Precious Gozwa

Arizona State University, W. P. Carey School of Business

“Happy, compassionate, and curious extrovert, driven to make a lasting, positive impact for generations.”

Hometown: Ndola, Zambia

Fun fact about yourself: I’m a travel enthusiast. I love immersing myself in new cultures, navigating unfamiliar places, and embracing the unknown — even when it means communicating across language barriers.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Copperbelt University, Class of 2017

Where was the last place you worked before enrolling in business school? Jabu Technologies, Marketing Coordinator

Where did you intern during the summer of 2024? Sonoco Products Company (A Fortune 500 company), Hartsville South Carolina

Where will you be working after graduation? I’m currently exploring my options and considering opportunities that align with my skills and career goals.

Community Work and Leadership Roles in Business School: I serve as the vice president of Inclusive Excellence of the MBA Association at W. P. Carey, where I work alongside my team to create an inclusive space for students. We plan and implement initiatives that foster a sense of belonging and encourage collaboration, promoting a community where everyone feels valued and supported.

Which academic or extracurricular achievement are you most proud of during business school? One of the most notable achievements in my career is winning my first business case competition, hosted by the esteemed Slalom Consulting firm in Arizona in November 2023. What made this experience particularly remarkable was that it was my inaugural participation in a business case competition, and I had the opportunity to collaborate with a new team. My approach was centered around ambition, a willingness to learn, and a genuine enthusiasm for the challenge. Rather than fixating on the outcome, I focused on soaking up the experience, enjoying the process, and delivering my best effort. Ultimately, our team’s dedication and collective effort culminated in securing first place in the competition — an outcome that exceeded my expectations. This achievement not only bolstered my confidence, but also reinforced the value of embracing new challenges, collaborating with others, and maintaining a growth-oriented mindset.

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? One of the proudest moments of my career was being part of the team that pioneered the first last-mile delivery service for construction products in Zambia.

Given that construction accounts for approximately 11% of our country’s economic activities, the COVID-19 pandemic posed a significant threat to individual homebuilders and construction companies. However, by facilitating this innovative solution, we made a huge difference for these stakeholders, enabling them to continue their projects uninterrupted.

I’m deeply proud of the impact we made, and I’m even more thrilled that this initiative has continued to evolve and thrive, even after I began my MBA journey. It’s fulfilling to know that the work we started has been sustained and taken to greater heights, leaving a lasting legacy in Zambia’s construction industry.

Why did you choose this business school? I chose this business school because of its strong emphasis on innovation, which aligns perfectly with my passions for intellectual property, entrepreneurship, and creativity. W. P. Carey’s curriculum, with its focus on practical, hands-on learning, resonated deeply with me. Throughout my time here, I’ve had the opportunity to take classes that allow me to develop innovative business projects and ideas. The school’s commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship has been impressive, and I’ve been able to tap into various resources that support this mission. The fact that ASU is ranked number one in innovation was a significant factor in my decision. I wanted a school that would encourage me to think outside the box, promote creative problem-solving, and provide a platform to develop innovative solutions. W. P. Carey and ASU have exceeded my expectations in this regard, and I’m thrilled to be part of a community that shares my passion for innovation.

Who was your favorite MBA professor? My favorite professor was Professor Andrea Morales, who taught our Marketing Management class. What struck me most about her was her exceptional personality, which created a transformative learning experience. She brought unparalleled enthusiasm to class, making complex marketing concepts engaging and accessible. One aspect of the class that I particularly enjoyed was the marketing simulation, where we had the opportunity to run our own virtual business, develop marketing strategies, and sell products. This hands-on experience allowed me to view marketing from a unique perspective. As an international student, it provided valuable insight into the US marketing landscape. Professor Morales’ teaching style was characterized by relevant, real-world examples that illustrated key concepts. Her class was always interactive, with exciting projects and case studies that fostered collaboration and critical thinking. Overall, Professor Morales’ passion for marketing, combined with her outstanding teaching abilities and personality, made her class an unforgettable experience that significantly enhanced my understanding of marketing principles.

What was your favorite course as an MBA? One of my favorite courses was Negotiations, taught by Professor Clark. I have always recognized the importance of negotiation skills in both personal and professional settings, and this class exceeded my expectations. What I appreciated most about this course was its comprehensive approach to negotiation. We explored not only the art of persuasion and effective communication, but also the underlying aspects of negotiation, such as understanding one’s own negotiating style, personality, and strengths. Through interactive exercises and case studies, I gained valuable insights into my own communication skills and identified areas for improvement. This class also broadened my understanding of the negotiation process, including preparation strategies, different communication channels (email, phone, in-person), and the impact of personality styles on negotiation outcomes. I learned how to adapt my approach to different situations and personalities, and I acquired practical tools to enhance my negotiation skills. What resonates with me most about this course is its relevance to everyday life. I’ve applied the negotiation principles I learned to various situations, from bargaining for services to negotiating my salary. This class has empowered me to approach interactions with confidence, creativity, and a deeper understanding of the negotiation dynamics at play.

