Shweta Asuncion, EMBA '26
Shweta Asuncion, EMBA ’26, first came to the Ross School of Business while working at PwC, where she held a leadership role as digital transformation senior manager for 16 years, focusing on driving strategic change by leveraging digital technologies. Two months into the Michigan Ross Executive MBA Program, she took on a new role at Comerica Bank as vice president in the enterprise change and program management office.
Why did you choose Michigan Ross? What made this program different from others?
The Michigan Ross mission focuses on making a positive difference in the world, which resonates with my values of leading with empathy and integrity and making a meaningful impact. The EMBA Program provides access to great faculty, a diverse cohort, a strong alumni network, and executive coaching, all of which were part of my decision. In addition, Michigan Ross produces successful business leaders, and I have personally seen this program change the trajectory of people's careers. This made the decision an easy one for me.
Can you describe the community culture and the kind of support you received so far?
The EMBA community is incredibly collaborative and diverse. I value the thoughtful dialogue and real-world insights that my classmates and the faculty bring to class discussions and team projects. With so many different leaders and industry experiences in the room, you quickly realize you’re not the expert on everything, and that’s the point. What I appreciate most is how patient and supportive everyone is.
Can you describe an instance where the Ross community or network benefited/supported you?
When I was problem-solving a challenge at work, I reached out to several classmates in the same industry who shared their insights. I ended up applying some of those ideas right away. It showed me how easy it is to lean on this great network to problem-solve, exchange ideas, or get advice from an expert faculty member. Knowing that this support continues long after graduation is one of Ross's biggest advantages.
What do you hope to get from your action-based learning experiences at Ross?
I plan to use my Executive MBA Multidisciplinary Action Project to step outside my day-to-day focus, utilize my strategic thinking, and tackle a complex problem in a new area. I’m looking forward to combining everything we have learned, applying the new frameworks, and bringing insights to my own organization.
What leadership experiences have you found most valuable?
I’ve found both the executive coaching and the leadership courses incredibly valuable. In my executive coaching sessions, I often bring real challenges from work and school. The feedback I receive, I can immediately apply back on the job.
Through the leadership courses and the Michigan Model of Leadership, I’ve gained a better understanding of the different communication styles used by my colleagues and within my cohort. This has helped me strengthen how I connect, influence, and build relationships across my team.
What are some of the most valuable takeaways you’ve gained from your degree program?
One of my most valuable takeaways has been learning to stay open-minded and humble. Many of us come in as experts and leaders in our fields, but we quickly realize we don’t have all the answers. The program has pushed me to listen deeply, ask questions, and appreciate how much I can learn from different industries and perspectives.
How have you already applied your learning to your work?
I’ve already applied frameworks and tools from my leadership courses and coaching to communicate more effectively with senior stakeholders and problem-solve projects. I’ve also used insights from class discussions to think more strategically about how we approach change management. It’s been rewarding to see how quickly I can take something from the program and put it into action at work.
What advice would you give students considering applying to this program?
If you have been considering an MBA program for a while, just do it. You won't regret it. I had always considered the Michigan Ross EMBA Program and decided I was at a point in my career where I was willing to make the investment. The program has strengthened my confidence as a leader and given me tools to apply at work and in my personal growth.