Interview with Student Jannies Burlingame: Accounting Background

In 2018 emlyon business school along with Durham University Business School welcomed the first cohort of the Global Doctorate of Business Administration. Amongst the first students is American Jannies Burlingame, who was born in Taiwan.

1. What are your educational and professional backgrounds?

As for professional background, I am a certified public accountant (CPA—Chartered Accountant in Great Britain), and was most recently the Chief Audit Executive of a bio-pharmaceutical company in the US.  I am also a public speaker and teach my fellow professional internal auditors risk management framework, audit methodology, and emotional/cultural intelligence (which ties to my dissertation!).   Lastly, I am president of a non-profit, Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA, Los Angeles Chapter) which is composed of 1000+ professional members.  Currently I work as a consultant for Fortune 1000 companies and assist them with risk management/regulatory compliance initiatives. Being a consultant enables me the ability to balance school and work.

2. Why did you decide to do a DBA programme?

Perpetual pursuit of knowledge - to further my education, and to prepare myself for higher levels of leadership positions on Corporate boards.

3. Why did you choose this particular programme? Why is this double degree of value to you?  

The Global aspect of this program and quality of the faculty/cohort were both strong considerations in choosing this programme.  The joint effort between two top Business Schools added value to my academic endeavor.

4. What is the topic of your doctoral thesis and why did you choose this particular topic?

“Bridging the Gap Between Artificial Intelligence and Emotional Intelligence.”  I chose a dissertation that was relevant in today’s business world, and in areas I am passionate about.

5. Is your company supportive of you enrolling in a DBA programme, if so how are they supporting you?

I am an independent consultant at the moment, but my future company will certainly support my efforts should I decide to take on another executive position.

6. What do you wish to do after you have finished the programme? How do you want to use your degree?  

I would like to serve on the boards of multiple global companies as a financial expert.  I would also consider teaching and giving back to our future generation. 

7. How are you finding the programme so far and your classmates? 

The programme is both challenging and intellectually satisfying.  I adore my cohort—we are one big global family and support each other.  I love that instead of competing with each other, we elevate each other.

8. Is it challenging studying in different locations? 

Yes it is, but with today’s technology we make it work.  We communicate frequently (nearly daily), keeping each other updated.  It is fascinating to learn the world-view on the current global pandemic.  It brings many flavors to our colorful discussions.   

9. Do you have any further information to add?

“Strength lies in differences, not in similarities.” (Steven Covey)  The diversity of our cohort is one of our most valuable strengths.  We come from a variety of backgrounds (gender, countries/culture, industries, and generations), and it is exciting to be charting new waters with my G-DBA family.  I would have liked to meet someone who has experienced the programme.  However, given that we are the inaugural cohort, I am happy to share my experiences with the next cohort so that we can bring each other to a higher level of success.

Jannies with colleagues and emlyon staff members, in October 2019