To MBA or Not MBA? For Some, That is the Question

Written By Julie Entwistle MBA, BSc (OT), BSc.

To MBA or not MBA, for some, that is the question.

I decided when I was 35 that I wanted an MBA by the time I was 40. I thought with a MBA I could start to run what I called a "real business." My four kids were ages 6 to 10 so I saw this very small window between "not babies" and "not teen-stuff" (whatever that was going to mean).

I started it and found it really hard. I was in a room with way smarter people. I struggled. Math is not my thing. Finance, accounting, more accounting. I hired a coach because I needed guidance on this path. Was this the right fit for me? They surprised me with a Zen comment: "does it make sense right now?" Yes. "Then do it until it doesn't make sense." Oh. Good point.

The MBA changed my life. I pushed through difficulty and learned how to think differently. I learned a ton from those around me.

I don't disagree that the MBA is a worthy cause. However, I also don't believe it is for everyone. Especially if your business, family, and life is not at a place where you can carve the time and the resources for it.

So, before embarking on the journey as I did, think about whether you need a MBA, or whether you just need to hire someone that has one.

If my knee hurts I can hire a physio, or I can go to physio school and heal thyself. Sounds like the very long way of solving pretty much any problem you have.

I can tell you as a business coach that if it is business knowledge you seek, hiring a coach will be cheaper and faster than getting a MBA. Both will take you on a journey, and both will have immense rewards. However one (coaching) is a lot easier to stop if it isn't working, and doesn't require a GMAT. Just sayin'.

Julie Entwistle MBA, BSc (OT), BSc.

Julie Entwistle is a Certified FocalPoint Business Coach and works with business owners and professional service providers.

Julie helps her clients by building their business confidence so they can run, grow, and develop legacy practices that are focused and optimally successful. Julie knows that when professional service businesses do better, their clients also benefit. She knows this because she was one! Prior to joining FocalPoint, Julie was an independent owner of her own healthcare business before successfully merging, growing, and selling the practice. As an owner Julie had her own business coach, and this was a key element in her success.

Academically, Julie has degrees in Health Studies and Gerontology and Health Science (Occupational Therapy) from the University of Waterloo and McMaster, respectively, and an MBA from Wilfrid Laurier. She attended Queens University as a part-time Doctorate student prior to discontinuing her studies in 2023. Julie is also a Chartered Director and has Board and governance experience.

Julie grew up in a franchise family, so business is in her DNA. She has raised four daughters who are off writing their own stories as young adults. Julie is active and fit with a black belt in Karate, a competitive golf game, and enjoys many other sports. She believes in authenticity, showing kindness to all living things, and is happiest when helping others to build their own wealth and wellness.

Find Julie on LinkedIn at: linkedin.com/in/julieentwistle

https://www.businessyou.ca
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