My Kellogg Journey: Learning to Ask the Hard Questions

In this series, the graduated Class of 2021 shares their reflections and milestones from their Kellogg experience. Class of 2021, we celebrate you!

By Julian Ordman (2Y 2021)

I’m an MBA! Last Monday, I graduated with distinction from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and also received the Top Student Award from Kellogg’s Innovation and Entrepreneurship Initiative. Suffice it to say, these past two years have been a wild and deeply fulfilling ride. I’m grateful for the amazing friends I’ve gained, and for having Connor Thorpe by my side each step of the way.

More than anything, business school taught me how to ask questions, not just the “boring” kind — challenging a firm’s strategy, unpacking its financials, and so on (though Kellogg certainly equipped me with enough knowledge to be dangerous). Instead, the questions I learned to ask were deeper and more profound. I learned how powerful questioning — not problem solving — is the key to leadership coaching. I learned how open-ended customer interviews are fundamental to unlocking insights for new ventures. And most important of all, I learned how to question myself — my strengths, my weaknesses, my needs, and my aspirations.

I’m excited to channel everything I’ve learned into my next role as a Senior Product Manager at Amazon as part of their Retail Leadership Development Program. Here’s to a new adventure in Seattle.