Robyn Bascombe

“A dedicated mother, technology project leader, family-oriented, with a passion for pop culture, fashion, food, and travel”

Program: EMBA

Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Fun Fact About Yourself: I have been working in technology for over a decade, so people are often surprised when they learn that, in addition to my liberal arts undergrad from Queen’s University, I have a fashion merchandising degree from Miami International University of Art and Design.

Undergraduate School and Major: Queen’s University – BAH Sociology, minor in Women’s Studies

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: I currently work at Instacart, I lead a team of Client facing Enterprise Technical Project Managers

What were some of the key motivating factors behind pursuing your MBA, and why did this seem like the right time for you?

I have been considering an MBA for a long time. My primary goal is to expand my leadership, decision making and strategic thinking skills in order to evolve my career path opportunities over the next few years. I haven’t written off the possibility of entrepreneurial ventures in the future, and the business acumen gained through the EMBA process will be a major benefit and head start if/when it comes to starting and running my own business.

When you think of your school, what is the first word that comes to mind and why?

Global – one of the coolest things about my graduating class from Quantic is that we are truly a Global group of ambitious professionals, working together toward a major personal/professional milestone.

What are one or two key aspects of this MBA program that stood out among the others, and why were they so important to you?

Quantic has done an amazing job of providing a remote learning opportunity that still allows for network & relationship building. I am a very busy working parent, but have still managed to keep up to date with my program and build connections with classmates through group work and connecting on Slack, often supporting each other through exam prep and individual coursework.

What course were you/are you most interested in taking coming into the program and why?

Currently I am working my way through the Business Strategy specialization, which I was most excited about. The frameworks we are learning and discussing are going to be invaluable as I proceed into more advanced professional roles.

What club, activity, or experience at the school have you most enjoyed so far, and why?

Connecting with classmates. I have been making personal and professional connections to date solely via group project work and collaboration on course work via Slack – building these connections has been a huge bonus to the knowledge I am building. Moving forward, I also plan to attend in-person events, possibly the Quantic and Valar conference next year, and join a couple of student associations, such as Toastmasters and the Quantic Project Management Professional Society.

What do you consider the biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

Juggling a demanding career in technology with my role as a solo parent to two active children. Much of my ambition today is driven by a desire to set an example for my children, showing them that with determination, anything is possible. I want to demonstrate that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams, as they grow and evolve with age and life’s experiences.

What is one thing you have recently read, watched, or listened to that you would highly recommend to other prospective MBAs? Why?

From a personal perspective: Morra Aarons-Mele’s The Anxious Achiever. Her book encourages female leaders to embrace their anxieties as strengths. She Argues that anxiety is built into the very nature of leadership – that it should be harnessed into a force for good. I’d love to spend some time with her podcast, as well, that expands on the topic.

More formally, when I was considering whether or not to pursue my EMBA, someone shared The Business Roundtable’s 2019 statement on corporate purpose with me. It had been signed by nearly 200 top CEOs, and it redefined what companies are expected to focus on moving forward – shifting from only prioritizing shareholders to considering all stakeholders. It also includes a greater focus on corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and ethical leadership.

For MBA students, it’s a powerful reminder of how the business world is changing – leaders today need to balance profits with social and environmental responsibilities. Understanding this shift is key for anyone looking to take on leadership roles in a purpose-driven, socially conscious business environment.

What are two things you have learned at your school that have surprised you so far – one academic and one non-academic?

I have come to realize that my abilities surpass what I once believed possible. Along with the knowledge and network I will gain, upon graduating next year, I will also have a heightened sense of confidence in my capabilities and potential.

Currently, in the strategy specialization, I’m learning that strategy goes beyond just setting goals or targets. It’s about understanding the market, competition, and the long-term impact of your decisions. Strategic thinking often means stepping back to see the bigger picture, which can be more challenging than you might expect.

What advice would you give to help prospective MBA gain admission into the MBA program?

I think it was very important that I found a program that aligns with my goals and industry focus – I would definitely say that prospective MBA students should prioritize the same. It’s also very important to understand and be able to clearly articulate why you want to pursue an MBA and how it fits into your career goals.