Tyrone Grande

Tyrone Grande enrolled in DeGroote’s EMBA expecting to fill technical gaps that would help to advance his career in the Department of National Defence. Instead, he says the program completely transformed his views on leadership and life, providing him with the tools to become a better leader and person. 

“If I had to define the EMBA, I would say the specific unique value proposition that might be singular to DeGroote is the program’s deliberate focus on creating honest and responsible tech leaders,” says Tyrone, who leads information architecture and IM transformation in his role. “And while I came into the program pursuing tech and business skills, I also found myself immersed in considering core belief systems that weren’t on my radar.” 

Profoundly impacted by the EMBA’s leadership course and peer group work, Tyrone reconsidered his career motivators during the program. For example, he focused on understanding what he could do to connect more with his colleagues and sought to balance ambition with values. The reflections led Tyrone to step back from an executive position in favour of a more technical role, which he says allowed him to truly shift gears.  

“Sometimes in our careers, we can lose ourselves along the way,” he says. “My leadership journey was focused on understanding why being power-oriented may not be a good approach.  

“The EMBA has helped me remind myself what is important to me, allowing me to be much more authentic. The reasons I show up for work now balance ambition with the right thing to do, and I continue reassessing my motivations. It’s an ongoing transformation.”  

Having gained a well-rounded view of leadership, Tyrone says that good leaders are defined by a “both/and” approach. This method allows leaders to consider multiple perspectives and ideas, resulting in a more collaborative problem-solving style. 

“When you realize that everyone has something important and meaningful to offer, it helps you to resonate more with those around you,” he says. “I am able to work with others more effectively but also articulate in a professional but compassionate way who I am as a person and what I think is important, which encourages others to do the same and share their ideas in a safe space.”