Exec Connect Brings EMBA Community Together for Leadership and Networking

The UTA Executive MBA program hosted its annual Exec Connect event at the Fort Worth Club on Tuesday, bringing together current and former students, faculty, DFW professionals and industry leaders for an evening of learning, growth and connection.

The Executive MBA at UTA is a 17-month program structured specifically for experienced professionals. Classes are held on Saturdays, allowing students to balance rigorous coursework with full-time careers and personal commitments.

For EMBA student Jason McVeigh, attending the event aligned perfectly with why he joined the EMBA program. 

“Networking is one of the reasons I joined the EMBA program. I really value meeting people with diverse backgrounds and building connections I can use in the future,” McVeigh said. “Events like this bring together alumni, faculty, prospective students, and different cohorts. You get real world perspectives that connect directly to what we’re learning in class.”

The evening opened with an exclusive pre-event session with Andrew Geesbreght, co-founder of PRAX Performance. PRAX is a neuroleadership institute that applies its practice-based curriculum to people within companies, families, and communities. Geesbreght shared his thoughts on leadership and culture within the workforce. 

“Culture isn’t magic. It’s a series of skills, just like a magician applying technique behind the scenes,” he said. “Feeling deeply connected to your organization’s purpose is one of the strongest drivers of a healthy culture.”

Hakim Sims asks a question of Andrew Geesbreght during the pre-event session. Photo by Jalen Larry.

Afterwards, the event continued with a networking session where attendees could connect with one another and build relationships with like-minded professionals. Informal conversations filled the room as students compared experiences from their industries, alumni shared career developments since graduating, and faculty connected with professionals exploring the program.

EMBA Program Director Hakim Sims said that Exec Connect aligns with the program’s larger mission to prepare experienced professionals for strategic decision making, global business leadership and complex organizational challenges. The EMBA program curriculum is built around practical application, executive coaching and opportunities to engage directly with industry leaders.

“We want attendees to walk away with new contacts, new insights and practical leadership takeaways they can apply immediately,” Sims said. “These experiences are an essential part of the EMBA journey and reflect our commitment to developing leaders who thrive through connection and community.”

Sims said he hopes attendees left the event feeling inspired, more connected and with a deeper understanding of what the UTA EMBA program represents. 

“Our program’s goal is to empower and elevate leaders within our community. This event brought that vision to life.”

For more information about our EMBA program, visit our Academics page.

Attendees converse with one another during the event. Photo by Jalen Larry.