The Connection MBA/MASL

It is often said that adult learners return to school not only for the degree but to pay for a network. Bethel University is no different. The Connection is an affinity group of Master of Business Administration (MBA) and M.A. in Strategic Leadership (MASL) alums and current students committed to gathering with other professionals. Our purpose is simple: There is power in our network. We hope you will join us!

Program

Arrive early to enjoy refreshments and networking with other Bethel alumni:

7:30 a.m. | Refreshments and Networking
8-9 a.m. | Panel Discussion

Ready, Fire, Aim! Consulting and Entrepreneurial Techniques to Launching Your Own Practice
Consulting work and/or starting your own business can seem like a tantalizing option when considering a career move. Many professionals wonder about the benefits and drawbacks of such ventures, especially when considering going into business for themselves. Join us to hear from a panel of entrepreneurs as they share wisdom from their own experiences and discuss the positive and negative aspects of their ventures. Come with questions, as our panelists will be prepared to help you navigate your decision to enter the world of consulting and entrepreneurship.

About the Panel

Claire Giancola-Belmares is a leader in Human Resources, specializing in recruitment and passionate about helping people along their career journey. She is the Director of Talent Acquisition and Selection Services for CHS Inc., a Fortune 100 global agribusiness owned by farmers, ranchers, and cooperatives across the United States. She has held roles in numerous Fortune 500 organizations, including Thomson Reuters, Target, Guidant, and Medtronic. In addition to her full-time career, Claire holds a seat on the Dakota/Scott County Workforce Development Board, volunteers with the Armed Forces Service Center, and is a mentor through BethelBiz. Claire is an alumna of the Bethel MBA program and is looking forward to helping grow the MBA/MAOL alumni network.

Richard Anderson is an entrepreneur building a dream. He expanded his business knowledge at Price Waterhouse and further refined his management skills at Thomson-Reuters (formerly West Publishing). It was at this point in his career that Richard made the decision to go into business for himself, purchasing a boutique consulting firm that has since become one of the Minnesota's leading providers of technology management services. Richard serves as an advisory board member for eight organizations nationwide. He holds a B.S., MIS, Accounting from Marquette University. Richard is the CEO and Chief Cultural Officer for Imagine IT, based in Minneapolis.

Barb Dusek has committed herself to developing leaders of excellence at small groups to Fortune 500 companies. Blending work experiences in corporate management and HR, with her master's degree in counseling psychology, Barb has an accomplished expertise in leadership education, management team development, and employee relations. A well-received presenter, trainer, and meeting facilitator, Barb strives to educate and empower audiences to access their potential. Barb serves the IT rock stars at Imagine IT, based in Minneapolis, as their HR Director.

Dr. Scott Morrell's purpose is "to equip, instruct, and challenge values-driven leaders--no matter where they work--for higher levels of performance." He coaches senior leaders, governing boards, and management teams to execute more effective leaders, teams, and organizations. Scott serves a variety of industries: healthcare, higher education, agriculture, technology, medical manufacturing, finance and banking, state and local government, utilities, and small businesses. Scott held executive marketing and sales positions in higher education in Minnesota and Pennsylvania. He has also had corporate training experience in the medical health insurance industry (United Healthcare). Scott holds an Ed.D. in Organization Development and an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from the University of St. Thomas. He is the President of Stone Arch Organization Development, based in Minneapolis.