Why an HEC Paris Executive MBA Makes Sense for Canadian CFO Kayle Paustian

It makes a world of sense that Kayle Paustian, E.24, who serves as CFO for a diverse array of startups and traditional businesses in his native Canada, would pursue an EMBA from HEC Paris. After all, the part of what makes his role as fractional CFO unique is in slipping seamlessly in and out of firms, hitting the ground running while adding immediate consequential business value

The dynamic nature of his work prompted him to pursue a deeper understanding of how different organizational departments function. Indeed, the final determining factor that pushed the experienced finance pro to come to a decision about pursuing an EMBA stemmed from what he saw as professional gaps, particularly in operations, marketing, and leadership.

Immediately, Kayle knew that a flexible program structure would be crucial for balancing his professional responsibilities, family commitments, and academic pursuits. The HEC Paris Executive MBA January intake’s concentrated periods of study allowed him to dedicate focused time to learning while still maintaining his work with clients and spending quality time with his family. The flexible schedule of the HEC Paris EMBA program was instrumental in enabling Paustian to pursue his executive management training objectives.

The extended periods of on-campus learning facilitated strong bonds with his cohort, fostering a sense of camaraderie and mutual support. The program's design allowed him to balance his professional, personal, and academic commitments effectively, ensuring that he could continue providing high-quality support to his clients while maximizing the benefits of his EMBA.

Here, he expands on the proactive steps he took to tailor the program to focus on areas most relevant to his career— leading to a meaningful, transformative, and impactful professional development journey.
 

What is your current role, and in which ways did an Executive MBA help advance your career?

I currently serve as a fractional CFO for a diverse array of startups and traditional businesses. For the past seven years, I've thrived in this role, embracing the variability and unique challenges presented by my clients. My work involves financial planning, strategy development, and problem-solving tailored to each client's specific needs, providing a dynamic and fulfilling professional environment.

An Executive MBA has significantly advanced my career by broadening my understanding of how different departments within organizations function. It has equipped me with a comprehensive toolkit that extends beyond the financial realm, enabling me to offer my clients more holistic insights. This expanded perspective has enhanced my ability to integrate financial strategies with broader business objectives, thus improving the overall effectiveness of my consulting.

Moreover, the EMBA program has strengthened my leadership skills, allowing me to manage complex projects with greater confidence. I've gained valuable knowledge in areas such as operations, marketing, and strategic leadership, which has enriched my interactions with clients and positioned me as a more versatile and impactful advisor.
 

Describe the thought process that led to your deciding to pursue an Executive MBA. How did HEC Paris distinguish itself during your decision-making process?

The decision to pursue an Executive MBA stemmed from a recognition of gaps in my capabilities, particularly in areas outside of finance. I realized that to provide the best possible service to my clients, I needed a deeper understanding of operations, marketing, and leadership strategies. This realization drove me to seek a program that would broaden my skill set and enhance my overall business acumen.

HEC Paris stood out during my decision-making process for several reasons. Firstly, their responsiveness to my inquiries was exceptional, providing prompt and comprehensive answers to all my questions. The efficient application process further reinforced my positive impression of the school. Additionally, the European location of HEC Paris, combined with its prestigious reputation, played a significant role in my decision.

Another key factor was the absence of additional entrance exams, such as the GMAT, which streamlined the application process and made it more accessible. The combination of these elements—responsiveness, reputation, and a straightforward application process—made HEC Paris the ideal choice for my Executive MBA journey.
 

Why did you choose the specific track within the program, and how did its structure support your ability to balance career, family life, and studies?

I opted for the January intake of the EMBA program, which involves eight, one week learning stints every two months. This structure was crucial in allowing me to balance my professional responsibilities, family commitments, and academic pursuits. The concentrated periods of study meant that I could dedicate focused time to learning while still maintaining my work with clients and spending quality time with my family.

