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Transforming Ambitions: The Journey of Marina Kalpouzos

Marina Kalpouzos, a recent graduate of the Rutgers Executive MBA Program, embodies the spirit of ambition and impact. For her, the word "impact" is more than a keyword; it's a driving force behind both her career choices and personal aspirations.

After completing her initial studies in chemical engineering with a focus on pharmaceutical applications, Marina began her career at Novartis, a multinational corporation in the pharmaceutical industry. During the early years of her journey, she took on a role that involved creating cleanrooms for drug manufacturing. Initially, she envisioned this as a fulfilling path, contributing to a field that impacts public health. However, after three years in this role, she came to a realization: the potential for individual impact felt limited.

This led Marina to transition into a role as a capital projects engineer, where she was tasked with overseeing major projects like upgrading production facilities and expanding capacity. It was in this position that she recognized her desire for even greater influence — she set her sights on leadership.

To facilitate this transition, Kalpouzos enrolled in the Rutgers Executive MBA Program. Designed for working professionals, the program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to take on leadership roles. Ranked among the best globally by sources like The Financial Times and CEO Magazine, the program offers a rigorous curriculum tailored for career accelerators. Kalpouzos completed her EMBA in May, utilizing the opportunity to engage in coursework that emphasized real-world applications, backed by esteemed faculty and a diverse cohort.

During her EMBA journey, Marina had the chance to participate in a 10-day residency program in Japan. This experience not only enriched her understanding of international business practices but also inspired her to view the world and her career through a fresh perspective. "It was beautiful to see that while we all reside in the same world, our approaches can differ significantly. This helped me appreciate the differences among cultures and how they influence business," she remarked.

Kalpouzos' exposure to her peers and experiences abroad ignited a desire to explore entrepreneurship further. Inspired by the potential within her cohort of driven professionals, she began contemplating the possibility of establishing her own business. This introspection eventually led her to collaborate with her husband to open Roast'd Coffee, a coffee shop located in downtown Montclair. Though the coffee shop technically belongs to her husband, Marina plays an essential role in its operations, demonstrating her commitment to impact, even outside her primary career.

The entrepreneurial spark continued to burn bright for Kalpouzos, particularly as she tackled assignments in her marketing class. One project centered around developing a unique business idea allowed Marina to reflect on her experiences as a homeowner. Recalling the time her hot water heater broke down when moving into her new house, she conceived the idea of a home care partnership aimed at assisting homeowners in preventing unexpected disasters. She envisions a service dedicated to maintaining key household systems, ensuring they operate smoothly, thus alleviating the stress that arises from urgent repairs.

Currently, she is in the process of developing this concept into a viable business venture. However, she remains committed to her corporate career aspirations as well. Kalpouzos envisions her future as a dynamic balance between climbing the corporate echelon and nurturing her own business.

"In five years, I see myself advancing toward an executive role in my corporate career while also successfully launching my own business, run by a capable team to manage day-to-day operations, allowing me to consult as needed," she stated confidently.

Professor Farrokh Langdana, the director of the Rutgers EMBA program, underscores her potential by stating that Marina possesses a rock-solid educational foundation in engineering, remarkable leadership, and entrepreneurship skills. Equipped with these attributes, she is well-positioned to make notable contributions to both her corporate endeavors and entrepreneurial pursuits.

Marina Kalpouzos' journey is a testament to the power of education, creativity, and resilience in reshaping career aspirations. As she forges ahead, there is no doubt that her desire to make an impact will guide her path to success, whether in the boardroom or as a business owner.

To explore how a Rutgers Executive MBA can transform your career, consider attending the upcoming Rutgers EMBA Open House on Saturday, June 27, at Rutgers Business School, Newark.