Christopher Peralta

Boston University, Questrom School of Business

“Well-being Advocate: Innovating through global perspectives and consistent mindfulness practices to build harmonious communities and corporate cultures.”

Age: 54

Hometown: Shamokin, PA

Fun fact about yourself: I am one of the first 50 runners to ascend the 100 flights of stairs in the Freedom Tower in New York City.

Undergraduate School and Degree: King’s College, Ateneo de Manila

Where are you currently working? SELFINUS, Founder

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? It has been implementing pilot programs in well-being for under-served communities throughout New York City. These programs recognized and reflected upon the social determinants of health, especially cultural mores and practices which shape behavior. A key takeaway: The immense value of deep listening and empowering communities to shape the very services designed to support them.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? Reputation of the University and, more personally, my admiration for friends and colleagues who studied there.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? The diversity! International community, professionals across industries, business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, change makers and those ready to make a change were my favorite part.

How did your online experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student?  For me, the qualitative difference in learning depended less on the site of education – in person versus online – and more on my capacity and intentionality to concentrate and focus on the material. In-the-classroom experiences certainly provide a venue for camaraderie building and healthy competition , whereas the online experience presented a forum for collegial exchange of broader thought informed by deeper professional experiences.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? Be mindful and disciplined with your schedule and energy. An online MBA program expects and respects your ability to juggle multiple priorities among our personal, professional, and academic aspects. One needs to be vigilant and rigorous with their time to thrive in an online program.

How has your online education helped you in your current job? I meet with clients at various hours throughout the day from 6 am to 8 pm.  Online education offers the flexibility and ingenuity to learn asynchronously and exchange ideas with classmates both in real time and through digital whiteboards and chats – and in both virtual and in-person meetings.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? During my first year in the Questrom School of Business OMBA program, I was offered a position at an elite institution. Though the position was a high match based on my previous work experience, I declined the offer. Instead, I pitched a new position predicated on theories and assessments that I learned in my first year. I’m happy to say that the pitch was successful!

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential or executive MBA program?  Efficiencies of cost and time, and flexibility of scheduling.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? AI was utilized to analyze student feedback and commentaries, offering guidance toward constructive, action-oriented statements. AI is an interactive approach through its immediate insights to our tendencies and blind spots, encouraging us to deepen our critical thinking.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: 10 to 20 depending on the module

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? Provide programs, certifications, and tools to create and normalize mindfulness practices and trainings to produce harmonious, equitable, and just corporate cultures.

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