Andy Trybula: How an EMBA Fueled His Move to COO

"The EMBA program significantly enhanced my strategic thinking, financial decision-making, and leadership abilities. The curriculum provided a holistic understanding of business operations, allowing me to apply concepts directly to my role.”

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Q&A with Andy Trybula

What inspired you to pursue a Global EMBA at Notre Dame? 

My career has been dedicated to tax operations, risk management, and strategic tax planning within the financial sector. As my career progressed, I recognized the need to expand my leadership and strategic capabilities to drive large-scale operational improvements and risk management strategies. The Notre Dame Executive MBA program provided the ideal combination of executive leadership development and real-world business applications, equipping me with the expertise to transition into a senior leadership role and drive meaningful impact at a global financial institution.

What aspects of the EMBA program had the greatest impact on your personal and professional growth? 

The EMBA program significantly enhanced my strategic thinking, financial decision-making, and leadership abilities. The curriculum provided a holistic understanding of business operations, allowing me to apply concepts directly to my role. One of the most valuable aspects was the peer network—I had the opportunity to collaborate with accomplished professionals from diverse industries, gaining insights that challenged my perspectives and enriched my approach to leadership. Additionally, the focus on ethical leadership and decision- making reinforced my commitment to aligning tax strategies with broader business objectives and regulatory integrity.   

How has the EMBA program influenced your career path or helped with career advancement? 

The EMBA program was a catalyst for my promotion to COO of the Tax team at Citadel. It gave me the strategic vision and leadership capabilities necessary to transition from a technical tax function to an executive role overseeing operations, governance, and risk management. The program provided me with the confidence and tools to lead cross-functional teams, drive automation efforts, and align tax processes with business strategies. Without the EMBA, stepping into this leadership position may not have been possible.   

What advice would you give to prospective students considering the Notre Dame EMBA and weighing the investment of time and resources? 

The Notre Dame EMBA is an investment that extends far beyond the classroom— it transforms how you think, lead, and approach business challenges. If you’re looking to move into an executive role, lead large-scale initiatives, or refine your leadership abilities, this program provides the perfect platform. My advice is to fully engage in the experience, leverage the network, and apply your learning to real-world business challenges as early as possible. While the time commitment, particularly later in your career and while balancing family life, can be significant, the return on investment in career advancement and professional growth is invaluable.   

Looking back, what do you value most about your time in the program?

What I value most about my time in the program are the connections I’ve made and the lifelong friendships I’ve developed. The individuals in my cohort, as well as those who were part of our team, are among the brightest and most dedicated professionals I know. These relationships have proven to be invaluable, and many of them have evolved into lasting friendships. The program not only challenged me academically but also provided opportunities to collaborate with exceptional people, whose influence continues to shape both my personal and professional journey.   

If you could sum up your Notre Dame EMBA experience in one or two sentences, what would you say? 

The Notre Dame EMBA was a transformational experience that elevated my leadership abilities, strategic mindset, and operational expertise. It empowered me to take on an executive role and make a meaningful impact in the financial services industry, all while building lifelong relationships with a network of exceptional professionals. Go Irish! I don’t anticipate that level of support changing anytime soon.

To anyone wondering if an Executive MBA is worth it, take it from Andy: 

“The program provided me with the confidence and tools to lead cross-functional teams, drive automation efforts, and align tax processes with business strategies. Without the EMBA, stepping into this leadership position may not have been possible.”