Rachel Dales

Why did you decide to do an MBA?

I loved the job I was in, however as I continued to take on more responsibility and more staff it became apparent that supplementing with a formal business education would be very helpful. My financial literacy was not where it needed to be to take on senior leadership roles and I felt as though to get to the next level in my career I needed to make a change.

What is the most significant thing you've learned at Ivey?

I feel as though my comfortability with not only the topics but the vocabulary of finance, accounting, and economics has improved. These are all subjects I had never taken before and was very intimidated by before starting the program. I also feel like the case-based learning forces you to speak in front of large groups of people daily, so my confidence in presenting and public speaking has increased dramatically.

What's been the most surprising aspect of the Ivey MBA journey to date?

The most surprising aspect of the Ivey MBA is how supportive and friendly everyone is. From the Ivey team themselves to all of my peers in the classroom. We all come from such different backgrounds but all have really come together to build one another up and help each other learn.

Describe the role you play professionally:

I was managing a team of approximately 15 staff to test food, water, soil, and cannabis samples for microbiological pathogens (mould, yeast, bacteria, viruses, etc). I was responsible for overseeing all of the actual laboratory testing, analyzing the data, releasing the results to clients, and working with clients on any issues that arose in their facilities or with their products.

What is the most challenging aspect of your job?

The food, water, and cannabis industries operate 24/7 and to ensure these products were safe for consumption I needed to ensure that testing was being done and my results were released. Therefore, it was not unusual to find myself working evenings, weekends, and holidays. Still making sure I find a balance and working in an industry were I am passionate about keeping people healthy and safe made it easier to navigate long hours.

What is your biggest professional accomplishment?

My department had a 90% turnover rate before I took over and I was able to decrease it by about 80%.That was by far my biggest accomplishment. I take a very "leaders eat last" approach to leadership and really tried to make sure I put my team first. I was able to build impactful relationships with my staff and help with their development and satisfaction, which ultimately lead to a more productive workplace overall.

What books are on your bedside table AND/OR what podcast are you listing to right now?

I am currently reading The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, which is really amazing non-fiction book about ethics, race, and medicine. It's a cell line I've worked with for years and had no idea about where it came from. As for podcasts, I love nutrition and wellness podcasts like the Doctor's Farmacy but also listen to ones about pop culture and reality TV because I also love Bravo and Deux Moi when I need to relax.

How do you manage stress (i.e. sports, exercise, meditation etc)?

When I am stressed I make sure that I am setting aside time for exercise, and if I can get outside to do it, even better. I always feel better after a run, even if it's only 30 minutes to clear my head it helps.