Victoria “Tori” Clark

Baylor University, Hankamer School of Business

“Entrepreneurial leader, transforming challenges into growth, building teams, and creating businesses that truly make impact.”

Age: 37

Hometown: Georgetown, Texas

Fun fact about yourself: In college, I turned discarded mini fridges into a business, refurbishing and reselling them each semester. It was my first lesson in spotting overlooked opportunities and creating value from what others ignored.

Undergraduate School and Degree: Texas Woman’s University, Bachelor of General Studies

Where are you currently working? Spa Luxe, Founder + CEO

What achievement are you most proud of in your professional career? At 24, I stepped into a struggling business facing operational inefficiencies and financial instability. Through disciplined decision-making, restructuring operations, and building a stronger team culture, I was able to stabilize and ultimately scale the company, leading to a successful eight-figure sale just four years later. More than the financial outcome, it was a defining experience that shaped my leadership style and reinforced my belief in resilience, accountability, and the power of people.

Why did you choose this school’s online MBA program? Baylor offered a unique blend of flexibility and a global connection opportunity through the MBA in Dallas international program experience, Baylor Abroad.

My experience in Argentina and Chile was especially impactful, where I built lifelong relationships with fellow MBA students while exploring international business firsthand. The program also offers online MBA students additional in-person opportunities, including travel experiences like Washington, D.C., further enriching the experience.

What was your favorite part of being in an online MBA program? The immediacy of application set this experience apart. Concepts weren’t theoretical; they became tools I used daily to drive real results in my business. From operational improvements to strategic decision-making, I was implementing what I learned in real time. I often say I didn’t build my schedule around my MBA, I built my MBA into my business by turning every lesson into action.

How did your online MBA experience compare with your in-the-classroom experience as an undergraduate student? As an undergraduate, I absorbed knowledge. In my MBA, I translated knowledge into action. Instead of passively learning, I was expected to engage, contribute, and apply concepts directly to real-world challenges. The online format demanded a higher level of accountability and ownership, which ultimately elevated my learning experience and sharpened my ability to make strategic decisions.

What is your best piece of advice to an applicant for thriving in an online MBA program? There’s never going to be a perfect time to pursue a graduate degree; I told myself that for years. At some point, you just have to decide you’re going to make the time and go all in. For me, thriving in an online MBA came down to being disciplined with my schedule and staying fully engaged, even on the days I didn’t feel like it. I treated it as an investment in myself, not just something to get through.

One thing I didn’t expect was how much of a team effort it became. I treated my MBA as a family achievement! My wife, son, in-laws, and friends all played a role in making sure I had the time and space to succeed. Your circle genuinely wants to support you, you just have to let them.

How has your online MBA education helped you in your current job? My MBA has changed the way I lead and make decisions every day. I’ve been able to take what I’m learning and apply it in real time, from operations to financial strategy. Since starting the program, I’ve doubled the size of my business through a strategic acquisition, which I don’t think I would have approached the same way before. The program gave me the confidence and clarity to step into opportunities like that and execute.

Did you earn a promotion while in the program or immediately after graduation? I didn’t receive a traditional promotion, but I experienced a significant shift in how I lead. During the program, I stepped into a more strategic role thinking beyond day-to-day operations and focusing on long-term growth, team development, and scalability. That shift has been one of the most meaningful outcomes of my MBA.

Why did you pursue an online MBA program instead of a full-time residential or executive MBA program? Flexibility was key… but not in the way people typically think. I didn’t want flexibility to do less; I wanted flexibility to do more. As a business owner, it was important for me to stay fully present in my business while continuing to grow. The online format allowed me to do both: integrate what I was learning into my day-to-day decisions and make the experience truly transformational.

What is one way that your business school has integrated AI into your programming? What insights did you gain from using AI? AI was integrated into the program as a decision-support tool within our coursework, often used alongside data analytics, operations frameworks, and strategic modeling. In several classes, I leveraged AI to analyze data sets, evaluate operational efficiencies, and pressure-test strategic decisions I was actively considering in my business. Rather than replacing traditional analysis, it enhanced it, allowing me to move more quickly from insight to action.

My biggest takeaway is that AI is only as effective as the operator. It doesn’t replace sound business judgment, it requires it. The real value comes from combining AI-generated insights with established frameworks and experience to make more informed, strategic decisions.

Number of Hours Per Week Spent on an Online MBA: 15-25 hours per week.

What is your ultimate long-term professional goal? My long-term goal is to scale Spa Luxe into a nationally recognized med spa brand through franchising, creating a platform for other professionals to become business owners. I’m passionate about building more than a business; I want to create a model that empowers others to grow, lead, and create meaningful impact within their own communities.

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