Mark Smith, ASU Carey Executive MBA Class of 2026
Age: 42
Hometown: Victoria, Texas
Undergraduate Institution and Major: Arizona State University, Organizational Leadership
Pre-MBA Work Experience: Senior Vice President of Operations, Discount Tire, 23 years
Why did you make the decision to attend business school?
My passion is not business. It is empowering others and creating opportunities for future generations. As a leader, I know the better equipped I am, the better I can serve, and equip, others and deliver on my passion.
Why now?
After spending the last 23 years moving every few years, I am at a point in life where I can put down roots.
Why did you choose ASU Carey? What factors figured most prominently into your decision of where to attend?
I chose ASU Carey because of their reputation of excellence, caliber of professionals they produce, and dedicated and caring faculty. Also, living in the greater Phoenix area, I saw this as an opportunity to be better connected with the community and support a local institution.
What do you think is your most valuable or differentiating contribution to your graduating class?
I have extensive experience in Operations with a company that truly puts people first. My responsibilities require a high-level of emotional intelligence and ability to lead others in a way that inspires them to want to follow me. That said, I believe my ability to build relationships and willingness to help others will be my greatest contribution.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself that didn’t get included on your application:
I am an ordained minister and have had the opportunity to officiate two weddings.
Post-MBA career interests:
I am blessed that 23 years ago I found the company I want to spend my entire career with. I am confident that obtaining my MBA will raise my skill level and allow me to better serve the company and others.
Advice for Current Prospective Applicants:
–What is one thing you would absolutely do again as part of your application process?
Stay diligent in communicating with the recruiting staff. The recruiting and admissions staff are stellar people who are passionate about doing whatever they can to help prospective students.
–What is one thing you would change or do differently?
I didn’t find out about the program until the beginning of June and my application was due by July 1st. If I could do it over again, I would have applied much sooner.
–What is one part you would have skipped if you could—and what helped you get through it?
I can honestly say there wasn’t anything I would have skipped. Every step in the application process, from updating my resumé, to the live interview with admissions, were important parts of the journey and I enjoyed the challenge.
What is your initial impression of the ASU Carey students/culture/community?
The students, faculty, culture, and community have all been fantastic! I have been blown away by the quality of my fellow students and the lengths to which the faculty is willing to go to help each of us be successful.
What is one thing you have learned about ASU Carey that has surprised you?
I was pleasantly surprised with the incredible backgrounds, diversity of occupations, and experience of the students in the program. My favorite part about the students is how warm, welcoming, and vulnerable we have all been with each other. I could tell instantly this a cohort that will be lifelong friends.
What is one thing you are most anxious about in your first year?
Work/Life/School balance. As with anything new, there is an adjustment period of finding balance and creating a routine. I am still working hard to find that balance and am thankful for the support of my family, fellow students, and faculty.
What is one thing you are most excited about in your first year?
Building new relationships and new experiences. I am also excited about the journey of learning I am on and how I will apply new skills to my personal and professional life.
