School of Business

What inspired you to return to the EMBA program as an adjunct faculty member?
A few years after graduation in 2004, I was asked if I would be willing to share my experience in project management. I saw it as a great opportunity to give something back to the program. I’ve always had a passion for teaching and mentoring.

How has your career evolved since graduating from the EMBA program?
I entered the program as a hard-working and well-meaning engineer running a large project—but with a serious ignorance of business. The EMBA opened up great opportunities for me in operations and executive management, with regional responsibility for North and Latin America.

What unique perspectives do you bring to the classroom from your industry experience?
I’m proud to work at GE Vernova, a global Fortune 500 company with a mission to electrify and decarbonize the world. I’ve worked on major infrastructure projects in 13 countries with different cultures across four continents. I picked up a few ideas along the way that I love to share.

How did your time as an EMBA student shape your leadership style or business philosophy?
I’ve always had the drive to succeed—since I was a kid. I held leadership roles in sports, the military and on construction sites, but raw talent only gets you so far. You have to keep learning to evolve, and a formal structured business education acted as a catalyst and propelled me into a new orbit. It gave me the confidence in both soft and hard skills to succeed and grow professionally over the last 20 years.

What’s it like teaching in the same program where you once sat as a student?
In a word, awesome. I love it. Teaching at VCU and learning from the mature students—who I consider peers—is such a different experience from my day-to-day work. Being around curious, ambitious, inspired and intelligent people energizes me. I look forward to it every year.

Are there any professors or courses from your EMBA experience that still influence your teaching today?
Hands down, Dennis O’Toole, Ph.D., who sadly passed away in 2023. Dennis was a unique educator who opened the door for us to the “dismal science” of economics. He had a wealth of knowledge and a sense of wonder that inspired me to keep learning. He was a consummate gentleman to boot.

What do you enjoy most about teaching current EMBA students?
Every student is in class because they want to be—not because they have to be. That brings a unique energy. The dialogue with—and challenges from—the class help me learn as much as I teach. Every year, one or more students come to me and say, “I used some of what you taught us at work.” That’s what it’s all about.

Can you share a memorable moment or breakthrough you’ve witnessed in the classroom?
A few years ago, during a team negotiation simulation, the lead student negotiator was wearing a blue shirt—and sweat stains started showing as we worked towards a deal. I thought, here’s somebody who really takes this seriously and is “in the zone.” I’d hate to be opposite him in a real-life negotiation. That’s passion. That’s energy. Everyone should take it that seriously.

What advice would you give to current EMBA students looking to make the most of their experience?
It’s not about the MBA title. Take the course to learn as much as possible about business and develop yourself. Place equal weight on making friends and building a network that you stay in touch with for years to come. It’s a unique and rare opportunity as an adult.

How do you stay current in your field, and how do you bring that into your teaching?
I’m very fortunate that what I teach is also what I do for a living in a high-pressure and dynamic industry. I’m constantly reading, listening and learning more about business, the world and people. I try to maintain a sense of wonder about everything in life.

What inspired you to return to the EMBA program as an adjunct faculty member?
In the summer of 2020, I got a call from Butch Sarma [director of the Executive MBA program] about taking over the creative video project. As an EMBA grad and seasoned video producer, I jumped at the chance. I taught the class that August and was immediately hooked. This marks my sixth year co-teaching with Vince Foley.

How has your career evolved since graduating from the EMBA program?
The biggest change has been my salary—it’s more than doubled since graduating in 2018. The MBA opened doors I wouldn’t have accessed otherwise, and I’ve launched a few small LLCs since then.

What unique perspectives do you bring to the classroom from your industry experience?
I work as a video producer at Capital One and run Brent Reese Films LLC. Teaching this course is a natural extension of my day-to-day work—from creative briefs to production and editing.

What’s it like teaching in the same program where you once sat as a student?
It’s surreal at first, but there’s a deep connection. I remember how transformative the program was for me, and I’m grateful to now be part of that experience for today’s students.

Are there any professors or courses from your EMBA experience that still influence your teaching today?
Absolutely. Aaron Anderson, Ph.D. and David Leong’s “Walking Deck” and “Talking Deck” presentation techniques were game changers. I still use those strategies today.

What do you enjoy most about teaching current EMBA students?
The energy. Students are eager to learn, and this project really helps teams bond early in the program. It’s rewarding to teach something that had such an impact on me.

Can you share a memorable moment or breakthrough you’ve witnessed in the classroom?
Watching final video presentations each semester is a highlight. Students often step far outside their comfort zones, and their reflections show a real sense of growth and accomplishment.

What advice would you give to current EMBA students looking to make the most of their experience?
Take it two weeks at a time. You’ve got this.