The extended periods of on-campus learning also facilitated the formation of strong bonds with my cohort. Spending time together in intensive learning sessions fostered a sense of camaraderie and mutual support, which was invaluable throughout the program. Although the jet lag was often challenging, the benefits of this immersive learning experience far outweighed the discomfort.

The flexibility of the January intake provided a sustainable rhythm for managing my multiple roles. It allowed me to stay engaged with my professional work, ensuring that my clients continued to receive the support they needed, while also enabling me to fully immerse myself in the EMBA program and maximize its benefits.
 

In what ways did the program allow you to immediately apply EMBA lessons to challenges at work while you were studying?

The EMBA program's structure, centered around thematic modules, facilitated the immediate application of lessons to my professional challenges. Each module was designed to provide in-depth insights into specific areas of business, such as strategy, operations, and leadership. The preparatory work, including videos and reading materials, ensured that I was well-equipped to understand and implement these insights during class discussions.

The practical nature of the coursework was particularly beneficial. For instance, the 3.14 Odyssey Journey and courses on Business Performance Management and Business Strategy provided new perspectives on client operations. These courses introduced frameworks and strategies that I could directly apply to my clients' businesses, enhancing my ability to offer actionable recommendations and drive organizational improvements.

By integrating academic learning with real-world applications, the program enabled me to bring fresh insights to my client engagements. This not only enhanced the value I provided to my clients but also reinforced my understanding of the concepts, making my learning experience both practical and impactful.
 

How has the program contributed to the development of your leadership skills?

The EMBA program has profoundly enhanced my leadership capabilities. Through studying the inherent contradictions in leadership, I have become more adept at navigating the complexities of a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, Ambiguous) world. The program emphasized the importance of managing ambiguity and making decisive, informed decisions, which has strengthened my ability to lead with confidence and adaptability.

A key takeaway from the program was the significance of viewing situations holistically and leading with a paradoxical mindset. This approach has expanded my inner flexibility and curiosity, enabling me to embrace the multifaceted nature of leadership roles. The journey has taught me to continuously adapt my leadership style to meet evolving challenges while maintaining a clear vision and strategic direction.

Additionally, the program introduced advanced leadership frameworks, such as the turbulence zone and "Both/And" thinking. These tools have been instrumental in developing my integrative problem-solving skills, allowing me to approach leadership challenges with a nuanced understanding. As a result, I feel more prepared to tackle future leadership roles, armed with a balanced perspective and a robust set of skills.
 

How did you tailor your EMBA experience to align with your specific goals and expectations?

I tailored my EMBA experience to align with my professional goals by taking advantage of additional courses and opportunities offered by HEC Paris. This included participating in courses held at UCLA and engaging in remote learning opportunities through the Global Network for Advanced Management (GNAM). These experiences broadened my global perspective and provided insights into diverse business practices.

Within the HEC Paris program, I leveraged the Personal and Professional Projects (PPP) courses to enhance my positioning on LinkedIn and gain a deeper understanding of the current job market. This focus on career development helped me stay aligned with my professional objectives and prepared me for future opportunities.
 

In what ways did the flexible schedule of the HEC Paris EMBA program enable you to pursue your executive management training objectives?

The flexible schedule of the HEC Paris EMBA program was instrumental in enabling me to pursue my executive management training objectives. The program's structure, with intensive learning sessions every two months, allowed me to balance my professional, personal, and academic commitments effectively. This flexibility ensured that I could continue providing high-quality support to my clients without compromising my educational goals.

The program's design also facilitated the immediate application of new knowledge to my work. The thematic modules and preparatory materials provided a solid foundation for understanding complex business concepts. This structure allowed me to integrate new insights into my client engagements, enhancing the value I provided and reinforcing my learning through practical application.

Additionally, the opportunity to customize my learning experience through electives and global learning opportunities further supported my objectives. By tailoring the program to focus on areas most relevant to my career, I was able to maximize the benefits of the EMBA and achieve a meaningful and impactful professional development journey.