For Adriana Bokel Herde, EMBA ’17, the MIT Executive MBA was a life-changing experience that reshaped her confidence, career trajectory, and leadership philosophy. Originally trained as a clinical psychologist, Bokel Herde transitioned into human resources, where she built a career spanning multiple industries, including biotech, technology, and now higher education. Today, as Chief People Officer at Risepoint, she oversees people strategy and operations, helping working adults access education through partnerships with universities.
Adriana Bokel Herde, EMBA '17
What motivated you to pursue an Executive MBA, and why did you choose MIT Sloan?
I already had an MBA from Germany, but I realized that while I had the degree, I lacked the confidence to take bigger career risks. My boss at the time encouraged me to apply to the MIT EMBA program, telling me, “You have a great opportunity here, and if you get in, I’ll pay for it.” That support meant a lot. I loved MIT’s focus on innovation and problem-solving—it wasn’t just about theory; it was about application. I wanted an experience that would sharpen my business skills and change how I saw myself as a leader.
How has the EMBA increased your confidence?
One of the biggest takeaways for me was the confidence boost. As a foreigner, as someone who didn’t grow up speaking English, and as a woman in leadership, imposter syndrome was real. Being surrounded by inspiring peers, engaging in rigorous coursework, and realizing that I could hold my own in that environment helped me internalize that I belonged in the room.
Even outside of work, the impact was noticeable. I remember walking through New York with my husband one evening after finishing the program, and he said, “You talk differently now. You make connections that you never made before.” That was when I realized how much I had grown—not just in knowledge, but in confidence. I knew I could lead and make an impact.
What lessons from the MIT EMBA have had the greatest impact on your work?
One of the most impactful lessons came from the idea of “go and see” rather than assuming a process works just because it looks good on paper. At Biogen, we believed we had a well-designed pre-onboarding process, but employees were experiencing significant issues. I decided to put myself in their shoes—I ‘fired’ myself and rehired under a different name to experience the process firsthand. What I discovered was a major disconnect between what we thought was happening and what was actually happening.
That hands-on approach to assessing processes has stayed with me. You must understand workflows at a granular level to drive real improvements. Since then, I’ve applied this approach in every organization I’ve worked with, ensuring HR processes are genuinely effective and employee friendly.
Part of MIT Sloan’s mission is to develop principled, innovative leaders who improve the world. How has this influenced you?
The idea of being a principled leader who makes a meaningful impact aligns perfectly with my own values. Throughout my career, I’ve always been committed to fostering ethical leadership, creating inclusive work environments, and ensuring that HR functions as a true enabler of business success. The EMBA reinforced this commitment by providing frameworks and tools to lead with integrity and innovation.
I now approach decision-making differently. Whether it's driving organizational change, implementing new HR technologies or advocating for policies that improve employee well-being, I always consider the bigger picture—how will this impact not just the business, but also the people and the industry as a whole? The program challenged me to think beyond traditional HR functions and truly embrace leadership in a way that is transformative and lasting.
Mentoring has become a significant part of my professional journey, and I love giving back to the EMBA community. I mentor students through GO-Lab, helping them navigate career transitions, leadership challenges, and personal development. One of the key pieces of advice I give is not to worry too much about the grade. The experience is about learning and stretching your thinking. Some of the best insights come when you’re focused on solving real problems rather than trying to get a perfect score. I remind them that what matters most is how they apply what they’re learning in their careers.
How has the MIT EMBA experience shaped the life you have today?
The program didn’t just give me knowledge—it completely transformed my confidence, my career, and my perspective on leadership and the importance of giving back. Before the EMBA, I saw my career in a much narrower way. I likely would have stayed in familiar roles without taking the risks that ultimately led me to where I am now.
The program broadened my thinking, pushed me to step outside my comfort zone, and helped me realize that I could be more than I thought I could. The opportunities that came after MIT—becoming a CHRO, moving across industries, mentoring others—were all shaped by what I learned and the relationships I built. The EMBA gave me a new lens through which I see my work, my leadership, and my ability to make an impact. I truly believe I wouldn’t have taken the chances I did or have the career I do now if it weren’t for MIT. And I do think I'm a better person and I'm a better mom. I'm a better professional.
How do you measure the ROI of your EMBA experience?
For me, the ROI is the people I met. The connections I made, the confidence I gained, and the impact I can now humbly make in the world because of the experiences I’ve had and the people I’ve learned from.
From a financial standpoint, my overall compensation has increased since earning my degree. In addition to cash compensation changes, I’ve taken roles with significantly higher equity stakes. But beyond compensation, the exposure and credibility that come with an MIT degree have been instrumental in my career progression. The MIT brand opens doors.
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