Shane Speirs is using his Executive MBA experience to motivate teams and lead business strategy in the healthcare sector
Executive MBA (EMBA) programs aren’t just for people from the business world. In fact, EMBA students come from all walks of life and industries. Shane Speirs, a physician-turned-CEO of a health company, is testament to this.With training and experience in geriatric medicine, it’s safe to say he knows a lot about the medical world. But find out how Shane has leveraged an EMBA degree in his role as head of a healthcare company.
From medicine to business
Despite years of formal training and work in medicine, Shane felt he wasn’t equipped with the business knowledge he needed as a leader in the healthcare sector.
“I always wanted to pursue the leadership aspect of healthcare,” he says.
With a full-time position as family medicine resident at Abrazo Health in Phoenix, Arizona, Shane couldn’t take time away from work to commit to a full-time MBA program. However, he had the relevant experience to pursue an EMBA degree.
As someone who already lived and worked in Arizona, he wanted to find a local program where he would be able to interact in the location where he had already grown a network.
“When you look at pursuing an EMBA, you want to do it where you feel you are interacting with people who bring value.”
His search led him to the STEM-designated EMBA at Arizona State University (ASU) W. P. Carey School of Business. An even greater sign that the EMBA was for him was the option of a ‘Business of Healthcare’ concentration, which teaches professionals how to understand the economic, supply chain, data and technology, and organizational issues in healthcare.
The Executive MBA networking experience
While learning the fundamentals of business is crucial to getting ahead in the business world, there is also great value you can find in building relationships and connecting with peers.
This was certainly the case for Shane, who explains that the network he built during the 21-month W. P. Carey EMBA at ASU was invaluable.
“The people you do the program with make the program what it is—not only are you getting an amazing experience, but you get exactly what you need to grow a business,” he says.
W. P. Carey EMBA students come from sectors including technology, finance, branding, and even aerospace.
The EMBA takes students on two class trips—to Washington, D.C., and an international location—so there’s plenty of time to get to know your cohort outside the classroom.
The formal learnings from the EMBA were also helpful for Shane’s venture into healthcare leadership. Towards the end of his EMBA degree, he transitioned to CEO of Adageis, which provides a software platform to help institutions move to value-based care.
“The EMBA helped me understand financial issues and improved my leadership skills.
“I now know more about how to restructure or undergo a new organizational framework—every week I’m being helped by my learnings from the program.”
Faculty at W. P. Carey contribute to renowned academic journals and media outlets including The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal.
Using an Executive MBA to lead a healthcare firm
Since graduating from the EMBA, Shane has continually applied his business learnings to lead Adageis.
He explains that being able to apply his learnings in real-time to his career was also a valuable experience of the Executive MBA. Shane used examples from Adageis in some of the group projects in the EMBA program.
A central part of his role as CEO of Adageis involves growing the team within the company, alongside growing the company itself.
By learning about core business areas such as finance, statistics, and marketing, Shane says he now has enough grounding in such topics to be able to speak to and lead teams within these areas.
“As a business leader in healthcare, you need to learn how every aspect of business functions.
“I went through undergraduate studies, medical school, and a postgraduate degree in medicine—nowhere in my experience did I encounter the high-level educational experience I received at W. P. Carey,” he concludes.
Student Reviews
W. P. Carey School of Business - Arizona State University
Hands on Experience, labs
I love that that this school is known all over the world and the education is of high quality. It's been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as No. 1 for best online bachelor's in business programs
Amazing Start to Your Career in Social Sciences
I had a great experience at ASU as a Political Science student. ASU is one of the biggest universities in the U.S., offering a wide range of studies. The student body was diverse and overall great to study with. ASU is rich in both academics and student life. There are many clubs, student organizations, amenities, and activities you can join. One thing I would recommend is invest in a lot of sunscreen and good walking shoes. Due to it's large campus you'll be doing a lot of walking which is great but can be a bit of a struggle during the very hot summer months.
Great MSW program!
Arizona State University has an amazing online Master of Social Work Program. Even though it was an online program, I feel that I developed great connections with professors, co-instructors, and peers. Finding an internship placement was stress free because of the high level of support the program offered. I would definitely choose to go back to ASU if I decided to further my education in future.
Long lasting friendships
I have been able to have incredible experiences and make connections that will live long in my memory. I've had the chance to start my career here in a way I never thought I would. I love how the university lets you choose your major and minor and take classes with a lot of freedom.
Continuous Support
Opinion
Arizona State University has many great opportunities available to students. All of the departments are very helpful and really care about student's succeeding.
What's there to like?
One think I like about ASU is their Education program. They really ensure that students will receive useful information that is directly applicable to their career.
One thing I dislike is, nothing! It is a high ranking university but one notable thing is that the school is located in Arizona; where temperatures reach well over 100° throughout the entire Summer.
