Business Bronco finds confidence as a mentor in leadership and business strategy

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—Learning to reach her maximum potential and develop her confidence, Bailey Stewart encourages other business majors to join the Leadership and Business Strategy (LBS) program at the Haworth College of Business. Designed to pair with any business major, LBS gives students real-world experience with interpersonal and strategic problem-solving skills that accelerate careers in every industry. Recent graduates are working at some of the most recognized companies in the world, including the NFL, Amazon, Steelcase, Dell and Fortune 500 companies.

“I realized that I could go in any direction with an LBS major. I was exposed to high level questions, thinking and understanding,” Stewart says. “I have always wanted to take the challenging route and expand my abilities. LBS challenged me to learn to receive feedback to improve myself and my skills.” Stewart is now using the skills she learned as she mentors new students interested in adding this degree to their current major.  

Through the courses in LBS, Stewart earned an internship with Pondera, a consulting service for businesses, as the lead and enrollment coordinator. She worked as the main creator of social media content, also researching prospective clients. Stewart says she immersed herself in the environment to learn new skills like trusting others and how to lead with integrity while reaching her full potential.  

As Stewart looks ahead to pursuing law school, she credits LBS with teaching her to adapt quickly to the pace and intensity that she’ll need in her future studies and law career. “I began to enjoy the early mornings and late-night meetings. I learned how to speak clearly and confidently and seek out new opportunities with the real-world experience learned from these unique classes.”  

Associate Professor of Management and Co-Director of the Center for Principled Leadership and Business Strategy Dr. Doug Lepisto was a major source of inspiration and motivation for Stewart. He offered guidance and support to help her find her way in the program, defining success as hard earned work.  

“My perspective on life and education has forever changed because of my time within LBS and the guidance of Dr. Lepisto. My fellow classmates and friends became a family to me, always available to reach out to and encourage me push to on.”

At first Stewart was unsure if she wanted to continue to complete her courses for LBS. “I went into college not knowing what major I would choose, but WMU Haworth has taught me I am not only a student but a leader with abilities to encourage others.”  

Driven by her faith and passion to help others, Stewart continues to support other students as a mentor, hoping to inspire students to say yes to every opportunity and take a more demanding path.  

“I can never stop talking about leadership and business strategy. I have had opportunities that I would not have experienced with any other school. I want to share with other WMU students how life changing this experience is.”  

Learn more about the WMU leadership and business strategy program.

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