Robyn Kenkel

Professionals - Weekend
Current Industry/Job: Director of Strategic Accounts
From: St. Louis, MO

Favorite quote and why:

Sun Tzu wrote, "Can you imagine what I would do if I could do all I can?" I think that a lot of times we do not know our own limits and think that we can do everything. It's important to take a step back and recognize that we have limitations to what we can achieve alone. In business and life, it is SO important to put people in key positions that will help you achieve all you can, and all that they can, together as a team.

If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor and why?

There is not one specific person that I would choose as a mentor. I think it is important to follow a variety of different influencers and to have a well-rounded perspective on business and leadership.

Best memory from your first year in the MBA program:

Our class decided to hold an ugly Christmas sweater contest and white elephant gift exchange on our last Saturday of the fall semester. We had a really great time and got to know each other better. We had some really funny gifts and shared a lot of laughs! Highly recommend this :)

What story does your family always tell about you?

My family has many stories, as I have five sisters and one brother. One of my favorites was a story my grandmother used to tell. As a baby I had colic, which is a nightmare for parents because a baby is inconsolable and cries for hours. One night my mother asked my grandmother to babysit me. My grandmother had invited a friend over for dinner and was preparing lobster that evening (a very expensive dinner in the 80s). I decided to have an extreme flare up the ENTIRE evening and ruined my grandma's lobster dinner. She never let me live it down, so I had to make it up to her and take her out for lobster dinner, multiple times.

What advice would you like to provide incoming students?

Live the 3 P's of time management. Planning, Prioritizing, Perform. Your calendar is and will be your best friend. Plan out your week by scheduling your work time, class time, group time, study time, family time, personal time and relaxing time (not a whole lot of time for relaxing). Also, realize that it is absolutely okay to ask for help, you will need it. You cannot be superman/superwoman and do everything you normally do now. Set some expectations with family and friends about your commitment and set boundaries with work and other outside activities that require your time and attention.

Any additional unique facts you would like to share:

I love to (when I am not in the MBA program) travel, cook, explore new restaurants, golf, read, learn about wine culture, create art, volunteer.