Would I reccomend ASU?
I would certainly reccomend Arizona State University for any students who are looking to learn and gain meaningful experiences throughout finishing school.
Arizona State University
ASU is a wonderful university with so many educational opportunities. Its professors are friendly and approachable and were always willing to help or give advice to students whenever their help was needed. It also provided students with many opportunities to meet people outside the classroom for example clubs and other social events hosted within the university. ASU offers great education and I loved the campus and faculty
Practical Lecturing
The amazing features about Arizona State University would not allow me to write less when it comes to recommending the second to none university to the public! Life on Arizona State University campus is an intriguing possibility! Here is where dreams are realized due to the immense support from lecturers academically as well as fascinating large lecture halls with modernized appliance that makes learning easier. Goals are realized with ease as students who need support are given chances
University program
The university offers a lot of options for students, particularly in terms of integration and extracurricular activities including involvement in several student organizations. However, I am dissatisfied with the quality of the information offered and the degree of practice skills needed for success in a professional position. Fantastic university location
ASU infrastructures
Without a doubt, I would suggest this university. There is a highly educated personnel with an exceptional commitment toward teaching. The highly developed infrastructure and technology is another significant plus.
Hands on Experience, labs
I love that that this school is known all over the world and the education is of high quality. It's been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as No. 1 for best online bachelor's in business programs
Amazing Start to Your Career in Social Sciences
I had a great experience at ASU as a Political Science student. ASU is one of the biggest universities in the U.S., offering a wide range of studies. The student body was diverse and overall great to study with. ASU is rich in both academics and student life. There are many clubs, student organizations, amenities, and activities you can join. One thing I would recommend is invest in a lot of sunscreen and good walking shoes. Due to it's large campus you'll be doing a lot of walking which is great but can be a bit of a struggle during the very hot summer months.
Great MSW program!
Arizona State University has an amazing online Master of Social Work Program. Even though it was an online program, I feel that I developed great connections with professors, co-instructors, and peers. Finding an internship placement was stress free because of the high level of support the program offered. I would definitely choose to go back to ASU if I decided to further my education in future.
Long lasting friendships
I have been able to have incredible experiences and make connections that will live long in my memory. I've had the chance to start my career here in a way I never thought I would. I love how the university lets you choose your major and minor and take classes with a lot of freedom.
Continuous Support
Opinion
Arizona State University has many great opportunities available to students. All of the departments are very helpful and really care about student's succeeding.
What's there to like?
One think I like about ASU is their Education program. They really ensure that students will receive useful information that is directly applicable to their career.
One thing I dislike is, nothing! It is a high ranking university but one notable thing is that the school is located in Arizona; where temperatures reach well over 100° throughout the entire Summer.
Would I reccomend ASU?
I would certainly reccomend Arizona State University for any students who are looking to learn and gain meaningful experiences throughout finishing school.
Arizona State University
ASU is a wonderful university with so many educational opportunities. Its professors are friendly and approachable and were always willing to help or give advice to students whenever their help was needed. It also provided students with many opportunities to meet people outside the classroom for example clubs and other social events hosted within the university. ASU offers great education and I loved the campus and faculty
Practical Lecturing
The amazing features about Arizona State University would not allow me to write less when it comes to recommending the second to none university to the public! Life on Arizona State University campus is an intriguing possibility! Here is where dreams are realized due to the immense support from lecturers academically as well as fascinating large lecture halls with modernized appliance that makes learning easier. Goals are realized with ease as students who need support are given chances
University program
The university offers a lot of options for students, particularly in terms of integration and extracurricular activities including involvement in several student organizations. However, I am dissatisfied with the quality of the information offered and the degree of practice skills needed for success in a professional position. Fantastic university location
ASU infrastructures
Without a doubt, I would suggest this university. There is a highly educated personnel with an exceptional commitment toward teaching. The highly developed infrastructure and technology is another significant plus.
Uncomplicated and lots of great classes
The application process and anything with admin was easy and made students' lives easy. There were many good classes to choose from as well. The professors were professionals in their subjects and led successful class discussions. The reading lists were also full of great choices.
Flexible coursework
I liked about the way a student could choose from thesis, applied project, or a portfolio to complete a degree. And it’s in a prime location where semiconductor companies are situated. Also the university is diversified and cost of living is less.
Flexible
ASU is great for working students. What I like most is the flexibility. Students can choose to take their courses during the mornings, afternoons, evenings, or online. I dislike most is the lack of good electives to choose from.
amazing professors
As a student at Arizona State University, I've had the pleasure of learning from outstanding professors who are not only experts in their fields but also genuinely care about their students' success. They make complex topics easier to understand through engaging and practical teaching methods. Professors are approachable, always available for support during office hours or via email, and their passion for their subjects makes learning enjoyable. Their dedication and commitment truly enhance the academic experience at ASU.
