The Journey to becoming Dr. Horner

The road to earning a doctorate is anything but easy. It’s a journey filled with days in the classroom, hours presenting, months of writing, and an unwavering commitment to reaching the finish line. ?For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be Dr. Horner. In my early 20s, I documented my career goals: Big 6 Auditor,?CPA,?Controller, MBA,?CFO,?and Doctorate.

That final goal from this initial list hung in the balance for quite some time. With my roles in C-suite leadership as a change agent and mentor to others, stepping away from my career commitments to pursue a PhD never seemed feasible. I never let go of my dream of earning a doctorate; a few years ago, I discovered DBA programs. Charlotte had been on my shortlist, along with programs in Philadelphia and Washington, DC. When I relocated to Charlotte in 2021, the stars aligned. I am fortunate to have a strong support system encouraging me along my journey.

After three years of coursework, research, and writing, I am thrilled to introduce myself as Dr. Horner ??

The process didn’t happen overnight. It required a deep dedication to learning, the ability to navigate challenges, and a willingness to make sacrifices along the way. Whether it was time spent away from my favorite people, missed social and networking events, or the constant balancing of professional and academic responsibilities, every challenge reinforced my determination to accomplish this goal.

My doctoral journey has been one of genuine enjoyment. It challenged my assumptions, opened my mind to new approaches, and introduced me to lifelong meaningful relationships with those in my cohort and the faculty at my institution. The experience has reinforced my belief in continuous learning and the power of intellectual curiosity.

A significant part of this journey has been my research on the relationship between leadership team diversity and strategic change. My work has challenged common assumptions about what truly drives transformation in organizations. Is it the diverse perspectives in leadership, or are external forces—market conditions, industry shifts, and economic trends—the real catalysts? Through a meta-analytic review, I’ve explored these questions, distinguishing between strategic and operational planning and identifying financial statement ratios as a data-driven tool to detect shifts in corporate strategy. Understanding these signals and equipping leadership teams with the skills to respond effectively is critical for ensuring organizations remain nimble and competitive.

As I step into this new chapter, I’m excited about the title and the opportunities it represents. The lessons I’ve learned, the research I’ve conducted, and the personal growth I’ve experienced will shape how I approach my professional responsibilities, coach and mentor others, and remind me of the importance of continuing to evolve as a leader. My DBA serves as a powerful addition to my leadership toolkit.

If you’re pursuing big goals, whether it’s a degree, a career milestone, or a personal challenge, keep pushing forward. The path may be long, but the reward is worth it. And when you reach that finish line, the celebration will be even sweeter.

Would you like to share the biggest goal you’re working toward right now? DM me!

Cheers –

Dr. Amy C. Horner, CPA

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