Motivational speaker Zig Ziglar once said, “Success occurs when preparation meets opportunity.” Isaac Henderson considers this one of his most inspiring quotes, one he kept front of mind while attending Saint Leo University and earning his Master of Business Administration with a concentration in project management in 2017.

As he tackled new roles with increased responsibilities, Henderson wanted to enhance his leadership skills and deepen his understanding of diverse business functions, he said.

“Recognizing the significance of program management and financial acumen, I looked into the benefits of pursuing an MBA at Saint Leo — and I am grateful I did.”

Now a division vice president and digital transformation account lead at Amentum, a leading global technical and engineering solutions provider, Henderson said his classes at Saint Leo still resonate with him eight years later.

“They honed my skills in managing complex interactions and tackling real-world business challenges head-on,” he said. “Since graduating, my career path has been diverse and rewarding. I’ve led global teams in enterprise technology support, made an impact in business development in the technology and engineering sectors, and managed client relationships within the Department of Defense. I am grateful because each experience has shaped me and added depth to my professional journey.”

Going back to school to get his graduate degree was always in the back of Henderson’s mind. When he looked at universities, he considered his wife’s alma mater, Saint Leo University, impressed with the Christian values and the offerings, which neatly fit his plans for future career development.

He had real-world experience, but he wanted to take his business acumen to the next level. “My career started to transition more toward driving value and achieving operational excellence,” Henderson said. “My MBA experience not only enriched my financial knowledge, but also broadened my global outlook, especially in understanding international markets and business practices.”

His Saint Leo courses worked well for him, Henderson said. “I think for me, the classes that I took in project and program management were key. At the time, we were using current industry software and the lessons on statistics and procurement not only enhanced my qualitative understanding, but it sharpened my insights with making data-driven decisions.”

His coursework made him more well-rounded as a leader. “That was the accelerator for me. It gave me the confidence to know I have the tools to deliver complex solutions.”

Some of those solutions, he said, revolve around juggling multiple projects at once, allowing him to drive toward results, advance missions, and support the goals of his company.

For others who are considering going back to school for their MBA, Henderson offers some advice: “Never stop learning. Continuous learning is crucial to staying abreast of emerging trends and strategies.

“It’s tempting to see our goals as mountains,” he continued. “Remember, Jeremiah 29 verse 11 and know that God has a plan for us no matter where we are in our journeys.”