Executive coach helps boost EMBA alum’s career years later

Amy Guthrey’s experience in WashU Olin’s Executive MBA program was impactful enough on its own: Knowledgeable faculty and a strong, diverse cohort gave her the tools she needed to elevate her leadership skills.

But years after her 2021 graduation, Guthrey’s EMBA has continued to help propel her career. When she was approached with a job opportunity, a WashU executive coach helped her shape it into the perfect next step on her career journey.

“It’s an incredible benefit,” Guthrey said of the lifelong career coaching offered with an EMBA degree from Olin.

A strong, diverse cohort

Guthrey was drawn to Olin’s EMBA program because of the strength of the faculty and the convenience of its monthly in-person class schedule.

“I was leading the operations of a mergers and acquisitions broker-dealer, and I knew this was what I needed to take the next step in my career,” she said. “But I had to make that work while living in Kansas City with my husband and two small children. The structure of WashU’s Executive MBA program was exactly what I needed.

“I met with my cohort virtually during the week, and I was in person with them once a month — that worked for us.”

Guthrey was impressed and inspired by her diverse cohort. “We represented seven different countries; we had executives with expertise ranging from biochemistry and genetics, to conducting counterterrorism for the U.S. Army, to Washington University School of Medicine physicians,” she said. “It was a great opportunity to learn from leaders of all different backgrounds.”

The class had its share of challenges — COVID struck during Guthrey’s second year in the program. But the cohort supported each other through it, and she found the experience to be “an inspiring journey.”

“This was a group of accomplished leaders, but to grow and become more creative and resilient together — I had no idea it could be that transformational personally and professionally.”

Leveraging a key benefit

Guthrey’s Olin education began paying career dividends immediately, helping her develop and apply strategic thinking to her work and to learn from leadership opportunities within her cohort.

But another key benefit of her Olin EMBA came into play three years after she completed her degree. Lockton, a global independent insurance brokerage, approached her with a job opportunity, and importantly, the chance to shape that job.

Guthrey knew just who to call: Mary Houlihan, her WashU executive coach from her time in the EMBA program.

“After calling my husband, she was the next person I called,” Guthrey said. “I knew I was going to need outside help, an executive coach who could help me think through the role.”

Over the months-long process that followed, Houlihan worked with her to shape the role and negotiate terms.  She provided perspective and made personal introductions to people who knew Lockton and their culture.  As a result, Guthrey’s career at Lockton has given her the opportunity to work on several risk management and operational initiatives, including her latest role in operationally supporting Lockton’s U.S. National Surety Practice.

She encourages other EMBA students and alumni to take advantage of the ongoing executive coaching that WashU offers. While in the program, she advises students to find an executive coach who understands their unique needs and aspirations, and with whom they work well.

“Build the relationship before you need it,” she said. “I had the opportunity to work with Mary during the program, and I had the relationship, so that when I emailed her with this specific opportunity three years later, she was on it and was incredibly helpful.”

“Take advantage of what WashU is giving you. It is truly a gift.”