The people behind the journey
By Kally Swibes
When my husband Sean Swibes ’27 started his Executive MBA Program (EMBA) at Kellogg, I knew it would be a commitment for our entire family. The weekends on campus, group projects, global travel and the hours of preparation all become part of life for everyone in a student’s support circle. As a supporter and spouse, I understood my role was to support him through the experience and to be sure things were taken care of when he was away, but what I didn’t anticipate was how much I would gain from the program myself, especially during Key Supporters Weekend.
When I first looked at the agenda for the weekend, I wasn’t sure what to expect. As a mom, uninterrupted time is rare and valuable, so spending three days in classrooms listening to professors wasn’t necessarily how I imagined using time without my kids. I assumed the weekend would help me better understand what my husband was experiencing, but I wasn’t expecting to leave feeling energized, inspired and more connected to the program.
One of the biggest surprises was how engaging the classroom sessions were. The professors didn’t simply present theories or concepts.. They brought the material to life in a way that felt relevant far beyond the walls of a business school, which is what makes this EMBA Program one of the top in the world; the professors have a keen ability to relate to real-world problems.
The Kellogg supporters community was also incredibly diverse. Among the supporters I met during the weekend were doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, project managers, consultants, parents and leaders from countless industries and backgrounds. Yet somehow, every lesson felt applicable to everyone in the room.
Whether the topic was leadership, decision-making or how to assess an ad campaign, the discussions naturally extended into everyday life. I found myself applying the lessons to think about family dynamics, communication, relationships and the countless decisions we make each day. The professors had a remarkable ability to connect complex ideas to real-life situations, making the learning accessible regardless of profession or role.
The weekend also gave me something I had never fully experienced before: a glimpse into my husband’s life as a student. After each weekend, I hear about his classes, study groups and assignments. I knew the program was demanding, but seeing it firsthand gave me an entirely new perspective and empathize a bit more. Observing the interaction between professors and students and experiencing the pace and energy of the program while sitting in the classroom helped me better understand what makes the Kellogg experience so unique.
The intellectual curiosity in the room was contagious. Supporters shared insights from their own industries and approached discussion with a genuine desire to participate and be present. It was easy to see how these types of interactions foster growth and why the relationships built during the program are so meaningful.
More than anything, the experience renewed my sense of purpose as a supporter. EMBA programs are often described as a family commitment, and after attending the Key Supporters Weekend, I understand why. While the EMBA student is enrolled, their success requires support from many people. Behind every student is a network of family members, friends, colleagues and loved ones helping make the experience possible.
There are weekends spent apart, schedules that need adjusting and responsibilities that shift to accommodate the demands of the program. Those sacrifices are worth it, but they are still real. The experience reminded me that supporting a student is not simply about making room in the calendar. It is about actively encouraging their growth, celebrating their accomplishments and helping them stay focused when the workload feels overwhelming.
I left the weekend with a renewed sense of pride — not only in my husband, but in the entire Kellogg community. I was proud of the dedication and commitment I saw from the students and impressed by the faculty’s ability to create learning experiences that resonate far beyond business. I am also grateful that Kellogg intentionally includes supporters in this learning journey, recognizing that success is often built on the support of those closest to EMBA students.
What began as an opportunity to better understand my husband’s experience became an experience that personally impacted me. I learned lessons I can apply in my own life, gained a deeper appreciation for the rigor of the program and connected with an incredible community of students, faculty and fellow supporters.
The Key Supporters Weekend reminded me that growth doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens through shared experiences, meaningful relationships and the willingness to support one another as we pursue new challenges.
I arrived expecting to learn more about the EMBA Program. I left with a renewed commitment to my role as a supporter, a deeper appreciation for my husband’s journey and a stronger connection to a community that believes learning has the power to transform not only students, but everyone around them.
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The views and opinions expressed in this post are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of the Kellogg School of Management or Northwestern University.