Clarence Narcisse           

UCLA, Anderson School of Management

“Resilient leader, retired Marine, and aspiring real estate developer with a passion for coaching and education.”

Hometown: Gonaives, Haiti

Fun Fact About Yourself: I’m a certified open-water diver… who’s still working on mastering the doggy paddle.

Undergraduate School and Major: American Military University, B.A in Hospitality Management

Most Recent Employer and Job Title: United States Marine Corps / Mess Chief

UCLA Anderson is founded on the Three Pillars: Share Success, Think Fearlessly, and Drive Change. Which pillar resonates most with you and why? The pillar that resonates most with me is “Think Fearlessly.” Throughout my life, I’ve embodied this mindset, which has been the driving force behind my ability to overcome adversity and achieve success against all odds.

From a young age, I demonstrated fearless thinking by asking my parents to allow me to move to the United States at the age of 16. Despite not knowing English, understanding the culture and leaving my parents behind, I embraced this challenge head-on. When tragedy struck with my father’s assassination a year later, I refused to be a victim of circumstances. Instead, I thought fearlessly about my future and took responsibility for my life.

This fearless mindset led me to join the Marine Corps, a decision that would shape my future in ways I couldn’t have imagined. My ability to think fearlessly allowed me to choose Okinawa, Japan as my first duty station at 19 years old. It pushed me to excel, becoming a sergeant in only two years in the Marine Corps at the age of 21 and pursuing my education amidst deployments and field exercises. As a result, I secured a bachelor’s degree and graduated with honors while on active duty.

Thinking fearlessly has been my guiding principle and superpower. It enabled me to turn seemingly impossible situations into opportunities for growth and success. It’s what brought me to UCLA Anderson and will continue to drive me forward in my post-MBA career and beyond. In essence, my journey is a testament to how far fearless thinking can take you, making it not just a pillar I resonate with, but a way of life I embody every day. This pillar or this way of life I should say, will help me drive change in my life as well as others on a global scale.

What makes Los Angeles such a great place to earn an MBA? Los Angeles is an ideal place to earn an MBA because it’s a vibrant hub of innovation and diversity. The city’s dynamic economy offers unparalleled opportunities across various industries, including real estate, entertainment, and technology. For someone like me, interested in real estate development, LA serves as a living laboratory for urban revitalization projects. The multicultural environment also enriches the learning experience, exposing me to diverse perspectives and business practices that are crucial for global leadership.

Aside from your classmates and location, what was the key part of UCLA Anderson’s MBA programming that led you to choose this business school and why was it so important to you? Aside from my classmates and location, a key part of UCLA Anderson’s MBA program that led me to choose this business school was its commitment to developing each MBA student into a Transformative Leader through One-on-One Leadership Coaching. As I was planning my transition out of the Marine Corps, my priority was to ensure I could effectively translate my military leadership skills to the civilian sector. I had heard many stories of Veterans struggling to adapt due to the differences between military and civilian leadership models. Bridging any possible gaps was very important to me whether it was leadership or business. The One-on-One Leadership Coaching model at Anderson was particularly appealing because it promised the opportunity to work closely with experienced coaches on a monthly basis. This unique approach to leadership development was crucial to my decision because, as a long-time follower of Tony Robbins’ and Kevin Samuels’ work, I knew one-on-one coaching would help me gain the tools and insights I need to unlock my full potential and achieve lasting success.

What course, club or activity excites you the most at UCLA Anderson? As an aspiring real estate developer, I’m excited to take the Urban Real Estate Financing and Investing course in the fall. However, I am most excited about joining the Association for Real Estate at Anderson (AREA). AREA’s mission to promote industry awareness, educate students on real estate concepts, and prepare them for successful careers perfectly aligns with my goals. I’m eager to take advantage of the networking opportunities AREA provides, both for educational and social purposes. Connecting with like-minded peers and industry professionals will be invaluable as I grow my knowledge and build relationships in the field.

What is your unique quality that will enable you to make a big contribution to the Class of 2026? My unique quality is my resilient leadership, forged through diverse experiences. My journey from Haiti to the Marine Corps has cultivated fearless thinking and problem-solving skills. As a retired Marine, I’ve honed the ability to thrive in high-pressure environments and lead diverse teams effectively. My cultural dexterity, shaped by navigating multiple cultures and overcoming language barriers, allows me to bridge gaps and foster inclusive environments. This blend of military experience, cultural adaptability, and commitment to diversity will undoubtedly enrich class discussions and group projects.

Describe your biggest accomplishment in your career so far: My biggest career accomplishment so far has been twofold: completing my bachelor’s degree in hospitality management with honors while on active duty in the Marine Corps, and subsequently securing admission to UCLA Anderson School of Management. Achieving my degree with honors required exceptional dedication, time management, and perseverance, especially while balancing the demanding responsibilities of military service. I pursued my education amidst deployments, field exercises, and various other military obligations, often studying during odd hours and in challenging environments. The fact that I not only completed the degree but did so with honors demonstrates my commitment to personal growth and education. This academic success, combined with my unique military experience, has opened new doors for me, culminating in my acceptance to UCLA Anderson. This “ticket” to one of the top business schools in the country not only validates my hard work but also positions me for even greater opportunities in the future, allowing me to build upon my distinctive blend of military leadership and academic excellence.

What do you hope to do after graduation (at this point)? After graduation, I plan to dive into real estate development, focusing on urban revitalization and sustainable projects. I want to join a firm where I can work on transformative developments, particularly in underserved communities. Long-term, my dream is to start my own development company specializing in urban renewal projects in developing countries. My ultimate goal is to return to my hometown Gonaives, Haiti, and lead projects that create affordable housing, vibrant commercial spaces, and modern infrastructure. I want to show how thoughtful real estate development can be a powerful tool for economic empowerment and social change. It’s an ambitious goal, but I believe my unique background, combined with the skills and network I’ll gain at Anderson, will help me make this vision a reality.

DON’T MISS: MEET UCLA ANDERSON’S MBA CLASS OF 2026