University of Miami, Herbert Business School
Daphné Leblanc's DBA at the Herbert Business School Part 1
Why did you choose the EDBA at the University of Miami Herbert Business School?
Choosing the EDBA program at the University of Miami was more than a professional decision—it felt like a natural next step. To be honest, I never saw myself here. But in hindsight, it feels like exactly where I’m meant to be. I’ve always been deeply curious, and after years of leading marketing and customer strategy, I wanted to go beyond experience and explore the why behind how people connect, lead, and make decisions.
The University of Miami gives me the space to merge my professional expertise with academic inquiry, particularly around female leadership and marketing automation—two areas shaping the future of how organizations communicate and grow. I was drawn to the program’s balance of academic rigor, innovation, and real-world application, all within a research environment that encourages bold ideas.
Being part of the inaugural EDBA cohort is an honor—and honestly, what better place to study than an academically rigorous and beautifully inspiring Miami campus? It’s a setting that fuels both focus and creativity, making it the perfect backdrop for this next chapter of growth.
How has the UM EDBA changed the way you think about research (I know it is very early days yet)?
It’s still early, but even within the first week of the program, I noticed a shift in how I think. I started approaching everyday challenges through a more intentional, research-minded lens—asking why more often, questioning assumptions, and backing my instincts with evidence. I’m making conscious decisions to slow down, analyze patterns, and connect theory to what I do in practice.
What’s especially powerful about the University of Miami is the vastness of experience within the faculty and my peers. Whether it’s leadership, innovation, or technology, there’s always someone whose perspective expands the conversation. That environment makes me feel fully supported in exploring my own interests and shaping them into something meaningful and impactful.
What skills do you expect to develop while in the UM EDBA program?
I expect to grow as both a thinker and a leader—expanding how I approach problems, make decisions, and create impact. On one side, I want to sharpen my analytical and research skills, learning to evaluate complex data and frameworks with academic rigor. On the other, I’m focused on strengthening the strategic and human elements of
Meet Your Admissions Advisor
Sasha Espinola is an Assistant Director at Miami Herbert Business School, she supports candidates applying to the Executive DBA, Ph.D., and Professional MBA programs, leveraging her expertise to guide prospective students through the admissions process and help them achieve their academic and professional goals.
sasha.espinola@miami.edu
305-284-1349
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