Was the MBA worth it? — Bennett Bruno, Sales Executive at Flare
Supercharging his career. In a pandemic, no less.
From MBA to Startup: Meet Bennett Bruno, Sales Executive at Flare, currently part of the University of Sydney Masters of Management program.
Looking back at his career journey, starting in Washington D.C. Bennett shares his experience joining the University of Sydney program to level up his hands-on skills after spending time in sales.
1. Growing up, what did you want to be?
I had no idea what I wanted to be.
Both parents were in the medical field and always knew they wanted to do that. I didn’t know what I wanted to be and in a lot of ways, still don’t know.
I just look for places to make a positive impact on others and grow as a human :)
2. What were some of your first and most memorable jobs?
I remember the first job I had where I was excited to go to work, which felt special.
Back when I was still living in Washington D.C, at my second full time job, I was working for a software company that helped young people find jobs.
One day, the company asked me to help them launch a start-up based around the idea of “helping people work when they want and where they want”, very in line with the Gig economy. And I loved what I was doing!
I would go from store to store across Washington D.C getting stores up and running with our platform. Often times when stores liked the platform I would end up getting free food which was a great plus!
3. How did your path take you into your current role and the Masters of Management?
One thing I’ve learned thus far in my career is that success is not linear.
Taking the side quests to further your education after being in the workforce can seem daunting. But for me, having the ability to work from home during COVID-19 really opened the door for this possibility. The greatest learning was not from my classes, but from myself and how hard I can push myself. This has been one of the greatest value adds I’ve had this past year.
The greatest advice I could give to those preparing to begin their career can be summed up in two thoughts:
- Be open mined
- Work hard
4. What are your plans now that you’re about to complete your Masters?
I’m looking forward to shifting my focus back to full time work. I have been fortunate to receive a promotion for the work I’ve done during my time and experiences through the masters program. I will be working to help people get the most out of their pay through benefits from their work.
FYI — our company is called Flare and we are hiring all across the business if you’re looking for something inspiring!
5. What work-study-life advice or tips can you offer others?
Contrary to the classic “give 110%” you only have 100% to give.
So make sure you are clear with yourself on how you want to distribute your time and energy. Additionally, ask yourself what outcomes you are looking to obtain with the time and energy you can give.
6. What was one of the biggest learnings you got from working with Hyper Anna? How will this help you in the future?
Having the opportunity to work with a relatively early stage start up and be exposed to such high level achievers and was of supreme value to me. To see how their team would approach issues, and then proceed to address these issues with intent and speed can be taken anywhere in your career.
7. Best aspects about working with Hyper Anna?
The people and the product of course!
Knowing your work is going to be of great value and enjoying the journey with those next to you. I also viewed Hyper Anna as a bit of an underdog given just how big their competitors are. And I always love a good underdog story.
8. How would you describe yourself?
Outgoing, Friendly, and lover of handwork. Enjoy meeting new people and experiencing new things. I’d like to think I’m easy going and I value spending time with the people I care about most.
9. What are some of your passions in life? Favourite things?
I love sports, I am endlessly passionate about the impact that soccer has on our planet. I think that more than any government institution, sport has the power to change our world for the better.
I also enjoy spending time outdoors in nature and in quiet. And when not alone I love spending time with my partner and new puppy.
10. And finally, what do you wish to achieve moving forward?
In line with my passions, I want to keep growing as a person, as a leader and make a shift from working in Technology and Finance and into the Sports Administration world and work towards my vision of a more collaborative world though sport.
Keen to read more?
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Originally published at https://www.hyperanna.com.
