots in London are the beach volleyball courts, turf, and softball field. Forming intramural teams among my classmates and engaging in friendly competition outside of academics has been one of my favorite ways to get to know my classmates while relieving some stress. Barney’s and Joe Kool’s are also staples, especially after a 24-hour report or exam.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? After graduation, my sights are set on a career in consulting. In my previous role, I found myself immersed in problem-solving and team collaboration, albeit on a smaller scale. It became evident to me that I wanted a greater challenge while preserving the elements of my past positions that brought me satisfaction. I believe that consulting will perfectly encapsulate both aspects – taking on more intricate problem-solving challenges through teamwork and collaboration.

Drawing from my experiences working in the hospital, I am especially enthusiastic about driving positive transformation in healthcare. Improving the overall healthcare landscape through strategic problem solving and collaboration is deeply motivating and a goal that I am eager to pursue in my future endeavors.

What did you do during the application process that enabled you to get accepted into Ivey? I believe that embracing my non-traditional background played a pivotal role in my acceptance to Ivey. Throughout the application process, I had the opportunity to connect with several alumni who, like me, had entered the MBA program from a healthcare background. These conversations were eye-opening, as they highlighted the value of my experiences and the potential for me to contribute a distinct perspective to class discussions.

Realizing that my skills from the healthcare field were transferrable to the business world was a turning point in my approach. I became determined to leverage these unique qualities to make a meaningful impact. Instead of feeling hesitant about my unconventional background, I felt empowered to showcase how my diverse experiences could enrich the learning environment at Ivey and after graduation.

DON’T MISS: MEET IVEY’S MBA CLASS OF 2024