Bruna Fell Lautert has built a global career guided by curiosity, adaptability, and a clear intention to lead beyond borders.
Originally from Brazil, Lautert earned her undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos (UNISINOS) in 2006. While she didn’t begin with a rigid career plan, she was drawn early to the versatility and international scope of business. That foundation enabled her to grow across roles and geographies, ultimately leading her to pursue her Executive MBA, where she was selected as the program’s 2026 Outstanding Graduate Scholar in recognition of her leadership and impact.
Below, Bruna shares more about her journey, her experience in the program, and her advice for others considering the EMBA.
Did you always plan on a career in business administration?
Not exactly. Like many people at that stage, it was a difficult decision to make so early. I chose Business Administration because of its breadth. It offered a foundation that could be applied across many different paths. It’s also a very international degree, which aligned with something I knew early on: I wanted to build a global career. Looking back, that flexibility was incredibly valuable and allowed me to grow without being confined to a single direction.
What made you choose the EMBA program?
I was intentional about three things: gaining a U.S. degree, expanding my network, and re-engaging with the latest thinking in academia. The EMBA offered all of that in a way that was both practical and challenging. It created space to learn from experienced peers and professors while stepping back and rethinking how I approach business problems.
What is your current job? How are you applying what you’re learning in the program?
I’m currently a Senior Director of Business Development at Walmart. What I’ve learned in the program has been immediately applicable, from how I structure strategic decisions to how I evaluate trade-offs and lead conversations with a broader enterprise perspective. It has helped me connect strategy to execution more effectively, while considering financial, operational, and organizational dimensions in a more integrated way.
What are your favorite moments or memories from the program?
The Global Immersion to India was a highlight. It was an incredible experience that pushed me to think differently about growth, innovation, and scale. More importantly, it reinforced how critical it is to understand local context when operating in global markets.
As you approach graduation, what advice would you give to prospective or current students?
You truly get out of the program what you put into it. There are so many resources available, but it takes intention to fully benefit from them. Be clear on your “why,” that becomes especially important during the weeks that demand a lot of time and energy. Having that clarity helps you stay focused and committed to the journey.
How has the program prepared you for future success?
It has expanded my perspective and strengthened the way I approach complex challenges. Just as important, it has given me a strong network of peers and professors I can rely on. That community will continue to be a valuable source of insight and support as I navigate future opportunities and decisions.
For me, the EMBA wasn’t just about gaining new knowledge, it was about sharpening how I think, expanding how I lead, and building relationships that will continue to shape my career well beyond the program.
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Are you interested in advancing your career through the part-time Executive MBA program? Click here for more information about the program, including admission information, application deadlines, and how to schedule a time to talk to an enrollment advisor.