What was your favorite MBA event or tradition at your business school? One of the highlights of my time at W. P. Carey was the annual International Showcase. This vibrant event celebrates the diverse backgrounds of our student community, providing a unique platform for us to share our cultural heritage. What I loved most about this event was the opportunity to immerse myself in the rich traditions and customs of my fellow students. We’d dress up in our traditional attire, savor delicious cuisine from around the world, and enjoy captivating performances, including music and dance. The International Showcase embodied the spirit of inclusivity and cultural exchange that defines the W. P. Carey community. It was a truly unforgettable experience that I cherish deeply, and I always looked forward to it. This event not only broadened my understanding of the world but also fostered meaningful connections with my peers from diverse backgrounds.

Looking back over your MBA experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently and why? One thing I would do differently in my MBA journey is participate in more out-of-state case competitions to broaden my exposure to diverse business perspectives, network with peers from other top business schools, and further hone my skills in a competitive setting.

What is the biggest myth about your school? One common myth about W. P. Carey is that its large size makes it easy to get lost in the crowd and go unnoticed. However, my experience was quite the opposite. Despite being a large institution, W. P. Carey provided me with a surprisingly personalized experience. The school’s mantra, ‘business is personal,’ rang true throughout my time there. I had access to a dedicated career coach who offered tailored guidance and support. The faculty members were equally invested in my success, with many, like Professor Morales, taking the time to learn each student’s name and foster a sense of community. Regular office hours with faculty allowed for one-on-one interactions, making it clear that they were genuinely interested in my progress and well-being. This personalized approach not only helped me navigate the program but also instilled a sense of belonging and connection with the W. P. Carey community.

What did you love most about your business school’s town? What I love about Tempe, Arizona, is the sense of safety and security I feel here. The regular safety alerts keep me informed and aware of my surroundings. I also appreciate how Tempe has seamlessly integrated technology into daily life, from self-driving cars to innovative amenities.

Plus, everything I need is conveniently located, making it easy to explore and enjoy the area. Tempe’s vibrant, youthful energy makes it a fantastic place to live, with endless opportunities for entertainment, socializing, and personal growth.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? One way my business school has integrated AI into our programming is by incorporating AI-powered simulations and tools across various courses and faculties. This has provided me with hands-on experience in leveraging AI to streamline workplace tasks and tackle real-world business challenges.

Through this integration, I’ve gained valuable insights into the practical applications of AI in business. Specifically, I’ve learned to harness AI for business analytics, marketing analytics, and data visualization, allowing me to quickly extract insights, generate reports, and inform strategic decision-making. The AI-powered simulations have also enabled me to explore different scenarios, test hypotheses, and develop data-driven solutions, which has been instrumental in developing my critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Which MBA classmate do you most admire? One of my MBA classmates who I greatly admire is Praise Ifetogun. Throughout our time in the program, Praise has demonstrated unwavering dedication and focus on her career goals. Her singular objective was to join Microsoft, and I’ve had the privilege of witnessing her perseverance and resilience as she navigated multiple interviews and challenges. What impresses me most about Praise is her willingness to take on new challenges and push beyond her comfort zone. She’s a trailblazer, having initiated the first-ever podcast in our program, and her creativity and innovative spirit are truly inspiring. I’m thrilled to see Praise achieve her dream of joining Microsoft, a testament to her hard work and determination. Her commitment to excellence and her refusal to settle for anything less than her goals are qualities that I deeply admire, and I have no doubt that she will continue to excel in her career.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list? My long-term career aspirations are centered around two key objectives:

First, I’m passionate about entrepreneurship, and my goal is to start my own million-dollar company in marketing and consulting. I aim to build a successful and sustainable business that drives innovation and growth.

Second, I aspire to serve as a Board Member for a Fortune 500 company, where I can provide guidance and oversight, leveraging my strategic thinking and innovative approach.

Ultimately, my objective is to become a respected and influential leader in my industry, recognized for my strategic vision and innovative thinking. [Additionally, I also hope to make a meaningful impact in my home country, Zambia, by potentially serving as an economic advisor and contributing to the nation’s economic development and growth.]

 What made Precious such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2025?

“Precious has been an invaluable member of the W. P. Carey MBA Class of 2025, bringing a strong commitment to giving back and making a meaningful impact. With a concentration in Marketing, she has demonstrated not only academic excellence but also a deep dedication to using her skills for social good. As a MasterCard Foundation Scholar, she has consistently exemplified leadership and a desire to drive positive change. Through her work at EdPlus, she helped launch a remote job placement program that benefited 140 African youth, while expanding strategic alliances to create lasting opportunities. Additionally, her internship at Sonoco Products Company allowed her to contribute to impactful business strategies. She has also played a key role in highlighting W. P. Carey’s global programs, such as the Hong Kong Global Immersion Program, through social media to engage and inspire others. Her dedication to giving back to the community and empowering others, along with her sunny, vibrant outlook, have truly enriched the MBA experience for all.”

Erin Jordan
Clinical Associate Professor, School of Accountancy
Senior Faculty Director, MBA Programs

Erica Day
Associate Director, Program Operations, Full-time MBA

DON’T MISS: MBAS TO WATCH: CLASS OF 2025

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