How do graduate studies at John Molson compare to other programs and universities abroad?
Gabriela Clivio (GC): Graduate studies at the John Molson School of Business consistently rank among the best. The learning environment is dynamic and supportive, with strong, collaborative relationships between students and professors.
While the academic standards are rigorous, students tend to support one another rather than compete, fostering a sense of community. I truly enjoy being part of the John Molson faculty.
The city is another major advantage. Located in Montreal—one of the world’s most multicultural, vibrant, and safest cities—Concordia University offers an exceptional setting for both academic and personal growth.
You teach in John Molson’s MBA in Investment Management, Executive MBA (EMBA), and undergraduate programs. What key skills and knowledge do students gain from your courses at each level?
GC: The EMBA experience has been extremely enriching given the professional experience of the students in the program. Students in the EMBA typically have around 15 years of work experience with more than five years of managerial experience. As such, class discussions are very interesting and add a lot of value to the business case methodology.
Drawing on my years of professional experience in business valuation, I introduced a new equity valuation course to the MBA in Investment Management program at John Molson in 2021. The course, offered through the Goodman Institute, places a strong emphasis on financial modeling and equity valuation, giving students hands-on experience with real-world applications.
More recently, during the Winter 2025 term, I began using business cases in my undergraduate classes while teaching short-term financial management. At first, students found the approach challenging—they weren’t used to working with business cases and Excel in class. But they quickly adapted, and by the end of the term, they were proud of the practical skills they had developed. Many were surprised and excited to see how the concepts they learned could be easily applied and impact a company’s financial statements.
Students certainly benefit from professors who are successful in industry and who are able to bring their practical knowledge back into the classroom. What specific elements of your many successes are you able to impart to your students?
GC: When taught by industry professionals, classes become like a simulator of real-life challenges enabling students to link many concepts they are familiar with but had never previously applied. It gives them an extra edge once they go into the job market. As an example, with undergraduate students, we examine real-life business cases and the impact of short-term financial management for different types of companies.
What perspectives do you feel you are able to contribute based on your unique background and recognitions as a woman in finance? What would you recommend to women who are aspiring to a career in finance?
GC: In the academic community, the business valuation industry, as well as in the investment and finance arena, I believe that diverse teams are stronger teams since they provide a perspective that represents society in a more comprehensive way. I also believe that my contribution comes from having worked in both developed and emerging markets, and that I have valued public and private companies. Finally, I am convinced that having an undergraduate degree in economics gives me a broader perspective when talking about finance, investments and valuation.
My recommendation to both women and men in finance would be to focus not only on academics but also networking. I also think participating in case competitions is a great plus if you want to get noticed and work with faculty advisors.
In addition, to participate and be engaged in professional associations is not only a great way to get to know colleagues and find mentors, but also to give back to society.
Among your many experiences, accreditations and successes, which ones do you feel have had a more profound impact on your career to date?
GC: I would say that, besides being a single mom having raised a kid on my own, the experience that has had the most profound impact in my career has been my ability to keep on moving away from my comfort zone and to constantly challenge myself to start new ventures. I have come to know that making mistakes is part of any learning process; the motto "Done is better than perfect" has really impacted not only my professional career, but also my life as a whole.