Originally from Israel, Nitzan Leibovitch (MBA’18) served in the Technical Intelligence Unit of the Israeli Defense Forces before doing her undergrad at Bar-Ilan University, where she majored in Electrical and Electronics Engineering. During the undergrad, she was selected as Valedictorian and was granted the Excellence Award for Leadership and Social Contribution. Post-graduation, she worked at Intel in Wi-Fi department as a System Engineer. In 2016, she joined the McGill MBA program, during which she did an internship as a Technology Lead at TD Commercial Banking and where she was actively involved in the Jewish Community in the city. She recently graduated, joining Acuity Ads as a Senior Product Manager in Toronto.
Tell us about your background.
My name is Nitzan Leibovitch. I was born and raised in Israel and it was while serving in the Intelligence unit in the Israeli army that I fell in love with technology. I pursued my passion by joining the Bar-Ilan University’s School of Engineering and graduated as an Electrical Engineer. Throughout my years working at Intel, I felt that something intrinsically important to me was missing. I loved the world of technology but I felt that I needed more room to explore and give free way to my creative side. I wanted to integrate my passion for technology with innovation and business, but I knew that I would need more tools and guidance to achieve that goal. That is how I started my MBA journey.
We heard you were accepted at other top schools, such as UCLA and Duke University. What made you decide to choose McGill?
Knowing that I would live more than 8,000 km away from home, it was important for me to be in a “family-feel” environment. Now having graduated from the program, I can confirm that everyone at McGill genuinely cares and is eager to help each individual student. From the caring admission team, to the career services to the professors at McGill, everyone knows you personally and the doors are always open when you are in need of advice and guidance, even if it is just to get a listening ear or a hug during tough times. In other words, the Desautels MBA became my home away from home.
What was the most memorable experience during your MBA journey?
Meeting Warren Buffett! Every few years, there is a delegation from the Desautels Faculty of Management that goes to meet this incredible man. This year, I was chosen to go to Omaha with another MBA student and a group of business students coming from the rest of the Faculty. Mr. Buffett was so inspiring and humble - it was an honor to meet him in person! He said something about investing that I am going to take with me for the rest of my life:
"You don't have to be smart. You have to be brave... You need emotional stability. Who cares about what people think. COURAGE... Charlie and I, it just doesn't bother us what other people think".
I carry this quote with me and it gives me strength whenever I get insecure.
Now you have become a Senior Product Manager. How would you describe your experience and the shift away from Technology?
It is actually not a shift away at all! I am doing precisely what I wanted: mixing the technology world with innovation and creativity, and I love it. I get to work with various teams in sales and marketing to define the product’s requirements. Then I get to work with the engineers to achieve our set goals. Having an engineering background is a big value in this process and the MBA at McGill was a key enabler to integrate all the aspects of business that I use as part of my new role.
Where do you see yourself in few years?
I definitely want to create something of my own. I have so many ideas and I am very excited to build and influence in my own way. This being said, I still feel that I have a lot more to learn, and so I want to take a few more years to continue my growth and to gain more courage before heading in that direction.
It is said that the MBA is a challenging endeavor. What is or was your motivation throughout it all?
My amazing mother! She raised me by herself, so it was only her and me. From a young age, I observed her hard work and perseverance. She is my inspiration, helping me find the strength that I need to believe in myself. Other than my mom, I am thankful and lucky to have had amazing mentors in my life who continue providing guidance to this day.
Would you have any advice for future MBA candidates?
Surround yourself with people that truly care for you. It is not the quantity, but rather the quality of your network that will make a difference in your MBA experience.
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