Catherine Bornbaum, EMBA '19

• Current job title: Head of Clinical Operations and Partnerships, RetiSpec
• Previous job title: Managing Director, Population Health Analytics Laboratory, Dalla Lana School of Public Health
• Previous education: PhD, Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western University

What was the highlight of your Rotman experience? 

What I enjoyed most about business schoool was the classroom discussion. Being present in a room with so many diverse perspectives from different industries, countries of origin, and life experiences was such a humbling and enriching experience. I can confidently say that it has fundamentally broadened my worldview.

What was your main reason for choosing Rotman? 

Rotman was highly recommended by friends and colleagues who I trust and who had completed their MBAs here previously. I was able to see firsthand how their post-MBA career trajectories had changed dramatically following their time at Rotman. They became more thoughtful and strategic in their decision-making. I was interested in understanding what had caused that shift and to unlock my own potential.

What would you say to someone considering choosing the EMBA?

I think that it’s important to realize that there really is no ideal time to undertake this type of professional development. Instead, choose to have courage and embrace it all without regret. Choosing to undertake an executive MBA is a transformative experience worth having.

I knew I wanted to go to business school when I was feeling restless in my career and ready for a new challenge that would stretch me beyond my comfort zone. The EMBA program was the catalyst I needed to start the next phase of my career.

How has your experience been with Rotman career services?

Career services at Rotman helped me elevate and refine the way I present myself and my career accomplishments and objectives. They were able to connect me with the right resources at the right time to empower me to achieve my career goals.

How has your involvement in the Creative Destruction Lab contributed to your Rotman experience?

My involvement with the Creative Destruction Lab was highly enjoyable as I was given the opportunity to work with Kheiron Medical Technologies, a health tech start-up. It was a profoundly rewarding experience for me as I was able to contribute to the growth of such an innovative company that is focused on health system improvement. I’ve recently accepted a position as Head of Clinical Operations and Partnerships at RetiSpec, a health tech company here in Toronto. I was fortunate to connect with the company through the CDL last year. I’m looking forward to applying what I’ve learned through my time in the MBA program as I take on this new role.